Building with BIM: The Randselva Bridge, Building B310, and the St. Louis Aquarium

The Randselva Bridge in Norway, Building B310 in Denmark, and the St. Louis Aquarium in the United States—what better examples to showcase the ever-growing world of BIM? In this article, we explore how BIM methodology has been used in the construction of these three iconic projects.

Randselva Bridge: A Concrete Colossus Modeled with BIM

The Randselva Bridge (2019-2022), spanning 634 meters, stands as the world’s longest cantilever concrete bridge built without drawings. This engineering marvel, located in Honefoss, Norway, is a testament to the power of BIM in facilitating the construction of complex infrastructure. Its innovative design and precision execution have made it a global benchmark.

BIM played a crucial role in the construction of the Randselva Bridge, allowing engineers to:

  • Model with precision: BIM enabled the creation of an extremely detailed virtual model of the bridge, including over 200,000 reinforcement bars and 250 post-tensioning cables.
  • Collaborate remotely: Design teams based in four different cities collaborated efficiently using BIM. The centralized model ensured that all stakeholders had access to up-to-date information in real time.
  • Build with accuracy: The contractor received 95% of the project information through IFC files, allowing for precise and efficient construction.

Another key advantage was that the BIM model allowed engineers to simulate the bridge’s behavior under different load conditions, ensuring its safety and stability.

Building B310: A 100% Digital Project

Building B310 (2019), located on the campus of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), is an example of how BIM can be fully leveraged in a construction project. This six-story educational building was a 100% digital project, from initial design to the construction phase. Even on-site workers used digital blueprints on their tablets, completely eliminating paper plans.

BIM enabled the architects and engineers of Building B310 to:

  • Design with precision: BIM facilitated the creation of customized research spaces and multipurpose laboratories tailored to the university’s specific needs.
  • Collaborate in real time: Clients, contractors, and consultants worked within an open BIM environment, enabling seamless collaboration.
  • Build efficiently: Accurate information from the BIM model was used for prefabrication and the coordination of the different construction phases, optimizing the building process.

With its innovative façade and flexible spaces, Building B310 is a prime example of how BIM can drive architectural creativity and construction efficiency.

St. Louis Aquarium: BIM for Marine Life

The St. Louis Aquarium (2019), located in a renovated historic train station, demonstrates the use of BIM in rehabilitation and heritage conservation projects. This two-story aquarium, covering an area of 11,000 square meters, is home to over 13,000 marine animals. BIM played a fundamental role in adapting the historic building to its new function and creating a suitable habitat for its diverse species.

Thanks to BIM, the designers of the St. Louis Aquarium were able to:

  • Integrate complex systems: BIM facilitated the planning and design of the aquarium’s extensive piping and life support systems, which are essential for the well-being of the animals.
  • Model the visitor experience: BIM was used to simulate how visitors would view the fish tanks, helping to optimize space distribution and the placement of exhibits.
  • Meet tight deadlines: BIM methodology, combined with Integrated Design Delivery, allowed the project to meet tight deadlines. Efficient coordination and early clash detection were key to the project’s success.

The St. Louis Aquarium exemplifies how BIM can be used in projects with unique requirements and challenges. BIM’s ability to model complex systems, simulate building behavior, and facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration was essential to its success.

BIM: Building Digital

The Randselva Bridge demonstrates how BIM can help overcome the challenges of constructing complex infrastructure, while Building B310 illustrates its potential for managing fully digital projects. The St. Louis Aquarium highlights BIM’s role in the rehabilitation of historic buildings and the creation of spaces with specific technical requirements. Each of these projects, in its own way, showcases the diverse applications and benefits of BIM, cementing its role as an essential tool for building a better future.