Application of BIM to a Cable-stayed Bridge Construction

Doyoung Jung Hando Kim Yeongin Baek

Researcher Assistant Manager CIO
Daelim Industrial Co. Daelim Industrial Co. Sensorway
Seoul, Korea Seoul, Korea Seoul, Korea
jungdy@daelim.co.kr klavier@daelim.co.kr shonjy55@hanmail.net

Jaehong Kim
General manager
Daelim Industrial Co.
Seoul, Korea
kjh7906@daelim..co.kr

Summary
3D modeling and BIM technology are being used more and more in the construction industry. The
scope of this paper arose as we wondered how the general contractor can benefit from the use of 3D
models. Presented herewith is the application of BIM to an actual bridge now under construction in
Cheongpoong, Choongcheongbuk-Do. This constitutes the first application of BIM in Korea.
Virtual construction of the cable-stayed bridge was performed to visualize design and analyze
constructability and coordination problems and to integrate the bridge’s visualization, cost, and
schedule under location-based conditions with industry-specific solutions for 3D modeling. Two
hundred and ninety-two main 3D objects constituted the cable-stayed bridge, which is 442m long
with a main span of 327m. BIM application benefits such as clash detection, interdisciplinary
communication, and method-statement simulation have been confirmed. In addition, integration of
a 3D model, cost, and schedule is shown by comparing the measurements of different structures at a
specific time using 2 different construction sequencing scenarios and work breakdown structures
(WBS). It is possible to create dynamic graphics and effects and explore complete projects under
real-world conditions before they are constructed.
Keywords: building information modeling (BIM), 3D modeling, cable-stayed bridge, clash
detection, simulation, visualization, virtual construction

Case Study
The BIM application methods were applied to a cable-stayed bridge, Cheongpoong Bridge, now
under construction by Daelim. It is located in Chooncheongbuk-Do, Korea, crossing the Chung Ju
Lake. This bridge is the first steel-concrete hybrid cable-stayed bridge in Korea. It is 442m long
with a main span of 327m. Because the bridge is being built across an in-land lake with a depth of
over 40m, and because its variation throughout the year is high due to unpredictable rainfall, the
main span is supposed to be constructed by the member erection method and the free cantilever
method (FCM). All pieces of the main span are delivered through the side span, with a derrick crane
lifting and installing each component of the edge girder, cross beam, stringer, and PC slab. Since
this method is being tried for the first time, construction know-how is insufficient, and a series of
bottlenecks are expected. BIM application prior to actual construction is expected to be helpful.
General contractor BIM users are generally divided into two groups: (1) workers at the construction
site, and (2) the project management team at the head office.
1. This experiment performed clash detection, analyzed constructability, provided decision-making
and coordination support, and simulated the construction sequence by applying BIM’s 3D
visualization and simulation function at the construction site. Consequently, contractors can cut
construction costs by direct and ripple effects, as well as secure construction safety.
Fig. 1 : Clash Detection Fig. 2 : 2D dwg. Adjustment

2. Project management teams can improve the accuracy of earned value management and their
understanding of the current situation with visual connecting schedules and cost and visual
information together, which also contribute to the project performance.

Table 1: Synchronization of Schedule, Cost and Visual Information

Case 1 : Member Erection Method Case 2 : Prefabrication Method

- Data Date : October 20th, 2008 - Data Date : October 20th, 2008
- Cumulative Rate of Progress : 92.60% - Cumulative Rate of Progress : 95.97%
- Earned Value : $20,757,000 - Earned Value : $21,511,000
- Expected Completion Date : July 8th, 2009 - Expected Completion Date : June 10th, 2009

In conclusion, we obtained the desired result from the case study of the Cheongpoong Bridge, but
the construction industry’s working environment and education system are not yet set up to apply
BIM technology entirely. Since this research was carried out under the assumption of those
constraints mentioned above, the results are also limited.
As IT development grows faster and faster, it is clear that the working environment of construction
keep pace with it. Every party in the construction industry should be concerned about the newest
technology trends and make a constant effort to change and improve the process. Hereafter, based
on the research of BIM application throughout the life cycle of construction projects, BIM should
be systemized, with related education and environmental conditions continuously expanded.
 Application of BIM to a Cable-stayed Bridge Construction

Doyoung Jung Hando Kim Yeongin Baek

Researcher Assistant Manager CIO
Daelim Industrial Co. Daelim Industrial Co. Sensorway
Seoul, Korea Seoul, Korea Seoul, Korea
jungdy@daelim.co.kr klavier@daelim.co.kr shonjy55@hanmail.net

