Water & Wastewater Treatment Magazine
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www.wwtonline.co.uk | WWT | may 2017 | 25 methods removes any ambiguity from the delivery process and provides formal constraints for the design team to work within – helping to reduce any errors at handover. Parties work within project containers which contribute towards a Common Data Environment (CDE). This consists of a graphical information model and a non- graphical asset database. The key benefit of container based working, is the ability for teams to work together and within specific volumes. For example, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers are able to collaborate, avoiding the collision of services within installations. The non-graphical asset database captures all documentation including constituent product technical details and a naming convention provides a reference for these within the CDE. These technical details are captured within Product Data Sheets which are supplied by manufacturers. For example, pumps are referenced in a particular manner which indicates their type, location and what specific project they are installed on. Conventional information about performance and maintenance is also given. The main benefit here is the ability for specification teams to contrast and compare products and systems with other similar solutions. For example, it would enable the itemisation of spare parts within a whole life cost analysis resulting in a more accurate prediction. Benefits The combined process of designing in a graphical model alongside a geographical information system and non- graphical asset database supports augmented reality, and the ability to build off-site both of which improve safer practices of work in construction and facility management. One example of this is the construction of packaged pump stations and wastewater treatment plant whereby manufacture, assembly and testing is completed away from site and the asset is set into a location using a single crane visit. This dramatically reduces the construction team's time on site and their exposure to risk. The methods also allow physical modelling of hydraulic structures and pumping stations to become more efficient. The 3-dimensional design will allow direct import into computational fluid dynamic analysis, without lengthy redraws from traditional 2-dimensional files. Further technologies are also becoming available such as additive manufacture for rapid prototyping, or 3-dimensional printing - this enables design teams to physically review the models before signoff into construction. Going forward In the beginning, many may have been reluctant to embrace change within the design, construction and installation of water industry assets using the methods set out by BIM. However, as the benefits become clear, our industry is responding which in turn is driving efficiencies across the supply chain. This is ultimately the goal of BIM, and we must now ensure its legacy, which will mean the continued sharing of knowledge and product data resulting in better customer service. For more information on Xylem please contact 0115 940 0111 or visit www. xylemwatersolutions.com/uk. The graphical model supports augmented reality and the ability to build off-site