Many people assume that BIM technology in road and bridge projects is limited to modeling. However, its applications extend far beyond mere visualization. Let’s explore the various ways BIM enhances road and bridge engineering beyond just creating models.
1. Demonstrating Solutions for Special and Complex Structures
When technicians find it difficult or unnecessary to create highly detailed models, it can still be very valuable for the project team to gain a clear understanding of the construction sequence, plan, and techniques. By quickly developing lower-precision models, teams can effectively demonstrate the construction steps for complex or unique structures. This form of BIM “model demonstration” is a common, targeted application.
For example, during the construction of the Xin’an Bridge over Dongbao River in Shenzhen, BIM was used to simulate the application of a new construction hanging basket for a corrugated steel web PC composite box girder bridge. Facing challenges in lifting the corrugated steel web, BIM helped design a suitable and practical hanging basket, significantly improving construction feasibility.
2. Collision Detection
In scenarios such as lifting steel box girders for narrow interchange ramp bridges or dismantling large gantry cranes, site limitations and potential line conflicts pose safety risks. By building BIM models of the components and hoisting equipment, planners can arrange stacking areas and hoisting paths. This allows for virtual rehearsals of construction plans, providing valuable insights to prevent safety hazards that might be overlooked through manual checks.
3. Measurement and Layout of Complex Structures
Road and bridge projects often involve irregular curved edges. Using Revit to create high-precision models allows teams to capture coordinates of key control points tailored to construction needs. This approach verifies manually calculated coordinates and provides mutual confirmation through BIM modeling, reducing reliance on complex formulas and minimizing measurement errors.
For instance, the aviation port BIM workstation of Zhengzhou Engineering Co., Ltd. used Revit to model complex decorative arches. By segmenting the structure and coordinating control points with manufacturers, the BIM model enabled precise fabrication, segmentation, and installation of arch ribs, ensuring structural accuracy. This method was successfully applied during the installation of arch ribs on the Yellow River dual-purpose bridge in Zhengzhou.
4. Designing Templates for Complex Structures
Designing formwork for special structures can be challenging—examples include vase-shaped bridge piers, streamlined cast-in-place beams, irregular tower bodies of cable-stayed bridges, and internal molds for cast-in-place beams. BIM allows direct modeling of these structures, from which irregular surfaces can be extracted and segmented. This data serves as a technical reference for manufacturers, enabling precise cutting and production of irregular templates that fully comply with design standards.
In the construction of the third Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing, AutoCAD 3D modeling was used to simplify the design of complex internal molds for cast-in-place beam ends, achieving excellent results.
5. Technical Disclosure for Complex Structures or Reinforcements
The BIM Research Institute of Zhengzhou Engineering Co., Ltd. developed a simple and efficient grid column installation positioning bracket for the Shanghai Metro BIM workstation, which has received a utility model patent. To help onsite operators master its use, a 3D BIM model of the bracket was created, enabling clear and intuitive technical disclosure that facilitates quick understanding.
Additionally, BIM was used to design a multifunctional lamp post integrated with the subway station’s construction fence. This lamp post combines monitoring cameras, searchlights, warning lights, advertising, and atomized water nozzles for dust suppression, earning high praise from project owners. BIM technology can similarly support technical disclosures or auxiliary designs in other complex scenarios.
6. Construction Site Layout
Highway, railway, and municipal projects often require efficient site layouts, especially in densely populated urban areas where space is limited and every inch counts. Proper planning is crucial to ensure smooth construction, and this has become a key evaluation criterion in many recent owner tenders.
For highway and railway projects, BIM technology helps optimize the layout of prefabricated beam yards, mixing stations, and other facilities. Leading BIM solution providers like Guanglian Da and Luban have developed powerful site layout software that requires only a couple of hours of training. These tools enable modelers to quickly arrange attractive, functional sites using extensive libraries of common elements such as garages, temporary housing, flagpoles, fences, and steel processing sheds. The software uses building blocks for rapid modeling and comparison of different layout schemes.
7. Construction Progress and Plan Demonstration
Project teams often need to prepare monthly work summaries and upcoming construction plans. Using BIM models for progress and plan demonstrations can greatly enhance meeting efficiency and help identify issues early. This is especially valuable for large subway stations.
By segmenting structures and applying different transparencies and colors to indicate completed, ongoing, and planned work, the team can visualize progress clearly, improving collaboration and decision-making.
8. Quantity Takeoff
Calculating quantities for complex structures can be challenging and error-prone when done manually. Establishing BIM models in advance allows direct extraction of quantities, simplifying this task significantly.
Even for less complex structures, quantity takeoff can complement other BIM applications. Skilled BIM modelers can reliably calculate quantities for bridge piers, octagonal culvert walls, conical slope protections, and formwork weight estimates using modeling techniques.
In summary, these are the key applications of BIM technology in road and bridge engineering. We hope this overview proves helpful to you!
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up