The winning projects of the Going Digital Awards 2023

I have been attending these types of events for several years, and yet it is impossible not to be surprised by the innovation represented by the combination of young people who were born with technology in their hands and teams of people who pass through the blue copy paper plans.

One of the most interesting aspects of this stage is the convergence of disciplines in an increasingly simplified and integrated flow from capture, modeling, design, construction and even operation. This is exciting, especially because the digital twin concept is consolidated in a real-world industry, contrary to the metaverse concept that in other areas is seen as a bet on the future but without immediate applications. In essence, efficiency in collaborative work is perhaps the best incentive.

And after having spoken in person with several finalists, including some winners, here is the summary.

1. Innovation in Bridges and Tunnels

AUSTRALIA – Southern Program Alliance. WSP AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.

• • Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  • Software used: iTwin, iTwin Capture, LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenBridge, OpenBuildings, OpenRail, OpenRoads, ProjectWise, ProStructures, SYNCHRO
  • WINNER

The Parkdale Level Crossing Removal Project is a Victorian Government initiative, aiming to remove 110 level crossings in Melbourne by 2030 to improve community safety, traffic congestion and support sustainable transport.

It also featured a rail corridor close to heritage tourist sites, construction of a new viaduct and a new station along the Frankston line. Due to all the information that needed to be managed, an integrated digital solution was required. The WSP project leader used open modeling and ProjetWise solutions, in addition to establishing a digital twin that streamlined workflows.

Rework was minimized and decision making was improved, resulting in a 60% reduction in modeling time and a 15% savings in resource hours during the design delivery process. The solutions optimized the use of materials, reducing the bridge material by 7% and the carbon footprint by 30%. Likewise, it allowed WSP to reuse all the digital components of the bridge for future projects.

You had to be there to know the response of these professionals to questions like “How did they estimate the time savings?” Although the presenter was young, his comparative response and exemplification were a lesson in how the industry today values ​​time, collaboration and security, as guarantees not only to win a bid but also to ensure control in large projects. .

China – The Great Liaozi Bridge

• • Location: Chongqing City, Chongqing, China
  • Software used: iTwin Capture, LumenRT, OpenBridge, OpenRoads, ProStructures

Liaozi Bridge is the last contact point of the Chongqing Chengkou-Kaizhou Expressway. This work will link the Qinba region with the rest of the county, potentially reducing travel times by a third and boosting industrial and economic development. The design consists of an arch bridge with a main length of 252 meters, its highest point rising 186 meters above the surface of the river.

The intricate terrain and multiple components of this structure are challenges for its construction, therefore BIM and reality modeling applications were used. Through these tools, reality meshes of the site were generated and combined with images captured by drones and 3D models of the bridge.

Thanks to the use of platforms such as iTwin Capture and other aforementioned tools for construction management, the design time was reduced to 300 hours and the construction period was shortened to 55 days, saving 2.2 million CNY in management costs.

United States – Robert Street Bridge Rehabilitation

• • Location: Paul, Minnesota, United States
  • Software used: AssetWise, iTwin, iTwin Capture, iTwin Experience, MicroStation, ProjectWise

The Robert Street Bridge is a nationally historic structure, consisting of a reinforced concrete arch that spans the Mississippi River. Due to the structural deterioration of the bridge, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) began a bridge rehabilitation project in conjunction with Collins Engineers.

To begin any rehabilitation work they had to do a thorough review of the bridge's conditions, Collins complemented conventional workflows with artificial intelligence and digital twins to obtain an accurate inspection.

They used iTwinCapture and iTwin Experience to create a 3D digital twin of the bridge, allowing them to identify, quantify and communicate the location of cracks and the condition of the concrete. Thanks to the use of digital twins, possible problems that could affect the start of work were validated. These solutions provided 30% savings in inspection hours, 20% savings in construction costs, in addition to contributing to the preservation of the environment.

2. Innovation in Construction

LAING O'ROURKE – SEPA Surrey Hills Level Crossing Removal Project.

• • Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  • Software used: Descartes, iTwin Capture, OpenBuildings, ProjectWise, SYNCHRO
  • WINNER

This Surrey Hills level crossing removal project is one of the most complex level crossing removal projects in Victoria. The main objective is to improve safety, limit road congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%.