Jaehong Kim
General manager
Daelim Industrial Co.
Seoul, Korea
kjh7906@daelim..co.kr

Summary
3D modeling and BIM technology are being used more and more in the construction industry. The
scope of this paper arose as we wondered how the general contractor can benefit from the use of 3D
models. Presented herewith is the application of BIM to an actual bridge now under construction in
Cheongpoong, Choongcheongbuk-Do. This constitutes the first application of BIM in Korea.
Virtual construction of the cable-stayed bridge was performed to visualize design and analyze
constructability and coordination problems and to integrate the bridge’s visualization, cost, and
schedule under location-based conditions with industry-specific solutions for 3D modeling. Two
hundred and ninety-two main 3D objects constituted the cable-stayed bridge, which is 442m long
with a main span of 327m. BIM application benefits such as clash detection, interdisciplinary
communication, and method-statement simulation have been confirmed. In addition, integration of
a 3D model, cost, and schedule is shown by comparing the measurements of different structures at a
specific time using 2 different construction sequencing scenarios and work breakdown structures
(WBS). It is possible to create dynamic graphics and effects and explore complete projects under
real-world conditions before they are constructed.
Keywords: building information modeling (BIM), 3D modeling, cable-stayed bridge, clash
detection, simulation, visualization, virtual construction

1. Introduction
Recently, competition among construction project bidders has been very keen, causing construction
companies’ earnings to plummet. Contractors now test various project management methods to
potentially reduce cost. One of the newest technologies in use is Building Information Modeling
(BIM), which is of concern to both the academy and the industry. BIM refers to the process of
generating and managing building data during its life cycle, typically it using 3D, real-time,
dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in building design and construction.
According to a 2004 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Report, costs of
inadequate interoperability by stakeholder group, by life-cycle phase were quantified as $15.8
billion for the U.S. capital facilities supply chain in 2002 (NIST, 2004). This means there are many
cost losses in the construction industry due to lack of information during a project’s life cycle. BIM
technology offers a solution to these problems, and it can be applied not only to building
construction but also to the construction of other infrastructures to improve project performance. So
far, BIM 3D modeling has not been applied as a total solution for integrating processes and
information in Korea, but it has been partially applied throughout a project’s life cycle to solve
specific problems (Kim, 2008).
Presented herewith is the application of BIM to an actual bridge now under construction
Cheongpoong, Choongcheongbuk-Do, representing the first time BIM has been used in Korea.
Virtual construction by 3D modeling of the cable-stayed bridge was performed during the actual
construction phase to visualize designs, analyze constructability and coordination among parties,
and integrate visualization, cost, and schedule under location-based conditions with industry-
specific solutions.

2. Application of BIM at Bridge Construction Phase

2.1 Setting objectives and constraints
A single building model, a single database, or a specific software application does not constitute
BIM. Instead, BIM is an information-based system that builds long-term value, advances
innovations, and creates an evolutionary change in how people relate to the built environment.
Therefore, the application of BIM needs the harmony of proper methods and tools, as well as the
ability to change processes, organization, and systems according to its user and objective(Choi,
2008). However, currently the overall process from design to construction is still carried out using
2D drawings, and a working environment alone is not sufficient to apply BIM technology,
especially if there has not been discussion or agreement between the designer and the general
contractor. Therefore, a rapid change of application in favor of BIM can raise several problems
(Kang et al, 2007). Because of this, possible BIM technologies should be tested first within present
conditions, providing experience to construction members to raise their interest in BIM prior to the
actual BIM application
In this paper, we focus on the construction phase of a bridge of which the complete structural shape
is clear, allowing creation of a 3D model without difficulties. The application of BIM to a
construction phase in this paper is based on the assumption that an expansion of tools and
reengineering of processes are necessary before making practical use of BIM.

