applied

sciences
Article
New Perspectives for BIM Usage in Transportation
Infrastructure Projects
Ángela Moreno Bazán 1 , Marcos G. Alberti 2, * , Antonio Arcos Álvarez 1 and
Jesús Alonso Trigueros 1
1 Departamento de Ingeniería y Morfología del Terreno, E.T.S de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos,
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; angela.moreno@upm.es (Á.M.B.);
antonio.arcos@upm.es (A.A.Á.); chus.alonso@upm.es (J.A.T.)
2 Departamento de Ingeniería Civil: Construcción, E.T.S de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos,
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
* Correspondence: marcos.garcia@upm.es; Tel.: +34-91-0674121




Received: 11 August 2020; Accepted: 9 October 2020; Published: 12 October 2020


Abstract: Although there is already a great amount of scientific literature dealing with the use of
building information modeling (BIM) in engineering activities, the majority refer to successful case
studies using the usual methods and technology of building construction but rarely bring up the
real problems for implementing BIM methodology to the field of transportation infrastructure. It
must be also considered that the construction activity is only a part of the infrastructure life and the
stakeholder must consider the works of enlargement, renewal, and maintenance of the infrastructure.
The purpose of this paper is not only to show a mere review of the existing literature but also
present a rational analysis for the use of BIM in different areas of civil engineering. For that purpose,
the gathered experience in the use of BIM in civil engineering projects in the final course of Civil
Engineering Master Studies in the Civil Engineering School (ETSICCP) at Universidad Politécnica de
Madrid were compared with the reported literature. This way, a complete and updated information
regarding tendencies, applications, and practice along with limitations and benefits can be presented.
The significance of this research relies on the original insight of BIM for civil engineering applications
through four case studies. Two of them were focused on construction possibilities and the other two
on the possibilities in the exploitation, rehabilitation, and maintenance. The results showed that
despite the lack of previous experiences, the use of BIM methodology is possible for activities such
as maintenance, managing, or expansion of infrastructure by applying different specific software
packages. Among the main problems needing to be addressed are the following: handling of big
data files, the integration of new data non-related with the modeled object, and interchange of data
without losing information. That proves the need of new more efficient techniques to overcome the
challenge of the full use of BIM in the civil engineering field and obtain the mutual advantage of the
co-operation of the academic and industrial worlds.

Keywords: building information modeling BIM; BIM infrastructure; BIM data management; facility
management; monitoring systems

1. Introduction
The building information modeling (BIM) approach considered as a series of technologies and
methodology procedures is currently becoming a standard for developing projects worldwide [1,2]. In
this context, most corporations have assumed that the professionals have not acquired enough contents
and competences in BIM methods along their university studies although they have got enough basic
instruction as to overcome this lack of skills [3]. One of the main problems is the lack of education

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072; doi:10.3390/app10207072 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 22

enough basic10,instruction
Appl. Sci. 2020, 7072 as to overcome this lack of skills [3]. One of the main problems is the lack 2 of of
22
education of the professionals and the teaching personnel [4] and that is why this kind of formation
has been expanded and increased in the postgraduate studies, mainly in the fields of architectural
of the
and professionals
building and thebut
construction, teaching
also, inpersonnel
recent years,[4] and that
in the is why
civil this kindfield
engineering of formation has been
[5]. The successful
use of BIM in the building construction projects proving the advantages of its implementationbuilding
expanded and increased in the postgraduate studies, mainly in the fields of architectural and implies
that, with some perspective changes, it can also be used in infrastructure projects, includingBIM
construction, but also, in recent years, in the civil engineering field [5]. The successful use of linearin
the building
projects [6]. construction projects proving the advantages of its implementation implies that, with
someTheperspective changes,
main subject it can
to be alsointo
taken be used in infrastructure
account for using BIM projects, including linear
in infrastructure projects
projects such[6].a
The main
hydraulic works,subject to berailways,
roads, taken intocomplex
account for using BIMcomplex
structures, in infrastructure projects
foundations, andsuch a hydraulic
even historic
works, roads, railways, complex structures, complex foundations, and even historic
restoration works is that these projects have different characteristics compared with architectural restoration works
is that these
works and the projects have different
BIM application characteristics
should be resolvedcompared
by the use with architectural
of specific works
solutions andand the That
tools. BIM
application should be resolved by the use of specific solutions and tools. That
must start with the application of scales consistent with the level of development (LOD) of the project must start with the
application of scales consistent with the level of development (LOD) of the project
that in turn should be coherent with the definition or detail level of the project development (see that in turn should
be coherent
Figure 1). with the definition or detail level of the project development (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Level
Level of
of development
development of
of aa traffic
traffic roundabout.

