Latest news with #InformationModelling
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Enhancing water supply asset mapping through Scan-BIM
Amarjit Singh THE efficient management of water supply systems is becoming increasingly important due to aging infrastructures, expanding urban populations, and disruptions caused by climate change. Conventional asset mapping techniques, which typically depend on outdated 2D diagrams or incomplete documentation, have significant limitations regarding precision and usability. These inadequacies can result in ineffective maintenance, suboptimal planning choices, and expensive service interruptions. The application of Building Survey Scanning for the usage of BIM. As the demand for digital transformation in infrastructure rises, Scan-Building Information Modelling (Scan-BIM) has surfaced as a promising technological advancement. This exercise is vital for the Sabah state government since it has more than 90 water treatment plants across the state and over thousands of kilometers of water pipeline plus other assets like service reservoirs and pumping stations. Scan-BIM combines 3D scanning technologies, including laser scanning and photogrammetry, with Building Information Modelling platforms to create accurate, data-rich digital representations of physical spaces. In the realm of water supply networks, this combination allows engineers, utility managers, and policymakers to map assets with remarkable precision. The fundamentals of Scan-BIM, its use in mapping water supply assets, and the effects of implementing this technology in urban utility management. Scan-BIM refers to the combined use of reality capture technologies and digital modelling software to generate accurate, interactive models of physical infrastructure. The process typically begins with a 3D laser scanner or a UAV-mounted photogrammetric system capturing spatial data points to form a 'point cloud.' These data are then imported into BIM software where they are translated into structured models containing geometric and semantic information. In contrast to traditional mapping tools, BIM enables parametric modeling, which means that elements within the model incorporate metadata like material type, installation date, or maintenance records. When combined with scanned data, this method guarantees that the digital model accurately represents the actual conditions — accounting for discrepancies from original designs or undocumented modifications. In water infrastructure, this functionality is essential for effectively and accurately mapping pipelines, valves, reservoirs, treatment facilities, and control systems. The adoption of Scan-BIM in water supply asset management offers a substantial upgrade over traditional Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or paper-based records. Utility providers can use mobile scanning devices to capture above-ground and, where accessible, underground infrastructure with millimeter-level precision. For instance, pump stations, meter chambers, and valve boxes can be scanned to identify corrosion, leaks, or structural degradation. Once integrated into a BIM platform, this information enables enhanced visualization, proactive maintenance, and collaborative planning. For instance, local governments can superimpose Scan-BIM models on GIS basemaps to assess network connectivity and identify vulnerable areas. When replacing or upgrading pipelines, engineers can model various scenarios, evaluate hydraulic impacts, and coordinate multi-utility work within a unified digital environment. This depth of understanding is especially crucial in legacy systems, where the documentation may be incomplete or inaccurate. However, implementation also presents challenges especially on high initial cost, data management overload, skills requirements and integration complexity. Scan-BIM signifies a major advancement in the digitization of water infrastructure oversight. By connecting tangible assets with their digital counterparts, it provides an accurate, engaging, and collaborative method for asset mapping. While the implementation process can be resource-heavy, the long-term benefits — such as minimized service disruptions, improved capital planning, and stronger resilience — make Scan-BIM an essential tool for the future of urban water management. As the rest of the world work to update their infrastructure in response to climate change and increasing demand, adopting Scan-BIM could represent a pivotal transition towards intelligent, sustainable, and data-driven utility governance, the Sabah state government must embark leap forward in relation to its motto Sabah Maju Jaya for the benefit of the people.
