Why is BrIM important in today's bridge industry?

The concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been widely applied in today's construction industry. For most vertical structures or buildings today, which have adopted some kind of BIM technology, the investment has paid out as recent studies have shown an increase in quality and completion time by eliminating miscommunication and avoiding inefficient workflow. Today, a new concept of BIM applied to bridges called Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM) has surfaced and is being applied to various projects around the globe. In contrast to vertical structures, horizontal structures such as bridges have a non-linear geometry that must weave through obstacles, existing structures, and restrictions. Therefore, a BIM software specialized for use in infrastructure projects is required to manage and adapt to these challenges.

Midas CIM, developed by MIDAS IT, is the world's first BrIM-based integrated software that can maximize work efficiency throughout the Planning, Design, Construction, and Management phase of infrastructure projects. With Midas CIM, users can create 3D models and use them for structural planning, analysis & design checks, construction simulations, and 2D drawing drafting. Furthermore, this same model can be used for communication, cost estimations, optimization, and collaboration between the parties involved (designers, engineers, contractors, and clients).

Benefits of BrIM

There are mainly three benefits that BrIM software such as Midas CIM can provide to the bridge industry:

1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Communication
2. Parametric Modeling and Integrated Analysis Interface
3. Time and Budget Savings

Interdisciplinary collaboration and communication

Most bridge-related projects have various parties involved ranging from bridge designers, structural engineers, geotechnical engineers to contractors and clients, they use different tools and communicate through elaborative 2D CAD drawings. However, having a 3D BrIM model in platforms like Midas CIM can help them work more collaboratively, effectively, and simultaneously by using one single model. On Midas CIM, the clients can have an easy-to-follow 3D visual to monitor the overall project process; civil and structural engineers can check for any clashes of reinforcement and tendons; contractors can get exact measurements and quantities for their construction work.

Parametric modelling and integrated analysis interface

Parametric modelling is a new technology in the early stages of development, in which specific parameters are predetermined for each component of the bridge using mathematical equations to develop a design that meets specific design specifications. 3D cross-section models can be generated using the User Parameter interface in Midas CIM. Then, let's suppose that changes are necessary during the different design phases; instead of changing the whole model, the software calculates the modifications and makes the appropriate parametric adjustments to the entire bridge model.

Another beneficial feature provided in Midas CIM is that, users can design their structural model in Midas CIM and export it to Midas Civil (structural analysis software) to perform full-bridge analysis. Once the structural analysis is completed, the modified model can then be exported back to Midas CIM to implement the necessary changes.

Time and cost savings

Users can perform construction stage analysis, which is highly beneficial because it provides good visualization of the project and helps manage the project's construction phases and financial side. Furthermore, Midas CIM can divide the bridge into different segments and perform analysis on each construction stage by providing values such as moments, shears, deflections, creep & shrinkage, etc. This process gives engineers and contractors information on whether the bridge is stable and safe at each construction stage, minimizing risks before and during construction. Additionally, Midas CIM can address constructability issues at each construction stage, reducing cost overruns and scheduling delays.

BrIM can also reduce document errors and omissions, minimize rework, reduce project duration, and minimize risks, all of which contribute to cost savings of the entire project.

Now, let's take a closer look at some of the additional key features provided in Midas CIM.

Additional key features

Alignment-based library modeling: Midas CIM provides Point and Curve libraries where the user can design different components of bridges and assemble them into a single model using the Assembly Unit function.

Smart Template: Midas CIM provides a Smart Template that includes frequently used structures in bridges. Users can customize the template by editing tools or using values taken from Excel.

Structural detail modeling: Midas CIM provides tools where the user can design detailed models, including tendon placement, reinforcement detailing, steel detailing, and bolt & struts detailing.

Terrain modeling: Midas CIM has the ability to create terrain solid models using DWG/DXF topographic maps and boring data.

4D construction simulation: 4D construction simulations can be performed through Midas CIM. These include construction stage analysis as well as concrete pouring schedules.

What's next?

This new concept of BIM will most likely shift the paradigm of the bridge industry. However, even though the new concept is exciting, there is still a long way to go to apply BrIM to the bridge industry. Some of the main reasons are the tendency to maintain the status quo in the project delivery, the investment, and the learning curve associated with the software. Just as we shifted from paper-based drafting to a 2D CAD system, there will undoubtedly be a moment when all bridge-related projects endorse BrIM, so buckle up and be part of this amazing innovation.

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