NHAI logs on to 3D technology

NEW DELHI: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is switching over to 3D technology to expedite construction works. The technology would be used on a big scale in the next phase of NHAI projects including the NHDP projects. California-based software design firm, Autodesk, which introduced the 2D AutoCAD technology for engineering design, said they have held discussions with NHAI on this.

Design and planning technology in the infrastructure sector is moving towards this technology by combining geographical information system (GIS) and civil 3D technology. 3D technology helps minimise misinterpretations between infrastructure companies and contractors, architects, and structural engineers by providing early and accurate 3D solid models.

These automated functions also make it faster and easier to change designs. “The advantages of 3D technology for the infrastructure sector are many, especially in build-operate-transfer (BOT) models where the concessionaire has the freedom to innovate,” Autodesk’s SAARC region infrastructure division technical solutions executive Harsh Pareek said.

This means an engineeer sitting in Delhi can design a road plan for Vizag-Warangal stretch, without actually visiting the site. Further, any changes in later stages of the original design plan of the project can be incorporated without going back to the earlier steps. Due to continuous change in the landscape in India every small stretch poses new engineering problems that would normally require a field visit. 3D technology can cut costs substantially for such visits.

The technology holds further advantage by helping various agencies involved in the project collaborate better. A single project involves the participation of multiple entities including contractors, architects, engineers. All these entities might not be working on the project simultaneously.

“However, the main problem in India is that of gathering data. The software greatly depends on the availability of updated information. NHAI has taken some steps to create a database of its highway projects, but co-operation is also needed from state public works departments for effective use of the technology,” Autodesk India’s infrastructure division development manager Manideep Saha said.

The technology can also be used to make future trend analysis. New 3D modelling tools make it possible to create and modify some of the most challenging objects to design. These 3D applications produce accurate representations of highly complex designs.