Digital twin and BIM for a controlled design and renovation process

Building Information Management (BIM) is integral to our design process for the complete lifecycle of an asset, ensuring our clients benefit from efficient data management and sophisticated Digital Twins. Collated data (Lidar scanning) is used to build 3D models of our tunnels, whether they are new systems or renovation projects.

Combining these 3D models with dynamic behaviour variables delivers the Digital Twin, an important decision support tool for us, the construction teams and our clients.

Building Information Management (BIM) for tunnels

BIM is more than 3D models, we think of it as Better Information Management. As the amount of data collected increases, standardisation supports better decision making, saving our clients time and resources.

We integrate BIM into every new tunnel project or renovation. In accordance with ISO19650, we collect, collate and leverage data from throughout the tunnel’s installed systems. Through this data management we can deliver increasingly complex digital twins and models which allow us to work with clients to optimise performance, identify risk and maintain tunnel operations.

Integrating our data with behavioural factors – such as dynamic signage, simulations of traffic jams or the CCTV network further supports the creation of dynamic digital twins. These can play an important role in operator training, allowing clients to prepare their work force in parallel to the construction of the tunnel.

Proven impact with Digital twin & BIM

Lidar scanning

BIM is not the reserve of brand-new tunnel projects. We use lidar scans to build models for existing tunnels, ensuring that planning for renovation projects can also be supported with digital tools. We also don’t only use BIM for buildings, we see information management as an integral part to every project.

Company wide support

Every project has an assigned BIM manager whose role is to embed good information management and coordinate with the other team members, e.g. the systems architect. TEC’s clients can benefit from the combined digital experience and skillsets available in both parent companies - Haskoning and Witteveen+Bos.

Digital modelling for sustainability

BIM and Digital Twins have an important role in helping clients meet their sustainability goals. From optimising designs and maintenance plans to helping maintain traffic flow, digital modelling can support decision making, taking sustainability considerations into account and helping identify the impact of new systems, components or behaviours.

Minimising downtime

Digital Twins can play an important role in preparing asset operators and managers. Training on tunnel systems can begin even before construction is complete, helping to keep downtime to a minimum.

3D Piet Heintunnel

Royvan Hattem

BIM lead