A new progress in applying digital transformation in construction and infrastructure management in Vietnam

By www.baogiaothong.vn - 10/07/2024

On the afternoon of July 10, in Ho Chi Minh City, Portcoast Consultant Corporation and Autodesk signed a memorandum of cooperation to strongly apply the digital transformation ecosystem in construction and infrastructure management.

Digital Transformation for Transparency in Management

Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, General Director of Portcoast, shared that Autodesk is a world-leading corporation in design software, which has recently expanded into Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. For over 30 years, nearly all engineering professionals in Vietnam have used Autodesk software to create design drawings in the transportation and construction sectors.

The collaboration between Portcoast and Autodesk not only marks an important step forward in the application of BIM technology in Vietnam but also opens up many new opportunities and prospects for the construction industry. This is a testament to the vision and commitment of both parties in promoting digital transformation and improving the quality of construction projects, contributing to the sustainable development of the industry.

This forum is for all parties to share experiences and seek breakthrough solutions, aiming for a sustainable strategy for the future. 

At the signing ceremony, Autodesk awarded the Autodesk Certified Professional certificates for BIM (Building Information Modeling) software to 75 Portcoast engineers. Notably, 4 engineers achieved all 6 certifications in Autodesk's AEC field. This is the first achievement in Vietnam and rare worldwide.

Mr. Tuan also noted that in the context of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, digital transformation has become an important driving force for the development of many industries, including construction and infrastructure. The rapid development of information technology, big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has strongly promoted the application of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and GIS (Geographic Information System) globally, not only helping to optimize workflows but also enhancing the sustainability and safety of constructions.

Many countries around the world have recognized and affirmed the importance of applying BIM and GIS in the construction industry by enacting mandatory regulations on the use of these technologies from 2010-2015, such as the USA, UK, Finland, Norway, Singapore, Hong Kong (China)…

In our country, Decision No. 2500/QD-TTg dated December 22, 2016, of the Prime Minister approved the project to apply Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction activities and construction management.

The application of BIM aims to achieve at least 30% cost savings from all related parties implementing BIM, increasing transparency and convenience in management, controlling the quality of construction activities, and managing operations. 

Specifically: Construction costs save about 10% (including a 20% reduction in construction material waste); Construction time is reduced by about 10% compared to the approved schedule; Design time and design adjustment time are reduced by about 10%; Design modification requests due to design inconsistencies are reduced by about 40%.

In Decision No. 258/QD-TTg dated March 17, 2023, of the Prime Minister on approving the roadmap for the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction activities, it is stipulated: Phase 1, from 2023, mandatory application of BIM for Grade I, special grade constructions of new construction investment projects using public investment capital, state capital outside public investment, and public-private partnership investment starting the project preparation work. 

Phase 2, from 2025, mandatory application of BIM for Grade II constructions and above of new construction investment projects using public investment capital, state capital outside public investment, and public-private partnership investment starting the project preparation work.

Numerous Domestic Projects Have Applied Digital Transformation

According to a Portcoast representative, the nature of port projects undertaken by Portcoast, both domestically and internationally, is mostly invested in by large international corporations. Implementing BIM and GIS has become mandatory. Portcoast began adopting and applying BIM in 2017.

To date, Portcoast has implemented BIM for port projects abroad such as in Pakistan, Egypt, and Thailand… Many domestic projects have also been digitized to BIM, such as the Lach Huyen port system; Ha Tinh, Quang Ngai, Ninh Thuan, and Ba Ria Vung Tau seaports.

Digital transformation on the BIM-GIS platform at Saigon Hiep Phuoc Port has won the Top 3 Vietnamese Enterprises for Autodesk's 2023 Innovator of the Year Award (USA), honoring teams and projects that apply BIM and Autodesk technology in architecture, engineering, and construction of sustainable infrastructure.

The digitization projects of the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Ben Thanh Suoi Tien Metro Line No. 1, and Cu Mong Tunnel are impressive digital products, demonstrating that Portcoast not only undertakes port and waterway projects but also many other infrastructure projects.

Mr. Haresh Khoobchandani, Vice President of Sales for Autodesk Asia Pacific & Japan, said that the corporation is very honored to cooperate with Portcoast to promote the digital transformation process in the construction industry. This is an opportunity for both parties to reach promising prospects in the future.

Currently, Portcoast has 26 engineers who have obtained the BIM Professional certification in Vietnam and is also the first unit in Vietnam to receive the BIM Certification according to ISO 19650-2:2018 in May 2024, granted by the British Standards Institution (BSI). 

In addition, the integration of BIM and GIS in projects will help optimize spatial information and construction data management, enhancing efficiency in planning and managing construction projects.