Trimble and Bentley Systems recently announced the next stage of information mobility between project design and field construction by enabling the use of 3D models with GPS-enabled heavy equipment for road construction which can increase productivity by up to 50 per cent.

Using Bentley’s ProjectWise collaboration servers and services, along with its i-model technology for the open exchange of infrastructure information, and Trimble’s Business Center – HCE office software, they can optimise the transfer of information-rich 3D engineered models to 3D constructible models, a statement said.

The integrated workflow for road and site construction from Trimble and Bentley is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2014, it said.

Bentley’s V8i (SELECTSeries 3) civil engineering software, powered by OpenRoads, generates i-models from detailed designs that are managed by ProjectWise and can be easily transferred to Business Center – HCE for construction preparation and management. Business Center – HCE uses Bentley’s i-models to streamline the creation of 3D constructible models from the final contract drawings, a statement said.

Design and engineering teams can use Bentley’s ProjectWise to link construction and design offices. Contractors will have the ability to collaborate more effectively with designers on the constructible model by connecting Business Center – HCE directly to ProjectWise, so design information can be retrieved in the i-model. This integrated and managed workflow can enable more efficient bidding and estimating, faster project approvals, reduced change orders and shortened construction timelines, it said.

“Accessing Bentley’s 3D i-models gives users of Trimble construction solutions the ability to optimise design-construct processes, and strengthen collaboration between the engineer and the contractor to reduce project costs and schedules. Optimising processes between engineered models and constructible models are key for construction project success,” said Roz Buick, vice president and general manager of Trimble’s heavy civil construction division. “Ultimately, this efficiency can result in significant savings for all stakeholders on the project, including owners.” – TradeArabia News Service