5D BIM Implementation In Nagpur Metro Project: An Exemplary Case Of Tech Infusion In India’s Infra Segment

Project management has always been a challenge in India which is evident with delaying of numerous mega projects of the country in the past coupled with overwhelming quality and safety issues. Furthermore, these challenges spill over to the operation and maintenance wings of the projects, shrinking their efficiency and ROIs considerably.

The Nagpur Metro project, however, is set to stand apart as a differentiator in this regard with the implementation of 5D BIM digital project management platform. The platform integrates the benefits of an ERP software like SAP with construction design software and project management software from other tech giants, thus allowing a 5-Dimensional view of the project in near-time. The combined ability of these multiple technology products integrated into a single 5-Dimensional Digital Project Management Platform has played a decisive role in ensuring project delivery timelines and cutting upfront expenditures.

The state-of-the-art metro project is leveraging 5D BIM with SAP ERP supported by Owner’s support office deployed by Highbar Technocrat Limited. The digital platform will capacitate Nagpur Metro to achieve enhanced construction quality, curtailing of construction-related expenditures, comprehensive understanding of the project design and optimized operational efficiencies. The entire ecosystem of Maha Metro including GC, DDC’s and Contractors are using this digital platform.

The metro project stands an ideal specimen, revealing unequalled benefits which mega projects can reap with the early implementation of cutting-edge technology platforms in their budding phase.

While legacy experience reflects that projects of big magnitude and large infrastructural projects take 8-10 years owing to procedural formalities and financial and technical requirements which were processed in a methodical fashion.  The introduction of 5D BIM for infra projects has altogether transformed this trend, with projects now meeting stringent deadlines with ease.

5 Dimension Building Information Modelling (5D BIM) at a Glance

5D BIM also referred as five-dimensional building information modelling enables extraction or production of fully valued invariable project constituents via a virtual model.

It also enables professionals to generate models which comprehensively illustrate changes in key design elements including layouts, materials, square footage etc. This not only impacts the shape and size of the project but also the capital expenditures (CAPEX) associated with it.

While legacy infrastructure projects have been based on fixed pre-construction design concepts with building drawings which aren’t subject to change, 5D BIM has paved the way for evolving designs.

This has translated in much more efficient processes, eliminating excessive expenditures and time-consuming design changes during the ongoing construction of the projects.

Early stage design process comes as a crucial part of the pre-construction activity involving the scope of work and precise cost predictions as per the requirements of the client.

At present, 5D BIM serves as a centralised solution enabling builders, owners, architects and engineers to work in synchronisation and make changes in designs in the initial stages of construction. The platform is also enabling the key stakeholders of the project to estimate how certain design changes will affect the viability of the project.

Be it appearance, cost or construction schedule, the entire components of the project can be evaluated.

The Colossal Benefits of 5D BIM

Leveraging the suggestions of the project team as well as experts who are into project estimation, clients can make informed and impactful decisions to ensure that their project expectations are feasibility met.

Utilization of BIM in a 5D approach also enables unparalleled transparency in each of the processes, ensuring higher efficiency and timely completion of the project.

Below are the key benefits which a 5D BIM inclusion brings to a project-:

The capabilities of data and visual modelling enables unprecedented predictability rendering a more methodical project scope.

The entire project team garners a detailed understanding of the project design, the estimations related to the project as well as cost impacting factors allowing them to have simulation and analysis on various parameters of the project.

Data can be fed in real time as the project development matures. Any alternatives which can escalate the feasibility and ROI of the project are easily explored and the owners, with an abundance of consequential data in hand, can make crucial decisions.

The project estimation and design cycle time are considerably lower as against legacy processes. Accurate and reliable insights in real time ensuring that the project transforms into a viable success.

The Nagpur Metro 5D BIM system encompasses of 3D models and the related data nestled in a common data environment termed as Electronic Data Management System (EDMS). The 5DBIM Digital Project Management platform also offers significant benefits in post commissioning operation and maintenance by way of easy, visual access to vendor contracts and asset warranties with suitable alerts.

By Mr. Upagupta Patnaik - Business Head, Highbar Technocrat Ltd.