In recent years there have been an important impulse to the development and practice of
technologiesininconstruction
innovative technologies constructionprojects.
projects.TheThe universities
universities are are
not not unaware
unaware of this
of this reality
reality and
and have
have included
included formation
formation in BIM inin
BIM in to
order order to improve
improve the professional
the professional opportunities
opportunities of their of their
alumni
alumni
[7]. BIM[7]. BIM methodology
methodology comes comes
from the from the construction
construction industryindustry
and isand an isapproach
an approach
that that allows
allows the
the visualization
visualization of the
of the design-simulated
design-simulated project
project [8][8]providing
providingthe theoverall
overall understanding
understanding of of the
functionality and
functionality and operability
operabilityofofall
allintegrated
integratedelements.
elements.It It
is is
anan opportunity
opportunity of developing
of developing notnot
onlyonly
the
3D model
the but but
3D model alsoalso
the creation of a of
the creation collaborative and and
a collaborative centralized information
centralized informationsystem. The aim
system. The of
aim BIM
of
is to capture
BIM all information
is to capture and aspects
all information of the project
and aspects of the so that itsocan
project be itfurther
that can beutilized
furtherinutilized
the operation
in the
and maintenance
operation activities. activities.
and maintenance
Figure 2 shows some examples of BIM models that include the geometry of the building, the
spatial relationships,
relationships, and
andthe
thegeographical
geographicalinformation
informationalongalong with thethe
with quantities andand
quantities properties of the
properties of
components. A common tool for a BIM approach is Autodesk Revit.
the components. A common tool for a BIM approach is Autodesk Revit. This tool is normally This tool is normally used to
create highly visual models and is already of common use use in
in building
building construction.
construction.
However, while the BIM application to architecture, construction, and manufacturing activities
has been widely adopted, it has gained scarce application in transportation engineering. The tempting
efforts have been so far insufficient and currently problems still exist for its implementation. At present
the use of BIM in the civil engineering field is focused in the application of BIM tools in terms of
working methodology, the integration of the gathered information and the data inter-relation and the
transfer to third parties. However, the adaptation to structures like bridges and roads is a much more
complex process.
The purpose of this work is to provide a critical analysis of the use and application of BIM in
different civil infrastructure works, identify gaps, and propose solutions to obtain the maximum profit
of the technology and computer applications so far utilized in the construction industry. Published
literature related to BIM has mainly focused on buildings and there is a lack of clear possibilities
and tendencies to be used in civil engineering even though it is mandatory in many countries. The
significance of this research relies on the original insight of BIM for civil engineering applications
through four case studies. Two of them were focused on construction possibilities (one bridge and
one road) and the other two on the possibilities in the exploitation, rehabilitation, and maintenance
(one bridge and one road). Those projects were developed with advanced BIM technologies that
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 3 of 22

have shown that the use of BIM in infrastructure projects not only clarifies the main objectives of the
project making it more visible, but also reduce the risk of errors, ease the possibility of studying more
alternatives and help the decision-making process for the management staff. In addition, it can help to
register and maintain all the historical actuation on the infrastructure through the use of databases
linked to the model. This can be of great importance for the future public facility management (FM)
and rehabilitation of bridges that are counted in hundreds of thousands in Europe and developed
countries older
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, than
x FOR 50 years.
PEER REVIEW 3 of 22

Figure2.
Figure 2. Example
Example of
of aa design
designby
bybuilding
buildinginformation
informationmodeling
modeling(BIM) methodology.
(BIM) methodology.

