Naples-Bari Route, Apice-Orsara Double Railway Line, Irpinia-Orsara Operational Lot
Provinces of Avellino and Foggia, Italy
Project
To help improve connections in southern Italy along the high-speed Naples-Bari railway route, Italferr initiated the Irpinia-Orsara railway project. The new EUR 1.5 billion, 28-kilometer railway line runs almost entirely in a twin-tube tunnel, extending 27 kilometers in length in a landslide-prone area. The railway requires electric traction technology to be positioned along various segments of the track. To integrate the multiple engineering disciplines and ensure correct and compliant position of new technological systems, the company implemented a 3D collaborative BIM methodology for design, construction, and lifecycle management.
Solution
Italferr established an open, connected data environment (CDE) using ProjectWise to exchange information and streamline workflows. The team created a digital terrain model from LiDAR point cloud data with Descartes, and then integrated the model into a 3D federated model that was developed using MicroStation and Power Rail Track. Bentley’s interoperable modeling applications automated previously manual processes, optimized coordination of the technology and civil engineering disciplines, and enabled integration with third-party software. The digital solution accelerated optioneering to quickly determine optimal alignment and positioning of electric traction technology and facilitated dynamic management of construction drawings.
Image: Courtesy of Italferr S.p.A
Outcome
Bentley’s integrated modeling applications optimized design modification and allowed numerous design options to be explored quickly, reducing model production time and saving costs. The digital 3D BIM solution saved approximately 35% in design and maintenance costs. Working in a CDE enhanced information sharing and improved efficiencies. Conducting clash detection on the 3D federated model minimized potential errors to keep the project on schedule. Establishing a parametric library of components and accurate 3D models will enable asset and facility management with BIM processes across the infrastructure’s lifecycle. The new EUR 1.5 billion railway line will enhance connections within southern Italy, facilitating economic and cultural growth, and promoting tourism.
Software
Italferr used MicroStation to develop parametric object libraries allowing more than 100 technological components to be modeled in accordance with company specifications. The organization imported the libraries into Power Rail Track for automatic positioning along the railway line. The team conducted clash detection on the 3D federated model and integrated iModels to facilitate collaboration with third-party applications with Navigator. ProjectWise provided the CDE to streamline workflows, while LumenRT enabled the team to create an animated visualization of the entire railway project for the client and stakeholders.
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Facts
- Italferr implemented a digital 3D BIM approach to coordinate civil engineering and technology disciplines, integrating more than 40 models to establish a comprehensive 3D federated model of the Irpinia-Orsara railway line.
- Using Bentley’s integrated modeling applications accelerated optioneering and resulted in significant savings, reducing costs by approximately 35%.
- ProjectWise optimized information exchange to improve overall design efficiencies and model production.
“[Using Bentley’s applications,] we achieved a 5% cost savings during the detailed design stage, 20% in the next design stage, and 10% in maintenance.”
Stefano Casula
BIM Specialist, Civil Engineer Coordinator Italferr
