How BIM is useful while Constructing Bridges?

The BIM modeling process and any Virtual Design Building approach that is incorporated into it can be used throughout the entire construction process as it has a seamless approach and can be applied at multiple stages of the project.

A number of companies in the construction industry, including architects and general contractors, are already using BIM modeling on a daily basis, although its use in the civil sector is not yet widespread. There is still a large amount of technology that is used to construct roads, bridges, and tunnels. A civil structure, for example, a bridge, is more complex and requires a great deal of analysis along with the validation of the design in order to function properly.

A BIM approach can help the stakeholders of a project plan, collaborate, and implement the overall construction of a project, no matter whether it is a brand new project or a renovation, or a reconstruction of an older bridge.

Various factors to consider while constructing a bridge

Here are a few factors we should consider while constructing the bridge:-

1. The construction of a bridge should be based on an understanding of geological conditions, references to nearby locations, proximity to water, and the future use of the bridge.
2. There are a number of factors that should be validated and checked before the design process, including the calculation of loads and pressure, checking the connectivity to cities, rainfall, footfall on the bridge, movement of transportation, etc.
3. Virtual Construction modeling can certainly be relied upon after the design stage to verify whether the designs and calculations are accurate and will be able to be implemented during construction.
4. In order to calculate the load on the bridge, it is very important to take into account the number of vehicles crossing the bridge.
5. There must be a consideration for both the volume of traffic and the time of day when it is peak.
6. Bridges that cross rivers need to be strong enough to ensure that they can withstand the flow of water and currents that are flowing through them.

How is BIM useful?

While Constructing Bridges

A bridge is a unique type of structure that comes with its own design, which is very different from buildings or other structures. It is clear that there is a huge difference between the purposes and uses. Thus, there is also a difference in the use of BIM as well. The building of a bridge requires a detailed 3D model that includes the details of the structure and the construction standards that apply to such a structure.

Construction is becoming more productive, budget-oriented, and planned because of the intelligent models and BIM processes being used. The elements in the model can be created in a detailed, discipline-specific manner and then coordinated later on based on the requirements. A BIM-compatible software program can be used to model civil structures as a general rule of thumb.

The use of Civil 3D is more popular for designing civil structures because it brings together the best features from both Revit and Civil 3D. In the end, once the modeling is complete, it will be possible to coordinate disciplines, and eventually prevent crashes from occurring.

As part of the design, development, and construction process, it is extremely crucial to maintain a robust and consistent approach. As a result, apart from 3D BIM modeling, we must also focus on other advanced systems such as the planning phase of the construction, detailed coordination between different disciplines, and topographical systems.

To get online demonstration, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: MicroCAD Training & Consulting

While Renovating Bridges

It is necessary to repair and renovate many bridge structures that have been built over the past few decades. Depending on the weather conditions, the age of the bridge, the nature of the aging of the bridge, as well as the age of the tunnel or bridge over a river, old tunnels and bridges over rivers may need to be reshaped and renovated.

A bridge that is older also means that it loses strength over time, and this can be a serious danger during hurricanes and cyclones, particularly during the summer months. For the renovation of buildings or civil structures, laser scanning is a great solution.

A laser scanning exercise that has been completed can be converted into a model that can be converted into a BIM model, and these can then be used to create construction drawings, topography, and construction sequences that can be used to present the renovation process.

It is also possible to develop a model that can be complemented with phased additions by different teams or parties based on their specialized knowledge in order to make the model more complete.