Balfour Beatty VINCI, a joint venture working on behalf of Highways England (HE) on the conversion of the M5 Junctions 4a to 6 smart motorway project, has utilised 4D modelling as a management tool for all critical activities.

By using the 4D modelling technology, the joint venture was able to enhance understanding of the works sequence prior to starting on site, reduce waste and inefficiencies, as well as avoid operational and logistics clashes and mitigate health and safety risk.

Balfour Beatty VINCI and HE were able to re-open a stretch of the M5 three and a half hours earlier than planned during a scheduled 12-hour closure, and eliminated disruption for the road users on their morning commute.

Balfour Beatty digital project coordinator Josh Hanson said: “This is the first time Balfour Beatty VINCI joint venture has used this software as a management tool, taking the technology beyond site safety and operational planning uses in to all aspects of our work including site inductions.

“This collaborative approach has also extended to planning meetings with Highways England, resulting in a more seamless working relationship on a complex and busy project.

"4D modelling has become a routine on infrastructure projects, which are used to plan out difficult sequences of works ahead of programme."

“This approach will now be rolled out to our other highways projects as well as other areas of the business.”

At present, 4D modelling has become a routine on infrastructure projects, which are used to plan out difficult sequences of works ahead of programme.

Balfour Beatty VINCI was appointed to the M5 project in January this year, with work due for completion in June next year.

Image: Balfour Beatty VINCI makes use of 4D modelling technology for smart motorway project. Photo: courtesy of Balfour Beatty.