In April 2015, the project team of Zhuzong Group’s Beijing Archives New Building focused on innovatively applying pipeline layout adjustment methods based on BIM technology. This approach tackled the widespread lack of practical BIM application methods and provided valuable references for BIM mechanical and electrical technicians, laying a solid foundation for optimizing engineering quality.
The new archive building is the largest single building project undertaken by Zhuzong Group in recent years. It spans a total construction area of 110,000 square meters with 10 floors above ground and 2 underground levels. Upon completion, the building will serve multiple functions: Archive Security Preservation Base, Patriotic Education Base, Archive Utilization Service Center, Government Information Disclosure and Access Center, and Electronic Document Management Center. This five-in-one facility is set to become another iconic urban landmark in Beijing.
Renderings of the new Beijing Municipal Archives
Showcasing BIM technology in high-end public buildings
Project representatives noted, “The full potential of BIM cannot be realized in ordinary residential projects. High-end public buildings like the new archives offer the perfect platform to demonstrate BIM’s capabilities. Thanks to BIM, issues with pipeline layout and collisions are easily resolved.”
The new archive project is classified as a “San Duo” engineering project, meaning it integrates multiple systems, equipment, and pipelines. It involves 29 types of mechanical and electrical systems, including fire protection, air conditioning, ventilation, and various water and electrical circuits. The building contains 62 equipment rooms and over 130 devices of various types. Nearly 130,000 meters of exposed pipelines, 18,000 meters of cable trays, and 77,000 meters of ventilation ducts are installed throughout the project. These figures highlight the critical role of mechanical and electrical systems in the archive’s construction. Preparing detailed construction plans in advance and exercising strict process control are essential to ensuring high construction quality.
Accurate positioning through 3D pipeline modeling
Traditional construction methods often struggle to prevent pipeline collisions due to the limitations of two-dimensional floor plans, resulting in costly rework and wasted materials. After introducing BIM technology, the project team developed a 3D model based on flat drawings and actual measurements. This model clearly displays pipeline directions, positions, and elevations, ensuring it accurately reflects the real site conditions.
Collisions between pipelines can be identified directly within the model, allowing project managers to coordinate with relevant teams and resolve issues before construction begins. Participants reported that BIM enabled highly efficient scheduling: workers arrive at the site exactly when their tasks are due, and teams clear the way for one another to maintain an orderly workflow.
Beyond collision detection, the team applied section adjustment methods to create composite supports, ensuring rational space allocation in the computer rooms and orderly pipeline arrangements. This approach not only facilitates precise pipeline positioning but also enhances the visual quality of the installation.
Additionally, BIM technology proves invaluable for construction material calculations, providing accurate estimates that reduce resource waste and lower costs. For example, the project team saved over 200,000 yuan on valve usage alone.
BIM’s role in efficient drawing revisions
BIM is also indispensable when managing drawing changes. Constructing a 3D model acts as a form of virtual construction, allowing for more effective and efficient review of plans. The project team invites owners, designers, and supervisors to participate in drawing reviews by integrating each discipline’s drawings into the 3D model. This process helps clearly demonstrate and communicate design issues. On-site verification by the design team ensures that problems are resolved promptly, significantly reducing the time required for drawing revisions.
To fully meet project requirements, embracing innovative technologies is essential. The management team of the new archive project continues to actively explore and introduce new technologies and applications to enhance engineering construction.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up