Hyder Consulting, which was commissioned by Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to design and supervise a new six-lane expressway project in Doha, has used intelligent 3D modelling and Autodesk software to overcome the complex design challenges.

The project, part of Qatar’s extensive Expressway Programme, employed software such as Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Navisworks, and Autodesk 3ds Max to configure the expressway, associated structures, and utilities within extremely narrow corridors, according to Autodesk.

The project features some of the narrowest road corridors - some of which are just 40 m wide - in order to minimise additional land taking.

The effective use of model-based design, analysis, simulation, and visualisation helped the London-based multinational design and engineering consultancy to overcome complex design challenges, leading to a more efficient use of resources, and resulting in more rapid and informed decision making, said Autodesk.

In association with their BIM (building information modelling) service provider, Hyder is using Autodesk Navisworks Manage to help improve the efficiency and global collaboration of design teams across three continents.

Navisworks software is helping the design teams identify and locate clashes, and determine the disciplines involved. Regular updates of the consolidated model are viewable on stand-alone kiosks in Hyder’s design offices, creating virtual windows into the project for all members of the design team, said the company in a statement.

During detailed design, the Navisworks model will be linked with the construction schedule for 4D construction simulation, planning, and sequencing.

Hyder also created photorealistic project visualisations that will highlight the surface features and surrounding built environment of the project, as well as the complex underground utilities and structures that few people ever see or appreciate in civil engineering projects.

These visualisations will be utilised as part of Ashghal’s social and public relations campaigns to ensure that the public and stakeholders can be made aware of the features and complexities of the project, it added.

For the future asset management and operation of the expressway, Ashghal is spearheading an asset management system for infrastructure, where all elements of the design are richly populated with metadata.

As a part of that effort, Hyder is working to create an asset information model for the project, adding asset information required for the efficient operation and maintenance of each element.

US-based KBR is the project management consultant delivering the Expressway Programme, which will provide vital transportation links across Qatar connecting key cities, towns, and villages with high-quality national freeways and urban arterial routes.-TradeArabia News Service