It is located along an active railroad track and required the closure of this track for at least 93 days. Its complexity had to be monitored through a strict schedule so the team implemented a carefully crafted design for manufacturing approach.

The winner was SYNCHRO, used to create a 4D model, with which they would visualize the entire cloud-based construction program that facilitated accessibility and scalability throughout the project.

Using this construction management solution to simulate works on site provided greater visibility into planning and in turn identifying potential issues prior to construction. Reduced risk of conflict by 75%, programming errors by 40% compared to using traditional workflows.

DURA VERMEER INFRA LANDELIJKE, MOBILIS, GEMEENTE AMSTERDAM project.

• • Location: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
  • Software used: PLAXIS, SYNCHRO

The Municipality of Amsterdam is carrying out targeted changes to the public space system including traffic flows. The projects are carried out by the contractors Dura Vermeer and Mobilis, which must renew 2,5 kilometers of roads, tram tracks and monumental bridges. The goal is to guarantee safe, accessible and sustainable environments.

They chose SYNCHRO as a platform to visualize project progress, digitize processes, and engage sufficient data that improves data quality and overall project experience in a single solution. For them, working in a connected digital environment simplified communication processes and effective change management. 800 hours of resources were saved, and also through the digital construction solution, real-time resources were provided that were able to help determine 25 risks directly from the 4D schedule.

LAING O'ROURKE – Everton's new stadium project

• • Location: Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
  • Software used: LumenRT, SYNCHRO

 The Liverpool City Dock development plan includes the construction of a new stadium on an existing dock for the English Premier Football League team. This project involves 52.888 seats within logistical limitations and respecting local heritage. Laing O'Rourke is the main contractor, implementing a 4D digital construction approach to deliver the project on time and within budget. They trusted SYNCHRO to achieve project objectives, increase communication among the entire team, and effectively plan/execute work.

Using a 4D model was essential to manage all processes and allowed multiple disciplines to work together to deliver the project ahead of schedule. Successfully working in a collaborative 4D digital environment optimized project delivery and has transformed the way Laing will deliver complex construction projects in the future.

3. Innovation in Business Engineering

MOTT MACDONALD – Standardizing the delivery of phosphorus removal programs for the UK water industry

• • Location: United Kingdom
  • Software used: ProjectWise
  • WINNER

Mott MacDonald identified an opportunity to standardize phosphorus removal schemes for 100 projects across its seven UK water customers. The large scale of the project presented challenges for data sharing, coordination, and standardization.

To address these challenges, they selected their industry-leading BIM library, Moata Intelligent Content, powered by ProjectWise Component Center, as the digital solution to collect standard components from their supply chain and produce a standardized parametric model that was made available across the framework. of your client.

The platform's parametric functionality improved efficiency and facilitated repeatable design and construction, saving 13.600 hours and more than GBP 3,7 million in total costs. The successful completion of the removal plans will have significant positive impacts on local communities, the environment and sustainability, improving water quality and protecting habitats and ecosystems.

ARCADIS. RSAS – Car stairs

 The Carstairs junction in Scotland is being redeveloped to remove speed restrictions, speed up and improve passenger journeys and rail performance. Arcadis is designing the electrification system to increase junction speeds from 40 to 110 miles per hour, providing capacity for high-speed services to Edinburgh and Glasgow, while reducing carbon emissions by 20% to 30%. .

To address the project's challenges, they selected applications to establish a collaborative data environment and develop a federated 3D model. Working on the integrated digital ecosystem improved data sharing by 80%. The team identified and resolved 15.000 conflicts during the design phase and reduced design time by 35%, saving £50 million in costs and delivering the project 14 days ahead of schedule.

PHOCAZ, INC. CAD Assets to GIS: A CLIP Update

• • Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
  • Software used: iTwin, MicroStation, OpenRoads, ProjectWise

Phocaz is updating its CLIP CAD-GIS application to help the Georgia DOT access asset data for more than 80 miles of highway centerline. To capture asset drawing data based on client design standards and transform it into GIS information.

Phocaz needed an integrated digital solution. Through the use of ProjectWise, road design files were stored and managed and with iTwin a cloud-based digital twin was generated where artificial intelligence can be applied for the process of detecting specific features.

