MODEL BEHAVIOUR

Extensive use of software across stages of a project can be invaluable for the present and in the long term

Molly R

For long, technology providers in the country have often been compelling the government or any other authorities involved in building and infra-structure projects to take recourse to technology. While, of course, critical projects saw extensive use of technology, the lesser critical ones very often did not. Then, a few years or decades later, when the authorities want to figure out the underlying pipelines or wiring network below those now-old projects, it was difficult to do so. Such situations become eye-openers.

In this light, today, construction sites have vastly gone digital and processes are automated, from planning and execution to building management. The focus here is not on isolated solutions but on a holistic network of integrated systems and applications that interact and effectively “communicate” with each other (Internet of Things).

Santanu Das, senior VP, design integration, Bentley Systems, says, “The broad acceptance of BIM has substantially benefited AEC professionals and projects over the last fifteen years, but now—with cloud services, reality modeling, and advanced analytics—we can advance BIM through digital twins. Until now, the use of BIM has been limited to static deliverables, which, after handing off to construction, quickly go out-of-date, losing the potential further value of the engineering data locked in BIM models. Now, with digital twins, we can open up the engineering data in a BIM model with its constituent digital components as a starting point, continually refresh the digital context with drone surveys and reality modeling, and—this is where it gets really exciting—continue to model and simulate the fitness for purpose of an asset over the digital chronology of its lifecycle.”

AN EDGE OVER OTHERS

Over the years, the Indian government has incurred billions in cost overruns of projects. The reasons could be numerous. However, today leveraging BIM is saving them around 20% of the total infrastructure project costs by reducing construction time.

Keshab Chopra, MD, Doka India and SAARC, says, “Our upbeat construction - digital services for higher productivity is offered in three areas - Smart Construction Site, Smart Assistants and Smart planning. The creation of added value is the key for customers and the optimisation of the overall construction process - from the planning phase, construction measures on-site and the analysis of your performance. In addition to the project, construction site and product management, the platform also offers numerous other features, such as automated links to the online shop or classic services such as freightage, reconditioning and storage, which can be selected as modules. Currently, these services are offered in select countries.”