Case studies

DBC Building Services used Building Information Modelling (BIM) and advanced manufacturing techniques to improve safety and efficiency in the mechanical services installation for the Dunedin Outpatients Building. Using 3D modelling and direct-to-fabrication processes, the team significantly reduced on-site work at height, improved accuracy, and created a safer work environment.

On the ACC Ōtepoti project, a 5.6-meter void existed below the service deck on the top floor. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) enabled the project team to identify and address potential health and safety hazards associated with wall construction and services installation onto this space. By using the 3D model to facilitate open communication among stakeholders, the team could thoroughly investigate and address potential risks and possible alternatives before construction began, leading to a safer and more efficient building process.

On the Court Theatre project, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has fostered a more collaborative culture among subcontractors, encouraging them to consider the work of other trades and coordinate their efforts more effectively. By providing a holistic view of the project and enabling better communication, BIM has helped to break down the “first in best dressed” mentality and promote a more cooperative approach to construction delivery, leading to improved safety and efficiency on site.

On the Court Theatre project in Christchurch, New Zealand, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) enabled the project team to proactively plan for safer working conditions. By leveraging 3D modelling and collaborative processes, the team identified potential issues early and developed strategies to mitigate risks. This approach led to reduced need for working at height, minimised manual handling, and optimised installation sequences, resulting in a safer and more efficient worksite.

DBC Building Services used Building Information Modelling (BIM) and advanced manufacturing techniques to improve safety and efficiency in the mechanical services installation for the Dunedin Outpatients Building. Using 3D modelling and direct-to-fabrication processes, the team significantly reduced on-site work at height, improved accuracy, and created a safer work environment.

On the ACC Ōtepoti project, a 5.6-meter void existed below the service deck on the top floor. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) enabled the project team to identify and address potential health and safety hazards associated with wall construction and services installation onto this space. By using the 3D model to facilitate open communication among stakeholders, the team could thoroughly investigate and address potential risks and possible alternatives before construction began, leading to a safer and more efficient building process.

On the ACC Ōtepoti project, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and collaborative processes enabled the project team to focus on potential health and safety hazards that could occur during construction and installation of services, particularly in ceiling spaces. Working with a federated 3D model and facilitating open communication among stakeholders, including contractors and subcontractors, the team could thoroughly investigate and address potential risks before and during construction, creating a safer and more efficient work environment.

Helix Global is pioneering New Zealand’s first fully off-site manufactured residential home. By leveraging Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, the company has been able to address the unique challenges associated with prefabricated construction, transportation, and on-site assembly. The use of BIM has enabled Helix Global to enhance safety throughout the entire process, from factory manufacturing to final installation.

In the mechanical services industry, experienced workers like Colin Graham, a contract pipe fitter and welder, are benefiting from the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D modelling. These technologies allow older workers to continue contributing their valuable skills while minimising physical risks associated with working on-site. By enabling remote work and prefabrication, BIM and 3D modelling improve safety, efficiency, and knowledge transfer between older and younger workers.

On the ACC Ōtepoti project, the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to a seasoned construction professional with 23 years of experience in traditional 2D environments has demonstrated the significant potential for improving safety planning, communication, and issue resolution. By leveraging the 3D model’s interactive capabilities, the team was able to visualise and address potential safety hazards, plan work methodologies, and effectively communicate complex issues across geographically dispersed team members.

The City Rail Link (CRL) project in New Zealand has implemented an innovative virtual reality (VR) induction process for workers, leveraging Building Information Modelling (BIM) to create immersive training environments. This approach allows workers to experience and understand potential hazards and safety protocols in a risk-free virtual setting before entering the actual construction site. The VR induction process has proven particularly effective for workers unfamiliar with tunnel environments or those who don’t have English as their first language, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of safety procedures across diverse teams.

In this case study, Farzam Farzadi of Beca discusses how Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been implemented on a number of projects for Watercare, a water utility company in Auckland. By embracing BIM as a culture and way of working, Watercare has been able to improve health and safety outcomes, reduce project risks, and enhance collaboration among project stakeholders.

John Jones Steel has been using 3D modelling technology for over 20 years, with a strong focus on improving health and safety in construction processes. By leveraging Building Information Modelling (BIM), the company has significantly enhanced its ability to design safer construction methods, increase prefabrication, and optimise on-site assembly processes. This approach has led to improved safety outcomes for both workshop and on-site workers, as well as better project deliverables for clients and other subcontractors involved in their projects.

On the ACC Ōtepoti project, the construction team is using the BIM model to support visualisation, planning and communication, and to improve health and safety processes during the façade installation. When challenges arise, team members can use the model to visualise the problem and share information with others, and test possible solutions. Communication and collaboration are facilitated, making it easier to plan safe construction methodologies to mitigate hazards, with clear benefits for improved health and safety management.

On the City Rail Link project in Auckland, New Zealand, the project team has utilised BIM in various ways to improve safety planning, design coordination, and worker training. Using 3D models, point cloud data, virtual reality, and on-site digital tools, the team has been able to identify and mitigate potential safety hazards, standardise tunnel signage, provide immersive training experiences for workers, and enhance driver awareness. The approaches used on this large-scale, complex project can be adapted and applied to projects of any size, demonstrating the versatility and value of BIM in promoting safety in construction.

Jen Dransfield, a Health and Safety Advisor at Naylor Love, shares her perspective on how BIM can be used to enhance safety outcomes for workers on construction sites. By using BIM to provide “environmental feedback” and enable collaboration between different parties, the project team has been able to identify and mitigate risks, particularly for challenging projects like the Christchurch Cathedral Reinstatement and the Tower 3 build. Jen’s experience demonstrates the potential of BIM as a powerful tool for improving health and safety on the ground in construction.