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Scan-Building Information Modelling: Enhancing water supply asset mapping
Published on: Saturday, August 09, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 09, 2025 By: Datuk Ir Dr Amarjit Singh Text Size: The application of Building Survey Scanning for the usage of BIM. THE efficient management of water supply systems is becoming increasingly important due to aging infrastructures, expanding urban populations, and disruptions caused by climate change. Conventional asset mapping techniques, which typically depend on outdated 2D diagrams or incomplete documentation, have significant limitations regarding precision and usability. Advertisement These inadequacies can result in ineffective maintenance, suboptimal planning choices, and expensive service interruptions. As the demand for digital transformation in infrastructure rises, Scan-Building Information Modelling (Scan-BIM) has surfaced as a promising technological advancement. This exercise is vital for Sabah State government since it has more than 90 water treatment plants across the state and over thousands of kilometers of water pipeline plus other assets like service reservoirs and pumping stations. Scan-BIM combines 3D scanning technologies, including laser scanning and photogrammetry, with Building Information Modelling platforms to create accurate, data-rich digital representations of physical spaces. In the realm of water supply networks, this combination allows engineers, utility managers, and policymakers to map assets with remarkable precision. Advertisement The fundamentals of Scan-BIM, its use in mapping water supply assets, and the effects of implementing this technology in urban utility management. Scan-BIM refers to the combined use of reality capture technologies and digital modelling software to generate accurate, interactive models of physical infrastructure. The process typically begins with a 3D laser scanner or a UAV-mounted photogrammetric system capturing spatial data points to form a 'point cloud.' These data are then imported into BIM software where they are translated into structured models containing geometric and semantic information. In contrast to traditional mapping tools, BIM enables parametric modeling, which means that elements within the model incorporate metadata like material type, installation date, or maintenance records. When combined with scanned data, this method guarantees that the digital model accurately represents the actual conditions – accounting for discrepancies from original designs or undocumented modifications. In water infrastructure, this functionality is essential for effectively and accurately mapping pipelines, valves, reservoirs, treatment facilities, and control systems. The adoption of Scan-BIM in water supply asset management offers a substantial upgrade over traditional Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or paper-based records. Utility providers can use mobile scanning devices to capture above-ground and, where accessible, underground infrastructure with millimeter-level precision. For instance, pump stations, meter chambers, and valve boxes can be scanned to identify corrosion, leaks, or structural degradation. Once integrated into a BIM platform, this information enables enhanced visualization, proactive maintenance, and collaborative planning. For instance, local governments can superimpose Scan-BIM models on GIS basemaps to assess network connectivity and identify vulnerable areas. When replacing or upgrading pipelines, engineers can model various scenarios, evaluate hydraulic impacts, and coordinate multi-utility work within a unified digital environment. This depth of understanding is especially crucial in legacy systems, where the documentation may be incomplete or inaccurate. However, implementation also presents challenges especially on high initial cost, data management overload, skills requirements and integration complexity. Scan-BIM signifies a major advancement in the digitization of water infrastructure oversight. By connecting tangible assets with their digital counterparts, it provides an accurate, engaging, and collaborative method for asset mapping. While the implementation process can be resource-heavy, the long-term benefits – such as minimized service disruptions, improved capital planning, and stronger resilience – make Scan-BIM an essential tool for the future of urban water management. As the rest of the world work to update their infrastructure in response to climate change and increasing demand, adopting Scan-BIM could represent a pivotal transition towards intelligent, sustainable, and data-driven utility governance, Sabah state government must embark leap forward in relation to its motto Sabah Maju Jaya for the benefit of the people. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
ME Construction
17-03-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
The price of progress
Construction The price of progress By Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to long-term value, the Middle East is set to redefine what's possible in construction says AESG's Daniel King The GCC construction sector continues to experience a remarkable boom, with iconic projects redefining skylines and ambitious visions transforming urban landscapes. From its impressive US $177bn value in 2025, it is projected to growth at a remarkably healthy CAGR of 5% over the next five years, exceeding $226bn by the end of the decade. Yet, even in this era of growth, budgets are not infinite. In fact, the need for disciplined cost control is more critical than ever to ensure that the sector's exuberance translates into tangible, sustainable outcomes. Therefore, at this, the start of 2025, cost management is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the success of construction projects across the Middle East. Here are five trends that will significantly impact this domain: Digital Transformation and Automation Digitalisation is already revolutionising how projects