BIM Computational Design

BIM - Automation in Design Process for MAHSR C4 Viaduct

Problem Description

The MAHSR C4 (Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail) Project consisted of laying Viaducts as one of the major tasks. This consisted of designing Pile, Pile Cap, Pier, Pier Cap, Deck Spans, S&T Ducts, OHE Pole, Noise Barrier etc. in 3D & in vastly varied sizes and their alignment in coordinates were horizonal as well as curved with varying radius.
Challenge-Viaduct Placements in Autodesk Revit (BIM Environment) for interoperability across platforms.
It emerged to be a 3-step tedious process
- Collect and Import the Coordinate drawing of Span Configuration from AutoCAD to Revit.
- Individually model Substructure superimposing the CAD Drawing (Foundation, Pier, Pier Cap).
- Verify the coordinates of model with Pier schedule.

Authored by
P.Sangeeth Kumar
Head – BIM, HC Infra IC

This process was to be followed for an entire stretch of 236 KM and reusability within model was restricted to only identical dimension components. Analyzing further revealed that even a minor difference of variation in a similar type of element resulted in modelling it again with applicable size. Coordinates and Rotation Angle was required to be reverified for modelled elements at each stage to ensure accuracy in Pier Schedule. This was a heavy on time work with a lot of fragility around the model development.
This is where disruption was required through assistance of currently present resources to overcome the challenge. Thus, a concept of Automation was imagined on papers and theoretical approach was taken to tune it to resolve this major task in hand.
Outcome achieved was establishment of Automation for modifying a parametric component in accordance to variations and accurately placing them in the desired coordinates as well as cutting down the man power and time required to shorten this task.

Image representing Model being developed over 2D CAD Drawing

"We had to work on Revit Dynamo to Create automation, and I must say, it has completely transformed the way we work. As a BIM Manager, I often find myself spending countless hours on repetitive tasks, such as Model updates, Generating Views, and Managing data. However, with Revit Dynamo automation, these tasks have become a breeze. One of the most impressive aspects of Revit Dynamo automation is its ability to streamline workflows. By creating custom scripts, We can automate repetitive tasks and eliminate human error. For example, I can now automatically generate 3D model of Viaduct based on specific parameters, saving me hours of manual work. This not only increases efficiency but also ensures accuracy in my project documentation. Overall, Revit Dynamo automation has been a game-changer for us. It has not only saved our time and effort but has also enhanced the quality of our work."

Methodology & Tool used

To address the Automation of Structural Components in Viaduct in conjunction to mass placement, a BIM based solution has been derived using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit Structure, Dynamo (An Open Source Visual Programming Language) and Navisworks Manage.
Here BIM has acted as a Bridge to provide exchange of information and networking the same to support at major decision making throughout the project.

Image representing Individual Parametric Components

Solutions / Innovation initiatives taken

To reduce the human error for placement of Structural Components in targeted Geolocation Coordinates, a Dynamo Script was developed inside Revit.
This script was further updated to resolve the requirement of modifying an existing piece of parametric component to match the desired parameters of components required at each location as per design.
On a large scale this custom-tailored Script could easily create and place the structural components at desired coordinates and as per their size which has been fed as Inputs by the user.
Avoiding repetitive processes and automate through programming to place the entire stretch of Pile, Pile Cap, Pier, Pier cap and Super Structure including Deck furnishing.

Image representing Excel Inputs being read by Dynamo Script

This whole process of helped in creating model in a very short span of 10-15 mins consisting of numerous elements including Pier, Pier Cap, Foundation, Deck, S&T Duct, Noise Barrier, OHE Pole etc.). Post implementation modification of model was very easy & it needed to changed inputs in excel and hit run.

"Automation processes results in optimization of time, elimination of tasks that generate waste and thus increasing the overall performance. Dynamo-Revit automation provides a versatile and comprehensive solution in this area, which is crucial in the age of technology aided Construction. Increased BIM workflow automation is the way to optimize the time/cost for large-scale Infrastructure projects and enhance construction efficiency. It provides improved workflows, faster designs, efficient documentation, and that can fulfil cost, quality, and schedule targets. Using current data to automate BIM is just one of the many ways to continue to innovate. Many more are yet to be explored by the AEC industry."

