SERVICES DELIVERED

• Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Systems
• Civil and Structural Infrastructure
• Tunnels and Ventilation Shaft Assets
• Architectural Sub-structures

PROJECT INFORMATION

This case study highlights the digital delivery and complex model assurance for a landmark high-speed rail network. As one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in Europe, the project encompasses a massive transportation corridor featuring 52.3 kilometers of deep-bore twin tunnels, 175 bridges, and 52 viaducts. Managing the digital assets for a multi-billion pound development of this scale requires elite information management to ensure that physical construction aligns perfectly with spatial and data requirements.

Draftech was appointed to lead the federated model production, rigorous quality assurance, and multi-disciplinary clash coordination. The scope of work heavily emphasized the integration of complex MEP systems within the overarching civil and structural packages.

WHAT WE DID

Draftech established an authoritative model management and validation framework to govern data integrity across the supply chain. Operating within the Common Data Environment (ProjectWise and Autodesk Construction Cloud), we executed strict information management procedures to enforce compliance with rigid CAD specifications, Model Production Delivery Tables (MPDT), and client BIM protocols.

Our core responsibility centered on auditing incoming models for geometric accuracy and data compliance, ensuring rigorous alignment with Level of Detail (LoD), Level of Model Information (LoMI), and IFC/Uniclass asset structuring. Draftech established, maintained, and optimized advanced Navisworks clash detection rulesets, search sets, and viewpoints. Rather than treating coordination as a passive reporting exercise, we actively led issue resolution in direct alignment with the Design Integrator. We provided the project leadership with critical transparency by generating regular, data-driven clash status trends, model health checks, and coordination review records. Furthermore, we closely supported the As-Built teams to prepare vital Design Anchor Point (DAC) evidence and complete AD4 models for ultimate handover.

OVERCOME CHALLENGES

The immense scale of this mega-project presented two distinct bottlenecks: the sheer, unprecedented file sizes of the federated models and widespread non-compliance from a sprawling supply chain. Multiple independent subcontractors consistently delivered models that deviated from the mandated project specifications, introducing unclassified geometry, broken naming conventions, and disjointed data schemas that threatened to stall the coordination timeline.

Draftech countered these challenges by introducing structured QA validation gates and high-frequency communication protocols. To handle the massive data volume, we optimized Navisworks search sets to isolate critical coordination zones, preventing software latency and streamlining federated production. When subcontractors failed to meet data specs, Draftech stepped in as the technical liaison for the supply chain. We conducted targeted model health audits and held hands-on resolution workshops, guiding non-compliant vendors on how to correctly structure their geometric and asset data to meet Uniclass and LoD requirements. By actively driving accountability and bridging the gap between design theory and subcontractor output, we successfully cleared thousands of systemic clashes, protected the integrity of the CDE, and secured client assurance approval.