2.2 BIM applications for the general contractor

The creation of 3D models from 2D drawings is an essential part of BIM application. Creating a
single 3D model from hundreds of 2D drawings is not simple, and the 3D model’s level of detail
and scope are different according to each application objective. Therefore, prior to modeling,
application objectives should be clearly detailed, with coordination between the 3D modeler and
general contractor. Moreover, quality checks should occur continuously throughout the modeling
process. Several software programs—such as Revit Architecture of Autodesk, ArchiCAD of
Graphisoft, Microstation of Bentley and CATIA of Dassault System—can do object-oriented 3D
modeling. Once a 3D model is created, it can be used in various ways during the construction phase
according to objectives, so creating a high-quality, basic 3D model is very important. As the
occasion demands, additional software providing specific functions may be required with the 3D
modeling software mentioned above.
BIM users are generally divided into two groups: (1) those at the construction site, and (2) the
project management team at the head office.
The construction site can benefit from the 3D visualization and simulation function of BIM.
Existing 2D drawings each contain part of a structure on hundreds of separate pages, so it is
difficult to find potential clashes between parts. On the other hand, a 3D model displays substantial
information about the whole structure on a single screen, making clash detection easier and more
accurate. In addition, modeling of construction equipment makes it possible to check for any
interference in the workspace between equipment operation and existing structures. Furthermore, if
a user wants to show a specific construction sequence in detail, special 3D simulation software
makes it possible to experience a virtual environment based on the basic 3D model prior to actual
construction. This simulation and 3D visualization improve both the owner’s and the sub-
contractors’ understanding of the project, potentially improving safety and productivity dramatically,
as well as facilitating communication between parties, thereby reducing the time required at site
meetings. For publicity, views of the structure from different perspectives and within the
surrounding nature are also possible using 3D graphic simulation.The project management team can
improve the accuracy of their earned value management, easily understand the current situation of
the site, and promptly respond to the situation, connecting the schedule, cost, and visual information
together. This requires an object-oriented 3D model divided by construction unit, which is different
according to each user’s objective and level of detail. Once quantities and work prices are affixed to
each scheduled activity made from WBS, then these activities can be connected to each object of
the 3D model. Schedule and cost with 3D visual information can be presented at the same time on a
screen.

Application on construction site

• Clash detection
The creation of 3D model • Analyzing constructability
• Decision-making
& coordination support
• Coordination between the 3D
modeler & general contractor • 3D visualization & simulation
• Adjustment 3Dmodel’s level of detail
according to abjective
according to objective
• Improving the accuracy of
earned value management
2D 3D
model
• Understanding the current
dwg. situation of the site
• 3D visual synchronized with
the cost and schedule

Application on
project management team
Fig. 1: BIM Applications for the General Contractors

3. Case Study : Cable-stayed Bridge Construction

The BIM application methods explained above were applied to a cable-stayed bridge, Cheongpoong
Bridge, now under construction by Daelim. It is located in Chooncheongbuk-Do, Korea, crossing
the Chung Ju Lake. This bridge is the first steel-concrete hybrid cable-stayed bridge in Korea. It is
442m long with a main span of 327m. Because the bridge is being built across an in-land lake with
a depth of over 40m, and because its variation throughout the year is high due to unpredictable
rainfall, the main span is supposed to be constructed by the member erection method and the free
cantilever method (FCM). All pieces of the main span are delivered through the side span, with a
derrick crane lifting and installing each component of the edge girder, cross beam, stringer, and PC
slab. Since this method is being tried for the first time, construction know-how is insufficient, and a
series of bottlenecks are expected. BIM application prior to actual construction is expected to be
helpful.

3.1 3D modeling
The basic 3D modeling of the bridge was created by Revit Architecture of AutoDesk. It has two
main objectives: (1) global modeling, in which the objectives are simulation of construction
sequence and synchronization of schedule, cost, and visual information, and (2) local modeling, in
which the objectives are clash detection and constructability tests, including operation of equipment
tests.
In global modeling, the entire bridge is divided into pylons, piers, the side span, the main span, and
cables, with the level of each activity considered. A concrete placing unit divides the pylons, piers,
and side span, and each member models the main span and cable so that they can be put together
according to activity level and user’s preference. Local modeling even describes reinforcing bars
and equipment such as the derrick crane to discover potential clashes and check constructability.

3.2 Application on construction site

Construction sites can benefit the most from BIM’s 3D-visualization function. In our case, the 3D
model reveals a clash between the concrete slab’s reinforcement bars and the anchor head’s gusset
plate, shown in Figure 2, prior to actual construction. As shown in Figure 3, the 2D drawing is
adjusted to cut the bottom of the gusset plate to avoid construction problems. The cable anchor head
and the edge girder are supposed to be assembled together, for a total of 56 units installed in the air.
If these problems had not been detected in advance, additional work such as making holes in the
gusset plate or cutting the bottom of the gusset plate would be necessary after installation. Since
this additional work would require approval from the site supervisor, structural analysis would be
done with the expense of additional cost and time. Furthermore, even after the supervisor’s
approval, the construction process would be more complex and difficult, with risk factors increasing
due to the work being done in the air.

