Engineering

Building Information Modelling

BIM Technician working at screen on digital 3D wastewater infrastructure designs

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is transforming the planning, design, and management of water and wastewater infrastructure.

BIM creates a digital representation of a facility's physical and functional characteristics, enabling engineers, contractors and other stakeholders to collaborate within a unified digital environment. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and promotes sustainability in project development and operational management.

CAW BIM Capabilities

We provide a comprehensive design service to enhance capacity and performance. These capabilities are especially valuable for treatment plant upgrades, where design complexities arise from integrating with existing systems and assets.

3D Scanning and Conversion to BIM

3D cloud scanning enables us to capture precise spatial data of the existing site and enables us to create an identical 3D model of the site and existing assets to be created using BIM software.

Initial Designs

Once we have a template for the existing facility and infrastructure we can create and overlay preliminary designs based on the accurate 3D model created from the scan data.

Ongoing Updates

Throughout the project, we will update the 3D design model to reflect changes to ensure accuracy.

Digital Twin

On completion of the project, an accurate and detailed digital model of the asset will be transferred to the client on handover. This model includes both geometrical data and non-geometrical information, such as manufacturer details, installation dates, and warranty information.

Our use of BIM techniques ensures a detailed, accurate representation of the asset, facilitating better planning, execution, and management of upgrades.

3D digital design of a containerised unit and pipework

Advantages of BIM in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

BIM facilitates a collaborative approach to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainability across project development and operational management through:

Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

BIM enables a collaborative environment where stakeholders can access and contribute to project data in real-time. This transparency improves teamwork, minimises misunderstandings, and facilitates more effective decision-making.

Optimised Planning and Design

Virtual modelling in BIM allows engineers to visualise entire projects, test various scenarios, and explore alternative designs. This supports informed decision-making that optimises resource use and enhances design efficiency.

Early Issue Detection and Mitigation

Through simulation and performance analysis, BIM identifies potential problems and conflicts in the design phase. This proactive approach mitigates risks, saves time, and reduces costs enabling issue resolution before construction begins.

Improved Decision-Making

BIM provides comprehensive data for informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. From site selection and material choices to operational strategies, stakeholders benefit from detailed insights within a single platform.

Cost and Time Savings

By reducing rework, errors and project timelines, BIM delivers improved efficiency. Accurate cost estimation and streamlined workflows enhance efficiency, ensuring water infrastructure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.

CAW Managed Sites

Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Works serves 50% of the Republic of Ireland's population and is one of the largest and most advanced treatment works in Europe. CAW has operated and maintained the plant for Uisce Éireann since 1999.
Managed by CAW on behalf of Uisce Éireann since 2010, Waterford Wastewater Treatment Works serves 190,000 people, using advanced processes to meet the highest standard to the environment and improve biodiversity.
Since 2009, CAW has operated and maintained the site (located in a Special Area of Conservation) on behalf of Uisce Éireann - consistently delivering high standards that prioritise biodiversity and environmental protection.
Since 2001 CAW have managed the operation and maintenance of the state-of-the-art Foxes Den water treatment plant to deliver around 16.5 million litres of drinking water per day to the county's population and businesses.