The Manual for Railway Engineering (MRE) is an annual publication released every April. The Manual consists of more than 6,100 pages of railway engineering reference material, the recommended practices for the industry. It contains principles, data, specifications, plans and economics pertaining to the engineering, design and construction of the fixed plant of railways (except signals and communications), and allied services and facilities. The material is developed by AREMA technical committees and is published as a guide to railways in establishing their individual policies and practices relative to the subjects, activities and facilities covered in the Manual, with the aim of assisting them to engineer and construct a railway plant which will have inherent qualities of a safe and economical operation as well as low maintenance cost.

Modular construction, where building components are prefabricated off-site and then assembled on-site, is gaining traction across various markets. This method integrates design, manufacturing, and construction processes, enabling higher efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics.

AIA/ National Institute of Building Sciences

USA

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) showcases examples of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for infrastructure, emphasising its role in lifecycle management, collaboration, and data integration.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highlights the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the lifecycle management of highways, emphasising collaboration and data integration. Many State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are moving beyond the perception of BIM as just 3D modelling, using it to break down silos and improve project delivery and asset management. The FHWA’s BIM for Infrastructure program supports this transition by sharing best practices and guiding agencies in advancing their BIM maturity.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highlights the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the lifecycle management of bridges and structures, focusing on collaboration and data integration. The adoption of BIM in bridge projects is growing, with industry standards like Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) enhancing digital project delivery. Bridge owners recognise its benefits, including cost and time reductions across planning, construction, and maintenance, as well as improved return on investment in infrastructure.

The GIS in Transportation program facilitates the knowledge transfer of GIS skills, best practices, and technical resources among State, regional, and local transportation organisations. This website captures the respective lessons learned and makes them available to all GIS practitioners and transportation professionals.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) promotes the use of 3D engineered models for construction through its Every Day Counts program. These models enhance collaboration by centralising project data, improving efficiency for owner-agencies, designers, and contractors.

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) initiated the U.S. National BIM Program (NBP or Program) to bring industry stakeholders together to achieve critical digital transformation throughout the entire lifecycle of designing, constructing, and operating the built environment. The Program concept has evolved through conversations and collaborations with leading organizations and communities, involving both the public and private sectors, spanning a diverse cross-section of asset/project types. This effort has recently accelerated combined with significant increases in interest from the owner community throughout the U.S., including both building and infrastructure owners. The National Institute of Building Sciences is leading the development and dissemination of the next-generation of practice standards and processes for the built environment. The U.S. National Building Information Management Program will provide a step-change in capacity, creating a platform and community to support for digital innovation. Building information modeling is now a widely used technology providing a data foundation for increasingly digitized processes, yet practices and procedures across the architecture/engineering/construction/operation (AECO) marketplace operate under no common standards for data formats. This program offers the opportunity to improve the relationships, performance and profitability of the increasingly digitized U.S. AECO industry.

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) produces the National BIM Standard for the US (NBIMS). This standard outlines the processes and procedures for delivering BIM in a standardised way.

The National BIM Standard, United Statesâ„¢ (NBIMS-USâ„¢) provides consensus-based standards through referencing existing standards, documenting information exchanges and delivering best-business practices for the entire built environment.

With open BIM standards, detailed models can be built and accurate products delivered that can be used during commissioning and operation to ensure facility functionality throughout the life of the facility. They also support the delivery of high performing, carbon neutral and net-zero energy-based facilities.

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This website holds several BIM Guides focussed on a variety of uses, such as 3D-4D-BIM, Spatial Program Validation, 3D Laser Scanning, 4D Phasing, Energy Performance, Circulation and Security Validation, Building Elements and Facility Management.

The US General Services Administration (GSA) created the BIM Guide Series to document its learning experiences in a format that would be educational and supportive for GSA project teams, including GSA associates and the design and construction vendors who work on their projects.

In addition, a major purpose of the BIM Guide Series is to provide guidance and requirements for project teams that are beginning new projects, ensuring that GSA projects utilise BIM in the most beneficial, efficient way possible, right at the time of their inception.

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