2. Materials
However, andwhile
Methods
the BIM application to architecture, construction, and manufacturing activities
has been widely adopted, it has gained scarce application in transportation engineering. The
The main purpose of this study implied the use of a significant diversity of software and equipment.
tempting efforts have been so far insufficient and currently problems still exist for its implementation.
For each of the case studies, the methods and technology required were different. In order to develop
At present the use of BIM in the civil engineering field is focused in the application of BIM tools in
each project, the methodology had to be carefully studied, in addition to organize the participation
terms of working methodology, the integration of the gathered information and the data inter-
of the different academics with expertise in each topic as well as the contribution of students. This
relation and the transfer to third parties. However, the adaptation to structures like bridges and roads
process was based on an initial technical characterization of the four projects. The participants in this
is a much more complex process.
experiment included a group of civil engineers with an average experience of fifteen years of experience.
The purpose of this work is to provide a critical analysis of the use and application of BIM in
For these four
different civil studies, all theworks,
infrastructure computing resources
identify gaps, andandpropose
access tosolutions
all Autodesk (Autodesk,
to obtain the maximumInc., San
Rafael, CA, USA) and Bentley (Bentley Systems, Incorporated, Exton, PA, USA)
profit of the technology and computer applications so far utilized in the construction industry. commercial software
were available.
Published In addition,
literature related toother
BIMsoftware
has mainlyof great interest
focused such as and
on buildings Dynamo, SketchUP,
there is a lack of Revizto,
clear
Rhinoceros, and Grasshopper, required for the correct execution of the
possibilities and tendencies to be used in civil engineering even though it is mandatorymodeling, were also
inavailable.
many
The projects
countries. were divided
The significance into
of this two main
research reliessections: bridges
on the original and roads.
insight of BIM Inforthe
civilcase of bridges,
engineering
asapplications
a first objective,
through thefour
detailed procedure
case studies. Two ofof the
them virtual construction
were focused of three-dimensional
on construction bridge
possibilities (one
models following BIM methodology was chosen. Further perspectives were defined
bridge and one road) and the other two on the possibilities in the exploitation, rehabilitation, and for each of the
case studies. (one bridge and one road). Those projects were developed with advanced BIM
maintenance
The first case
technologies studyshown
that have introduced and
that the useimplemented the developed
of BIM in infrastructure framework
projects not onlyfor the maintenance
clarifies the main
objectives
and of theof
exploitation project making
bridges. it more
It was basedvisible,
on thebut also reduce
possibilities of the risk of errors,
Dynamo. ease the
In addition possibility
to this, the main
of studying
data more alternatives
for the conventional and helpofthe
maintenance decision-making
bridges was used toprocess
reach the formain
the management staff.
objective of the In
project.
addition, it can
Object-based help to register
parametric modelingand is
maintain all the
one of the historical
bases of BIMactuation
technology, on the
andinfrastructure
Dynamo can through
be used to
the use
bring of databases
procedural linked to the
information intomodel. This
the BIM can be of great
environment. Inimportance
this case offor the future
study, Dynamopublic facilitythe
enabled
management (FM) and rehabilitation of bridges that are counted in hundreds
communication between the worksheet samples from the government and the model. The second of thousands in Europe
and developed countries older than 50 years.

2. Materials and Methods

The main purpose of this study implied the use of a significant diversity of software and
equipment. For each of the case studies, the methods and technology required were different. In order
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 4 of 22

case of study aimed to develop a methodology to design different rehabilitation alternatives. After
an extensive literature review, this project proposed a BIM-based rehabilitation of a bridge over the
Perales river using project management software.
The second section shows the other two case studies performed with the aim of showing new
perspectives of BIM applied to linear works, specifically to roads, tunnels, and highways. Thus,
the third case study shows the procedure developed based on parametric BIM generation with 3D
scanning through use of drones. In this case, a drone model Mavic–Pro M1P was used. The process was
divided into three parts: (1) data acquisition with ContextCapture, (2) geometry information extraction
in OpenRoads ConceptStation, and (3) parametric BIM modeling in SketchUP. The purpose of this
work was the acquisition of information for the management of the road, the building of a virtual
information model, and assessing both the costs of implementing this methodology per kilometer and
its suitability. The fourth case study introduces a BIM framework, which could effectively integrate the
assessment of optimized linear designs based on road traffic and risk. For this study, an indicator of
risk (IRDO) based on hierarchical-analytical criteria was designed as well as a Hasse diagram with the
most important attributes. For the detailed elements SketchUp was used. Various alternatives were
generated using OpenRoads ConceptStation.