V.Sadasivam

HEAD - EDRC (UT SBG)

Innovation: Uniqueness of the solution

A Parametric Model of any component which has various numerical variations on each chainage doesn’t require individual modelling
Learning Curve isn’t required to implement this solution. It has been carefully structured to change at one click as per excel numerical inputs for every element.
Time required to complete/modify a phase is substantially reduced down and quicker than any other resolutions.
Error in size of components and placement in coordinates is vastly minimised as there is no human intervention except providing inputs.
As per design requirements more parameters can be added/removed from a Parametric Family at ease, e.g. As per stakeholder’s requirement a Pier Tag indicating Pier Number was added to the model in advanced stage and was easily reciprocated to subsequent phases.

Image representing editable Parameters of Pier Cap

"Revit Dynamo automation has greatly improved collaboration within my team. By automating repetitive/time consuming tasks, we can work more efficiently and focus on more important aspects of our projects such as Cost, Quantity/ Quality, Site Coordination etc. It has also allowed us to standardize our workflows, ensuring consistency across all our projects."

V.Senthilkumar

Chief Engg. Manager – EDRC Metros

Business impact: Benefits delivered (Productivity, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety & ESG)

Better Coordination and Clash Detection: One third of man hours has been saved by avoiding manual modeling which is almost 800-900 hours of time and productivity increased to 35%.
Improved Onsite Collaboration & Communication: Human errors have been avoided and provided the design model with 100% accuracy in terms of Geolocation coordinates and 95 % accuracy in Quantities.
Model Based Cost Estimation: By extracting the high accuracy complete quantity from actual scale 3D BIM model, 10-15% of cost can be saved.
Increase Productivity with Prefabrication: Delivery time for every similar project can now be simulated and calculated more precisely using these models for Real Progress vs Planned Progress.
Mitigate Risk and Better Safety on Construction Sites: Number of accidents and risks has been reduced when the Safety managers can access the BIM model on the job site, helping to improve inspections and validate that safety provisions are being met.

Horizontal view

"The time savings achieved through automation are significant. Tasks that used to take hours or even days can now be completed in a matter of minutes. This not only frees up valuable time but also allows us to focus on design and problem-solving. By automating repetitive tasks, Revit Dynamo automation helps eliminate human error. The scripts ensure consistency and accuracy in our work, reducing the risk of mistakes and rework. This is particularly important when working on large projects with tight deadlines."

Senthil Kumar Ganapathy

HEAD - EDRC (HCI IC)

Before & After status

Before status

2D Drawings were solely used for construction and for calculating BOQ of Materials which resulted in excess of manual work, time and variance in output.
There was no medium to visualise such huge projects in 3D prior to construction.

After status

A 3D BIM model provides a vision of what's lying ahead as well as it can be easily modified and reviewed.
This model can be used to derive accurate quantities, construction schedules, clash detection simulations etc.

Horizontal deployment & sustainability of the initiative

Horizontal deployment

The core concept of this innovation is placement and simulating a parametric model. This concept can be further iron out depending on the project and can be molded further to be utilized at various situations such as Underground Tunnel, Bridges, Subway and many more Transportation based Infrastructure.

Sustainability

we have showcased the use and utilization of this innovation through projecting extensive awareness of its existence and benefits that can be reap to all the stakeholders present in similar projects.
we plan to document all the processes, applications and tools used in the project from scratch to conclusion in digital format so that it can be a handheld for people who tend to face or commence similar projects.

Perspective view

"Revit Dynamo automation has revolutionized our workflow, resulting in significant time savings and enhanced model accuracy and consistency in MAHSR projects. As a BIM Coordinator, I can now effortlessly automate 3D Viaduct models and generate comprehensive reports. This newfound efficiency has not only enabled me to handle a higher volume of projects but also ensured timely delivery. For any construction professional seeking to streamline their processes, Revit Dynamo automation is an indispensable tool."