Trafikverket is the “locomotive” driving the implementation process of BIM in the Swedish infrastructure sector. Now the locomotive has really got up steam. From 2015 BIM is to be used in all investment projects at Trafikverket. In June 2015, the new BIM regulations were finally ready. The regulations define key requirements in Trafikverket´s procurement documents for engineering and construction contracts.

From drawings to models

“The essence of the new regulations is that Trafikverket now is switching from a drawing-based work-set to a model-based, object-oriented work-set in our projects”, says Ante Bergsten Brajkovic, responsible for the BIM training in Trafikverket. “BIM introduces a new way of working, plus that it imposes new requirements for how suppliers must deliver their projects. From now on, it´s models that count.”

“In other words, Trafikverket is now requiring that all planning of new investments are to be made not only focusing on 3D, but also on information models, where the construction objects' geographical location and design shall be handled in a structured manner. It is also required that coordination models of the projects are delivered. The use of digital models provide great opportunities for efficiency and quality improvements, not only in engineering, but also in the construction and maintenance phase.”

New regulations

Trafikverket has also changed its contractual documents and templates in order to make the new delivery requirements possible. The technical requirements are described in the regulation document TDOK 2015: 0181 "Requirements – Object-Oriented Information Model".

The purpose of the document is to standardize and create conditions for the application of such models in the entire lifecycle of infrastructure projects. By imposing requirements on what information must be created, and for how the data need to be exchanged and delivered (in terms of file formats, etc.), they aim to achieve this. In addition there are many other contract documents affecting the deliveries.

Competence realignment

The extensive BIM training is the first step in realigning the competence of Trafikverket´s organization. Especially this goes for everyone that works in projects. In principle all these will undergo the training, totalling approximately 600 people.

Nearly 500 participants have so far completed the initial BIM training. A number of courses have been held by Vianova Systems and AEC, running about half of them each. All the courses have been conducted onsite, at Trafikverket's regional offices, from Malmö in the south to Luleå in the north.

BIM from A to Z

“The course program is divided into two main sessions”, explains Jonas Wenner at Vianova Systems AB, one of the course tutors. “In the first and fundamental we define what BIM is, and explains relevant concepts, such as models, objects, attributes, etc. Here we also go through what tools are available on the market, in addition to talking a bit about the evolution of BIM going forward.”

“In the second session we focus more on how BIM will affect Trafikverket and how individuals will have to work with the new regulations. Among many other things, we go through the new requirements in Trafikverket´s steering documents, and try to explain how one can achieve savings and improve quality this way. We actually use a good deal of time in explaining the many advantages of BIM.”

Well received

“The training has been very well received by the participants and the organization”, says Ante Bergsten Brajkovic. “We have noticed a big change from the first courses held, when this was completely new, to the last ones. Trafikverket has been excellent in informing internally about the BIM initiatives and the usefulness of the training.”

“If needed the BIM intro course will be continued also in 2016”, he concludes.  “Concurrently we will follow up with more in-depth BIM training for those who need that. These will be web-based courses that we at Trafikverket are developing internally.”

In other words: The Swedish Transport Administration, Trafikverket is now heavily focusing on BIM. The locomotive has really picked up pace. Now it is up to the whole industry to jump on the train.