3. Results

3.1. Bridges
In recent years, the big worldwide development of transportation has given rise to the construction
of a very large number of bridges. Bridges play an important role in the transportation system
giving support in the social and economic development and, therefore, are very important and
indispensable infrastructure elements. The earliest research work encountered in the BIM bibliography
on transportation infrastructure is the development of a microcomputational system for bridge
management. Although bridges and buildings may appear similar and have similar characteristics,
they are quite different in terms of construction, operation, and element classification [9].
According to official statistics Spain has a road network of 165,624 km and more than 100,000
bridges. From those, about 25,000 bridges are managed by the government and, given the age of many
of them, only 6.5% do not present anomalies of any issue [10]. In addition to this, other bridges such
as those of the train system or footbridges must be added as well as those managed by the regional
governments and local authorities. The economic value of their new construction has an estimated
cost of 12,000 million euros [11]. This gives an idea of the magnitude of the required maintenance
and structural management activities. Here is where the BIM technology can develop an efficient
management and maintenance system for bridges [12], which in turn will improve traffic safety. For
that goal, a standard method for structural modeling is required. With it the bridge modeling will be
easily completed with all the pertinent information. If the information relative to the foreseen actions
to be taken in the bridge service life time, for example alerts to specific revisions and maintenance
actions, the system will allow extending the life expectancy of the bridge and provide a planned
schedule for future payments, so improving the project cost control. It is necessary to create a standard
of collaborative bridge maintenance containing information of the past, present, and future status of
the bridge.
As MacLeamy [13] states, for each dollar invested in the project phase twenty dollars are invested
in the construction phase and 70 or more along the infrastructure lifetime. Thus, BIM means big
public funds savings in cost overruns that can reach 40% according to the survey reported by Stanford
University [14] and in maintenance and management costs.
In order to obtain a scheduled planning of a bridge service life, the bridge information model or
BrIM must be built up during the design and construction stages [15]. However, most of the existing
bridges were designed and constructed without contributing to the modeling. Therefore, the model
must be reconstructed for most of the bridges. In this section some successful case studies of standard
big public funds savings in cost overruns that can reach 40% according to the survey reported by
Stanford University [14] and in maintenance and management costs.
In order to obtain a scheduled planning of a bridge service life, the bridge information model or
BrIM must be built up during the design and construction stages [15]. However, most of the existing
bridges
Appl. were10,designed
Sci. 2020, 7072 and constructed without contributing to the modeling. Therefore, the model 5 of 22
must be reconstructed for most of the bridges. In this section some successful case studies of standard
modeling software packages are presented that can be further used to elaborate plans for the bridge
modeling
service life.software packages are presented that can be further used to elaborate plans for the bridge
service life.
The most important criteria in the design and construction phases refer to the level of
The most (LOD)
development important andcriteria in the
the level ofdesign and construction
information phases refer
(LOI). In building to the levelLOD
construction of development
is directly
(LOD) and the level of information (LOI). In building construction LOD is directly
related to internal specifications but in civil infrastructure the focus is on external specifications related to internal
specifications but in civil infrastructure the focus is on external specifications
including geometry details and semantic information [16]. In fact, bridges have some unique including geometry
details and semantic
characteristics such as information [16]. Inorfact,
road alignment beam bridges
slopeshave
thatsome unique
are of mostcharacteristics
importance insuch as road
the design,
alignment or beam slopes that are of most importance in the design, construction,
construction, and fabrication of the bridge. An important number of publications [17,18] suggest and fabrication
of the bridge.
methods An important
to achieve substantial number of publications
improvements in the[17,18]
designsuggest
process,methods
a sharp to achieve substantial
reduction of conflicts
improvements in the design process, a sharp reduction of conflicts and even
and even industrial benefits through use of BrIM. However, currently LOD faces an important industrial benefits through
challenge in infrastructure elements like bridges [19]. Due to the high amount of work involvedlike
use of BrIM. However, currently LOD faces an important challenge in infrastructure elements in
bridges
the bridge[19]. Due to the
modeling high
it is amounttoofunify
necessary workthe involved in the bridgeprior
basic information modeling
to theit model
is necessary
setup to unify
[20]. In
the basic
Figure information
3 some examples prior of to the model
BrIM realized setup
with[20]. In Figure
different 3 some examples
methodologies and withof BrIM
a highrealized with
LOD level
different methodologies
(LOD 300–400) are described. and with a high LOD level (LOD 300–400) are described.

Figure 3.
Figure Example of a design methodology by a bridge information model (BrIM).
3. Example

The working sequences shown try to show how by combining different software packages the
correct completion of a BrIM model system can be achieved. In the initial phase, the use of tools like
Infraworks or Civil3D allows the inclusion of data for the different configuration alternatives and
the definition of the basic parameters to be further exported to Revit for the design completion. If
both packages are used for the surroundings and access it must be taken into account that importing
Civil3D to Infraworks runs perfectly but the inverse process is quite problematic. For a second phase,
Infraworks infrastructure modeling can also be used although the most elaborate elements such as
hangers and ribs of the bridge must be previously created as parametric elements using Inventor or
Rhino. The problem appears when these structural elements are exported because neither Revit nor
Navisworks detect their area or volume and so they are not quantifiable. For this reason, at least
until this problem is resolved, modeling software such as Revit needs to be directly used for the
detailing design of the infrastructure although this requires the creation or modification of a number
of families, because such software type is rather limited for highly complex geometries. This can be
resolved utilizing “conceptual masses” by previous modeling in Civil3D, AutoCAD3D, or Inventory
 hangers and ribs of the bridge must be previously created as parametric elements using Inventor or
Rhino. The problem appears when these structural elements are exported because neither Revit nor
Navisworks detect their area or volume and so they are not quantifiable. For this reason, at least until
this problem is resolved, modeling software such as Revit needs to be directly used for the detailing
design
Appl. of the
Sci. 2020, infrastructure although this requires the creation or modification of a number6 ofof22
10, 7072
families, because such software type is rather limited for highly complex geometries. This can be
resolved utilizing “conceptual masses” by previous modeling in Civil3D, AutoCAD3D, or Inventory
(all
(allAutodesk,
Autodesk,Inc., Inc.,San
SanRafael, CA,
Rafael, USA)
CA, USA) making
makinga family ableable
a family to create a dotted
to create Spline
a dotted in Revit
Spline whose
in Revit
area and volume parameters can be assigned. In a final phase, the most useful
whose area and volume parameters can be assigned. In a final phase, the most useful software tosoftware to combine the
models
combine is managing
the models software such as Navisworks,
is managing software such though the textures and
as Navisworks, georeferences
though sometimes
the textures and
may
georeferences sometimes may cause problems. It is also possible to combine them in Infraworksmodel
cause problems. It is also possible to combine them in Infraworks but in that case the Revit but
must becase
in that created as a 3D
the Revit object.
model must be created as a 3D object.
Then,
Then, as as shown
shown in in Figure
Figure 44 and following this
and following this procedure
procedureititisispossible
possibletotocreate
createaavirtual
virtualand
and
intelligent 3D model of the bridge containing all pertinent information for each component
intelligent 3D model of the bridge containing all pertinent information for each component and for and for the
whole service
the whole life. life.
service

