BIM Application Bridge: Benefits of an OpenBIM Workflow

BIM in bridge engineering has significantly improved the design, construction, and management processes of these important infrastructure projects. This advanced methodology integrates various technologies to optimize efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability in bridge construction.

Thanks to openBIM standards, every aspect of the BIM application in bridges is enhanced, from design and problem detection at every stage of the infrastructure’s life cycle to long-term management.

In this article, we delve into how the use of IDS, bSDD, and IFC ensures that all information is managed in an interoperable manner and compliant with standards, improving collaboration among various stakeholders and ensuring technical and regulatory compliance throughout the entire life cycle of the bridge.

Key Benefits of openBIM in Bridge Design

The use of BIM in the design and construction of bridges, often referred to as Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM), when associated with openBIM standards such as IDS, bSDD, and IFC, offers a significant improvement at every stage of the project:

• advanced design and planning: BIM provides enhanced 3D visualization and fosters collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. This allows designers to explore different design alternatives, identify potential conflicts early on, and optimize designs before construction begins. With the integration of openBIM standards, the design and planning process for bridges becomes even more efficient. The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) enables the creation of detailed three-dimensional models that can be shared among different software and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that all parties involved work from the same updated data set. This reduces the risk of errors related to information fragmentation. Additionally, the use of IDS (Information Delivery Specification) allows for clear definition of information requirements from the early stages of the project. This means that during the design phase, it is possible to immediately verify whether the model meets established criteria, such as dimensions, materials, and technical specifications. OpenBIM standards thus facilitate the identification and resolution of conflicts already in the design phase, reducing delays and future costs;
• life cycle management: BIM serves as a comprehensive repository for asset information throughout the life cycle of a bridge. This includes data management for maintenance and inspections. One of the main advantages of BIM, enhanced by openBIM standards, is the effective management of the bridge’s life cycle. Through the combined use of bSDD and IFC, BIM models can include detailed and structured information regarding materials, maintenance conditions, and inspection plans. The bSDD (buildingSMART Data Dictionary) allows for enriching the model with standardized and consistent information, ensuring that the data used during the maintenance and management phase of the bridge is reliable and interoperable. This simplifies the integration of technologies such as IoT sensors or drones for real-time monitoring, improving the predictability of maintenance operations. The data stored in the IFC model can be continuously updated to reflect the current state of the bridge, facilitating proactive maintenance and extending the useful life of the structure;
• cost and time efficiency: the use of BIM can lead to significant cost savings during construction – reducing waste and improving project efficiency. Furthermore, BIM optimizes the overall project timeline from planning to completion.

The openBIM Workflow: IDS, bSDD, and IFC

To fully leverage the benefits of BIM in bridge design, it is essential to adopt an openBIM approach based on open standards. Three key components of this workflow are the Information Delivery Specification (IDS), the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD), and the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC).

Information Delivery Specification (IDS)

The IDS is a fundamental document that defines the information requirements necessary for data exchange in BIM projects. Developed by buildingSMART, the IDS is designed to be easily readable by both humans and computers, ensuring clear and precise communication among the parties involved.

The IDS specifies in detail what information must be provided and how it should be structured. It is used to ensure that BIM models meet the client’s requirements. With tools like usBIM.IDS, it is possible to validate IFC models against the IDS specifications, identifying any informational gaps and quickly correcting errors​.

To create an effective IDS:

1. identify the information necessary for the bridge project;
2. use tools like usBIM.IDSeditor to create the IDS document;
3. structure the document including introduction, information requirements, data format, and responsibilities;
4. validate the IDS file to ensure it meets project requirements.

buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD)

The bSDD is an online dictionary that collects standardized classes, properties, and values to ensure the quality and consistency of information in BIM models. It allows for enriching models with precise and consistent information, facilitating the classification of structural elements and ensuring that all information is accessible and interoperable.

To effectively use the bSDD:

1. access the bSDD through tools like usBIM.bSDD;
2. select the relevant classifications and properties for the bridge project;
3. define the information requirements for each project element;
4. organize the elements into milestones or project phases.

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)

The IFC is the most widely used open exchange format in the BIM world. This standard facilitates interoperability between different software platforms, allowing for efficient data management throughout all phases of a project, from design to maintenance. The integration of IFC into BIM processes for bridges enhances collaboration among the various stakeholders involved, reducing errors and ambiguities in the data.

Implementing the openBIM Workflow in Bridge Projects

An efficient openBIM workflow for bridges follows a well-defined process that maximizes the benefits offered by the IDS, bSDD, and IFC standards. The steps in this process are:

• creation of an IDS: the creation of the IDS begins with defining the information requirements of the project, selecting relevant classes and properties through the bSDD. Each project element, such as piles or spans, is associated with an appropriate IFC entity​;
• validation of the IFC model: once the IDS is created, the IFC model is validated using tools like usBIM.IDS, checking that all required properties are present and compliant​. Any errors can be corrected using an online IFC editor, such as usBIM.editor, which allows real-time modification of model values;
• data management during the life cycle: once the model is completed and verified, it is used throughout all phases of the bridge’s life cycle, including maintenance, thanks to the rich amount of information provided by the IFC standard​.

Case Study: The Musmeci Bridge in Potenza

A concrete example of the application of openBIM standards is the project of the Musmeci Bridge in Potenza. During the “openBIM^® Seeing is Believing” session of the IHEEP Conference 2024 presented by Min Song from buildingSMART USA, it was illustrated how it is possible to manage an IFC model of the bridge through advanced openBIM tools​.

Min Song and Ian Howell from buildingSMART USA: an innovative case study highlighting the potential for interoperability in the world of openBIM integrated with GIS.

The process begins with the creation of an Information Delivery Specification (IDS) starting from the specifications provided by the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD).

Creation of the IDS file by retrieving the properties of the entities from the bSDD of buildingSmart International

Subsequently, through the platform usBIM.geotwin, the IFC model of the bridge is opened to classify it and add the required properties using usBIM.bSDD.

Insertion of properties of the bridge entities using usBIM.bSDD

After completing the classification, the model is checked with usBIM.IDS. During the model validation, an error related to a missing property is reported by usBIM.IDS.

Validation of properties taken from the buildingSmart Data Dictionary (bSDD) through the specifications set in an IDS file

This problem is quickly resolved by using usBIM.editor, updating the model to make it compliant with the requirements.

Modification, addition, and deletion of properties that do not match the requirements of the IDS file through usBIM.editor

This case study concretely demonstrates the value of the openBIM methodology through standards such as IFC and tools like bSDD and IDS, showing how these can be applied to improve the management of infrastructure projects and collaboration.

Watch the full video on “How to apply openBIM in bridges: a guide to the openBIM workflow with IDS, bSDD, and IFC standards”