Background
The Heathrow T3 construction programme was complex and difficult to not only visualise but also to keep track of to ensure there wasn’t any conflicts or restrictions throughout the terminal.
For Mace, their challenge was having a transparent, real-time view of 5 phases of work that were going to be undertaken across Heathrow Terminal 3. Mace wanted to understand what works were being complete at what time, and the effects of those works on other contractors alongside having the ability to test different scenarios in a virtual environment without costly and high-risk consequences.
Solution
SPi indirectly brought the world of gaming into a construction environment. By taking the supplied CAD model of T3 and put it into a games engine environment we were able to create a Digital Twin of the terminal.
We then linked this to the Smartsheet programme schedule via an API and SQL server to create a real-time model that provided Mace a virtual environment to rehearse construction operations, view the impact of changes and give a visual representation of works, in a risk-free environment.
Outcome
By using modelling and simulation to provide a Digital Twin environment, Mace were able to save budget and mitigate risks across the entire programme.
Before construction even started, they were able to identify potential clashes, optimise the programme and keep the workforce and stakeholders informed and engaged by giving them the opportunity to interact and view the entire Terminal and focus on areas of interest. All of this contributed to less disruption and delay to the programme and supported in delivery on time and within budget.