Figure 4. Proposed
Proposed facility
facility management
managementworkflow
workflowfor
forBrIM.
BrIM.

In Europe,
In Europe, there
there is a bridge management
management systemsystem (BMS)
(BMS)that thatprovides
providessupport
supporttotothe
thedesign,
design,
construction,operation,
construction, operation,and
andmaintenance
maintenancephases.
phases.This
ThisBMS
BMSimproves
improvesthe theefficiency
efficiencyand
andcost
costcontrol
controlof
of the
the infrastructure
infrastructure management
management problems.The
problems. Thecountries
countries investing
investing most in in this
thissystem
systemare
areFinland,
Finland,
Denmark, and Germany [21]. Nevertheless, the system still holds some drawbacks
Denmark, and Germany [21]. Nevertheless, the system still holds some drawbacks [12]. [12].
Although BIM
Although BIM has been implemented
implemented inin the
the stages
stagesof
ofdesign
designand andconstruction
constructionofofmany
manybridges,
bridges,
ascommented
as commented above,
above, the application to the
the stage
stage ofof maintenance
maintenancehas hasstarted
startedrelatively
relativelylate
late[22].
[22].InIn
Spain, the BIM based
Spain, the BIM based management of the bridge service life is still under development. Additionally,
the bridge service life is still under development. Additionally,
as other countries, the tendency is combining BIM with the traditional managing methods to improve
the management efficiency [23].

3.1.1. Case Study 1

With the large amount of Spanish bridge inventory, the maintenance becomes an important and
challenging task. Additionally, that makes a BMS system a useful and essential tool. In fact, recently,
the government awarded a contract of an urgent inspection of 2500 flyover bridges by the amount of
18.12 million euros. Due to this, a BIM model in the near future would be necessary, at least in new
constructions. With these new data in the model, any incidence detected in successive inspections
along the bridge service life will be incorporated to the design model. Thus, by making use of the
data contained in the model [24] it would be possible to get a cost estimation of the repairing works
recorded in the inspection.
 challenging task. Additionally, that makes a BMS system a useful and essential tool. In fact, recently,
the government awarded a contract of an urgent inspection of 2500 flyover bridges by the amount of
18.12 million euros. Due to this, a BIM model in the near future would be necessary, at least in new
constructions. With these new data in the model, any incidence detected in successive inspections
along
Appl. Sci.the
2020,bridge
10, 7072service life will be incorporated to the design model. Thus, by making use of7 the of 22
data contained in the model [24] it would be possible to get a cost estimation of the repairing works
recorded in the inspection.
The
TheBIMBIMmethodology
methodology has has been
been proposed
proposed toto incorporate
incorporatethethebridge
bridgeinspection
inspectiontotoaaBIM
BIMmodel.
model.
AAflyover bridge (Figure 5) was selected because of the great similitude of elements and
flyover bridge (Figure 5) was selected because of the great similitude of elements and typology typology with
many other other
with many bridges and because
bridges of the
and because ofdesign simplicity
the design thatthat
simplicity would allow
would extending
allow extending the model
the modelto
other bridges with scarce modifications.
to other bridges with scarce modifications.

Figure 5. Flyover bridge in the AP-41 highway.

