Gulf superlatives: 400,000m³ of concrete, a gross floor area of 920,000m², 18,500 rooms, 16,000 doors, 1,990,000m² of formworks and about 280,000 CAD elements: these gigantic figures describe the Barwa Commercial Avenue project in Doha, Qatar. The construction of this shopping mall, which spans a length of 8.5km, presented new logistic challenges to architects and civil engineers alike.
During the pre-construction phase, HOCHTIEF ViCon developed an intelligent 3D model and used it for model-based quantity calculation in order to roughly determine the cost of the project. The 3D model was also used to monitor the subcontractors’ progress and served to illustrate in client reports how the project was evolving.
In the construction phase, the 3D model was continuously adapted to current implementation plans in order to obtain data which was then used to calculate volumes as well as to prepare invoices and progress reports. HOCHTIEF Solutions Middle East planning department prepared progress reports from the building site using hand-held devices. With the model, it was possible to accurately illustrate the distribution of volumes across each room, providing up-to-date information on progress and subcontractor invoicing. The data contained in the 3D model served as the basis for 2,100 target plans which provided information on the quality and properties of the individual rooms.
All data was made available through the ViCon Building Information System (BIS), which allowed site managers to search and filter project data in a fast and simple manner. The system links the 3D model with all kinds of information in a central database. In addition to the topology of the building, the BIS also contains 2D drawings, schedules, room information, target plans and additional information. Thanks to the BIS, it was possible to keep a close eye on schedules and to structure construction processes in a meaningful way. In addition, it served as a basis for logistics planning, material requirements planning and reliable subcontractor invoicing.
In September 2012, construction works were largely completed, and the project was handed over to the client on schedule.