Strategic Digital SiteĀ
Organization: Italferr
Project Name: Digital Construction Site 4.0: Innovation and Monitoring of Work Progress
Location: Sicily, Italy
Project Phase: Construction
Expected Completion Date: June 2026
Estimated Project Cost: EUR 650 million
Bentley Software: SYNCHRO, Bentley Infrastructure Cloud, iTwin Capture
Project
This initiative introduces a groundbreaking approach to remote construction monitoring, centered on a strategic pilot siteāthe first of its kind in Italy. Located in Sicily, the project involves the development of transport infrastructure with an estimated value of EUR 650 million and a scheduled completion date of June 2026.
The project aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve team communication, and reduce delays and unexpected costs. To support these goals, SYNCHRO 4D was implemented for real-time visualization and planning, integrated with Power BI and Bentleyās iTwin products to enable advanced data management and interactive dashboards.
Transitioning to digital required infrastructure upgrades and targeted training. These requirements were addressed through infrastructure upgrades and targeted change management programs.
After evaluating alternatives, Italferr selected the SYNCHRO suite and iTwin Capture for their superior integration and flexibility, ensuring digital continuity from design to execution. This project sets a new benchmark for infrastructure monitoring, improving transparency, resource allocation, and scalability. Its replicable model supports the modernization of transport infrastructure and accelerates the digital transformation of the construction sector.
Ā Facts
- Projected to achieve a 22% reduction in construction time, saving 97 days and 18% in unexpected costs through real-time digital project monitoring.
- Expected to reduceāÆCOā emissions by 800 tonsāÆand saveāÆ5,000 tons of virgin materialsāÆvia optimized logistics and resource use.
- Integrated SYNCHRO 4D, iTwin Capture, and Power BI to create a real-time digital twin, enabling proactive site management and reducing design errors by 30%.
āThe integration of Bentley's SYNCHRO software package and iTwin powered by Power BI was a game-changer for our project. These tools have allowed all members of the team to monitor the progress of the work in a simple, intuitive and accessible way, regardless of their level of digital competence, improving traceability, transparency, and coordination of activities. The digitization of the process has made the operational management of the work site more effective and facilitated the sharing of information among all parties involved.ā
Solution
Bentleyās SYNCHRO 4D and iTwin Capture were central to the digital transformation of this project in Sicily. SYNCHRO 4D Pro was used to federate BIM models, verify alignment with the program, and perform simulations and comparisons of planned versus actual progress. Bentley Infrastructure Cloud enabled the publication and sharing of models and related documentation, including dashboards and Gantt charts, accessible to stakeholders without requiring software installation.
The integration with Power BI allowed for advanced data visualization through interactive dashboards, improving decision-making and stakeholder engagement. Real-time updates and georeferenced site data enabled precise tracking of timelines, costs, and quantities, while customized dashboards powered by on-site data supported proactive management.
This digital ecosystem replaced static, paper-based workflows with dynamic, real-time monitoring, reducing design errors by 30%, cutting rework by 15%, and improving approval times by 25%. The result is a scalable model for future infrastructure projects, setting a new standard in transparency, efficiency, and sustainability.
Outcome
By going fully digital, the project team gained real-time visibility into construction progress, helping them act faster and smarter. They expect to save 97 days in execution time and cut unexpected costs by 18%. Design errors dropped by 30%, and rework was reduced by 15%, improving overall quality. Approval times were shortened by 25%, and on-site visits cut in half. Environmentally, the project will avoid 800 tons of COā emissions and save 5,000 tons of virgin materialsāsetting a new benchmark for sustainable, efficient infrastructure delivery.
Software
SYNCHRO 4D ProĀ federated BIM models, verified alignment with program, and performed simulations and comparisons of planned versus actual progress.
Bentley Infrastructure CloudĀ helped publish and share models, dashboards, and Gantt charts with stakeholders, enabling access without software installation and improving collaboration.
iTwin CaptureĀ was used to process and analyze survey data to generate precise 3D models, enabling integration into the platform and supporting time-based monitoring of construction site evolution.
Accelerate smarter infrastructure delivery with SYNCHRO 4D for advanced construction planning.
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.
