Advances in infrastructure project delivery in an increasingly digital world

Project delivery has transformed significantly due to rapid advances in technology. Digital delivery is more than just a deliverable, it’s a strategic enabler that drives efficiency, innovation, and better outcomes; it’s a comprehensive system of platforms, processes, and tools used to generate, validate, transfer, and interrogate data — continuously feeding back opportunities for improvement. 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transformation, particularly in the underground infrastructure space. With projects such as the Regional Connector in Los Angeles, Ontario Line in Toronto, Bart Silicon Valley Phase II in San Jose, Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel in Virginia, and Broadway Subway Project in Vancouver, we saw teams disperse from a single project office to literally dozens of offices across North America and around the world. Digital delivery brought people together, and the rapid adoption of teams working in common data environments and embracing digital tools enabled timely project delivery. Project teams today must be willing to embrace platforms and processes that govern information generation, assurance, and ultimately drive collaboration. 

Improved communication, coordination, and risk management are imperative to the success of today’s complex projects. Multidisciplinary Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based approaches to design collaboration produce high-quality 3D models that facilitate a more effective interface management process, especially when connected to other software for comment tracking and resolution. This progressive assurance approach, where BIM models are regularly shared, bring people together and allow them to make informed decisions with a single trustworthy source of information. This approach enables coordination between different contracts and teams, resolves issues in a virtual model before reaching the site, and improves understanding and communication in every project phase.  At its simplest, for all project stakeholders, it’s about having access to high-quality information to quickly make good decisions. 

BIM was used to map the interfaces between existing and new structures in our work on the historic Broadway Station.

Another example in the project digital delivery toolbox is the use of 3D geological modeling, which allows designers and constructors to view engineering designs alongside a site’s geotechnical environment, enabling rapid model edits and easy data reimportation over the project lifecycle. This technology advances collaboration and file sharing between multiple parties from remote locations using standard IT setups. Powerful 3D visualizations can be readily shared, aiding stakeholder communication and understanding at each stage of a project. 3D geological modeling software also integrates into Mott MacDonald’s Moata platform, a powerful tool that unites teams in project delivery. Moata helps facilitate communication and coordination among all project stakeholders, making it easier for everyone to stay aligned and understand all project data, whether it's related to design, cost, schedule, or impact. 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a powerful technology used to capture, store, analyze, and visualize spatial data, has proven to be an invaluable digital resource. It provides vital spatial information regarding land use and the environment. Combined with BIM models and other digital delivery tools, GIS supports public outreach and stakeholder communications through highly accurate visual simulations, renderings, and animations of project design and construction activities. These tools help stakeholders understand proposed designs, view before and after simulations, and virtually experience the project from delivery through the operational stage.  

The impact of artificial intelligence in underground projects 

Tunneling and underground infrastructure projects rely heavily on geological, environmental, and structural data. As we have experienced in the early phases of certain projects, such data can be incomplete, outdated, difficult to obtain, or entirely missing in certain regions. So how do we continue to drive forward in the continuing efforts to improve efficiency in project delivery? Is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) the next big opportunity for improvement in an ever-increasing digital world? 

While AI offers immense potential, challenges remain, including improving accessibility to tunneling data and developing reliable machine learning systems. Overcoming these hurdles will be crucial for AI to fully transform the industry’s ability to deliver projects in a shorter time and at a lower cost.  The cost of underground construction has risen so dramatically in the past few decades that funding projects is becoming the industry’s greatest challenge — a scenario that benefits no one. A close second challenge is finding the resources, both in engineering and construction, to deliver projects in a cost-effective and timely manner.  

There is no doubt that AI has the growing potential to improve efficiency but improving data availability will make it even more effective. Even though we have a very competitive industry, collaboration between consultants, construction companies, government agencies, and research institutions can help build a more comprehensive data repository. Meanwhile constructing projects virtually using 3D modeling software connected to project schedules, in collaboration with a comprehensive project delivery digital toolbox, helps Mott MacDonald’s tunneling and underground infrastructure engineers make informed decisions and avoid potential conflicts, especially in spatially contained urban areas.