The solution simplified the CAD-GIS workflow, minimizing the complexities of creating a machine learning model. Automating and digitizing the process of finding road assets and their locations saves a lot of time and costs while providing more accurate results compared to manual workflows. Connecting the CAD-GIS workflow through iTwin facilitates accessibility, promoting a multitude of uses and benefits across multiple disciplines and industries.

4. Innovation in Facilities, Campuses and Cities

VRAME CONSULT GMBH. Siemensstadt Square – Twin Digital Campus in Berlin

• • Location: Berlin Germany
  • Software used: iTwin, OpenCities, ProjectWise
  • WINNER

Siemensstadt Square is a 25-year-old smart and sustainable urban development project in Berlin. The project involves the transformation of over 70 hectares of brownfield land into a modern, carbon-neutral campus, including approximately 100 new low-emission buildings and cutting-edge mobility concepts.

Vrame Consult has used iTwin to establish a digital floor plan of the Siemensstadt Square campus. The integrated digital twin solution enables all project participants, stakeholders and the public to quickly access trusted information that can be contextualized and reused. This addresses the communication, collaboration and data management challenges presented by the many stakeholders involved.

Clarion Housing Group. Twins: creating a golden thread between digital heritage

• • Location: London, England, UK
  • Project guide: AssetWise

Clarion Housing began a project to meet new legislative requirements imposed by England's Building Safety Act. The project aimed to digitize information on all highest-risk building components that affect structural and fire safety. The initiative will improve the security of these buildings through better asset management, improving and demonstrating the security of Clarion's stock.

They have implemented a smart system of building components and parts at high-risk sites. The solution, based on AssetWise ALIM, identifies assets within buildings and stores all related data, including inspection results and completed work.

This allows for cost-effective asset management, better risk prioritization and safer buildings. Additionally, Clarion Housing's smart, digitized system provides 100% of the plans and data needed to comply with new construction safety standards.

With this solution, Clarion Housing can ensure that its buildings are safe and meet the latest safety standards. Additionally, efficient asset management allows Clarion Housing to reduce costs and improve risk prioritization.

Port Authority of New South Wales: A case study in digital transformation

• • Location: New South Wales, Australia
  • Software used: iTwin, iTwin Capture, OpenCities

The New South Wales Ports Authority has digitized its assets at six ports. Using ContextCapture and OpenCities, collaboration and decision making were improved. The old file-based system lacked reliable data and spatial context. Gathering information used to take days. The new solution now handles and preserves voluminous data from multiple sources with precision.

Additionally, the use of technology simplified workflows and reduced travel between ports, optimizing collaboration and accurate data sharing between departments and stakeholders. This is expected to save 50% in data request compilation time. Digital twin solution provides a comprehensive view of assets spanning multiple lifecycles, increases data transparency, eliminates redundancy, and promotes community engagement and collaboration with environmental and marine agencies

5. Innovation in Energy Generation Processes

Shenyang Aluminum Magnesium Engineering and Research Institute Co., Ltd. Chinalco China Resources Electrolytic Aluminum Engineering Digital Twin Application Project

• • Location: Lvliang, Shanxi, China
  • Software used: AutoPIPE, iTwin, LumenRT, OpenBuildings, OpenPlant, OpenRoads, OpenUtilities, ProjectWise, ProStructures, Raceway and Cable Management, STAAD, SYNCHRO
  • WINNER

Chalco has started a digital demonstration project for its Zhongrun aluminum factory, as part of its commitment to green development and reducing energy consumption in China's aluminum industry. Already a user, SAMI selected the applications to develop an enterprise digital factory management platform and build the aluminum industry's first plant-wide digital twin.

Integrated applications helped reduce modeling time by 15%, which translates to approximately 200 business days. All factory digitalization operations reduce annual management costs by CNY 6 million, unpredictable equipment failures by 40%, and environmental emissions by 5%. The digitization of the project makes it possible to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

MCC CAPITAL ENGINEERING & RESEARCH INCORPORATION LIMITED. Linyi green and digital plant construction project 2,7 million tons of high-quality special steel base

• • Location: Linyi, Shandong, China
  • Software used: AssetWise, iTwin, iTwin Capture, LumenRT, OpenBuildings, OpenPlant, OpenRoads, ProjectWise, ProStructures, Raceway and Cable Management, SYNCHRO

MCC is building a smart green steel production factory involving dozens of disciplines and covering an area of ​​214,9 hectares. The project involves the synchronous design, construction, delivery and operation of physical and digital factories.

