Introduction

As cities grow and populations surge, metro systems have become the lifeblood of urban development, driving connectivity, economic growth, and sustainability. These underground arteries not only ease traffic congestion but also serve as catalysts for modernization and urban planning.

In this dynamic landscape, digital tools are revolutionizing how metro systems are designed, built, and managed. From advanced modeling software to AI-powered project monitoring, technology is enabling faster, more efficient, and cost-effective infrastructure development, reshaping the urban environment as we know it.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital process that integrates multidimensional information for creating, managing, and sharing detailed information about the physical and functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure project throughout its lifecycle. BIM integrates 3D modeling with data on materials, systems, costs, schedules, and other project aspects, enabling seamless collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders.

Relevance to Infrastructure

Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

BIM platforms provide better coordination between teams by providing a centralized, data-rich model that all stakeholders can access and update in real time reducing miscommunication and rework.

Improved Design Accuracy

BIM tools enable highly accurate 3D modeling of stations, tracks, tunnels, and other infrastructure. Clash detection features ensure that potential conflicts between systems are identified and resolved during the design phase.

Time and Cost Savings

By simulating construction schedules (4D BIM) and costs (5D BIM), project managers can optimize resources and minimize delays, leading to significant cost savings.

Lifecycle Management

BIM facilitates long-term maintenance and operation of infrastructure by providing comprehensive as-built documentation.

Efficient Construction Management

Digital twin technology powered by BIM provides real-time monitoring and simulation, enabling on-site adjustments that align with the project plan.

Sustainability

BIM aids in designing energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable projects by analyzing performance metrics during the design phase.

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Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays a pivotal role in the digitalization of metro projects, offering transformative benefits that enhance efficiency, collaboration, and project outcomes. By integrating design, construction, and operational data into a unified digital environment, BIM streamlines workflows and enables seamless communication among stakeholders. Its capacity to visualize complex systems in 3D, predict project outcomes through simulation, and facilitate real-time updates ensures greater accuracy and reduced risks. Moreover, BIM fosters collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, minimizing errors and redundancies, while its data-rich models provide a robust foundation for long-term asset management, ensuring metro projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with enhanced operational efficiency.

BIM Automation Case Study:

Overcoming Resource Constraints and Streamlining MEP Design for metro project

Problem Statement from the client:

The client is a leading global construction Engineering Design firm and they were awarded the Role of Lead design consultant for the KVMRT Line-2 project. The Project design phase was very Dynamic due to the complexity involved and the execution and the Timeline was Stringent. There was a huge scarcity of BIM technicians in Malaysia with a background in transportation projects. It was quite challenging  for the customer to develop the inhouse BIM team.

Key Challenges & How we solved the problem:

To address the Resource Scarcity challenge for the client, A team of 1 manager, 10 BIM engineers were engaged offsite and 1 BIM Coordinator Onsite were assigned to the project within a time duration of 1 month. Client had an inhouse process of annotating the CSD sheets which took an approx time of 4 hrs per sheet, Desapex developed an Automation Solution through which time taken for 1 sheet reduced to 1.5-2hrs, and approx 1200  sheets were annotated,which led to a productivity gain of 50% compared to the previously implemented  manual process.

Outcome or How the client got benefitted:

With the support of a dedicated BIM team assigned to the project on very short notice, Client was able to deliver the project within the agreed deadlines, even after many design changes, This Helped the construction stage of the project to start smoothly as the design deliverables were submitted as per the agreed schedule. With the Automation Solution 1200 sheets were delivered in 1800 hrs, which through the Manual process would have taken 2700 hrs. This helped the client to submit the deliverable on time and reduce the errors which would have occurred in the manual process. Which led to a productivity gain of 50% when compared to the previously implemented manual process.

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Conclusion

BIM is not just a tool but a paradigm shift for metro projects. Its ability to digitalize every aspect of design, construction, and operation is transforming how urban transit systems are built and maintained. As cities worldwide grapple with the demands of urbanization, BIM stands out as a vital enabler for the next generation of efficient, sustainable metro systems.