To symbolize the growing relationship between Hong Kong and China, the world’s largest rail network will be built to connect Hong Kong and Beijing. The West Kowloon Terminus will span 430,000-sq-m, including 15 tracks, commercial spaces, plus customs and immigration

Project Description

The MTR Corporation has awarded the HK$8.9 billion final Express Rail Link civil contract to construct the West Kowloon Terminus Station North for the Guangzhou–Shenzhen– Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) to Leighton-Gammon Joint Venture.

Commencing in October 2011 and scheduled for completion in 2015, the project forms part of China’s strategic High-Speed Railway Network, will provide a world-class rail terminus and serve as an international gateway to China. Facilities include nine long-haul and six shuttle platforms, customs and immigration facilities, departure lounges, duty free and other retail outlets.

A dramatic steel and glass roof structure above the entrance that will become a prominent feature of the Kowloon skyline is a key element of the rail terminus which will be connected to adjacent Austin Station, Kowloon Station and Airport Express by a series of pedestrian bridges and underpasses.

Contribution of a VDC/BIM solution

Gammon are making extensive use of BIM during the construction of the West Kowloon Terminus, by far the largest railway station in Hong Kong. The massive, detailed BIM model was originally deployed for modelling the Terminus structure ahead of construction to identify spatial clashes and construction co-ordination issues, its uses have expanded through collaboration with the project teams within MTR Corporation and Gammon. The project team plans to leave a legacy in the form of an ‘as built’ model in addition to the usual as built drawings to the terminus operator.

De-risking the structure

In the project’s early stages due to complex geometry, 3D modelling was used for designing the roof structure, including its curtain walling and cladding. As the project neared construction, there were discussions within the MTR Corporation project team regarding potential application of BIM to model the entire design of the terminus. It is a challenging construction process for the whole project with multiple interfaces of many disciplines; BIM was used to interrogate the designs – with the intention of ensuring delivery of a robust design for Gammon to use. Derisking the structure, and ensuring it was adequately coordinated allowed Gammon to start to build using the 2D construction drawings with minimal delays due to coordination or clash issues.

The MTR Corporation team also decided the right way to proceed would be to own and manage the development of the BIM model. They would start with civil and architectural aspects, progressing to incorporating building services, and allow provision for updating the model during the life cycle of the project, making it useful for operation and maintenance.

After reviewing other projects that have used BIM, assessing BIM consultant’s capabilities and resources, and issuing a competitive tender for a BIM consultancy, the Corporation appointed a preferred BIM consultant. Initially, the main goal was for them to take 2D drawings, and model what the contractors would build.

Communication Tool

While creating the terminus in virtual reality, the Gammon team collaboratively worked with the Corporation and designers to provide solutions to construction issues through 3D visualisation of the design. This has led to early resolution to construction issues at an appropriate time that may have manifested during construction. The model is used for communication with the Gammon team and other stakeholders.

Effective use of Simulation

Use of simulation software allowed people without intimate knowledge of BIM to understand design and construction in the 3D world, significant people development and new skillsets have been achieved opening a new mind set of what can be achieved by new technology and developing ideas for its application and use. Some maintenance issues are also being addressed using the BIM model. For instance, a walk through helped show operation and maintenance staff how maintenance access doors in the roof will help gain access to Building Services within the roof space.

Enhanced by BIM

The terminus BIM model began with a small core of people within the MTR Corporation project team, and has since grown and continues growing with the Gammon team. Gammon use the model in their construction planning and provide their staff with 3D previews of the constructions works, development of method statements and to enhance understanding of construction safety issues that may arise. There are possibilities for them to look at the models in 4D – including time, and perhaps to use BIM in assessing quantities, helping to minimise wastage and enhance productivity. As well as delivering benefits such as minimising clashes and abortive works, the terminus BIM project is providing on-the job training in 3D technology for both MTR Corporation and the contractors’ construction project staff– and helping the MTR Corporation move towards increasing deployment of BIM.