To address the challenges presented by the project scale, complex process system and difficult design within a tight construction schedule, MCC selected ProjectWise to establish a collaborative digital design platform, AssetWise to create an engineering data center and open applications to carry out the digital delivery of information throughout the project life cycle.

MCC created a full-process digital twin platform, saving 35 days of design time and shortening construction by 20%. This digital plant facilitates maintenance and operations of smart equipment, reduces downtime by 20% to 25% and carbon emissions by 20%.

Shanghai Research, Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd. Digital asset management of hydropower projects based on digital twins

• • Location: Liangshan, Yibin and Zhaotong, Sichuan and Yunnan, China
  • Software used: iTwin, iTwin Capture, MicroStation, OpenBuildings, OpenPlant, OpenUtilities, ProjectWise, Raceway and Cable Management

Two hydropower plants in China were selected to start a pilot project establishing a digital engineering asset management system for the entire life cycle of hydropower plant assets. To address the challenges of managing voluminous data across multiple disciplines and organizations, the team required an integrated technology solution. In this case, ProjectWise and open applications were used to establish a connected digital environment and perform collaborative 3D modeling.

Additionally, the team integrated and linked all models and data in digital twins with iTwin, providing a visual view of business operations to achieve digital management and maintenance of hydropower stations. Applying the software improved data collection efficiency by 10% and saved 200 days in modeling time, while reducing the construction period by 5% and carbon emissions by 3%. Through industrial automation and digital engineering, the team established a comprehensive digital asset management and control system.

6. Innovation in Railways and Transit

AECOM PERUNDING SDN BHD. Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System

• • Location: Malaysia and Singapore
  • Software used: ComplyPro, iTwin Capture, Leapfrog, MicroStation, OpenBridge, OpenRail, PLAXIS, STAAD, ProjectWise, ProStructures
  • WINNER

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) is a cross-border project that will connect Johor Bahru in Malaysia to Woodlands, Singapore. The project will ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of cars using the Johor-Singapore Causeway, providing greener transportation for around 10,000 passengers per hour. AECOM established a connected data environment through ProjectWise to optimize planning, design and construction.

The software application automated workflows, ensured structural integrity, and saved 50% in drawing time. Additionally, the digital twin solution provided an accurate and holistic view of the cross-border rail project, meeting the technical requirements of both countries and reducing rework.

IDOM. Value engineering stage for detailed design and supervision of the Rail Baltica project

• • Location: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
  • Software used: Descartes, LumenRT, OpenBuildings, OpenRail, ProjectWise

Rail Baltica is an 870 kilometer international passenger and freight rail corridor linking Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia as part of the European Union's North Sea-Baltic trans-European transport network. The project will save billions in annual freight transport costs and €7,1 billion in climate change costs, reducing carbon emissions to the lowest possible levels.

To carry out this international megaproject, the Spanish company IDOM implemented collaborative digital workflows in 3D. ProjectWise was selected as a platform for connected data and other open BIM applications to perform collaborative 3D modeling and clash detection.

Likewise, they adopted a comprehensive BIM methodology, achieving an accuracy rate of 90% in the transition from design to construction. With the above, changes during construction were minimized and reached a new level of quality and sustainability in infrastructure management.

ITALFERR SPA New high-speed line Salerno – Reggio Calabria

• • Location: Battipaglia, Campania, Italy
  • Software used: Descartes, iTwin, iTwin Capture, LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenBridge, OpenBuildings, OpenCities, OpenRail, OpenRoads, PLAXIS, ProjectWise, SYNCHRO

Italferr is executing the Salerno-Reggio Calabria high-speed line project, which requires the construction of 35 kilometers of new railway line, including tunnels, viaducts, roads and electrical substations. Upon completion, the project will integrate into the surrounding environment, maximizing environmental protection and promoting sustainable transportation development.

