The Stafford Area Improvement Programme, a collaboration between Atkins, Laing O’Rourke, Volker Rail, and Network Rail, aimed to eliminate a bottleneck on the West Coast Main Line, where high-speed trains were delayed by slower local services and goods trains. This major upgrade included the construction of 10 new bridges, designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) from the outset. Laing O’Rourke also employed off-site construction techniques to improve efficiency.
In partnership with Network Rail, the Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC) and Laing O’Rourke Centre at Cambridge implemented fibre-optic strain monitoring on two of the newly constructed bridges. The project led to the creation of a real-time digital twin of one of the bridges, offering valuable insights into load-bearing capacity. This digital twin technology is expected to have a significant impact on the costs of running the UK’s rail network safely and efficiently, benefiting Network Rail engineers, passengers, and freight transport alike by improving safety, reducing maintenance costs, and providing real-time monitoring of infrastructure conditions.
https://www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/research/digital-built-environment/staffordshire-bridges-long-term-performance-monitoring-using
Centre for Digital Built Britain, JV between Atkins, Laing O’Rourke, Volker Rail and Network Rail
UK
The Australian National Standard provides a common baseline for establishing a standardised approach to improve procurement, management, and exchange of project information through Digital Engineering (DE). The goal is to enhance digital collaboration between asset owners and their supply chains, driving the digital transformation of the rail industry.
https://www.rissb.com.au/products/as_7739-1-digital-engineering/
Standards Australia in conjunction with Rail Industry Safety & Standards Board (RISSB)
Australia
A key component in developing an effective Digital Twin (DT) is ensuring the right data reaches the right people at the right time. However, a challenge in the rail industry is that legacy data systems are tailored independently for specific technical requirements, creating disparate systems that do not form a solid foundation for modern digital environments. To tackle this, a detailed study in partnership with Network Rail tested a method for identifying appropriate Asset Information Requirements (AIRs), which inform the data needed throughout a project’s lifecycle—from design to disposal.
https://www.jacobs.com/sites/default/files/2022-03/Informing-the-information-requirements-of-a-digital-twin.pdf
ICE in conjunction with Jacobs
UK
On 5th October 2017, an agreement was signed by public road and rail administrations from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden to establish a common Nordic approach to BIM (Building Information Modelling). The agreement, called the Nordic Road and Rail BIM Collaboration, aims to exchange BIM experiences and influence international standards. The agreement was signed by representatives responsible for BIM implementation from each organisation, with Ingemar Lewén from the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) elected as chairman.
https://uk.bane.dk/en/Supplier/News-for-suppliers/BIM
Nordic Road and Rail BIM Collaboration
Regional
The buildingSMART research paper explores the use of classification systems in rail infrastructure projects across the Nordic regions. The findings aim to support the creation of a ‘Smart Infrastructure’ world, helping to align the rail industry with evolving digital and BIM standards.
https://www.buildingsmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Nordic-Study-of-Classification-Systems-for-Infrastructure-Transportation-v1.0-1.pdf
buildingSMART International
Regional
The report documents the work of a group analysing national and international standards for Level of Development (LOD) in digital models, aiming to establish a common Nordic baseline for public infrastructure owners. Formed in November 2019, the group addresses the uncertainty about what data should be included at each project phase. The Nordic Road and Rail BIM Collaboration (NBC), established in 2015, has worked towards a unified LOD standard to improve efficiency across borders, with ongoing virtual workshops and collaboration on international standards. The group paused in 2020 to await developments in Denmark.
https://www.bimalliance.se/media/dgulrzt3/nbc-report-status-of-lod-and-related-work-at-nordic-infrastructure-clients.pdf
Nordic Road and Rail BIM Collaboration
Regional
This white paper explores how integrating virtual twins and smart management within a digital standard framework can enhance rail operations and maintenance. The paper is a collaborative effort by Dassault Systèmes, DB International Operations, and WSP.
https://discover.3ds.com/enterprise-asset-management-and-digitalization-of-rail-systems
DB International Operations, WSP and Dassault Systemes
Regional
Web page discusses how Anglian Water’s Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA) leverages Building Information Modelling (BIM) and geospatial technology to develop a Digital Twin for its water infrastructure.
Anglican Water & Digital Twin Hub
UK
This collection of case studies highlights the use of digital technologies, including BIM and digital twins, to improve water infrastructure and operations. From the refurbishment of reservoirs and treatment plants to large-scale water transfer projects, these case studies showcase the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the benefits realised.
https://www.britishwater.co.uk/page/BIM4Water-CaseStudies
British Water
UK
Guidance published by BIM4Water, developed by the 4D task group, supports the creation of Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) for water projects that require 4D BIM. It provides a template for EIR authors, applicable across various contract documents and disciplines. The guidance aligns with BS EN ISO 19650-1:2018 and outlines best practices for integrating 4D project delivery.
www.britishwater.co.uk/resource/resmgr/bim4water/publications/bim4water_-_supporting_4d_pr.pdf
BIM4Water
UK