Figure 5. Flyover bridge in the AP-41 highway.
A complete information model of a bridge was performed as a reference. Previously, LOD
A complete information model of a bridge was performed as a reference. Previously, LOD were
were defined in order to gather all the information of the traditional project and drawings. Thus,
defined in order to gather all the information of the traditional project and drawings. Thus, the
the components of the structure were defined and virtually created and constructed. Following the
components of the structure were defined and virtually created and constructed. Following the
rationale of any construction task, every structural component was considered (neoprene bearings,
rationale of any construction task, every structural component was considered (neoprene bearings,
footings, abutments, girders and prefabricated elements, decks, expansion joints, etc.). However,
footings, abutments, girders and prefabricated elements, decks, expansion joints, etc.). However, on-
on-site maintenance inspections can reveal pathologies associated to groups of elements such as spans
site maintenance inspections can reveal pathologies associated to groups of elements such as spans
or abutments. These options were not preconfigured, and new families were created to group the
or abutments. These options were not preconfigured, and new families were created to group the
components in the following:
components in the following:
• Abutments with their respective foundations.
• Abutments with their respective foundations.
•• Piers
Piersand
andpile
pilecaps
capswith
withtheir
theirrespective
respective foundation.
foundation.
•• Spans.
Spans.
•• Support
Supportlines
linesand
andleveling.
leveling.
•• Parapets.
Parapets.
Themain
The mainpurpose
purpose was
was to
to establish
establish a connection
connection between
between the
the basic
basic inspection
inspectionsheets
sheets(BISs)
(BISs)inin
Excel currently used by the Ministry
Excel currently used by the Ministry of of Civil Works and the BIM model.
model. The management datawas
The management data was
developedand
developed andisisshown
shownininFigure
Figure 6.
6.
The flyover bridge management system must:

(1) Classify the potential pathologies by categories, assign an ID, and prepare a digital format sheet
(Microsoft Excel) for inspection adjoining a base of unit prices to assess the repairing cost of each
pathology (BIS). Additionally, the 3D structure must be modeled (Autodesk Revit and Autodesk
Civil 3D) with the pertinent parameters for the damage statement as a BIS function.
(2) Link up the BIS incorporating the field information with the structure. For that purpose, a
programming code in Dynamo must be created that is to be repeated for each possible damage in
each structural element, as can be seen in Figure 7.

a. Information import in Autodesk Revit. Each element family must be placed in a different
Excel sheet to facilitate the Dynamo programming language.
b. Export the information to Microsoft Excel.
(3) Graphic visualization of the 3D structure status along with an estimation of the repairing costs
according to the reported damage (Figure 8). This computerized data can be saved and analyzed
from different points of view:
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 8 of 22

a. Technically: some pathologies occurring with excessive frequency can be detected and an
alternative solution may be proposed.
b. Economically: costs of successive campaigns can be compared, and future costs can be
estimated, so optimizing resources.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 22

Figure6.6.Proposed
Figure Proposedfacility
facility management
management scheme
scheme of
ofBrIM
BrIMmaintenance.
maintenance.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 22
The flyover bridge management system must:
(1) Classify the potential pathologies by categories, assign an ID, and prepare a digital format sheet
(Microsoft Excel) for inspection adjoining a base of unit prices to assess the repairing cost of each
pathology (BIS). Additionally, the 3D structure must be modeled (Autodesk Revit and Autodesk
Civil 3D) with the pertinent parameters for the damage statement as a BIS function.
(2) Link up the BIS incorporating the field information with the structure. For that purpose, a
programming code in Dynamo must be created that is to be repeated for each possible damage
in each structural element, as can be seen in Figure 7.
a. Information import in Autodesk Revit. Each element family must be placed in a different
Excel sheet to facilitate the Dynamo programming language.
b. Export the information
(a) to Microsoft Excel. (b)
(3) Graphic(a)visualizationinofAutodesk
the 3D structure status along with an estimation of the repairing costs
Figure 7. (a) Importing
Importing in Autodesk Revit
Revit the Microsoft Excel information and (b) exporting the
according to theMicrosoft
reportedExcel.
damage (Figure 8). This computerized data can be saved and analyzed
Autodesk Revit to Microsoft Excel.
from different points of view:
a. Technically: some pathologies occurring with excessive frequency can be detected and an
alternative solution may be proposed.
b. Economically: costs of successive campaigns can be compared, and future costs can be
estimated, so optimizing resources.
 (a) (b)
Appl. Sci. 2020,7.10,(a)
7072
(a) (b)
Figure Importing in Autodesk Revit the Microsoft Excel information and (b) exporting the9 of 22
Figure 7.Revit
Autodesk (a) Importing in Autodesk
to Microsoft Excel. Revit the Microsoft Excel information and (b) exporting the
Autodesk Revit to Microsoft Excel.

Figure
Figure 8.
8. Graphical
Graphical visualization
visualization of
of the
the bridge
bridge management
management system
system (BMS).
(BMS).
Figure 8. Graphical visualization of the bridge management system (BMS).
Given
Given the large number of parameters
parameters to be introduced to each of the modeled elements, an
Given the large number of parameters to be introduced to each of the modeled elements, an
extensive
extensive code
code was developed.
developed. The
The groups
groups generated
generated in
in the
the code
code permitted
permitted treating
treating damages
damages asas a
extensive code was developed. The groups generated in the code permitted treating damages as a
parameter affecting all the elements that belong to a family. Figure 9 shows detail with a simplified
parameter affecting all the elements that belong to a family. Figure 9 shows detail with a simplified
view of how this import was programmed.
view of how this import was programmed.