To facilitate data exchange, reviews and evaluations, Italferr selected ProjectWise open applications with which it generated 504 BIM models. Using iTwin automates the synchronization of models into a cloud-based digital twin, enabling visual and virtual design reviews across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

Through the use of these solutions, efficiency was improved by 10%, productivity increased, and therefore saved significant hours of work and resources. The result was multiple high-quality digital deliverables for the client, showing the project in all its splendor.

7. Innovation in Roads and Highways

ATKINSRÉALIS. I-70 Floyd Hill to Veterans Memorial Tunnels Project

• • Location: Idaho Springs, Colorado, United States
  • Software used: iTwin, LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenBridge, OpenFlows, OpenRoads, ProjectWise, ProStructures
  • WINNER

AtkinsRéalis used iTwin to create digital twins, thus achieving greater visibility. Used open modeling applications to promote collaborative modeling and efficient data management, and LumenRT for visualization. Working in an integrated digital environment with ProjectWise, savings of $1,2 million were achieved in managing over 1000 file sheets. Additionally, 5500 hours were saved in coordination and the effort required to develop and publish digital twins for review was reduced by 97%.

AtkinsRéalis had to overcome site restrictions, complicated topography and environmental impact. This project involved intricate design and multidisciplinary coordination that led them to turn to integrated digital technology to solve these problems.

Hunan Provincial Communications Planning, Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd. Highway Construction and Development HUNAN HENGYONG CO., LTD. Hengyang – Yongzhou Expressway in Hunan Province

• • Location: Hengyang and Yongzhou, Hunan, China
  • Software used: LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenRoads

The Hengyang-Yongzhou Expressway is a corridor 105,2 kilometers which will improve traffic conditions and shorten travel times between the two cities, achieving industrial collaboration and better accessibility along the tourist route.

The work will improve traffic, travel times, industrial collaboration and tourist accessibility. It is located in an area of ​​prime agricultural land and poses environmental, technical and coordination challenges.

The team used applications for open, integrated 3D BIM and reality modeling. These applications enabled unified data compatibility for highway modeling and design. The objective was to minimize the impact on the environment and existing infrastructure.

Using OpenRoads Designer, the need for three bridges was eliminated, saving 40 million CNY. Collaborative digital design and data integration improved communication efficiency by 50% and avoided 20 construction errors, saving 5 million CNY. Thanks to BIM solutions, the project is expected to be completed a year ahead of schedule.

SMEC SOUTH AFRICA. N4 Montrose Interchange

• • Location: Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa
  • Software used: iTwin Capture, LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenFlows, OpenRoads, Pointools

The Montrose Interchange project replaced an existing T-junction on the N4 highway, improving traffic mobility, safety and the economy and tourism of Mbombela Province. The terrain presented a challenge to implement the new high-standard free-flow interchange on a short timeline and without available topographic data, as it is located between two rivers in the middle of steep valleys between mountains.

SMEC used ContextCapture and LumenRT to create and display a reality mesh of the project. They won the design contract and delivered a feasible design quickly, while also integrating OpenRoads Designer with the bridge team's software and using corridor modeling tools. With all this they reduced the carbon footprint, design time and costs.

8. Innovation in Structural Engineering

HYUNDAI ENGINEERING. Automated design of civil and architectural structures with STAAD API

• • Location: Seoul, South Korea
  • Project manual: STAAD
  • WINNER

Hyundai Engineering optimized the design of shelters and pipe racks for power plants. They used 3D modeling and digital workflows to improve the design accuracy and performance of the structures.

They used STAAD and artificial intelligence to automate and accelerate design. They applied AI to generate a large number of predictive models. This system converts design information into a 3D model, allowing you to predict and plan future maintenance and improvement work.

L&T CONSTRUCTION. Construction of 318 MLD (70 MGD) wastewater treatment plant at Coronation Pillar, Delhi

• • Location: New delhi, india
  • Project manual: STAAD

In New Delhi, the Coronation Pillar plant processes 318 million liters of wastewater per day and reduces carbon emissions by around 14.450 tonnes per year. L&T Construction carried out the large-scale project that involved designing and constructing several structures in a narrow location exposed to seismic and liquefaction threats.

