Corballis' contribution to this project was the implementation of a multi-platform information system compliant with Open Building Information Modelling (Open BIM), Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) standards.
We built a software solution to support the full digitalisation of the client’s asset lifecycle management process.
The solution included the following capabilities:
- 3D visualisation using open standards
- Project and issue management
- Model validation - Point cloud processing
- Product Library validation
- Mobile field client
3D visualisation using open formats
The project selected the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes - ISO 16739-1:2018) format for our 3D drawings and E57 (ASTM E2807) standard format for point clouds to ensure a vendor-neutrality, enabling seamless collaboration among engineers regardless of their CAD software choice.
The 3D visualisation component has the following features:
- Multi-model: Swiftly and seamlessly renders multiple 3D drawings and point clouds concurrently.
- Navigation controls: Zooming, Panning, Camera rotation, Component recolouring, Toggling models' visibility (show/hide)
- Base Layers: used OpenStreetMap for better 2D GIS context
- BIM repository: Querying metadata of models
- Point Clouds: Point clouds that have been uploaded to the Repository can be visualised in the 3D Viewer alongside the IFC models, base layers and 3D Tile-sets.
Project and issue management
We used the BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) for organising projects and issues within our system. BCF streamlines collaboration between project members (electrical engineers, architects, mechanical engineers, etc.) by capturing and exchanging comments, issues, or tasks associated with BIM elements in a standard way. The implementation of BCF within our solution allowed different engineering departments to use different CAD software to maintain their drawings. While maintaining a common issue format for all.
Model validation – Point cloud processing
To support the model validation, we integrated our client’s product AutoCorr.
BIM & Scan AutoCorr™ automatically highlights any variations between a point cloud and IFC model using
a specified tolerance.
This allows engineers and project managers to detect the deviations between the actual constructed buildings
and the design drawings. Ensuring design - construction compliance at all stages of the build.
Product Library validation
System supports a model Review and Approval process where:
- Component modellers can submit new BIM models to the system.
- Component supervisors validate component models (accepted or rejected)
- Site design engineers can reuse the approved products from the library when designing the infrastructure sites.
Mobile field client
We have developed a native mobile application for Android to support field engineers on location. This application supports the field engineers by providing the followings:
- Access to design drawings
- 3D visualisation of sites
- Support the carrying out site surveys
- Supports offline mode, when Internet is not available
- Issue management
