Airport infrastructure development has come a long way over the years. In addition to facilitating aircraft movement, airports are now a hub for commercial activities and tourism, while also showcasing intricate terminal designs and structures. Developments have been taking place at a rapid pace, with various projects being carried out on a large scale. These airport projects involve complex processes, a large number of stakeholders, intricate designs, and various other requirements. Further, there is a constant need for airport capacity and infrastructure expansions. In such a scenario, building information modelling (BIM) is seen as the way forward.
BIM paving the way
Airport design is constantly evolving, and so are the requirements at different stages of construction. The various challenges that arise in airport construction can be solved through the use of digitally enabled methods and standardised data. BIM enables the digital visualisation of the building life cycle in various dimensions. It enables collaboration among various professionals involved in the planning, designing and construction of these infrastructure projects within one 3D model. With the ability to visualise these aspects during the initial stages, various construction challenges such as on-site safety, coordination and errors can be addressed early on, even in the pre-construction stages. The use of BIM in airports brings various other benefits, including cost and time optimisation and better collaboration. Further, with accurate BIM models, various airport operations, such as passenger management, can also be optimised. Global trends indicate the widespread adoption of BIM in various airports, including those in Istanbul, Singapore and South Korea.
Indian footprint
The use of BIM is still at a nascent stage in India but is being implemented across various airport projects. For instance, Bengaluru International Airport Limited has employed BIM for designing, building and operations across the entire project life cycle, with Autodesk BIM 360 being used as the platform for the design and planning of the construction of Terminal 2. This has enabled the completion of the project in record time, facilitating smooth collaboration between multiple teams, increasing productivity, and providing a sustainable and design-led approach.
Similarly, Guwahati’s new integrated terminal building (NITB) at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport also employed BIM. In 2019, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) identified BIM as the platform for designing and planning the construction of the new building. Design Forum International and AECOM leveraged Revit, Autodesk’s BIM solution, to design the NITB. Autodesk Revit was targeted to enable and enhance the collaboration between project teams. Further, the cloud-based collaboration of Revit enables centralised access to models and work-sharing.
Other airports in India have also leveraged BIM in their construction. For instance, BIM software was used in the construction of Terminal 3 at Delhi airport, facilitating the enhanced visualisation of building models and the elimination of uncertainties. In 2019, AAI planned to incorporate BIM for the new integrated terminal at the Chennai airport. Notably, the Chennai airport expansion project, modelled by Yugasoft witnessed a reduction in material waste and an increase in productivity through the use of Trimble’s BIM software Tekla Structures.
Further, in recent developments, the upcoming airports in Jaipur and Navi Mumbai are set to leverage the BIM software of Trimble, a technology-based company. 3D BIM models in Tekla ensure streamlined workflows, effectively reducing uncertainties associated with uncoordinated construction. The construction of Noida airport is also being facilitated through the use and integration of BIM. Since the initial stages, the BIM 360 software has been utilised to design optimal workflows at the airport.
The way forward
The integration of various technologies such as BIM, internet of things and cloud-based technologies is essential and will pave the way for sustainable airport development. Currently, the use of BIM in airport construction is yet to witness a breakthrough in India. Given its success at airports such as Bengaluru Airport, BIM has significant potential for application in airports across the country. Further, it is expected to ensure improved management of workflows, enhanced collaboration among teams, and streamlining of processes. With the anticipated surge in demand for air travel and the increase in footfalls at airports, the use of BIM is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the expansion process.
