Project overview
The $95million dollar Stage 1 redevelopment of Perth’s nib Stadium was completed in 2013. The development included the following features:
- A new east stand with undercover and corporate seating
- New retail, beverage, catering and merchandise outlets
- A new south stand
- Two permanent big screens, four pitch floor lights and LED signage along the east perimeter
- Seating in the north stand
- New power substation
- Extensive CCTV coverage, AV/PA, video and communication systems
- A new control room
- A new pitch
Some features of the design include a common services trench throughout the concourse to maximise the efficiency of site ground works and integrated services metering to ensure full and accurate reporting of utility usage.
The project included an integrated assessment of the sustainability opportunities for the site and targeted an equivalent to a ‘best practice’ standard of performance for sustainability. In order to do this WGE successfully adapted an appropriate set of guidelines from some of the well-known industry benchmarking tools. To facilitate an informed client decision making process WGE utilised ‘whole of life’ assessment of all options identified for the project.
Stakeholders
Major stakeholders in the nib Stadium Redevelopment were:
- Department of Finance - Building Management and Works - Client
- Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland - Architect
- Wood & Grieve Engineers - design and documentation for hydraulics, electrical, mechanical & sustainability components
- Davis Langdon - Project manager
- BGC Construction - Head contractor
BIM adoption
Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland (Cox) fronted the initial push to utilise Building Information Modelling for the stadium project through the use of Revit Architecture, MEP and Structural Packages. Each consultant team engaged provided input into the BIM Execution Plan (BXP) for identifying:
- Model planning
- Level of detail
- Model information element tables
- Collaboration procedures
- Quality control
- Model structure
- BIM standards
BIM in MEP
WGE provided coordinated MEP models throughout the project’s design phase through to construction documentation.
Electrical
Services included pitch lighting, power upgrade, concourse and ball lighting, comms infrastructure, security and CCTV, fire and Emergency Warning Information System (EWIS).
Mechanical
Included air conditioning, ventilation and corporate kitchen exhaust systems.
Hydraulics
Services included existing services infrastructure, upgrading water, sewer and gas infrastructure to meet increased peak demands, siphonic roof drainage systems, onsite stormwater disposal systems, conventional sanitary waste, industrial waste, domestic hot and cold water and gas services to pods.
Benefits of BIM
Coordination
There are inherent risks associated with upgrading and constructing on an existing and operating stadium. Modelling in a 3D space allows for an acute level of coordination not easily matched in the 2D realm. The ability to run all mechanical, electrical and hydraulics services models out of a single office meant that services clashes could be ‘flushed-out’ prior to being coordinated back into the progressed architectural / structural space. This process was not only easier, but saved significant time across the board.
Modelling ‘On-The-Run’
During the construction of the project, additional stages were bought in that necessitated changes to service routes, number of services and the size of these services, as is often the case. However these stages and changes were easily handled using Revit MEP as all services are modelled and modifications are dynamic in nature. As one service is modified, so it reflects in everyone’s 3D space (not just on one drawing) making multiple stakeholders aware of the impact at once.
2D deliverables
Many projects designed, analysed and documented on BIM platforms still generate contractual deliverables in PDF and DWGTM. This was also the case for the nib Stadium project. Each discipline and consultant completed a final set of 2D drawings, schedules and specifications. These documents overtook the model in importance and reference during the construction phase and beyond. Although this traditional ‘master set’ documentation style of construction took place, the ability for services consultants to pull sections, isometrics and additional plans from the model at any live stage of construction was invaluable. The ability to quickly and visually explain an area of interest saves time and opens up new lines of communication between contractors, consultants and stakeholders in a very positive manner.
Results
The project as a whole was a learning experience for many parties involved. Indeed there are still many facets of the BIM revolution to be learned and mastered by the building services industry. However it is the benefits of coordination, live dynamic, intelligent design and most importantly a new method of communication that bought together this fantastic team and exceptional stadium structure.