Asplan Viak AS has more than 700 employees and 23 offices in Norway – and is a technology-leading company in the industry. The company is extensively using Vianova´s BIM tools in the discipline design of roads, tunnels, water and sewer/drainage, roadsigns and road marking, and noise calculation.

 “In addition to using Novapoint and Quadri in all new projects that require 3D design, we are now using them wherever we have the opportunity”, says civil engineer Joachim Salomonsen at Asplan Viak´s Trondheim office. He has been in charge the implementation of Vianova´s BIM tools in the whole Asplan Viak organisation.

Structured introduction

In just a year's time, most of the transport infrastructure organisation has been trained. 20 people, two in each office, have received extended training, and status as super users. In addition have all the engineers completed a basic course. The road and WS disciplines are leading the use, and involve the electro and landscape disciplines when needed. During the process Asplan Viak have also prepared best work practices and guidelines for how the engineers shall use the new modelling tools.

 “We started off with five-six smaller projects involving several offices to become familiar with the tools, and to check for possible challenges”, says Salomonsen. “Despite some infant software issues, combined with the inevitable change in mindset which the BIM methodology introduces, it has been an entirely positive experience to adopt Novapoint and Quadri.”

Broad experience

Asplan Viak has since carried through a number of exciting projects using BIM. Such as:

• E6 Ranheim–Værnes, zoning of 21 km 4-lane motorway
• Rv658 Kverve (Ålesund), roundabout and public transportation hub
• E39 Brastadkrysset, zoning road junction
• Rv83 Harstad, construction plan, tunnel and new entry roads
• Rv. 13 Melkeråna–Årdal, municipal plan, landslide prevention
• E6 Vingrom–Ensby, municipal plan
• WS facility, Ibsensgate, Bergen
• Noise calculation in several smaller projects

 Basis for the projects have included mapping data, laser scanning, surveying, orthophoto and ground conditions of the existing situation. The data have been assembled and combined into a joint holistic base terrain model that is used by all disciplines designing in Novapoint 19.

New work routines

“The biggest challenge has been that Novapoint 19 is demanding more from us at the start of a project”, admits Salomonsen. “You have to model a terrain surface and define ground conditions before you can start to engineer. This was a bit time consuming to begin with. But when you've done it a few times, it goes pretty fast. In return you get the advantage that everything is defined and correct right from the beginning and throughout the project.”

 “Another challenge has been the collaboration that the BIM methodology in Quadri brings about. Sharing and reserving model data in a joint model, stored on a central server, introduces a completely new and multidisciplinary way of working and collaborating. But, as with anything new, it's really just a transition. The challenges are very much based on old habits.”

Continuous improvement

“We can now work in teams without being afraid of the model becoming corrupt or files being overwritten. And everyone have access to the same data. Quadri has really proved to be a good collaboration platform. There is still room for some performance improvements, but it works very well”, he praises.

 “Frequent software updates have also made the functionality constantly better. Vianova has made great strides in a short time. They work intensively with both improvements and further development.”

Better overview and control

“The continuous 3D view functionality of the design is very practical”, continues Joachim Salomonsen. “You get 3D visualization from day one, and you see all the time what you are doing, with continuous updating of views. This makes it far easier to uncover errors in your own design and in relation to other disciplines.”

 “Novapoint 19 also has a well-organized data folder structure. The process tree makes it neat and easy to keep track of the data. But it´s important that all project members adhere to the system, and that one person is responsible”, he points out.

 “This makes it much easier to work together, providing far better multidisciplinary control. The functionality of reserving work data sets and automatic storing provides high security and better recovery if something goes wrong.”

Better cooperation with the client

“The 3D view features are also a clear strength when it comes to cooperating with the client. We extensively use the current project model as a presentation model in the meetings. Everyone get a common understanding of what is being done, and what is expected, allowing for easier discussions and quick clarifications. This is a great advantage.”

 “All in all, even though we spend a little more time in the beginning of the project, the total engineering goes both faster and safer”, concludes Asplan Viak´s Joachim Salomonsen.

Did everything right

“We really admire Asplan Viak´s clear strategy for adopting Novapoint and Quadri “, says CEO Idar Kirkhorn at Vianova Systems. “In our opinion they have done everything correct all the way. In the beginning they engaged a few eager, talented and structured users in Novapoint19. Then, as more and more joined, they also started using Quadri. Hence, having much user experience with 19 already, the Quadri implementation went fine. We think Asplan Viak´s proactive and systematic approach has been absolutely exemplary!”

  “Asplan Viak is known for its expertise in overall planning and design. We believe that, based on the GIS technology that is the kernel of our DCM technology, we will for sure offer a lot of exciting tools for firms like Asplan Viak in the years to come”, finishes Idar Kirkhorn.