T2 Alliance Project: The Helsinki Airport Extension Redefining Construction with BIM

Helsinki Airport, one of the most important in Northern Europe, has undergone a significant transformation from 2013 to the present with the expansion of its Terminal 2.

This ambitious project, known as Alianza T2, has been recognized with numerous awards over the years and is a prominent example of the use of BIM methodology.

In collaboration with Ramboll Finland Oy, Finavia Corporation, SRV Rakennus Oy, ALA Architects Ltd., HKP Architects Ltd., and Gravicon Oy, this project represents an innovation in the construction industry.

The Alianza T2 Project in Context

The expansion of Terminal 2 aimed to modernize and increase the capacity of Helsinki Airport to meet the growing demand for passengers and air operations. This project involved an investment of €900 million (Finavia, 2020) and an expansion of 103,000 square meters, which will allow the airport to manage 50% more passengers annually (Finavia, 2021).

Finavia Corporation adopted BIM as a key tool to manage the inherent complexity of the project. This covered everything from design and coordination to making informed decisions during the construction and operational phases.

Helsinki Airport, one of the most important in Northern Europe, has undergone a significant transformation from 2013 to the present with the expansion of its Terminal 2.

This ambitious project, known as Alianza T2, has been recognized with numerous awards over the years and is a prominent example of the use of BIM methodology.

The Alianza T2 Project in Context
The expansion of Terminal 2 aimed to modernize and increase the capacity of Helsinki Airport to meet the growing demand for passengers and air operations. This project involved an investment of €900 million (Finavia, 2020) and an expansion of 103,000 square meters, which will allow the airport to manage 50% more passengers annually (Finavia, 2021).

Key Features of BIM Use in Alianza T2

Effective Collaboration Based on BIM

Throughout the project, over 100 users from 8 different organizations worked together using collaboration tools such as Trimble Connect and Tekla Model Sharing (Trimble, 2021). The interoperability of the models allowed teams to work simultaneously, improving communication between stakeholders.

High-Precision Models

More than 400 detailed models were created, including everything from cast-in-place and prefabricated reinforcement to steel roof reinforcements and foundation piles (Ramboll, 2022).

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

The IPD methodology, combined with BIM, allowed all parties to work together towards a common goal. The total budget of the project, including the expansion and modernization of Terminal 2, was estimated at €900 million, making it one of the largest airport infrastructure investments in recent decades (Finavia, 2020).

Key Impacts of BIM on the Alianza T2 Project

Optimization of Planning and Design

The implementation of BIM facilitated scenario simulations and early conflict identification, resulting in a cost savings of approximately 15% and a 10% reduction in planning time (Ramboll, 2022).

Improved Construction Management

BIM allowed for better schedule management and coordination of activities, resulting in a significant reduction in delays. It is estimated that, thanks to BIM, delays were reduced by 20% compared to similar projects (SRV, 2021).

Reduction of Errors and Rework

Early identification of construction issues helped mitigate risks before they impacted project progress. In total, rework was estimated to be 25% lower compared to other projects where BIM was not used (Finavia, 2020).

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The energy performance simulation ensured that the new terminal met the required efficiency standards, achieving a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous terminal (ALA Architects, 2020).

Key Tools Used

Learning Curve

Approximately 60% of the personnel involved in the project needed additional training in the use of BIM before the project began to take shape (Finavia, 2020).

Multidisciplinary Coordination

The coordination of over 100 professionals from different disciplines was key to the success of the project (Ramboll, 2022).

Management of Complex Data

With hundreds of models and data involved, managing the storage and access to information was a challenge that was overcome with cutting-edge technologies. The project generated over 50 terabytes of data related to models and technical documentation (Gravicon, 2021).

Lessons Learned

Early collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to maximize the benefits of BIM (Finavia, 2020).
Investing in technology and initial training reduces long-term risks and costs (Trimble, 2021).
Detailed models are essential for informed decision-making and efficient project management (ALA Architects, 2020).

The Alianza T2 project at Helsinki Airport is an inspiration for future initiatives aiming to tackle complex challenges with advanced technological solutions. From planning to execution and operation, BIM has become an indispensable tool for achieving success in large-scale and complex projects.