Currently, the separation between design, construction, and operation in the rail transit industry, along with limitations in information sharing and the lack of detailed construction process data from traditional 2D designs, presents significant challenges for the operation, maintenance, and management of rail transit projects after completion. The adoption of BIM technology offers an effective solution to these issues. As urban subway systems rapidly expand, BIM technology is increasingly being integrated in various forms.
Xiamen – Owner-Led BIM Implementation with Engineering Execution
The first phase of Xiamen Rail Transit Line 1 is a 32.9-kilometer north-south backbone route connecting Xiamen Island to the northern Jimei District.
This project is China’s first BIM model employing an owner-led approach, where BIM consulting units coordinate management, design, construction, supervision, operation, and maintenance. This collaboration aims to achieve “owner-led BIM, engineer-implemented BIM.” Shanghai Underground Space Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., serving as the BIM consulting unit, focuses on developing implementation plans, model delivery standards, and execution guidelines. They also create parameterized libraries and drawing templates, build collaborative management platforms, and conduct process management and result reviews.
Shanghai – BIM Integrated Throughout Design and Construction
Shanghai Metro Line 9 Phase III (East Extension) spans 13.83 kilometers and includes 9 underground stations, 3 of which serve as transfer points to Lines 12, 14, and 19. Additionally, the Jinqiao parking lot, accessible via Shenjiang Road Station, is shared with Lines 12 and 14.
Shanghai Underground Space Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd. supports the owner in applying BIM technology across the entire design and construction process. This includes site simulation, pipeline relocation simulation, traffic evacuation modeling, comprehensive pipeline design, quantity estimation, rendering, scene walkthroughs, and construction simulation. Upon project completion, a model containing essential design and construction information will be handed over to operation and maintenance teams to enhance operational quality.
Shenzhen – BIM Tackles Complex Regional Challenges
Shenzhen Metro Line 7 connects key residential and employment zones, traversing three administrative districts including Luohu, with a planned 28 stations. The line passes through difficult areas such as buildings, rivers, and lakes, making construction complex and risky.
To ensure smooth progress, Hydropower Bureau 8 pioneered the use of BIM technology in construction. They employed animated models and 3D visualization tools to predict site conditions and provide worker training, significantly reducing construction risks and achieving zero casualties. BIM collision detection was used to inspect pipeline arrangements, verify and optimize solutions, minimize conflicts between disciplines, avoid rework and missed tasks, and reduce resource waste.
Changsha – BIM Enhances Construction Quality and Efficiency
Songya Hunan Station on Changsha Metro Line 3, located at the intersection of Xingsha Kaiyuan Road and Dongsi Line, is a standardized station stretching 210 meters.
During construction, BIM technology was applied to optimize processes via virtual simulations. Techniques such as construction animation walkthroughs, 3D animation disclosures, and construction plan simulations greatly reduced quality and safety issues, minimizing rework and corrections. To improve side wall smoothness and accelerate construction, the project team designed and manufactured singly-sided fully automatic steel formwork trolleys. Unlike traditional composite wooden formwork, which requires disassembly and reassembly for each section, these trolleys allow flexible movement of the formwork, increasing installation and removal speeds by 2 to 3 times.
Wuxi – BIM Solves Complex Underground Pipeline Issues
Wuxi Metro Line 2 pioneered the innovative use of BIM technology to tackle challenges such as complex underground pipelines and inefficient layouts.
At Liangxi Bridge Station, BIM “3D Integrated Pipeline” technology was introduced for the first time. This approach uses computer-generated “decoration renderings” based on on-site survey data to visually represent pipeline locations, elevations, and other key information. Simulations helped identify potential pipeline conflicts, equipment interferences, and spatial hazards, effectively reducing design errors and significantly improving construction quality and efficiency. Furthermore, BIM technology supports the development of a smart operation system for Wuxi Metro, eliminating management blind spots and enabling effective coordination of prevention, alarms, and emergency responses.
Urumqi – BIM as a Potential Demonstration Project
During the construction of Nanmen Station on Section 04 of Urumqi Metro Line 1, the project faced challenges such as controlling risk sources, complex section construction, busy area traffic diversions in the fifth phase, and multiple municipal pipeline relocations. China Construction Sixth Bureau innovatively applied BIM technology to support construction decision-making and address difficult technical issues related to subway organization and risk management.
Beyond these cities, locations such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Zhengzhou are also experimenting with BIM technology. As BIM adoption expands and evolves, subway construction management will become increasingly digitalized, process-oriented, and refined, leading to continuous improvements in the industry.
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