Reducing Traffic Congestion in Southern Florida
The Golden Glades Interchange plays a crucial role in the connectivity of the South Florida highway system. The interchange brings together five major facilities and carries over 400,000 vehicles every day. By 2040, traffic volumes are estimated to increase by approximately 50%, so the project seeks to dramatically reduce congestion. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) tasked AECOM with performing a constructability review of the project by modeling all project assets and housing all project data. They needed to ensure that the reconstruction would enhance the system’s connectivity, roadway widening, multimodal use for rail and buses, and emergency access. They also had to ensure that they could maintain traffic operations during the construction.
Connecting Data for Coordinated Designs
AECOM wanted to conduct digital design reviews and complete 3D modeling of proposed and existing conditions, as well as all project phases and subphases. However, they needed a method to track and review their internal modeling efforts. A connected data environment would allow them to centralize all their project files and provide access to participants and stakeholders, regardless of their location. AECOM also needed to combine nine separate engineering plans, which were at different stages of completion, into a master model. They would need to coordinate the designs in the model and make immediate updates, rather than waiting until all the engineering plans were complete, to stay on track with the project timeline.
Preparing 3D Models for Streamlined Construction
Already familiar with Bentley applications, AECOM adopted the software in all aspects of the constructability review. They used ProjectWise as the basis for their connected data environment, housing over 46 gigabytes of information in a single, secure location. They eliminated VPN issues and could easily manage access and version controls. All design data from the nine engineering plans was stored together and organized so that it was easy for project participants and stakeholders to find what they needed. Bentley applications also allowed for the team to move from paper-based workflows to 3D modeling, surface modeling, error detection, and project visualization. With OpenRoads Designer, AECOM modeled segments of the project—including 24 lanes, ramps, bridges, and local roads—and combined them, providing a unique approach to controlling file size and optimizing computing power. Any updates remained consistent in all files. With nearly 30 bridges, OpenBridge Designer helped AECOM ensure that the structures would all be safe and meet vertical height minimums to allow for freight train traffic. LumenRT helped develop the final model with an intuitive 3D design, allowing project stakeholders to conduct self-guided tours of the design.
Storing Large Datasets in a Single Source of Truth
The project contains nine individual design segments with a construction value of USD 600 million. By using Bentley applications, AECOM stored and referenced 4,500 pages of engineering plans, saving 200 hours coordinating these documents in ProjectWise. By delivering the package in 3D and 4D, they streamlined the constructability review process, saving 2,440 resource hours over one year. They easily processed 1,500 files containing 144 gigabytes of data in a way that was easy to verify information, as well as collaborate with other disciplines and organizations. Visualization helped identify many construction issues early in the project lifecycle, avoiding costly rework while also making it easier for stakeholders to make decisions and understand the project scope.
Project Playbook: ContextCapture, LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenRoads, ProjectWise