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Modelling software aids highway widening

The Skanska Balfour Beatty Joint Venture has been selected by Autodesk to receive an Autodesk BIM Experience Award.
February 22, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The M25 motorway around London is being widened with the help of software from Autodesk
The 2296 Skanska 1146 Balfour Beatty Joint Venture has been selected by  685 Autodesk to receive an Autodesk BIM Experience Award.

The companies are being honoured for using a Building Information Modelling (BIM) process to meet the demands of widening 64km of the
188km M25 motorway that
circles London, in preparation
for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The award from Autodesk, a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, recognises 3005 Atkins and the joint venture for “the
exemplary use of a BIM process” to inform decision-making for improved safety; foster better understanding of the design among project engineers; coordinate design disciplines and resolve interdisciplinary conflicts prior to construction, reducing potentially costly errors, and virtually plan production to meet a fast-track schedule while maintaining ongoing operations on a busy highway.

Since 2009, the design-build team has used Autodesk BIM solutions to collaborate on the project, helping to resolve construction issues virtually before they happen in the field. Autodesk software solutions used to support this BIM process include AutoCAD, Autodesk Navisworks Manage, Autodesk Navisworks Freedom, and AutoCAD Civil 3D software.

To help meet the aggressive design-build schedule, the project team relies on a coordinated, accurate design intent model. The Autodesk Navisworks integrated design model helps the team visualise the entire project, including all above and below ground components, as well as nonphysical aspects of the design, such as safety barrier working zones.

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