Leighton Asia’s digital capability is driving safe efficient delivery of the foundation and substructure works at Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 2 expansion.
The project team’s innovative digital solutions have included using automation, simulation and a digital twin to optimise outcomes. Successfully implementing the solutions at scale has demonstrated their benefits for future projects, supporting Leighton Asia’s ongoing digitisation.
“We are actively enhancing our delivery models to ensure the highest safety and quality performance. Through the development and implementation of innovative solutions, we strive to be a leader of positive change in the construction industry.” Leighton Asia General Manager Hong Kong Colman Wong.
Automation
The team automated the project’s geotechnical design and validation process. They created a ground-investigation database and script to generate BIM surfaces that can be used to automate comparison of the design against the actual ground conditions and generate drawings. The solution saves time, improves accuracy and enables more team members to visualise the work.
Digital twin
To streamline onsite operations, the team created a digital twin – a dynamic BIM model of what had to be built. The project’s different teams integrated their workflows into the digital twin, inputting data as the project progressed. Without locking data into spreadsheets and 2D drawings, the team could use the model to collaborate on change management, improve efficiency and reduce rework.
Simulation
To verify the feasibility of construction and mitigate safety risks, the project developed Construction Method Simulations (CMS).
Leveraging the digital twin, CMS generates animated snapshots of a sequence of construction methods. The animations enable engineering and operations teams to view the site in 3D, and collaboratively validate methodologies for constructability, and mitigate safety risks before commencing work.
Collaboration key to innovation and digitisation
When asked about the team’s success with digitisation, Leighton Asia BIM Manager Francesco Tizzani explained: “Digitalisation does not solely rest on the BIM team. It’s about engaging frontline team members to think how we can work smarter together. It’s a collaborative process that relies on everyone’s contribution to make it happen.”
“The project became a testing ground to see how we can implement new digital tools on a large scale so that if it works here, then we can use it on other projects, as well.” Leighton Asia BIM Manager Francesco Tizzani.
Read an industry article about this project here.