Skip to main content

Trimble is developing smart construction site solutions

Trimble is taking the concept of the building information model (BIM) one stage further with its development of its construction continuum concept. This is intended to show the process and benefits to building a construction-ready model embedded with intelligent data. Such a model can serve as the basis for how contractors plan and execute construction projects. With intelligent modeling, users can add and remove information in real time while simultaneously looking at multiple ways to perform construction
January 6, 2017 Read time: 3 mins
Trimble is taking BIM one stage further
2122 Trimble is taking the concept of the building information model (BIM) one stage further with its development of its construction continuum concept. This is intended to show the process and benefits to building a construction-ready model embedded with intelligent data. Such a model can serve as the basis for how contractors plan and execute construction projects. With intelligent modeling, users can add and remove information in real time while simultaneously looking at multiple ways to perform construction work instead of making manual modifications. The ability to build construction-ready models is significant because it will enable designers and engineers to run multiple scenarios quickly and easily that accurately translate to a constructible model that contractors can effectively build against.

The construction continuum is Trimble’s vision for the construction workflow. This provides a living model with intelligent data that will serve as the foundation for how contractors plan and execute construction projects. This model is used throughout all stages of the project lifecycle, from the first stages of planning and estimating and bidding to detailed construction planning and execution. During this process, it will be continuously updated and enriched with more and more detailed information. Once the construction process is finished, the constructible model also serves as the basis for maintenance work and, eventually, for deconstruction. Through the constant information flow, it becomes a living model, a representation of the structure in the digital space.

The design phase of the continuum constructs in 3D so construction teams are delivered a construction-ready design. A constructible model is built with intelligent data that serves as the foundation of how contractors plan and execute construction projects. With intelligent modeling, users can add and remove information on the fly while looking at multiple ways to perform construction work. Building constructible models allows designers and engineers to run multiple scenarios quickly and easily that accurately translate to a constructible model that contractors can use for building.

Pairing interactive modeling with intelligent data frees engineers and architects to quickly analyse changes and design options in the physical environment. The potential impact is huge for saving time on rework, accelerating the building phase, and producing higher-quality projects.

Trimble also continues to expand its Connected Site capabilities to provide real-time information and data in the field, in the office and throughout the project. This extended capability better enables contractors to achieve faster project completion with reduced costs, improved safety and reduced environmental impact.
All videos

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Machine control advances boosting quality
    June 12, 2017
    The latest developments in machine control technology will deliver major gains in quality and productivity. Machine control technology plays an increasingly important role in construction. The pace of development has been fast, with new systems offering major gains in both productivity and quality across a range of applications. At the recent CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 exhibition in Las Vegas, key advances were unveiled in machine control technologies suited to markets such as earthmoving, concrete paving and pil
  • Turning the construction industry green
    July 19, 2023
    Green is good for industry – delivering sustainability can also help reduce costs for construction firms, ensuring better financial performance
  • Safe and efficient urban mobility for Africa
    May 17, 2023
    Transitioning to zero-carbon transport globally is essential to keep climate change in check. Yet seven years after the Paris Climate Agreement, transport emissions are still rising. In a new op-ed, Nina Elter argues that a radical shift in our approach to transportation sustainability is required. Every year, governments around the world invest more than US$700 billion in road infrastructure. While these investments yield significant economic and social returns, transport continues to generate large costs on societies, in the form of harmful emissions, traffic injuries and lost time due to congestion.
  • Longer lasting road surfaces with advanced asphalt paving
    February 20, 2012
    Contractors face an array of sophisticated paving technologies, Mike Woof reports. Asphalt paving technology continues to advance as manufacturers develop more efficient and reliable equipment. Paving techniques are also improving, while new polymer modified bitumen materials and recycling methodologies further increase the range of road surfacing options available to the client and contractor.