Effective collaboration with Trimble Quadri

Read this story in Swedish here

Veidekke and Structors make use of BIM and VDC in the Sörredskorsningen reconstruction outside of Gothenburg, which contributes immensely to increased levels of efficiency and quality in the project. The common project model in Trimble Quadri offers great value during both the planning and the construction phase. 

The project itself includes a new traffic area and various changes to road 155, as well as the surrounding local road network. Also included in the project is a 100m long bridge over road 155, two new roundabouts and a reconstruction of the industrial track to Volvo's Torslanda factory. 

Veidekke has the turnkey contract and hires sub-consultants for the design - Structor Mark for the road, VA and geotechnics, and Inhouse Tech for the bridge construction.

Construction data that is always correct
“The 3D model has become absolutely central to everything we do in the project,” says Roberto Lucchesi, Veidekke's Measurement Manager for the contract. “As a contractor, using Quadri as a model database means we always have access to the designer's model and can retrieve construction data in real time. In this way, we can use the same updated model as the designer out on the construction site and always work with the correct data.”

Many advantages
“We use the 3D model for both visualization of TA plans and work preparations at various project meetings, as well as for machine control and quantity withdrawal,” continues Lucchesi. 

“We built the Sörredsmotet as a 3D model and used VR glasses so that the skilled workers could see what the project would look like when it’s finished. This gives an even better understanding of, and commitment to, the project. We also use scanning with drones to monitor the progress of the project throughout the construction period. 

Saves time and money
“The most important thing about this way of working is that you shorten response times and save money,” points out Roberto Lucchesi. “You can cut back on traditional meetings and shorten decision-making paths. Decisions can be made much faster when working with BIM and VDC, and everyone gets the same picture and understanding of the project.”

Quality control
“By building up all technical areas in 3D in a common Quadri project model, we also get very good collision control between the various technical areas,” says Jerker Aspgård of Structor Mark. “Errors can easily be missed if you only look at 2D drawings. The ability to clearly see and eliminate clashes between the different technical areas is a very big advantage.”

“We build everything as a Quadri model, hosted on our own server at Veidekke. The contractor has direct access to everything we design. The fact that Veidekke can continuously monitor our design makes it easier for them to answer any questions or concerns we have during the course of the project. It makes it easy for them to keep up with the questions that come up.” 

Why not all projects?
Both Aspgård and Lucchesi believe that the reason not all projects use this way of working yet is predominantly because it is rarely required by clients. Unfortunately, not everyone in the industry seems to be quite ready for BIM.

“It takes a little extra work to get a really good 3D model up,” explains Aspgård. “So, if the client doesn’t set the requirement, it’s often not worth the effort. We now almost always work in 3D with the road and VA teams, but if the requirements are not set that the client must have access to the model, then the incentive to complete the 3D planning in full is reduced.”

“It is crucial that you have the right organization in place and a willingness to use new technology and new working methods,” explains Lucchesi. “In the planning stage, it is important to have people with decision-making abilities in key roles so that you can make quick decisions continuously as questions arise.”

Sharing experiences
“From our point of view, perhaps the most important thing is that you start with the right organization from the beginning and that you set interim goals for what you aim to achieve with BIM and VDC at an early stage,” says Lucchesi.

“A basic requirement for the consultant, and the most important thing, is that they can design at the right level of detail in 3D. It isn’t necessary that all the details are equally beautiful and rich in detail, but that we get all the necessary construction data in 3D.

“Together, you should set goals early on to establish which parts are valuable for the contractor to receive in 3D, and collectively determine levels of detail that are suitable for different parts of the project. It is important to go through how the contractor can also retrieve data from the model,” says Aspgård.

Both Aspgård and Lucchesi finish by pointing out that it is also important to get the Quadri server up and running as early as possible in the project, as well as agreeing on who is responsible for each part of the model and how updates and sharing to the other technical areas will be achieved. 

It is key that the client makes clear demands of the designer. 

Trimble Solutions Gothenburg AB offers comprehensive solutions for the planning, designing and maintenance of civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Our employees have many years of industry experience and are driven by a desire to simplify everyday life for Trimble customers. The core of the offering by Trimble is the software developed in-house, Trimble Novapoint and Trimble Quadri. The Trimble Group today has over 8,000 employees, with offices in over 35 countries.