Year In Infrastructure 2005

O/O LIFECYCLE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
As-built and Visualization
with Hybrid Data

models, boost productivity, and reuse legacy PDS data.

Petrobras Petroleo S.A.

PlantSpace proved to be effective with exist-
ing 3D models, enhanced designers’ efficien-
cy, and was able to integrate PDS information.
Also, Petrobras professionals found Bentley
software easy to learn. For instance, Bentley
Navigator is both easy to use and powerful—
letting users visualize and navigate 3D mod-
els, regardless of data format. ;

Many Petrobras Brasileiro plants that handle the collection and primary processing of oil were developed using outdated techniques, complicating the maintenance of engineering documentation. Technical information exists in a variety of formats, including 2D engineering documents, raster files, 3D models based on laser scanning data, and project documents created in Intergraph Plant Design System (PDS).

A Petrobras pilot project evaluated Bentley products, including the PlantSpace Design Series, as solutions for unifying all plant documentation in a single database, as well as for designing new plants and maintaining models. In particular, Petrobras wanted to be sure Bentley products could update existing 3D

O/O LIFECYCLE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Tracy WWTP Phase 1B
Expansion
CH2M Hill

The Tracy Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 1B Expansion Project involves a complex engineering design to upgrade and expand facilities. Several existing facilities were reused, and old drawings were migrated to 3D models created in Bentley Structural so that both old and new facilities could be represented in one model.

During the design phase, 3D models were used extensively to review each facility and its integration into the overall system. Based on the number of pipes, valves, pumps, and control systems, it would have been almost impossible to avoid conflicts without using 3D modeling.

3D modeling was extremely beneficial in designing and illustrating as complex a project as this—there are 564 drawings and 4,500 pages of specifications in the contract document. Technical staff from six offices located in four states completed the final design. A project Web site facilitated the sharing of data, drawings, and 3D models among the various offices.

CH2M HILL has made 3D models of the entire project available at the construction site, and the resident engineer and contractor review them on a daily basis. The models provide a level of detail that enables the contractor to build the facility correctly the first time. It saves money for the owner and contractor, and provides a much better quality product. ;