Bringing the benefits of BIM to life with Viasys VDC

It’s been almost a year since BIM solutions specialists, Viasys VDC, became part of the Topcon Positioning Group.

Heikki Halttula, CEO and President, and Jani Myllymaa, Vice President of Sales, at Viasys VDC discuss Building Information Modelling (BIM), the latest achievements in virtual design and construction (VDC) and how technology can help improve efficiency on site.

Since BIM Level 2 became mandatory in the UK, worldwide adoption is also increasing, with Norway, Sweden, Singapore, Germany and Vietnam all looking to implement the processes as well. BIM has been proven to have many benefits throughout projects, including improving communication and collaboration throughout the entire construction supply chain.

Virtual design and construction, enabled by Viasys VDC’s software systems, takes BIM one step further. Its multi-disciplinary model management function means users can take information from all project stakeholders and use this to build every stage of construction virtually. In other words, it gives you the chance to build the project twice: once on screen and once on site. In doing so, users can effectively iron out any constructability issues before they occur in the real-world. This has been shown to create up to five to 20 per cent savings on infrastructure projects alone¹.

We recently worked with Helsinki Metro on its project to build a new 17 mile long subway system. Viasys VDC software helped the cities of Helsinki and Espoo, who own the metro line, to ensure that the information gathered during the gigantic construction project can be easily deployed over the 100-year life span of the line.

Viasys VDC’s BIM software combines advanced model analysis, clash detection and 5D simulation to help users achieve flawless designs and increased productivity and profitability throughout the entire workflow.

And, by pairing the BIM software with cutting-edge hardware like unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) for example, engineers can refine models even further by feeding in the most accurate site data and imagery to support the virtual construction.

This has positive impacts on every stage of the build, from laying the foundations, to helping facilities managers maintain the building ten years down the line.

As BIM starts to become the first truly global digital building technology, partnerships like this significantly help to bring this technology to construction professionals across the world. By proactively implementing the software, continuing to gain knowledge on the newest BIM technology and sharing the benefits with those uncertain on moving to the new ways of working, the UK construction industry can seriously look to become global leaders in BIM.

¹ http://www.viasys.com/what-is-vdc/