To ensure structural quality, L&T used STAAD to model various designs with different loads and uses, managing to use less land by 17,8% and less reinforced concrete material by 5%, lowering the physical and carbon footprint of the project. Using the L&T Construction app, you quickly examined different structural designs, saving 75% of time finding the best solution compared to manual design methods.

RISE Structural Design, INC.Dhaka Metro Line 1

• • Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Software used: STAAD

RISE is working on station design for MRT-1, the first underground metro line in Bangladesh. To ensure that all elements of the station are compatible, RISE had to carry out precise simulation and digital structural analysis. They chose STAAD and STAAD Advanced Concrete Design to model and analyze the steel roof structure and stresses in the reinforced concrete, creating a collaborative digital environment and optimizing the structural design in accordance with relevant design codes.

The integrated software for structural analysis and modeling improved data synchronization by 50% and decreased modeling time by 30%. RISE achieved a 10% to 15% savings in concrete volume, reducing the project's carbon footprint and allowing designs to be completed in time for construction to begin in February 2023.

9. Innovation in Subsoil Modeling and Analysis

ARCADIS. South Pier Bridge

• • Location: London, England, UK
  • Project guide: GeoStudio, iTwin, Leapfrog, OpenBridge, OpenGround, PLAXIS, ProjectWise
  • WINNER

A bridge has been proposed in South Dock, London, which will improve urban connectivity and sustainable transport, and reduce carbon emissions. The project has technical and architectural challenges due to its location in a high visibility area.

Arcadis has created a federated model and single source of truth, centralizing and visualizing ground investigation data. With this, they have obtained an accurate representation of the underground geology and optimized the analysis of terrain variability, as well as reducing the scope of the terrain investigation by 30%, saving £70.

They saved 1000 hours of resources, equivalent to 12% of design costs, thanks to application interoperability and connectivity. And they also reduced embodied carbon, they have also established a basis for construction monitoring and proactive maintenance, minimizing environmental impact.

Validation of digital management tools for OceanaGold's Waihi tailings storage facility

• • Location: Waihi, Waikato, New Zealand
  • Project guide: GeoStudio, iTwin IoT, Leapfrog

OceanaGold has launched a pilot project to validate the use of digital technologies in the management of its Waihi tailings storage facility (TSF) in New Zealand. They have replaced manual methods with a cloud-based digital twin for collaborative and proactive deformation monitoring. They have selected Seequent Central, Leapfrog Geo, GeoStudio and iTwin IoT to develop 3D geological and geotechnical models and a digital twin.

The combination of observed and real-time data within the digital twin provides a proactive virtual paradigm for better understanding physical asset security. The solution enables more responsive mineral management and governance, minimizing the risk of environmental or social impacts from TSF in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions of New Zealand.

QUICK UND KOLLEGEN GMBH. Deutsche Bahn Neubaustrecke Gelnhausen – Fulda

• • Location: Gelnhausen, Hessen, Germany
  • Project manual: Leapfrog, PLAXIS

To improve the Gelnhausen-Fulda railway line in the Rhine-Main area of ​​Hesse and reduce travel times, a new high-speed line has been proposed that will eliminate bottlenecks. Prof. Quick and Kollegen undertook the geotechnical investigation to determine an optimal route option and explore the geotechnical feasibility of the tunnels, while protecting the local environment and community.

Faced with complex issues of capturing and coordinating voluminous and subsurface data when developing the necessary 3D models, they realized they needed to establish BIM workflows in a common data environment. They used PLAXIS and Leapfrog Works to establish a connected data environment and a single source of geotechnical data.

Through the construction of a 3D terrain model covering 200 meters with which precise geotechnical calculations are recorded, it was possible to explore 100 wells, define quantities of excavated material and carry out digital risk management.

10. Innovation in Surveying and Monitoring

ITALFERR SPA The digital twin for structural monitoring of St. Peter's Basilica

• • Location: Vatican City
  • Software used: iTwin, iTwin Capture, LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenBuildings, OpenCities, ProjectWise
  • WINNER

Italferr was hired to create a digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica for its preservation. The project involved extensive data management and surveys. They used 3D modeling technology and digital twins to overcome these challenges in six months.

