Engineers have married 3D modelling with physical monitoring data to allow stresses on buildings and complex structures to be visualised as they occur.

Digital graphics have been designed to change shape and colour as problems arise in specific areas of BIM modelled buildings, rail, roads and bridges.

The groundbreaking technology works in tandem with Mabey’s propping and jacking systems.

During tunnelling work on  London’s Crossrail Mabey’s hydraulic jacks and monitors ensured that the existing Docklands Light Railway was safe. As the structure moved hydraulics were used to keep it in the same place and keep the railway open.

The technology is already being put to use to provide live visualisation of movements and stresses to a large office foundation column, using electronic jacks to keep it upright during excavation of a neighbouring shaft for a station.

Chris Carter, contracts director at Mabey, said: “BIM is already a significant part of our business, and we are continuing to innovate with technology to deliver the most advanced monitoring capabilities.

“Bringing these two elements together will provide a fuller, more comprehensive picture of how structures are behaving, delivering valuable insights into the lifecycle of construction, civil engineering projects and infrastructure.

“Our customers rely on our expert monitoring team for round-the-clock alerts on everything from heritage building reconstructions to new flyovers, but they also want access to data which is presented in a way that’s easy to interpret and interact with themselves – this is critical to helping them make better and faster decisions, improve safety and reduce costs.” 

Live BIM will be available to Mabey customers from early 2017.