While developing BIM, we also work on selected BIM pilot projects of all sizes.
These projects are current construction projects covering all installation clusters. BIM is implemented based on specific challenges (use cases). Projects such as track renewal, tunnel construction, station renovation, new structural engineering and energy-related construction projects are covered.
From these projects, we develop use case management, which allows us to develop requirements for future work with BIM in six areas (standards, processes, people, data, systems and procurement/law).
We actively support standardisation in international and national standardisation bodies and thus keep pace with the times. We also involve the rest of the sector in our pilot projects and regular exchanges of information.
We will also pass on the requirements for asset information management (AIM) and a common data environment (CDE) and support implementation.
Here is a selection of pilot projects:
In the context of the future expansion of railway infrastructure (Strategic Development Plan for Railway Infrastructure Expansion Stage 2035), the Confederation and SBB are carrying out an assessment of the Brüttener Tunnel construction project. This additional dual track can relieve the capacity constraint between Zurich and Winterthur, letting around 900 trains run on the route each day.
The centrepiece of the project is the 9km Brüttener Tunnel. The tunnels runs underground in two tubes with diameters of around ten metres each. One tunnel entrance lies to the east of Bassersdorf and a second is near Dietlikon. The two tunnel branches are brought together and come back to the surface near Tössmühle before reaching Winterthur.
BIM testing took place in the subproject for Tunnel Section 2. The project comprises 2 x 8.7 km and 2 x 1.0 km tunnels with two underground overpass structures.
The Etzelwerk hydropower station is a vital and sustainable provider of rail power in Switzerland. The power plant must be renovated. While the 80-year-old pressure line is being replaced, many installation parts can continue to be used and will only be replaced at the end of their life. In the powerhouse, three of seven machine groups are being replaced, along with various support systems.
The renovation works in the powerhouse are worked out using BIM. For the invitation to tender issued for the entire planning process, a PIR project (Information Requirement) was set up with four Use Cases.
The construction project begins in the summer of 2020. The planning works for SIA phases 32 and 33 will run until 2023. The start of renovation work is planned for 2024-2028. Investments for the technical renovations amount to CHF 120 to 130 million.
This track renewal in the Basel goods yard will be carried out in November 2020. Around 430 metres of track, two points and various track elements and specialist units will be renewed.
As another ‘showcase project’ for BIM, this is to be planned and carried out within one year. The main focus of testing for this project is on the planning stage. Implementation should likewise be supported by BIM but this is not the focus.
Various Use Cases should be tested in the planning phase. As a rough guide, these are established in the design of the model, communication, decision-making processes, material procurement processes, construction site inspections and in some individual processes of project management.
