Building information modeling is quickly expanding beyond vertical construction into infrastructure, and as project teams gain more experience with parametric modeling, they are finding ways to boost their return on investment.
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation is a case in point. It plans to include civil 3D models as part of standard design for all new projects starting in mid-2014. At that time, WisDOT also will deliver a 3D surface model for any project involving earthwork so that contractors can import the design files into their survey and excavation equipment.