Best Use of Technology: Digital Engineering

This category recognises teams using digital engineering to improve a project. This may be on infrastructure or a building project and can cover areas such as improving the design, management or construction using new digital techniques.

Aecom

Using unique innovative techniques AECOM were able to overcome many constraints and successfully complete the inspection of Gateshead Viaduct under budget and programme, providing savings to the client. Developing a remote-controlled inspection vehicle allowed for the internal deck voids to be inspected safely from ground level, negating the requirement for manned entry into the deck voids which posed an unacceptable risk to health and safety. This, together with using an AECOM developed automated report writing tool allowed considerable savings to be made with regards to cost and programme.

Bam Nuttall

Ahead of our time: The 4D leap

At BAM, we redefined our 4D modelling workflows to boost efficiency and interactivity. Tackling resource-heavy processes and 4D animation limitations, we aimed for a scalable, time-saving solution. Implemented on the £650M Eastern Green Link 2 project, our strategy included: • Automation: Streamlined 4D model production, reducing time and cost, and minimising human error. • "As-Live" Models: Real-time updates synced with project progress, enhancing planning confidence and usefulness. • Interactivity: Game engine tech allowed detailed, user-driven exploration, elevating project insight. Our streamlined approach optimised 4D model production, improved functionality, and boosted user engagement. This submission demonstrates BAM's leadership in digital engineering, showcasing how innovative technology can revolutionise project management and execution, delivering substantial improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and communication.

GHD & Network Rail

The Watford Tunnel Approach Cutting

The Watford Tunnel Approach Cutting – Major Earthwork Management Strategy is a pilot study for Network Rail that demonstrates multiple quantifiable benefits to its major earthworks management strategy, representing a step-change in its operations, and setting a precedent for technical excellence in the site inspection field. This online digital twin of the Watford earthwork, built on GHD’s DTO technology, constitutes a low-cost, high-speed collaborative platform solution providing a full spectrum of infrastructure asset information. By integrating multiple information types in a single intuitive interface, the platform augments traditional on-site surveys with multiple ground engineering and climate data layers, as well as readily accessible historic reports. The net result is a powerful tool that reduces the cost, risk and disruption of site inspection while accelerating and enhancing effective decision-making. It has been proven to have a transformative impact on the efficacy of site inspection in this location.

Network Rail

AVA

AVA is the largest and possibly the only footbridge on the GB rail network that consists almost entirely of stainless steel. In addition, the design for manufacturing principles and the modern methods of construction implemented mean that it is now possible to produce the parts for a large number of footbridges much quicker than if fabricating conventional footbridges and therefore the benefits from economies of scale and the decoupling of the manufacturing stage from the project critical path are much greater. The extensive use of digitalisation and technology in the materials as well as all the processes and operations during the project’s development stages can revolutionise the way footbridges are commissioned in a way similar to the one the introduction of the assembly line and the Ford Model-T achieved in the automotive industry in the early 20th century.

Network Rail

The Parametric Frame Bridge

The Parametric Frame Bridge is a design configurator and feasibility tool developed by Gottlieb Paludan Architects for Network Rail to facilitate and automate the design process for the Frame footbridge. The user inputs basic design parameters such as span and required headroom clearance and the BIM parametric model without other applications or background knowledge produces an outline 3d model which can be used to extract design drawings as well as detailed steel quantities and material costs. The user can also change the parameters and the tool works to immediately produce an updated model, illustrating the consequences of changing the bridge design while retaining the original design intent and functional integrity, and optimising the structural design and providing revised costs and quantities therefore significantly reducing design time and cost.

Transcend Software

Transforming project planning with digital engineering: A case study of the Rayer-bazar WWTP

Transcend's collaboration with ADB and Dhaka WASA on the Rayerbazar WWTP project showcases the transformative power of digital engineering. By utilizing the Transcend Design Generator (TDG), the project team minimized risks, reduced costs, and expedited decision-making. The innovative use of TDG generated detailed, compact design options, significantly improving project planning and management. This case study exemplifies how advanced digital techniques can revolutionize infrastructure projects, making Transcend a leader in the field of generative design software for critical infrastructure projects.

WS-Software

WSDelayAnalysis

WSDelayAnalysis is a software program designed to perform delay analysis in construction projects. The software is able to handle complex scenarios involving up to three concurrent delay events, each influenced by three independent predecessor activities. This functionality mimics advanced scheduling software like P6.