I worked as an Assistant Manager – BIM at HOCHTIEF India Private Limited on the West Gate Tunnels Design Project. I was involved in the detailed engineering of Bridge 91, an elevated modular access path shared by pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge consisted of six prefabricated spans, making accurate detailing critical due to the modular nature of the structure. Since the design was developed in Australia and fabrication was planned in China, our team in India was responsible for ensuring accurate detailed engineering to guarantee precise constructability.

During the modeling process, our team used Trimble Tekla Structures for its versatile functionality in creating detailed Building Information Models (BIM), capable of extracting quantities and 2D detailed documents. For this project, we needed to handle non-orthogonal curved plates using unwound developed views, which are often required in the design of curved steel girder segments.

Upon reviewing the initial inputs, I identified three key structural levels: Deck, Kerb, and Soffit. I recognized that applying a single set of pre-camber values to these levels would not account for varying cross-section properties, making fabrication and staged loading difficult. This would lead to differential deflections during erection, causing misalignment between adjacent spans.

To address this issue, I raised a Request for Information (RFI) in the Oracle Aconex system, highlighting the insufficiency of the initial information. I proposed two solutions:

1. Using the default pre-camber values for all components.
2. Applying differential pre-camber values based on their relative elevation levels with respect to the centerline of the bridge.

I applied interpolation techniques to calculate the appropriate pre-camber values for each component and presented the results in a structured tabular format using Microsoft Excel. My second option, suggesting differential pre-camber values, was accepted by the Project Engineer due to its technical effectiveness and alignment with design requirements.

This work demonstrated my technical expertise in BIM, structural detailing, and effective problem-solving. By identifying and addressing a critical issue early in the project, I contributed to the successful construction and functionality of the bridge. Additionally, my proactive approach to raising RFIs and engaging with stakeholders highlighted my ability to manage project challenges and ensure alignment across teams.