ProjectWise, iTwin Capture and MicroStation were used to handle three terabytes of data and generate a model shared between 30 people. This approach saved time and delivered the model ahead of schedule. Currently, a structural monitoring system connected to the digital twin is being developed.

AVINEON INDIA P LTD. Providing Kowloon East CityGML modeling services for the Department of Lands

• • Location: Hong Kong SAR, China
  • Software used: iTwin Capture, MicroStation

In its effort to transform Hong Kong into a smart city and improve urban planning and disaster management, the government has initiated an innovative 3D digital mapping project. Kowloon East was the first area selected for the creation of CityGML models, which represent buildings and infrastructure.

Avineon India, in charge of processing and generating these 3D models, was faced with the challenge of integrating large volumes of data from various sources into accurate representations of urban infrastructure, all in a single digital environment. To do this, they needed a comprehensive solution that allowed data capture, processing and 3D modeling.

Avineon selected iTwin Capture Modeler and MicroStation as the preferred tools for processing and generating CityGML models. Adoption of the unified platform enabled seamless integration of diverse attribute data in multiple formats, resulting in significant improvement in data consistency and model accuracy.

As a consequence of this implementation, a 20% reduction in processing time and a 15% cost savings were achieved, in addition to a 5% decrease in the carbon footprint. These results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the applications used.

UAB IT LOGIKA (DRONETEAM). DBOX M2

• • Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
  • Project guide: iTwin Capture, LumenRT, OpenCities

The city of Vilnius selected DRONETEAM to carry out an ambitious 3D modeling project at the urban level. Faced with the challenges inherent in the use of drones and city modeling, DRONETEAM devised an automated solution for data collection and reality modeling, applicable not only to cities, but also to infrastructure, agriculture and security. They developed DBOX, an autonomous drone station, and relied on reality modeling technology to process data into a precise three-dimensional mesh.

DBOX, powered by iTwin Capture Modeler, captures high-resolution images that are transformed into precise 3D models thanks to advanced algorithms. The integration of LumenRT, OpenCities and ProjectWise allowed DRONETEAM to save 30% in annual work hours. This digital revolution fosters efficiency, collaboration and sustainability, reduces carbon emissions and minimizes disruption to communities.

11. Innovation in Transmission and Distribution

Electrical Engineering CO., LTD. FROM POWERCHINA HUBEI

• Full life cycle digital application in Xianning Chibi 500 kV substation project
  • Location: Xianning, Hubei, China
  • Software used: iTwin, iTwin Capture, LumenRT, OpenBuildings, Raceway and Cable Management, SYNCHRO
  • WINNER

The 500 kilovolt Xianning Chibi substation project in Hubei is essential to meet Xianning's electricity demand and optimize the grid. Given the complexity of the terrain and the short construction period, POWERCHINA opted for the complete digitization of the project with 3D/4D modeling and digital twin technology.

Using iTwin and 3D/4D modeling applications, POWERCHINA established a collaborative digital design environment. This integrated solution reduced the project's impact on agricultural land and saved CNY 2,84 million in costs.

In addition, more than 50 reworks were avoided, reducing the construction period by 30 days. The digital twin facilitates real-time knowledge of assets and intelligent management of substations.

ELIA. Digital transformation and connected information technologies in the design of smart substations

• • Location: Brussels, Belgium
  • Software used: Descartes, iTwin, iTwin Capture, MicroStation, OpenUtilities, Pointools, Power Line Systems, ProjectWise, ProStructures

Elia, Belgium's electricity transmission operator, is dedicated to optimizing the grid and ensuring sustainable energy. To do this, it is modernizing its file management system and engineering processes towards a centralized digital platform.

Elia chose ProjectWise to manage her files, improving efficiency and saving up to €150.000 per year. With OpenUtilities Substation and iTwin, Elia can efficiently design substations and perform analysis through hybrid modeling and digital twin simulation, which could result in an estimated savings of 30.000 resource hours per year. With collaborative technology, it facilitates intelligent engineering and effective management workflows.