Figure
Figure9.
9.Detail
Detailof
ofthe
theimport
import code
code for damage with id
id PL_DUR_SUP.
Figure 9. Detail of the import code for
for damage
damage with
with id PL_DUR_SUP.
PL_DUR_SUP.

In
InInFigure
Figure9,
Figure 9,9,two
twomain
two mainfunctions
main have
functionshave
functions been
have been highlighted
been highlighted given their
highlighted given relevance:
their relevance:
relevance:

(1) Data.ImportExcel: extracts cell from a certain worksheet. The information read from the worksheet
will be gathered in lists through the command List.GetItemAtIndex.
(2) Element.SetParameterByName: the lists of elements read in the adequate position (through use
of the List.Transpose command) will be incorporated to the element parameter of a category by
means of this function.

This way, damage PL_DUR_SUP of each of the piers of the Pier category is added to the previously
created parameter. The same procedure was carried out in order to incorporate the rest of the parameters
to be introduced in the model (piers, abutments, spans, bearings, dilatation joints, or parapets).
The main objectives of the project included not only to generate an information model but also
to enable the information of this model to be used for the maintenance of the bridge. That said, the
 means of this function.
This way, damage PL_DUR_SUP of each of the piers of the Pier category is added to the
previously created parameter. The same procedure was carried out in order to incorporate the rest of
the parameters to be introduced in the model (piers, abutments, spans, bearings, dilatation joints, or
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072
parapets). 10 of 22
The main objectives of the project included not only to generate an information model but also
to enable the information of this model to be used for the maintenance of the bridge. That said, the
first exportation carried out is that referring to the economic value of the damages displayed in the
first exportation carried out is that referring to the economic value of the damages displayed in the
model. Such exportation, the parameters associated to the actual state of conservation of the element
model. Such exportation, the parameters associated to the actual state of conservation of the element
as well as the observations and quantifications registered will complement the information for an
as well as the observations and quantifications registered will complement the information for an
adequate analysis.
adequate analysis.
The code generated and executed in Dynamo to obtain a worksheet with the desired parameters
The code generated and executed in Dynamo to obtain a worksheet with the desired parameters
was significant given the large number of parameters obtained for each family of elements as well as
was significant given the large number of parameters obtained for each family of elements as well as
the large number of inspected elements. Each of the groups created was associated with an element
the large number of inspected elements. Each of the groups created was associated with an element
category. The code was generated by means of the commands and functions of Dynamo as can be seen
category. The code was generated by means of the commands and functions of Dynamo as can be
inseen
Figure 10. First, the elements of the desired category are extracted and from that group of elements
in Figure 10. First, the elements of the desired category are extracted and from that group of
the desired
elements the parameter is obtainedisusing
desired parameter the function
obtained using theElement.GetParameterValueByName.
function Element.GetParameterValueByName.The chains
generated
The chains with the values
generated withofthe
thevalues
parameters
of theofparameters
all the elements
of all of
thethe category
elements ofwill
the be linked will
category to a be
list
using the command List Create. This is shown in Figure 10.
linked to a list using the command List Create. This is shown in Figure 10.

Figure10.
Figure 10. Detail
Detail of
of the
the extract
extract exportation
exportation code
code to
to worksheets
worksheets with
withid
idPL_DUR_SUP.
PL_DUR_SUP.

