CSCEC and AECOM Consultants Co., Ltd. Advance Smart Flood Control in Northwest China Through Digital Innovation
Organization: CSCEC and AECOM Consultants Co., Ltd.
Project Name: Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Urban Flood Control and Drainage Capacity in Northwest China Based on Digital Technology
Location: Jinchuan District, Jinchang City, Gansu Province, China
Project Phase: Construction (Estimated Completion Date: May 10, 2026)
Estimated Project Cost: CNY 460 million
Bentley Software: MicroStation, OpenFlows Sewer, OpenRoads Designer, and Bentley LumenRT
Additional Context: CSCEC and AECOM created a connected 3D flood modeling environment to guide drainage upgrades across Jinchuan District, protecting more than 300,000 residents and safeguarding critical infrastructure investments. By integrating drone surveys, hydrodynamic simulation, and collaborative data workflows, the team improved design efficiency by 40%, reduced errors by 90%, and lowered carbon emissions by 500 tons, demonstrating how digital innovation can strengthen climate resilience and sustainable urban development.
Project
In Jinchuan District, Gansu Province, CSCEC and AECOM Consultants Co., Ltd. led a major initiative to modernize the cityās drainage system and strengthen its flood resilience through digital transformation. Facing aging infrastructure, complex underground utilities, and growing climate challenges, the project team implemented advanced flood mitigation strategies power by Bentleyās digital tools to design a smarter, safer urban environment.
Using drone surveying, 3D modeling, and hydrodynamic simulation, the team identified several key drainage issues and designed a data-driven solution that provides intelligent flood control and sustainable urban development.
Facts
- Provided flood protection for more than 300,000 residents in Jinchuan District.
- Covered 1,146 hectares of flood-prone areas and safeguarded approximately RMB 460 million in essential urban infrastructure investments.
- Overall design efficiency increased by 40%, while design errors were reduced by 90% through data-driven workflows.
- Reduced carbon emissions by 500 tons and preserved 200 hectares of natural habitat through precision construction.
- Achieved an estimated 25% increase in ROI.
āBentley Synchro 4D Pro has enabled us to complete the project more safely and sustainable, quicker and cost effectively, which contributes to our Digital motto: build it before we build itāā
Solution
Traditional manual surveying and 2D CAD could not meet the demands and the complexity of Jinchuanās drainage network. To overcome this challenge, the project team turned to Bentley Systemsā MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer and OpenFlows Sewer to build a connected 3D environment.
Using drones, pipeline robots, and Smart3D, engineers captured real-world conditions to create accurate 3D models. Within one week, a complete 15 sq km drainage network was modeled, linking terrain, pipeline, and hydrodynamic data. MicroStation provided the foundation for integrating terrain and pipeline BIM models, OpenRoads Designer optimized road and drainage layouts, and OpenFlows Sewer simulated once-in-30-year storm events to test and refine the system design.
A cross-industry cloud platform enabled collaboration between designers, engineers, and owners, streamlining communication, improving accuracy, and supporting a full lifecycle approach, from design and review to construction and maintenance.
Outcome
The projectās dynamic flood model accurately pinpointed overload risks, significantly reducing flood risk, and protecting 300,000 residents along with RMB 460 million in vital infrastructure investments. By streamlining the design process, the team achieved a 40% reduction in design time. Advanced 3D visualization and collaboration tools minimized design errors by 90% and cut rework by 15%. Precise construction reduced earthwork excavation by 30%, lowering carbon emissions by 500 tons, and preserving 200 hectares of natural habitats. Beyond the numbers, the project demonstrated how data and design can be used hand-in-hand to safeguard the community, protect the environment, and build climate resilience.
Software
- MicroStation ā Integrated 3D reality models and BIM data for terrain and drainage design.
- OpenRoads Designer ā Enabled coordinated design between roads, terrain, and drainage systems.
- OpenFlows Sewer ā Provided advanced hydrodynamic simulation and drainage optimization.
- Bentley LumenRT ā Delivered immersive 3D visualization and dynamic flood model flythroughs to communicate design intent and verify system performance.
Learn more about how OpenFlows Sewer and OpenRoads Designer can help you deliver smarter, climate-resilient water infrastructure.
Bentley Year in Infrastructure (YII) and the Going Digital Awards is an annual event where global industry leaders come together to showcase infrastructure delivery and performance excellence and exchange visionary ideas for the future. Find out more on the YII site.
