Results

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.

At Auckland Airport, the digital engineering team has utilised BIM and gaming software to improve underground utility mapping, visualisation, and construction site safety planning. By combining existing data with 3D scans, creating interactive models, and simulating various scenarios, the team has been able to reduce risks associated with underground services, enhance project team collaboration, and optimise site safety management.

On the ACC Ōtepoti project, the use of BIM has enabled effective collaboration between the structural steel subcontractor, John Jones Steel, and the permanent works engineer to address health and safety and buildability concerns. By sharing model files of their bolting tools, John Jones Steel has allowed the engineer to test and validate the design of frame braces to ensure safe and efficient construction.

On the ACC Ōtepoti project, BIM models help the site team to identify and mitigate potential hazards and pinch points early. By allowing contractors and subcontractors to improve the accuracy of site set-out and communicate work plans and safety constraints effectively with the project team, BIM is helping to increase awareness and reduce rework on site. The ability to use mobile devices for digital access to project information also improves supervision and reduces the need for supervisors to leave the work area to get information. Combined, these benefits are leading to improved hazard management and safety performance.

On the ACC Ōtepoti project, multiple consultants and contractors have collaborated using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to improve the design, coordination, and construction of reinforcing steel. By using BIM to model the reinforcing in 3D, the project team was able to anticipate connections between different elements, detect clashes, and prefabricate reinforcing cages in a controlled environment. This has led to improved efficiency, quality, and safety on the project.