Fig. 2 : Clash Detection Fig. 3 : 2D dwg. Adjustment

Figure 4 depicts construction alternatives discussed among the general contractor, subcontractor,
BIM manager, and 3D modeler using the BIM tool. Since participants can recognize the comparison
between the equipment and structure while working together at a table, communication between
participants is more effective, reducing the time required.

Fig. 4 : Site Meeting using BIM tool Fig. 5 : Simulation of Construction Process

Figure 5 shows a simulation of an installation process of the main span derived from the discussion
using virtual reality (VR) technology. Virtools, VR software from the French company, Dassault
Systems, was used to create the virtual situation using the basic 3D model. A virtual experience of
the construction process guarantees constructability and safety, and improves workers’
understanding of the construction sequence.

3.3 Application on project management team

BIM application on the project management team provides visual understanding of the current
situation and an improved estimation of earned value by period, connecting the schedule, cost, and
visual information together. The connection of schedule and cost information was conducted
through Daelim Earned Value Management System (EVMS). Once schedule information is
exported from EVMS as a primavera file, a 3D viewer such as Navisworks of Autodesk can import
the file and match each activity with 3D model objects. A total of 292 3D model objects constitute
the bridge and connected activities. In this way, schedule, cost, and visual information are
connected to each other to show site condition and improve estimation accuracy.
To verify this method, 2 different construction-sequencing scenarios of the main span construction
are assumed: (1) the member erection method, and (2) the prefabrication method. Case 1 directly
installs each member individually, and Case 2 prefabricates the crossbeam and stringer together
before installing. Then, visual and cost information according to the different schedules of Case 1
and 2 are compared. Prefabrication reduces the construction time compared to the member erection
method, and that influences the schedule information.

Table 1: Synchronization of Schedule, Cost and Visual Information

Case 1 : Member Erection Method Case 2 : Prefabrication Method

- Data Date : October 20th, 2008 - Data Date : October 20th, 2008
- Cumulative Rate of Progress : 92.60% - Cumulative Rate of Progress : 95.97%
- Earned Value : $20,757,000 - Earned Value : $21,511,000
- Expected Completion Date : July 8th, 2009 - Expected Completion Date : June 10th, 2009

As shown in Table 1, the data date is set as October 20th, 2008. The prefabrication of Case 2
visually completes the main span construction, but the member erection method in Case 1 requires
4 more blocks for completion. The cumulative rate of progress in Case 2 is 3.4% higher, with an
expected earned value $754,000 higher than that of Case 1. In addition, the expected completion
date was advanced by a month.

4. Conclusion
This research focuses on the application of BIM in the construction phase of a cable-stayed bridge.
Possible BIM technologies are derived and tested on the actual bridge now under construction.
General contractor BIM users are generally divided into two groups: (1) workers at the construction
site, and (2) the project management team at the head office.
1. This experiment performed clash detection, analyzed constructability, provided decision-making
and coordination support, and simulated the construction sequence by applying BIM’s 3D
visualization and simulation function at the construction site. Consequently, contractors can cut
construction costs by direct and ripple effects, as well as secure construction safety.
2. Project management teams can improve the accuracy of earned value management and their
understanding of the current situation with visual connecting schedules and cost and visual
information together, which also contribute to the project performance.
In conclusion, we obtained the desired result from the case study of the Cheongpoong Bridge, but
the construction industry’s working environment and education system are not yet set up to apply
BIM technology entirely. Since this research was carried out under the assumption of those
constraints mentioned above, the results are also limited.
As IT development grows faster and faster, it is clear that the working environment of construction
keep pace with it. Every party in the construction industry should be concerned about the newest
technology trends and make a constant effort to change and improve the process. Hereafter, based
on the research of BIM application throughout the life cycle of construction projects, BIM should
be systemized, with related education and environmental conditions continuously expanded.

5. References
[1] NIST, Cost Analysis of Iadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities Industry: NIST
GCR 04-867, Gaithersburg, MD, USA, 2004
[2] Kim, J., “Architecture Progamming Phase and Building Information Modeling”, Korean
Journal of Architecture, Vol. 52, No. 6
[3] Choi, C., “BIM Application Strategy by Phase of the Project as a Future Technology”, Korean
Journal of Construction Management, Vol. 9, No. 4
[4] Kang, H, Lee, M., “The Develoment of Construction Business Integrated Model through Case
Studies of BIM”, Conference on Architecture of Korea, Vol. 27, No. 1