Smart airport design, operations, and sustainability start with BIM

In this feature, Tvvsn Reddy of Egis discusses how Building Information Modeling
(BIM) has emerged as a transformative tool in airport construction that enhances
efficiency, reduces cost, and ensures sustainability throughout the airport project
lifecycle.

Why do you need BIM for airport projects?
Enhanced collaboration and communication
BIM fosters collaboration among all stakeholders and ensures they work with a
unified digital model. This centralised platform enhances communication, reduces
errors, and ensures team alignment, a crucial collaboration for effective asset
management. For example, BIM facilitated seamless integration across departments
at the Lucknow International Airport, ensuring project milestones were met on time
and within budget.

Centralised data repository for document management
Platforms like ACC serve as a centralised data repository that consolidates all
relevant information about an asset into a single digital model. This includes details
on materials, dimensions, performance specifications, and maintenance histories.
Such centralisation ensures that asset managers have immediate access to accurate
and up-to-date information, facilitating informed decision-making and efficient asset
management.

Predictive maintenance and performance monitoring
Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) with BIM technologies enables real-time
monitoring of asset performance. Data from building systems can be fed into the BIM
model, allowing for predictive maintenance strategies. This proactive approach helps
identify potential issues before they escalate, reducing downtime and extending the
lifespan of assets. For instance, IoT integration at airports has allowed for real-time
monitoring of HVAC systems, significantly reducing service disruptions during peak
travel times.

Passenger flow and safety management

BIM enables the simulation of passenger flows, helping airport designers optimise
terminal layouts and reduce congestion. Additionally, BIM models can be integrated
with security systems, which helps monitor restricted areas and detect anomalies,
thereby improving overall airport safety.

Lifecycle management
BIM facilitates comprehensive lifecycle management by tracking assets from
inception through commissioning and beyond. This allows for better planning of
maintenance schedules, upgrades, and replacements. Asset managers can optimise
resource allocation by analysing historical data and performance trends, enhancing
cost savings over time.

Overcoming challenges in BIM implementation
While BIM offers clear benefits, challenges remain. Two common barriers include:
Skill shortage: Adopting BIM requires a workforce skilled in both technology and the
Specific needs of airport construction and operations.
Interoperability: Given the diverse range of systems used in airport operations
(building systems, maintenance, security, etc.), achieving seamless data integration
Interoperability between BIM models and these systems can be challenging.

Efforts to overcome these challenges are ongoing. For instance, initiatives are being
undertaken to train professionals in BIM-specific skills, and software developers are
increasingly focusing on creating platforms that support interoperability between BIM
and other management systems.

Driving sustainability in construction
BIM plays a critical role in promoting sustainability in airport construction. With
integrated energy analysis tools, BIM can simulate a building’s energy performance
under various conditions, identifying opportunities for energy savings. This
functionality helps airports select sustainable materials and meet green building
certification requirements. BIM also reduces waste through accurate material
quantity take-offs, prefabrication planning, and construction sequencing

The future of BIM in aviation infrastructure
BIM has already upgraded traditional construction workflows into streamlined, data-
driven processes that enhance efficiency, minimise risks, and improve the quality of
built environments. In the aviation sector, implementing BIM will lead to more
efficient resource management, faster project delivery, and enhanced sustainability.

For more details, visit: https://www.egis-group.com/locations/asia/india