Recent BIM Developments and Applications on Railway Infrastructure

In the realm of infrastructure projects, the widespread integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a hallmark. This integration, however, is not uniform across all sectors, necessitating a closer look at its application, particularly in the domain of railway infrastructure. In this context, the establishment and dissemination of digital models enriched with federated data stand as a critical requirement, fostering seamless information exchange among all stakeholders involved in a construction endeavor. Drawing parallels with the manufacturing industry's concept of a “digital twin,” railway projects demand a comparable approach. Given the diverse array of technologies and data formats inherent in railway projects, often stemming from multiple suppliers, a data-driven collaborative framework is indispensable. Amidst these considerations, the exigency of open standards becomes apparent, particularly for the public sector. The establishment of an open standard, exemplified by the Industrial Foundation Classes (IFC), emerges as an imperative stride toward fostering sustainable information utilization. This standardized approach not only bolsters interoperability but also underpins the broader goal of generating enduring value from the amassed data resources. This chapter embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the manifold applications of BIM technologies across the spectrum of railway projects, spanning from initial design phases to subsequent maintenance operations. By facilitating the accumulation of information throughout the entire lifecycle, BIM data emerges as a dynamic repository, replete with potential for enhancing the digital infrastructure landscape.