THE Year in Infrastructure (YII) 2024 Going Digital Awards happening now in Vancouver, Canada has once again highlighted the transformative power of digitalization in the world of infrastructure.
Hosted by Bentley Systems, the awards celebrate the achievements of infrastructure projects across the globe that are embracing digital advancements to enhance project delivery, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainability.
This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of sectors, including transportation, energy, water, and environmental engineering. From major transportation projects like the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road in the Philippines, and the Midland Main Line electrification in the UK, to complex energy projects like the Hebei hydrogen metallurgy facility in China and the Ohio Falls River crossing transmission towers in the US, the awards showcase the breadth and depth of digital innovation in infrastructure.
A common thread among the finalists is the adoption of digital twin technology.
By creating comprehensive digital representations of physical assets, project teams are able to optimize design, construction, and operational processes. For instance, QK4 Inc. utilized digital twins to streamline the rehabilitation of over 700 bridges in Kentucky, while PT Hutama Kayra (Persero) employed digital twins to analyze soil conditions and mitigate potential risks along the Trans Sumatra toll road in Indonesia.
Beyond digital twins, finalists demonstrated the value of other digital advancements, such as 4D construction modeling, advanced structural analysis, and collaborative data environments. Webuild S.P.A. employed a collaborative virtual construction environment to reduce rework by 90 percent during the construction of a steel sky bridge in Milan, Italy.
Meanwhile, Amey implemented a robust project and data-sharing solution to facilitate collaboration among over 1,500 users across 40 organizations for the Core Valley Lines rail improvement project in Wales.
The Going Digital Awards not only celebrate individual project achievements but also underscore the broader trends shaping the future of infrastructure development. The increasing use of digital technologies is driving greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in infrastructure projects worldwide. By recognizing these achievements, the awards inspire further innovation and collaboration within the industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and interconnected future.
The winners, selected by an expert panel of jurors, will be honored at the Going Digital Awards dinner and featured in the annual Infrastructure Yearbook, serving as a testament to the transformative power of digitalization in infrastructure.
