Digital Dimensions: How BIM and Automation Are Reshaping Structural Engineering

Rikki Hartigan, Associate Director, AECOM

Building Information Modelling (BIM): Innovation and Collaboration

With nearly two decades of experience in structural engineering, my journey has been characterised by a continuous evolution towards digital excellence. This transformation, driven by my passion for problem-solving and innovation, has been influenced by my immersion in Building Information Modelling (BIM).

“The true power of BIM, in my experience, lies in its ability to foster collaboration and innovation”

In the early days of my career, the concept of BIM was just emerging. I remember the initial challenges and excitement of integrating BIM into our workflows. As I grew more adept, I began to see BIM not only as a technical modelling tool but as a catalyst for creative and efficient problem-solving.

The true power of BIM, in my experience, lies in its ability to foster collaboration and innovation. In our digital environments, BIM is more than a modelling tool, it is a dynamic workspace where ideas converge, and designs come to life. 

Through BIM, I've led teams where architects, engineers, and clients collaborate seamlessly, breaking down traditional siloes. This collaborative ethos has been instrumental in our ability to address complex design challenges and achieve unprecedented levels of detail and precision in our projects.

Automation: My Journey with Advanced Tools

When I initially embraced tools like Dynamo, PyRevit and Rhino at AECOM, my objective was straightforward: enhance efficiency in our teams and manage complex geometries in our designs.

As I delved deeper into these tools, I began to see their capacity to revolutionise our approach more clearly. Their impact went beyond just improving processes or managing complex geometry; they unlocked the full spectrum of BIM's potential, from streamlining design iterations and data utilisation to improving QA/QC processes.

These experiences have taught me that these advanced tools are not merely facilitators; they are catalysts for innovation. They have enabled me to push the boundaries of what is possible, transforming challenges into opportunities for solutions.

In summary, automation represents our embrace of the future of engineering, where technology and creativity unite to foster excellence in every aspect of our work.

Demystifying the 'I' in BIM: Pioneering Data-Driven Sustainability at AECOM

In my role at AECOM, a significant part of my work transcends the traditional boundaries of BIM. 

It is not simply about creating and managing 3D models; it is about harnessing and interpreting the vast data these models generate - the 'Information' in BIM.Our commitment to sustainability was further solidified when AECOM signed up to Engineers Declare in 2019, an initiative that highlights the industry's responsibility towards addressing climate change. In line with this commitment, I have been instrumental in developing an innovative suite of tools for embodied carbon evaluation. These tools are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring their accessibility across various skill levels within our teams.

One of the key challenges has been making complex data easily understandable. To address this, we have leveraged powerful platforms like Azure and PowerBI. These platforms enable us to visualise the data in an intuitive and interactive manner, making it easier for all team members, regardless of their technical expertise, to grasp the sustainability aspects of our projects.

Through analysing embodied carbon data, we can identify trends and improvement areas. This process of transforming data into actionable insights guides our decision-making, embedding sustainability into the fabric of our projects from the outset. It is a proactive approach to ensure that every project aligns with our commitment to Engineers Declare and our broader environmental goals.

Navigating Tomorrow

As we move forward into an increasingly digital future, I see BIM as a fundamental aspect of our professional evolution. It is not just about using software to create models; it's about harnessing digital technology and utilising advanced tools and platforms, ensuring the 'Information' in BIM serves not only our projects but also the planet.