Qinghai KEXIN Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. 110kV Transmission and Transformation Project in Deerwen, Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China

• • Location: Gande County, Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai, China
  • Software used: iTwin Capture, LumenRT, OpenBuildings, OpenRoads, OpenUtilities, ProStructures, Raceway and Cable Management

Aiming to mitigate power shortages in six cities, improve quality of life and stimulate economic growth, a crucial project was implemented at the 110 kilovolt Deerwen substation in Qinghai, which occupies 3,8 hectares. Given the mountainous location and intricate terrain, the project team needed an integrated design and BIM solution.

The team opted for open applications, allowing for collaborative design and real-time visualization. This enabled a polished and coordinated design of the substation and facilities. They managed to identify and solve 657 collisions, reduce the design period by 40 days and increase construction efficiency by 35%.

The meticulous design led to a 30% savings in material and a decrease in the project's carbon footprint. 3D models and digitized data form the basis for intelligent operations and maintenance, thus establishing a new paradigm for energy industry projects in China.

12. Innovation in Drinking Water and Wastewater

PROJECT CONTROLS CUBED LLC. EchoWater Project

• • Location: Sacramento, California, United States
  • Software used: iTwin, LumenRT, OpenRoads, SYNCHRO
  • WINNER

EchoWater, a major infrastructure initiative in Sacramento, aims to optimize the treatment of approximately 135 million gallons of wastewater per day. This project, which encompasses 22 individual subprojects, faces significant challenges due to its location in a fully operational wastewater treatment facility.

The project team decided to use SYNCHRO and iTwin to develop construction solutions and a digital twin, which made it possible to anticipate and mitigate potential setbacks. Thanks to this strategy, EchoWater was completed with a budget savings of $400 million, resulting in a taxpayer benefit of more than $500 million. The savings are going to fund California's Harvest Water program, which provides purified recycled water to the agricultural industry in the Central Valley.

GEOINFORMATION SERVICES. Achieving 24/7 access to clean water for emerging economies

• • Location: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Project manual: OpenFlows

With an aim to supply safe and reliable drinking water, Ayodhya Authority has partnered with Geoinfo Services to develop a pressurized water supply scheme. This new network will guarantee access to drinking water 24 hours a day and reduce the ANR by 35%. For this purpose, Geoinfo turned to OpenFlows to create a hydraulic model and digital twin of the supply scheme, using variable frequency pumps.

Thanks to the technology, a 75% reduction in design time and optimization of pipe diameters was achieved, resulting in savings of 2,5 million dollars. The optimized network is generating annual savings of $1,5 million in operating expenses and $46.025 in energy costs, in addition to eliminating 347 tons of carbon emissions per year. This digital twin allows virtual monitoring with 95% confidence, helping decision making and risk mitigation

L&T CONSTRUCTION. Rural Water Supply Scheme of Various Villages of Rajghat

• • Location: Ashok Nagar and Guna, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Software used: OpenFlows, OpenRoads, PLAXIS, STAAD

The Rajghat Rural Water Supply Scheme aims to provide irrigation and power through a 7.890 kilometer pipeline system, benefiting 2,5 million people. Despite the challenging terrain and short project timeline.

The team used OpenFlows, PLAXIS and STAAD to complete the engineering in four months, saving 50% in modeling time and increasing productivity 32 times. The applications optimized the design and analysis, reducing the size of the foundation and minimizing the carbon footprint. The 3D models and data will be used for digital operations and maintenance.

Particularly, since AulaGEO Academy, we were consulted by some students from courses such as SYNCHRO, OpenRoads and Microstation, whose companies were participating in this competition. As Home We feel satisfied to have participated both in monitoring some of the proposals and also interviewing the finalists on site at the #YII2023 event in Singapore.

We hope to be present in 2024 and continue bringing you much more information.

About the award

Prizes Going Digital Awards in Infrastructure are a global competition that recognizes digital advances in infrastructure. Its goal is to promote innovation and best practices in engineering, design, construction, operations and project delivery, and celebrate the extraordinary work of organizations that help advance the world's infrastructure.

Nominated projects are evaluated by a panel of independent industry experts to determine the finalists in each category. The finalists present their projects to the juries, the press and those attending the Year in Infrastructure and Going Digital Awards event. Winners are selected by the jury and announced during the event's awards ceremony.