Digital Engineering and BIM
Learn more about how we are delivering value through the use of digital engineering and Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Augmented reality design of Old Oak Common displayed across a real table.
HS2 is utilising digital engineering, with Building Information Modelling (BIM) at its core, not only to fulfil our obligations as a publicly procured project, but also to go beyond the government’s mandate to transform the way the industry has traditionally designed, constructed and managed infrastructure projects.
What does digital engineering mean for HS2?
Digital engineering and BIM are about how we create, store, share and use asset and engineering information and capitalise on technologies to drive efficiencies and help deliver our obligations on HS2.
Digital engineering is essential to help us deliver whole life value to our stakeholders, improve safety and contribute to environmental sustainability. We will do this by making information more visible, bringing it together in a shared and secure space and maximising collaboration between interested parties.
How does digital engineering help?
During the design and construction of the railway we’re using our data and cutting-edge technologies to develop a ‘Virtual Railway’. This forms an integrated ‘virtual’ or ‘digital model’ of the project information and all the railway assets that can be visualised as three dimensional (3d) designs in the environment in which they will be built. This helps us to interrogate information, test assumptions and validate decisions with our stakeholders as we plan, design and deliver the railway.
Throughout the construction phase installation of sensor enabled devices will ensure real-time data is fed back into the digital model.
This live connectivity between the physical assets and Virtual Railway will form the basis of our operational ‘Digital Twin’. The Digital Twin will support optimised management of the railway and help provide an enhanced experience for our future customers.
Want to find out more?
You can register for an account on our HS2 BIM upskilling platform to learn more about digital engineering and BIM at HS2.
The BIM Upskilling platform contains a range of free-to-access learning content, including, for example, our Strategy, Vision and Objectives for BIM and digital engineering, details of roles and responsibilities and key documents. Plus, an introduction to our processes, policies and standards and how we are realising the benefits of digital engineering on HS2.
The BIM Upskilling platform is available to anyone with an interest in both digital engineering and BIM, and how we are implementing it on HS2. You do not need to work on HS2 to register and access the learning.
