Abstract: As the first BIM application pilot project of the Railway Corporation, Lanzhou West Station has developed a unique construction site management approach. This approach is based on the full construction cycle application of BIM technology, integrating data, cost, and safety management. It has effectively addressed numerous challenges encountered or anticipated throughout the entire construction period of Lanzhou West Station.
1. Project Overview
Lanzhou West Station is situated in Qilihe District, Lanzhou City, in the central area of Lanzhou. To the north lies the main urban road, Xijin West Road, while Jianxi West Road borders the south. Subway lines 1 and 2 run underground through the station area. The station building covers a footprint of 370m by 260m, with a maximum span of 66m and a peak height of 39.55m. The total floor area is 117,854 square meters, with a canopy covering 102,000 square meters.
2. Main BIM Application Achievements
2.1 Schedule Control Using BIM Technology
During the structural construction phase, a four-dimensional simulation was created by overlaying the 3D model with the construction timeline. This transformed the traditional 2D schedule into a visualized 3D process, enabling management to identify and resolve issues proactively, optimize scheduling, and ensure the construction plan was accurately formulated and executed. By integrating 4D simulation closely with on-site activities, the project stayed on track to meet deadlines.
2.2 Simulation and Optimization of Construction Plans with BIM
The connections between steel pipe columns and concrete beams at 9.45 meters are complex. BIM was used to create detailed models of these nodes, accurately representing steel bars and sleeves. Using Delmia software for process simulation, the connection method was changed from sleeve connection to ring plate welding after assessing operating space and steel bar arrangement. This modification saved significant construction time and ensured quality, achieving a 100% node acceptance pass rate.
2.3 Visual Communication Enabled by BIM
At the project’s outset, Lanzhou West Station implemented a BIM strengthening strategy. To improve communication between the construction and design teams, technical concepts were expressed through 3D modeling alongside traditional 2D drawings. This approach accelerated decision-making and clarified technical details.
Before steel structure construction, lifting operations were simulated, incorporating on-site conditions and obstacles. This allowed for rationalizing the lifting routes and sequences, ensuring the feasibility of the lifting plan through detailed simulation.
Figure 2.3.2 ↑ Steel Structure Lifting Simulation
2.4 Deepening Design of MEP, Fine Decoration, and Curtain Walls Using BIM
Lanzhou West Station, as a major railway hub, features over 20 mechanical and electrical systems, including strong and weak electricity, water supply and drainage, and HVAC. The station utilized BIM for detailed MEP design and pipeline integration within a 3D model, achieving over a 90% first-pass installation rate. Early coordination with architectural and structural models ensured precise placement of reserved holes, preventing misalignment, omissions, or rework.
For critical fine decoration areas, Revit was employed to create detailed models, divide elements into units, generate renderings, and enable management to control modular components on walls, ceilings, and floors, ensuring the desired aesthetic effect.
A representative curtain wall section in the northwest corner was modeled in detail, reserving structural columns and embedded parts in advance. This process resolved conflicts with MEP and structural components, facilitating smooth curtain wall installation.
2.5 Cost Control Through BIM
By extracting data directly from the initial construction drawings using Revit’s detailed list function, accurate quantities of materials were obtained from the model. As designs evolved and pipelines integrated, the final model reflected true quantities. This enabled precise calculation and tracking of materials such as concrete volume and pipeline length, providing valuable data for budget preparation. Material procurement was controlled based on these quantities, preventing over- or under-ordering and helping manage costs effectively.
2.6 Construction Safety Management Using BIM
The proximity of existing railway lines and their transfer posed significant safety challenges during construction. BIM simulation was combined with on-site safety controls to establish measures such as double-row vertical enclosed protective nets and isolation channels around adjacent lines. These precautions ensured that construction activities did not threaten the operation of existing lines during the transition period. Additionally, dynamic simulations of tower crane operations were conducted to prevent collisions, confirming safe tower group operations.
2.7 Document Management Supported by BIM 3D Models
Lanzhou West Station leveraged BIM’s information integration capabilities by linking process data and construction photos with the 3D models on a software platform. This allowed supervision and construction teams to monitor the status of key materials and the construction site in real time, while also providing access to original documentation, thereby guaranteeing reliable data archiving.
3. Summary
As the Railway Corporation’s first BIM pilot project, Lanzhou West Station successfully addressed a range of challenges throughout its construction by applying BIM technology across the full construction cycle. This ensured adherence to the project schedule and established a unique construction site management model based on BIM-driven data, cost, and safety management. The approach earned widespread praise from the construction team and laid a solid foundation for the station’s smooth opening and operation.
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