Three-dimensional (3D) building information modeling (BIM) is sweeping the design and
construction industry in the United States. Harnessing the power of the BIM concept and its
tools is an exciting challenge facing the water industry. This paper focuses on innovative tools
and work processes used to create BIM systems unique to the water industry.
Data-driven BIM tools coupled with refined work processes have been used to improve
collaboration and facilitate communication with all project stakeholders. Supplementing the
traditional design process with 3D visualizations and dynamic facility walk-throughs during
initial stages of design has allowed early optimization of plant operability, safety, cost, and
aesthetics. In addition, data-aware models have made it possible to track design and operation
and maintenance (O&M) data, quantities, and costs for use during design, construction, and
operation.
The Placer County Water Agency Ophir Water Treatment Plant in Auburn, California, used BIM
and garnered positive responses from stakeholders. The Columbia Heights Membrane
Ultrafiltration Plant in Minnesota, USA, used BIM to facilitate a post-construction analysis of
change orders, resulting in less than 1% attributed to engineering-related changes. The
Bundamba Advanced Water Treatment Plant in Queensland, Australia, is currently using BIM to
facilitate a fast-tracked engineer/procure/construct project to alleviate the water shortage brought
on by a severe drought. Includes 14 references, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 1.6 MB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 32 |
| Published : | 06/01/2007 |
