BIM implementation schedule.

SBB is introducing BIM in several stages:

• 2024: Stage 0, preparation. SBB puts construction projects out to tender with BIM.
• 2025: Stage 1, planning. SBB plans construction projects with BIM.
• 2028: Stage 2, construction. SBB implements construction projects with BIM.
• 2029: Stage 3, commissioning. SBB commissions and finalises construction projects with BIM.
• 2031: Stage 4, operation. SBB operates, maintains and services its installations and structures with BIM support.

Ongoing BIM projects.

SBB is already planning numerous projects using BIM.

Examples of real estate projects.

Letzi Turm building Zurich.

The Letzi Turm is a twin tower block in Zurich’s Altstetten neighbourhood. It offers space for 177 rental flats in two towers on 22 storeys. The ground floor also features commercial spaces and studios.

SBB consistently relied on the BIM method for the construction of the Letzi Turm from the preliminary project phase and drew up a BIM strategy. The aggregated data is now also used in the operation of the Letzi Turm.

Examples of infrastructure projects.

Zimmerberg Tunnel 2. 

To allow the planned expansion of train services between Zurich and Lucerne by 2035, SBB needs to adapt the railway infrastructure in Baar, Zug, Cham and Rotkreuz.

With the Zimmerberg Base Tunnel 2, the Swiss Confederation and SBB are therefore planning an additional underground double-track line between Thalwil and Zug. In Thalwil, it connects underground to the existing Zimmerberg Base Tunnel 1. 

The complex project includes extensions to both SBB’s railway network and its power network. BIM makes coordination between the specialist departments involved more efficient.

Renewal of the Etzelwerk power plant.  

The Etzelwerk power plant was built in the 1930s and produces environmentally friendly rail power for the greater Zurich area and the Einsiedeln region. After more than 90 years of operation, various parts of the plant are reaching the end of their service life and need to be replaced. Planning for this is being carried out using the BIM methodology. The project team scans existing installations that need to be converted or renewed and derives as-built models from these scans. These form the basis for project planning.

BIM supports project management in all phases: For example, it improves construction-site logistics and facilitates construction-phase planning. In the long term, SBB aims to create a reliable digital twin of the buildings and installations, which will also be used in operation and management.