are planned, managed, and executed in the region. Building Information Modelling (BIM), for instance, has seen widespread adoption, enabling stakeholders to visualise projects in their entirety before a single brick is laid. As BIM technology evolves, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) could soon allow teams to predict cost overruns by analysing historical data and real-time conditions. Cloud-based BIM platforms are further enhancing collaboration among architects, contractors, and project managers by providing instant updates on the cost implications of design decisions. Beyond BIM, digital twins are steadily gaining traction, offering real-time monitoring of construction projects. These virtual replicas allow stakeholders to track performance metrics and costs, enabling timely interventions to prevent budget overruns. Machine learning is also poised to modernise budgeting, with algorithms forecasting requirements based on historical data. Automated reconciliation tools, in turn, could seamlessly track expenditures against planned budgets, reducing manual errors and saving valuable time. Sustainability and Green Building Equally transformative is the region's increasing focus on sustainability. Yes, incorporating green building practices often involves higher upfront costs, as seen in the use of low-carbon concrete or the installation of renewable energy systems. However, as demand for eco-friendly materials grows, economies of scale and technological advancements are starting to drive prices down. Additionally, in hosting two of the last three COP editions, the MENA region has signaled its strong commitment to sustainability. Governments are increasingly offering incentives such as tax breaks and renewable energy subsidies to offset the initial costs of sustainable construction. Simultaneously, investments in green certifications like LEED and BREEAM are also becoming more common. These certifications not only enhance a building's market value but also reduce operational costs, making them an attractive proposition for developers. For example, Dubai's push toward Net Zero buildings by 2050 reflects a broader regional shift towards sustainability, and cost management strategies will have to evolve to align with these goals. Modular and Prefabricated Construction Modular methods are rapidly coming of age in the Middle East. These techniques shift much of the construction process to controlled factory environments, significantly reducing on-site labour costs and inefficiencies. Faster project completion times also mean lower indirect costs, such as reduced site overheads and financing expenses. However, modular construction isn't without its challenges. To fully realise its cost benefits, meticulous planning is required to manage logistics and upfront investments effectively. In fact, if the sprawling factories required to effectively build modular units hope to get the green light, teams of cost management professionals would first have to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, evaluate long-term return on investment, and ensure alignment with both project budgets and regulatory requirements. These analyses would need to account for site selection, transportation logistics, supply chain reliability, and environmental compliance to justify the substantial initial capital outlay. Collaborative Contracting and Risk Sharing While in the region, contracts have traditionally been characterised by rigid, hierarchical structures, we are starting to see this rapidly change, replaced instead by collaborative contracting models. Of these, approaches such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) are helping align the interests of all stakeholders by linking incentives to performance metrics such as budget, schedule, and quality. The transition, however, requires more than just updated contract terms- it demands a cultural shift. The adoption of digital tools like BIM, cloud-based project management platforms, and real-time data-sharing systems is helping to facilitate this change. Contracts are increasingly focusing on outcomes, distributing risks based on measurable results such as project milestones or quality benchmarks. Blockchain technology could further revolutionise this space. Smart contracts offer a level of transparency and automation that reduces disputes and ensures accountability. With the UAE having launched its Blockchain Strategy as far back as 2018, there is already talent available in the market to develop the blockchain-based based solutions that could offer effective risk-sharing mechanisms, creating a more equitable framework for all parties involved. Enhanced Focus on Lifecycle Costing Traditionally, cost management has focused primarily on initial construction expenses. But as the function matures, there is growing recognition of the need to consider the total cost of ownership, including operating, maintenance, and end-of-life expenses. It helps of course that policies and certifications increasingly mandate Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to ensure that projects align with sustainability and efficiency goals. Here too, BIM has a role to play as the effective implementation of LCCA relies on advanced digital tools, such as BIM and simulation software, to model and predict lifecycle performance accurately. But software alone isn't sufficient – a mindset shift is also crucial. Developers and clients must move beyond prioritising immediate cost savings to embrace the long-term benefits of higher upfront investments. With careful planning and strategic adoption of these trends, organisations can not only manage costs effectively, but also position themselves as leaders in one of the world's most vibrant construction markets. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to long-term value, the Middle East is set to redefine what's possible in construction. And in this transformative journey, cost management will remain at the heart of turning ambitious visions into enduring realities.
