Research capability and projects

PROJECT ECHO
Initiated by Woodside Energy Ltd, and led by Mr Martijn Truijens, Project Echo aims to use leading edge technology to improve productivity and performance in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) construction industry. The project team has created a new construction system that can be used by a range of end users, from workers to project managers, and has a number of mobile applications. The system aids construction through the use of a virtual assembly tool that locates the user in a physical space and then overlays a 3D model of what needs to be assembled in that space. It then provides a step-by-step animation of the exact assembly sequence. Depending on the end user’s role, the system also provides information from 2D/3D drawings, specifications, installation manuals, inspection requirements, and cost and schedule information. The time and costs associated with errors, rework, omissions, waste, slips and lapses made by workers can be significantly reduced using this fully integrated system. Direct benefits include increased productivity, enhanced design quality and savings in the costs of materials and labour.

AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL LINKAGE PROJECTS
The BIM Centre is continually working towards applying for and completing a multitude of Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects. The Linkage Projects scheme provides funding to support research and development ventures involving collaboration between researchers and industry partners to acquire new knowledge and innovations. Our close collaboration with industry partners gives depth and purpose to the BIM Centre’s research, so that we can meet the demands of real-world situations. Examples of ARC Linkage projects that the BIM Centre is currently involved in:

• Using mobile computing technology to transform productivity on LNG plants – through the use of new mobile technology BIM Centre researchers are able to streamline construction, maintenance, and personnel management on LNG plants.
• Optimising scaffolding design and construction – by utilising a dynamic scaffolding planning system the BIM Centre can not only optimise scaffolding construction and maintenance, but also increase its lifecycle.

480 HAY STREET PROJECT
An exciting partnership between BPi and the Australasian Joint Research Centre for Building Information Modelling will see the building of a new five-star hotel in Perth’s CBD. The ‘480 Hay Street project’ will use Open BIM, a platform that takes a universal and collaborative approach to building construction based on open standards and workflows. Through data sharing, processes can be streamlined and project costs reduced. The proposed building on 480 Hay Street is designed as a skyscraper. When built, it will be Perth’s ninth tallest tower, containing 37,100 square metres of office space and 268 hotel rooms, managed by the Westin hotel chain. 480 Hay Street is the first parcel of land to be developed under the state government’s Hotel Development Incentive Scheme. The project is due for completion in 2017.

SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE PROJECTS
The BIM Centre is currently involved in several exciting projects with the Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre. These projects focus on the future of the industry, and aim to encourage the incorporation of BIM technologies in future design and construction projects. One of these projects is using BIM computing technology to improve scaffolding safety, both in use and during construction. This will mean that, not only is scaffolding construction leaner and more affordable, but that onsite worker safety is also greatly expanded. As the knowledge of BIM and its use within the construction industry is evolving, current construction guidelines are often obsolete when used alongside new technologies. In response, the BIM Centre is involved in revising the current construction guidelines to incorporate new advancements in BIM technological fields and importing the guidelines to streamline processes for developers and decision makers.