Canadian BIM & Digital Twin Digest Nov 3
Less Jargon, More Standardization Needed In BIM
The use of BIM (Business Information Modelling) is increasing in use for different building sectors that use it for project execution and design. Although exciting, this increase has revealed a couple of noticeable issues.
A major issue with the adoption of BIM is the excessive use of jargon by BIM practitioners. Much of the BIM jargon has left clients and professionals feeling confused and thinking BIM is complicated with a “convoluted” process.
The terms can deter smaller architects if they don’t understand the process. A survey was done by Construction Management and BIMplus, regarding what needs to change in current processes and technology. The top two results were less jargon, and use more “human language.”
With this increase also comes the increasing importance of standardization. BIM needs to be compatible between local, regional, country, and international industries. There must be international standards for multinational users. These will help with multiple projects with different stakeholders and will prevent complications.
The uses of BIM in the building sector include construction scheduling improvement, site layout plans, construction models, as well as cost and quantity calculations.
SNC-Lavalin Uses BIM During Redevelopment of Hospitals
BIM (Business Information Modelling) will be used in improving healthcare.
The contractor, SNC-Lavalin was awarded redevelopment and expansion contracts for three hospitals in Quebec. The three hospitals are Charles Le Moyne Hospital, Sept-Iles Hospital, and Hospital of Chicoutimi.
SNC-Lavalin’s focus will be largely on the expansion and redevelopment of special care units and operating theatres. The contractor will use an engineering team and partners to provide BIM management, design and engineering services, and site surveillance for the next five years.
SNC-Lavalin will also assist in efforts to attain LEED building Environmental Certifications. The contractor has a reputation for successfully working on projects that have a lasting impact on communities in Canada and internationally.
https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/snc-lavalin-to-upgrade-canadian-hospitals
SNC-Lavalin Creating First-Ever Large Scale Digital Twin: Canada Line
SNC-Lavalin is collaborating with Atkins (an SNC-Lavalin company) to create the first large-scale digital twin built entirely by SNC Lavalin.
The digital twin is of Canada Line in Vancouver. It’s a 13-year-old commuter railway spanning 19 km, from the downtown waterfront to the airport and city of Richmond.
The digital twin will be an “exact replica” of Canada Line, including all its assets. Such a digital twin should optimize maintenance and operations. Users will be able to click on elements and discover data like composition, specifications, tolerances, and even maintenance information.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) will be used to analyze and calculate when and where maintenance is needed.
Scanning started in 2021, with the framework following early in 2022. In the spring and summer of 2022, more data and algorithms were put into the digital twin. These should improve the “efficiency and resilience” of Canada Line.
https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/why-vancouvers-canada-line-is-getting-its-own-digital-twin/
Verto’s Digital Twins Help The Healthcare Process
The Toronto-based digital health company, Verto, is using digital twins to better help patients.
Digital Twin technology by Verto creates profiles of individual patients across any IT system. The profiles are dynamic and complex, used to develop personal care and a better experience throughout the length of time the patient is getting care. Digital twin solutions allow patients to have engagement and information at appropriate times during their care.
Unity Health Toronto is using technology from Verto to help manage patient flow (ambulatory), patient experience, and consent management over several clinics. Digital surveys are also used to capture experiences in near real-time, so patients can have immediate improvements.
Unity Health and Verto began working together in 2018. In 2020, Unity Health joined CAN Health Network and began a commercialization project with Verto. This project allowed them to get real-world environments and access to clinicians for validation, among other benefits. When that project was done, Verto was selected to help with another CAN Health Network procurement process. Now 27 healthcare organizations can use the solution without launching any further procurement processes.
