BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING AND COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN IN BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to consider advantages and shortcomings of widespread CAD systems used in the bridgework analysis for design, inspection and testing. The CAD system efficiency is estimated in inspecting and testing the bridge in the Tomsk-city. Design/methodology/approach: The creation of a general-purpose tool for handling the information model and making calculations without a loss of engineering data during their export and import. Up-do-date CAD systems based on the finite element methods are used in this study, namely such popular design and engineering software as LIRA CAD and MIDAS Civil. Research findings: Based on the research results we found that a general-purpose CAD system doesn't exist today. CAD systems are not still ready for building information modeling (BIM) due to the lack in the defect detection during the service life. Therefore, the obtained results of the CAD system analysis are correct only at a design stage. Practical implications: This approach can be used to create a building information model and a general-purpose software package which will provide the appropriate data transfer without losses. Value: Nowadays, there is no a general-purpose CAD system which would utilize BIM technologies for simplifying engineering works at bridge structures during their lifetime.