Civil Engineering September 2022 | Vol 30 No 8

42 September 2022 Civil Engineering T he ensuing rebuild of KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) infrastruc- ture is an immense task with many factors to consider, and many challenges to overcome, especially given the fact that extreme weather events are likely to become more common in the future due to climate change. THE ROLE OF BIM New academic board member of the recently launched Trident Engineering Institute and head of Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Construction Management, Chris Allen, says that Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology can play a significant role in assisting in the process and identifying the necessary expertise and resources required to rebuild KZN’s infrastructure. BIM is a process involving the creation and management of digital twins that assist in the design and construction process throughout the many stages of a project’s development. “If we consider the specific challenges that arise from a rebuild programme, the need for speed and accuracy in the collection of information are critical to successful delivery,” says Allen. The ability to use aerial photogrammetry, Lidar scanning and other scan-to-BIM technology can both speed up the process and increase accuracy of this information, specifically given the seamless integration now provided by the different technology suppliers. Simply put, BIM technology enables professionals to build back better. ROAD REBUILD AND RESILIENCE With over R500 million committed to its road project rebuild, SANRAL, which is already requiring the use of BIM on new build projects, would see immense value generated through its use. “The transport infrastructure rebuild can only be enhanced by collecting this data; a single source of information reducing the potential for errors and creating a more transparent process to manage,” says Allen, who is also interim Director of the Built Environment Research Centre at Nelson Mandela University and a board member at the BIM Institute. “In addition, through simulation modelling and other add-on tools, engineers would be able to take lessons learned from the damage caused to improve on the quality of the infrastructure so that it is more resilient to future similar events,” he says. With access to more accurate information from many of the locations where damage occurred, this data can enhance the response from the design and construction teams responsible for delivering the replacement infrastructure. “Simulation software using the digitised model information produced by BIM systems can be used to accurately predict what may occur in future with similar weather events and even worse conditions,” says Allen, explaining that this provides professionals with information they can use to improve the resilience of the infrastructure. BIM to tackle challenges and provide solutions for KZN rebuild The catastrophic floods that occurred in KwaZulu-Natal in April caused an estimated R7 billion in damages. Road and rail systems were ravaged and hundred of schools were destroyed, while water supply and electricity networks were badly affected. Over 820 companies were severely impacted, leading to thousands of jobs being put at risk.