Bridge and engineering firm Mabey has unveiled the industry’s first “Live BIM” tool which it claims will bring real-time monitoring of stresses on buildings.
Using Live BIM, 3D models of buildings, rail, roads and bridges will be connected with real-time sensors. It combines 3D modelling with physical and environmental data and creates digital graphics which change shape and colour as problems arise in specific areas.
It has already been used by Mabey on its tunnelling work on London’s Crossrail. It worked alongside Mabey’s propping and jacking systems and ensured that the existing Docklands Light Railway was safe. As the structure moved, hydraulics were used to keep it in the same place and keep the railway open.
Chris Carter, contracts director at Mabey, said: “BIM is already a significant part of our business, and we are continuing to innovate with technology to deliver the most advanced monitoring capabilities.
“Bringing these two elements together will provide a fuller, more comprehensive picture of how structures are behaving, delivering valuable insights into the lifecycle of construction, civil engineering projects and infrastructure.
“Our customers rely on our expert monitoring team for round-the-clock alerts on everything from heritage building reconstructions to new flyovers, but they also want access to data which is presented in a way that’s easy to interpret and interact with themselves – this is critical to helping them make better and faster decisions, improve safety and reduce costs.”
Live BIM will be available to Mabey customers from early 2017.
This article was first published on BIM+’s sister publication Construction Manager.
Our customers rely on our expert monitoring team for round-the-clock alerts on everything from heritage building reconstructions to new flyovers, but they also want access to data which is presented in a way that’s easy to interpret and interact with themselves.– Chris Carter, Mabey
