How to build a bridge to capital efficiency and contribute to communities

Civil engineers, contractors, sub-contractors, fabricators and EPC companies looking to win infrastructure projects, need to open their eyes to the game-changing possibilities of the ‘virtual twin’ for entire infrastructure lifecycle management. Not just to achieve the integration of design and construction, but also to support owners’ capital efficiency. By connecting all users and stakeholders on a single, user-friendly 3D platform with real-time access to the virtual twin, it will transform the way they work – providing an invaluable ‘bridge’ that links two key areas.

First, it will increase the capital efficiency of projects. Second, it will strengthen stakeholder relationships and in the longer term, for example, attract new Private Public Partnership business. Indeed, by delivering an ‘As Built’ 3D modelling, infrastructure builders can ensure that they become irreplaceable partners.

In short, it’s possible to achieve more for less. More productivity and superior results both during and after the project. Less waste, less work and less cost. Not just delivering projects on-time and on-budget, but also giving added-value to owner/operators – such as cost-efficient maintenance planning and project monetization.

1. Prepare the foundation Effective project execution and collaboration is key to that success: the traditional, disconnected, siloed ways of doing things needing to change. Otherwise they will continue to fragment and hinder your business processes, causing inefficiency and waste, whilst perpetuating the lack of effective communication between all parties on the project. So, your first step is to reconsider traditional 2D-based design and construction customs to be more 3D model centric business processes. This will leave space for the foundation of more efficient, flexible design and construction planning.

2. Use the latest technology Embracing a 3D mindset is vital. 3D modelling, using a ‘virtual twin’ throughout the entire infrastructure lifecycle – from design and fabrication to maintenance and sustainable planning – is the way forward to the development of new, more effective and less fragmented ways of working. ‘As built’ models leveraging digital continuity technologies are far more work and cost-efficient. This will ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget, while meeting the highest quality and safety standards. Such capital efficiency is invaluable to your customers, thus making your relationship with them equally invaluable. It’s essential to remember that the owners of civil works have a responsibility to create safe infrastructures that meet public requirements. What’s more, the public’s willingness to pay for projects increases when they see that proven, cost-effective measures have been implemented. With that in mind, you’ll find that the whitepaper ‘Civil Design Innovation – Innovative Industrialization Methodology Achieves Breakthrough in Civil Design’, written jointly by Dassault Systèmes and the Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute, gives valuable insights into the latest innovations and breakthroughs in civil design and construction.

3. Simulate, test and connect A 3D Virtual Twin on the Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform integrates design and construction processes, as well as effectively connecting all the stakeholders – both public and private – involved on the project. This single, collaborative environment provides a real-time source of truth that everyone can access and understand, thus supporting project team synergy and efficacy. Temple based design automation on an online platform could effectively manage design iteration and amends, using one single, real-time model from concept to fabrication. There’s also greater design scalability and flexibility – thanks to digital continuity, with a common data environment serving multi-CAD interoperability. And you’ll find that simulation delivers superior construction sequences and planning. It’s also included for testing structural resistance too.

4. Maintain and plan The value of 3D modelling continues after project completion, because owners /operators can subsequently use it for ongoing facility management, maintenance and sustainable planning – thus lowering the cost of ownership while raising revenue opportunities. That means your value to them also continues. You will have given them capital efficiency and greater sustainability both during and after the build. And don’t forget that sustainable infrastructure developments make a positive contribution to community. Your ‘bridge’ is therefore complete – making the vital link between delivering a capital efficient project and strengthening your relationship with -owners and stakeholders alike, consequently opening the way to repeat business. Congratulations on a job very well done.