PBC Today’s Harriet Clough had the opportunity to test the VR headset for Bentley’s iTwin infrastructure software demo, with Greg Demchak, senior director at the Digital Innovation Lab as a guide
“Architects, builders, and owners are increasingly seeking to have an experience of their 3D models in a more immersive, interactive way.
“We’re now leveraging game engine technology linked to our iTwin platform to empower immersive and highly interactive experiences. We’ve built a pipeline from our core desktop 3D modelling software to the cloud, where we federate 3D and 4D BIM models from say, MicroStation, ProjectWise, or SYNCHRO. Once in the cloud, we can stream geometry right into the game engine at runtime.”
As I experienced first-hand, VR allows you to see the infrastructure development from every angle. You can even teleport to different positions on the map or in the sky to gain a new perspective.
With the scale tools, you can become a giant and tower over the project, giving an unprecedented view of the bigger picture. Although I did manage to fall off a platform, I was easily able to get back to my position, proving that even the most tech-averse users will be able to use and benefit from VR.
“You have this feeling of real scale, which is way different from just looking at something on a monitor.”
iTwin’s drone capability reduces errors and accidents later on in the project
“A lot of our clients actually use drones to do remote inspections,” Greg continued. “So, we’ve built in training capabilities. Before you even get to the bridge you can practise with the drone, get familiar, even using the real model that you will be working on.”
This kind of early experience helps to build understanding and confidence with other kinds of tech, which reduces the risk of expensive errors or accidents further down the line.
“When you go out to the physical world, you’re like, okay, I’ve done that.”
Much like a livestream, the iTwin Platform is continuously updated with the latest information
With the iTwin Platform, you don’t have to export files and wait for processing.
Demchak: “If that model were to be changed right now on the back end and we log back in, it’ll show the latest version. It’s more or less a livestream.”
iTwin reduces the need for manual surveys entirely
At 645 feet tall, New Bullards Bar Dam is the second tallest dam in California and has the capacity to hold 1.19 cubic kilometres of water. To reduce personnel safety risks, operators Yuba Water wanted a system that could eliminate the need for manual surveys.
Using drone images using Bentley’s iTwin Capture, Yuba Water could create a 3D reality mesh, which was then incorporated into the iTwin model with real-time updates. “Bentley software was chosen because of its ability to collect monitoring data remotely and automate analysis and alerts based on predetermined thresholds,” said Tim Truong, chief dam safety engineer, Yuba Water. “The location of the dam is quite remote, so the ability to track the stability of the structure remotely is very valuable.”
Truong described the iTwin software as providing “an incredible return on investment by reducing the cost and time associated with getting data from the monitoring system.”
Compared to a conventional monitoring system, the digital twin automated total station provides 1,000 times more data monitoring points per week and has significantly improved data accuracy and risk assessment.
Truong continued: “For Yuba Water Agency, there is nothing more important than public safety. Investing in a real-time, automated total monitoring station at New Bullards Bar Dam significantly improves our monitoring capabilities and is testament to our continued commitment to public safety and infrastructure resilience.”
See how Bentley’s iTwin software could benefit your projects here.
