Research On Key Technology Of Building Information Modeling (BIM) For Precast Segmental Concrete Bridge

Building Information Modeling (BIM), as a popular engineering terminology, draws great attention for researchers. However, the research on BIM tech for bridge engineering is still in the initial period with very limited engineering projects. Under the background of bridge industrialization and informatization, taking precast segmental concrete bridge as an example, this paper conducts research on key issues of BIM implementation in bridge engineering as follows:Upon completion of investigating on BIM implementation in bridge structures, different demands for BIM tech between bridge and building engineering are compared and thereafter a life-circle framework for BIM implementation in bridge engineering is concluded. Some commercial BIM software packages, which are accessible for bridges, are listed, compared and have been tried out as well. Meanwhile, using Rhino as the centralized 3D modeling tool, a parametric BIM design procedure for bridge engineering is proposed.To realize the automatic transition from centralized 3D bridge model to simplified beam-based analysis model, a procedure is provided to share data between Rhino and MIDAS/Civil with the aid of parametric tool Grasshopper. The central idea of the procedure is to deconstruct the 3D bridge model into several key sections, whose attributes are calculated simultaneously, along the longitudinal line of the bridge. Then model information of Rhino is exported as the format of MIDAS command stream which leads to the automatic construction of analysis model in MIDAS/Civil. Based on the secondary development of Rhino, the aforementioned idea has been realized through the newly programmed components of Grasshopper. High accuracy and good feasibility of the components are proved by examples.The parametric structure member family for precast segmental concrete bridges, with span lengths range from 35 meters to 55 meters, has been built. Based on these standard span bridge models, the parametric 3D modeling procedure is expatiated, meanwhile, a parametric design method for BIM using in precast segmental concrete bridge is concluded.By using the newly developed Grasshopper components, the transition for a 45m-span precast segmental concrete bridge from its 3D model in Rhino to analysis model in MIDAS/Civil has been realized, and enough mechanical property of this bridge has been proved. On the other hand, a three-dimensional finite element analysis of this bridge has also been conducted in Abaqus, and the results are in line with that of MIDAS/Civil.With the aid of Autodesk Revit and Navisworks, the BIM method of information management for precast segmental concrete bridges is discussed. Based on the software functions of Navisworks such like rendering, roaming and animation, optimization of construction techniques for precast segmental concrete bridges are introduced. So far the parametric BIM design procedure for bridge engineering has been realized completely.