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“We’ve been working with BIM as a key method in our construction projects for quite a while now. Adding the Boels 3D library has allowed us to work even more efficiently.” Selahattin Dülger, BIM Coordinator at Stam + De Koning, a subsidiary of VolkerWessels, explains the benefits of BIM and the successful collaboration. VolkerWessels is the first company to incorporate the Boels equipment 3D library into their internal BIM library.
BIM saves time
“BIM contributes to improvements in terms of collaborations, cost control, saving time, higher quality and sustainability throughout the entire life cycle of a construction project.” As a BIM Coordinator, Selahattin Dülger works with BIM to support construction projects every day. He assists work teams and checks 3D models for design errors. “I’m the link between the architect, structural engineer and other consultants from different disciplines. I use BIM to check 3D models during each phase of the project. This allows us to identify a lot of errors during the preliminary stage when they can still be easily adjusted. We’re able to make faster and better optimisations.”
Selahattin Dülger is BIM coordinator at Stam + De Koning, a subsidiary of VolkerWessels. In his role as BIM coordinator, Dülger supports construction projects and is responsible for checking the BIM models. On Friday, Dülger focuses on innovations, working with technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), a 360 camera and a drone. Augmented Reality visualises BIM models on site, giving the team instant insight into the design on site. Dülger also uses a 360 camera and a drone to scan areas or buildings in 3D.
We do a lot of building in urban areas, where space is at a premium. That means we have to keep getting smarter about space and BIM helps us with that
Detecting problems early on
A 3D model is not only created for the building, but also for the construction site. “We call that a site layout model. We use it to provide insight into logistics and the use of space. This helps us identify any problems early on and allows us to resolve and improve them in advance. We do a lot of building in urban areas, where space is at a premium. That means we have to keep getting smarter about space and BIM helps us with that.”
A digital library of Boels equipment
“While we were creating the digital site layout model, we ran into the issue that there was no database for the construction objects you need to place in the model, like fences, equipment and, for example, the machines hired from Boels. For this reason, we set up a 3D library with a range of 3D equipment objects. VolkerWessels has been working with Boels for years and I knew they had their own 3D library. That’s how the idea of adding Boels equipment to our library was born.”
What is BIM?
BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is a method of organising, sharing and managing information about a project. BIM enables all parties involved in a construction project to work closely together and communicate more efficiently. It’s a tool that allows construction projects to be developed in more detail in a digital environment. This makes BIM an indispensable tool in the construction process.
Using BIM to work more efficiently
The Boels 3D library has been included in our library for the past six months. “It’s a win-win situation. Now we can easily add their objects to our site layout model and it also enhances our own library. When you place a machine in your model, you can immediately see if it fits into the digital construction site. You gain insight into what the machine looks like, what height it can be adjusted to, what model it is, as well as the part number. You can even turn it into an animation. All of the information you need is available. That’s why BIM is standard for us. It allows us to work more efficiently.”
Cooperation with Boels
Selahattin Dülger emphasised that cooperation and communication with Boels remain key. “We still need advice from Boels as they have a great deal of product knowledge. BIM is used to better define a construction project. A draft 3D site layout model is first created and then discussed with Boels. The 3D model is helpful in facilitating this dialogue. We can always contact Boels with any questions we have about equipment for optimising the construction site. We also have monthly online meetings to review the new models so that we can integrate them back into our library.”