How is BIM integration augmenting towards a Smarter India?
Mar 27, 2023
Category: BIM / Digitization / Automation
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In the rapidly evolving landscape of construction and infrastructure development, Building Information Modeling (BIM) Integration has emerged as a transformative force, playing a pivotal role in shaping a smarter India. BIM, a sophisticated 3D modeling technology, has gained significant traction, particularly in the Indian construction sector.
In India, it is revolutionizing project management, collaboration, and decision-making processes. This article delves into the impact and significance of BIM Integration in India. It explores the strides BIM has made and the prospects it holds for the nation’s infrastructure development. Let us deep dive into the blog and discover the “BIM World”.
Rise of BIM in India
Through the past few years, India has seen a rapid increase in technology, which rather we can name the “BIM Tech-Savy Industry”. BIM has blown the AEC industry with its mindblowing and fast features when it comes to functionality, tools, and software. To say, India is every day experiencing and witnessing the growth of BIM in the AEC industry. Firms are rapidly adopting BIM in India.
Integration of BIM
BIM Integration revolutionizes construction in India, optimizing project lifecycles from design to facility management. Enhancing communication and efficiency mitigates errors and enables informed decision-making. With digital twins, stakeholders visualize and analyze projects, fostering streamlined processes in the nation’s large-scale infrastructure projects.
BIM Projects in India
BIM is transforming India’s construction landscape, from smart city projects to metro rail networks and beyond.
A few examples of those are:
● India’s First Underwater Metro in Kolkata
● Atal Setu
● Arch Bridge, Chenab
● Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
● Bangalore International Airport
Enhancing collaboration and efficiency, BIM is now integral across sectors, from mega-projects to smaller-scale developments, signaling a significant industry shift towards integration and technology.
India’s First Underwater Metro in Kolkata
India’s first underwater metro in Kolkata runs at a stretch of 16.6 kilometers and connects the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. The state-of-the-art underwater tunnel is 520 meters long. This engineering marvel is created at a depth of 12 storeys and the train crosses it in less than a minute.
BIM played a significant role in the construction of the underwater metro. Architects and engineers leveraged this leading-edge technology to create the intricate 3D model of the whole project. This way AEC experts learned about the final looks of tunnels and stations.
Furthermore, BIM also helped the different project stakeholders improve collaboration and coordination among structural engineers, construction managers, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) experts. It aided in detecting and fixing problems beforehand.
The use of BIM technology assisted the construction team in discovering a myriad of ways to build the tunnel. Also, they were able to dig tunnels in the least disruptive and safe way.
The team working on this world-class project utilized the potential of BIM to estimate as well as monitor the project costs. It ensured cost efficiency in construction.
Atal Setu
Atal Setu is a symbol of India’s thriving potential in the engineering and architecture fields. This bridge, marked as a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure, connects South to Navi Mumbai in just 15 to 20 minutes. Ending the 2-hour ordeal for daily commuters from this region.
BIM played a remarkable role in 3D modeling, construction planning, safety analysis, lifecycle management, and monitoring environmental impact.
This bridge extends approximately 22 kilometers and is India’s longest sea bridge. Its structural design features a blend of an elevated viaduct and a sea bridge. A robust foundation empowers Atal Setu to withstand varying soil conditions, strong currents, and harsh sea conditions.
The aerodynamic design of this bridge ensures it remains unaffected by seismic activities and fierce winds.
The smooth curves and streamlined shapes of this architectural masterclass suit the coastal landscape. Strategically placed lighting, observation decks, and pedestrian walkways provide a striking view for the commuters. It highlights the importance of BIM in architecture.
Arch Bridge, Chenab
Arch or Chenab Bridge is one of the most futuristic projects in India that employs BIM technology. It is elevated 320 meters above the Chenab river surface and horizontally covers a length of 1,315 meters. The main arch of this bridge stretches to a length of 467, which makes it one of the longest arch railway bridges in the world.
