The Making of The Chenab Bridge
Designed as part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, this bridge connects some of the most difficult terrains in the Himalayas, making remote regions accessible and transforming connectivity in the region.
Constructed using a massive steel arch design, the bridge stretches about 1,315 meters and is built to withstand high-velocity winds and extreme temperatures. Beyond the structural challenges it possessed, the Chenab Bridge presented a breakthrough in modern engineering, where precision, safety, and innovation had to align perfectly. Traditional methods of design and construction simply wouldn’t cut it for a project of this complexity and scale. Thus, the need for BIM (Building Information Modelling).
BIM played a crucial role in bringing this record-breaking project to life. From design coordination to clash detection and progress monitoring, BIM made it possible to visualise, simulate, and plan every detail with incredible accuracy. It allowed engineers to eliminate risks in a challenging environment where even the smallest error could lead to massive delays or danger.
Fun Fact: The approach viaduct of Chenab Bridge was one of the first bridges in the world where BIM was applied for bridge modelling.
(Source: e-BrIM, 2023)
How Did BIM Help?
BIM allowed various project teams to create a single, highly detailed 3D model of the entire bridge and its surrounding environment before any physical work began. Given the complex geography and extreme conditions, engineers used BIM for precise terrain analysis, ensuring the bridge alignment and foundations were accurately positioned to avoid future complications.
The first BIM applications were originally meant for building structures. Bridge structures usually have bigger dimensions, which leads to bigger thermal movements and bigger deformations than building structures. These issues were taken into account when modelling bridges. When detailing such large structures as the Chenab Bridge, it is often necessary to consider also the minor details in the detailing.
With multiple disciplines like architecture, civil, and structural working together, BIM helped identify and resolve conflicts in the design phase itself. This eliminated costly rework and drastically improved construction efficiency.
Moreover, BIM-enabled construction simulation allows engineers to virtually plan out each phase of the project in advance. This proved invaluable in remote zones with limited accessibility and unpredictable weather conditions. Through 4D BIM (which incorporates time as the fourth dimension), the team could visualise how the construction would progress over time, ensuring safety and reducing delays.
Constructing one of the world’s biggest railway bridges under extremely demanding conditions required innovative design, an experienced construction organisation, and close cooperation between all involved parties
Every update from design changes to material specifications was recorded in a single workflow, keeping all stakeholders aligned. Putting it simply, BIM transformed a near-impossible vision into a well-executed reality.
Fun Fact:
The usage of digital technologies, such as modelling and drones for surveying, mapping and creating 3D design models, not only reduced the safety hazards and potential issues in advance but also whopping US$ 40,000. Not just this, there was a reduction in construction inspection time by almost 80% also led to savings of about US$ 100,000.
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