BIM – the new modelling tool for mines

The three-dimensional model of the design can highlight any issues associated with the planned site’s geometry and geographic information as well as the spatial relationships, quantities and properties of infrastructure components before a bull dozer even scrapes the surface.
Mine operators can view and interact with the proposed facility’s life cycle, including the processes of construction and facility operation, before construction begins. This is achieved by linking three dimensional model elements with data for infrastructure elements of plant down to individual nuts and bolts. When linked with the fourth dimension, the model elements can be linked to schedule tools to provide earned value reporting during construction as well as maintenance scheduling during the operational phase of the mine.
Traditionally, mine operators have had to overcome the challenges associated with integrating the components of the design as they came up during construction or operation. As the model provides the multidisciplinary engineering teams with one three-dimensional model from which to operate it can greatly reduce the time and cost that goes into site exploration, designing, planning and developing.
Furthermore, the model can simulate the facility’s operations to identify its future asset management needs and upgrades, without starting from scratch. It applies to the whole site infrastructure, not just the buildings.
In real terms BIM allows mine operators to extract design quantities, understand the shared properties of the development including any ‘clashes’ and identify additional scopes of work prior to construction. At the same time, they can also be aware of the systems, assemblies and sequences in a relative scale with the entire facility to avoid expensive re-working.
For more information contact Peter Steele (Energy and Resources, Newcastle Operating Centre - GHD) on tel: +61 (0)2 4979 9939.