Chenab Bridge’s foundations sit approximately 40 meters high and 50 meters wide on the Himalayan bedrock. The masses of steel trusses have been used to create the arch and piers of the bridge. They have used concrete to build approach vi aduct piers and foundations.
A cableway crane was utilized to erect the arch and then they launched the deck. Also, 600,000 bolts were used to make the joint.
It was a complex task to pull off the construction of this bridge. Hence, AEC professionals used BIM to design everything from temporary cables and structures to related anchoring towers. They leveraged constructible BIM for geometry, quality control, and erection sequence planning.
The BIM model also helped the professionals in sourcing CNC data and workshop drawings. The contractors used the high-end models created on this software in cooperation with the designers. Also, a third-party inspector involved in reviewing the construction process used this tool.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Project
The Delhi metro rail project effectively illustrates the importance of BIM’s inclusion in infrastructure projects. Professionals involved in the DMRC project used various BIM dimensions such as the 5D BIM model and were able to visualize the rail network in 3D.
Harnessing this technology helped the various stakeholders in efficient communication, cost analysis, and setting the right schedule for different project activities.
Bangalore International Airport
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) realized the potential of BIM for designing and construction planning of Terminal 2. The model created in BIM enabled the stakeholders to get a clear glimpse of future terminals in 3D.
It paved the way for detecting issues in the design stage and helped perform the required modifications before the construction process began. Moreover, it facilitated the project team to present their planning and ideas to regulatory agencies, airport authorities, and other stakeholders.
Advantages of BIM Integration in India
BIM has brought many advantages to the AEC industry with its implementation. It has merely made it easier, faster, and more efficient for people to work on the construction projects.
Improved Collaboration and Communication
BIM Integration enhances collaboration and communication in the Indian construction industry. Acting as a unified platform, it brings together diverse teams, including architects, engineers, and contractors, in real-time collaboration. This reduces errors and improves project efficiency.
Enhanced Decision-Making and Risk Mitigation
BIM empowers stakeholders with data-driven insights, enhancing decision-making across the project lifecycle. By simulating scenarios and analyzing data, it minimizes risks like cost overruns and delays. In India’s infrastructure endeavors, efficient decision-making is paramount, making BIM indispensable for optimizing timelines and budgets.
Future Prospects and Innovations in BIM
Apart from the challenges, BIM is emerging flawlessly. A lot of implementations have been rapidly decreasing the challenges and increasing the future possibilities of BIM in India.
Smart Cities Powered by BIM
BIM Integration aligns perfectly with India’s vision for smart cities. With interconnected infrastructure and data-driven decision-making at the core, BIM facilitates sustainable practices, making it a key player in India’s journey towards technologically advanced and sustainable urban development.
Integration with Emerging Technologies
BIM’s integration with AI, ML, and IoT is revolutionizing construction in India. This synergy unlocks unprecedented possibilities, fueling innovation and efficiency in the sector. Embracing these emerging technologies promises a new era of construction excellence.
Conclusion
BIM integration in India propels us towards a smarter, more sustainable future. Enhancing collaboration, decision-making, and efficiency, BIM is revolutionizing the construction sector amidst ambitious infrastructure projects. With standardized processes and technological innovation, India can emerge as a global leader in sustainable infrastructure development.
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TechnoStruct Academy is the educational arm of TechnoStruct, LLC, a registered design engineering firm based in California. It offers specialized BIM training programs for architecture, MEP, and BIM Management.
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FAQs
Q1. Is BIM in demand in India?
Ans. Demand for BIM professionals and BIM technology is soaring in India. Construction firms are looking for professionals who possess excellent knowledge of BIM to proficiently use this technology in their projects.
Q2. Can BIM be used for bridges?
Ans. Yes, BIM is essential to incorporate in the process of building bridges. This software allows the professionals to get a 3D model of project and identify steps from foundation to creating the bridge.
Q3. What are the applications of BIM in India?
Ans. India has multiple project examples with BIM applications. Surat Diamond Bourse, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation, Atal Setu, Arch Bridge, Chenab, and Bangalore International Airport are some of the notable projects.
