Introduction : A partnership for a complex tunnel renovation
EQUANS INFRA MOBILITY, a major player in the energy and mobility sectors, is leveraging the NEXT-BIM solution for the renovation of the Beveren tunnel, located north of Antwerp. This large-scale project, spanning 16 months, involves refurbishing a 1.10 km long road tunnel with two traffic tubes. To address the unique challenges of this infrastructure, EQUANS adopted NEXT-BIM to streamline construction monitoring and optimize the installation of safety and communication equipment.
🎥 Exclusive: Watch the project video!
See NEXT-BIM in action inside the Beveren tunnel – check out our exclusive video.
The Beveren tunnel renovation project
The Beveren project presents a significant technical challenge for EQUANS BELUX. Renovating this tunnel comes with unique logistical and safety constraints, requiring precise planning and close coordination between teams on-site.
To meet these challenges, NEXT-BIM is used as an advanced visualization tool, enabling EQUANS teams to better visualize the tunnel environment and efficiently plan the installation of equipment.
NEXT-BIM Use Case : Optimizing construction monitoring
EQUANS uses NEXT-BIM to :
Visualize before and after construction : Easily comparing the tunnel’s initial state with ongoing modifications.
Precisely position equipment : Thanks to augmented reality projection, teams can visualize the exact location of cameras, signs, and other installations.
Monitor real-time installation progress : The NEXT-BIM solution allows teams to instantly verify if equipment has been correctly placed.
The benefits of NEXT-BIM for EQUANS BELUX
The adoption of NEXT-BIM has brought significant advantages to EQUANS BELUX :
Time savings and process optimization : Teams can now accurately visualize equipment locations without the need for complex manual measurements.
Improved communication and coordination : Augmented reality enhances understanding of plans and fosters smoother collaboration between on-site teams.
Simplified quality control : Once equipment is installed, NEXT-BIM makes it easy to verify placement against initial plans, ensuring project compliance.
Feedback : A versatile tool being tested in a specific environment
While NEXT-BIM is already widely used in the building sector, its application in tunnel environments is still undergoing fine-tuning. Michaël Hatchi shares his feedback:
“We are still in the testing phase to determine how far we can push the technology in linear underground environments. But the results are promising, and we are confident in NEXT-BIM’s potential to optimize our projects.”
Outlook : Towards full integration in the BIM process
Currently, NEXT-BIM is used as a stand-alone solution, primarily as an on-site verification tool. However, EQUANS is considering integrating this technology into its overall BIM process in the future. The goal is to use it not only for construction monitoring but also to feed field data back into digital models and adjust them accordingly.
Conclusion : A promising collaboration for the future of digital construction
EQUANS BELUX’s use of NEXT-BIM for the Beveren tunnel renovation demonstrates the effectiveness of augmented reality in complex environments. This client case study highlights the innovation brought by NEXT-BIM and paves the way for new applications in the mobility and infrastructure sectors.
We would also like to warmly thank Michaël Hatchi for the valuable insights he shared and for his key role in the success of the project ! 🤝
Learn more
To find out how NEXT-BIM can optimize your construction and renovation projects, contact us here.
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