3.1.2.
3.1.2.Case
CaseStudy
Study22
BIM
BIM can
can also
also be
be used
used to to avoid
avoid conflicts
conflicts during
during bridge substitution
substitution works
works with
with nono traffic
traffic
interruption
interruption [25]. This implies
[25]. This implies the the construction
construction of of aa temporary
temporary bridge bridge toto divert
divert the
the traffic,
traffic, the
the
demolition
demolitionofofthe
theexisting
existingbridge
bridge andand the final construction of of the
the new
newbridge
bridgeininthe
theoriginal
originalposition.
position.
Forthis
For thissecond
secondcase
casestudy,
study,aabridge
bridge located
located over
over the Perales river river in
in M-510
M-510 road
roadin inthe
theMadrid
Madrid
regionwas
region wasused.
used.Such
Such structure
structure needed
needed to be widened in order order to to improve
improve thethe quality
qualityof ofthe
theservice
service
and the traffic safety.
and the traffic safety.
Theexisting
The existing bridge
bridge only
only permits
permits the the traffic
traffic on
on one
one direction.
direction. Since
Since the
the M-510
M-510roadroadisisaatwotwo
directionsroad,
directions road,therefore
thereforethe thetraffic
traffic is is regulated
regulated through
through traffic
traffic lights.
lights. The The project
project seeks
seeks to replace
to replace the
the bridge with a new one with two traffic lanes so that this problem can
bridge with a new one with two traffic lanes so that this problem can be solved. However, duringbe solved. However, during
theconstruction,
the construction,thethetraffic
trafficshould
should not not be
be diverted.
diverted. Moreover, the opportunity
opportunity permitted
permittedincluding
including
pedestrian lanes on each side given that it is currently
pedestrian lanes on each side given that it is currently normative. normative.
Theuse
The useofofBrIM
BrIMmethodology
methodology will will ensure
ensure the the absence
absence of of interferences
interferences between
betweenthe thedifferent
different
phasesofofthe
phases theproject.
project. To
Tododo that
that itit is
is necessary
necessary to to create
create models
models of of the
the bridges
bridgesand
andthe
thelinear
linearworks.
works.
Once the models are completed an interference analysis as a function of time can be carried outwith
Once the models are completed an interference analysis as a function of time can be carried out with
programslike
programs likeNavisworks.
Navisworks. Civil Civil works
works modeling
modeling programs
programs such such as as Istram,
Istram, Open
OpenRoads,
Roads,Clip,
Clip,oror
Civil3D can be used. Each one has advantages and drawbacks but all of them are tools working in the
BIM methodology.
The construction works were simulated through all the constructive phases as it is shown in
Figure 11.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 22
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 22

Civil3D can be used. Each one has advantages and drawbacks but all of them are tools working in
Civil3D can be used. Each one has advantages and drawbacks but all of them are tools working in
the BIM methodology.
the BIM methodology.
The construction works were simulated through all the constructive phases as it is shown in
Appl. The construction works were simulated through all the constructive phases as it is shown
Sci. 2020, 11 ofin
Figure 11. 10, 7072 22
Figure 11.

Figure 11. Phases for BrIM rehabilitation of the bridge over the Perales river.
Figure
Figure11.
11.Phases
Phasesfor
forBrIM
BrIMrehabilitation
rehabilitationof
ofthe
thebridge
bridgeover
overthe
thePerales
Perales river.
river.
For the old bridge modeling (Figure 12) Autodesk Revit was employed. However, due to the
For the
For the old
old bridge
bridge modeling
modeling (Figure
(Figure 12)
12) Autodesk
Autodesk Revit
Revit was
was employed.
employed. However,
However, due
due to
to the
the
complexity of the columns it was necessary to turn to Inventor software for the creation of some
complexity of
complexity of the
thecolumns
columnsit it
was necessary
was to turn
necessary to Inventor
to turn software
to Inventor for thefor
software creation of someof
the creation families.
some
families.
families.

Figure 12.
Figure 12. Graphical visualization
Graphicalvisualization
12. Graphical of
visualizationof the
ofthe old
theold bridge.
oldbridge.
bridge.
Figure
The construction works
The construction worksofofthe
thenew
newstructure
structure were
were defined
defined from
from a general
a general axis axis
that that coincided
coincided with
The construction works of the new structure were defined from a general axis that coincided
with theof
the axis axis
theofroad
the road platform.
platform. The geometrical
The geometrical aspect
aspect of theofbridge
the bridge
can becan be in
seen seen in Figure
Figure 13. 13.
with the axis of the road platform. The geometrical aspect of the bridge can be seen in Figure 13.
Appl.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072
x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 22
22

Figure 13. Graphical visualization of the new bridge.

Figure 13. Graphical visualization of the new bridge.
3.2. Roads, Tunnels, and Highways
3.2. Roads, Tunnels,infrastructure
The transport and Highways plays a key role in the economic and social activities for any country
development.
The transport Presently most ofplays
infrastructure the road
a key projects
role in the keep using and
economic for design and construction
social activities for any country a 2D
model-based methodology in plan and elevation views with some cross
development. Presently most of the road projects keep using for design and construction a 2D model- sections. That makes a difficult,
error
basedprone task the checking
methodology in plan and of the required
elevation rules.
views Thus,
with somenew initiatives
cross sections. intending
That makes to improve the
a difficult,
design, construction, and maintenance of these infrastructure elements
error prone task the checking of the required rules. Thus, new initiatives intending to improve the are to be expected. In this
respect
design, the use of BIM and
construction, methodology
maintenance can be decisive
of these to increase the
infrastructure qualityare
elements of the infrastructure
to be expected. In along
this
their service life. With that objective a consortium of Spanish companies
respect the use of BIM methodology can be decisive to increase the quality of the infrastructure along has launched a project called
ROADBIM
their serviceITC-20161077
life. With that using state I+D+i
objective program
a consortium offunds
Spanish of the Spanish has
companies Government
launchedto unify criteria
a project called
for road design
ROADBIM [26]. The project’s
ITC-20161077 using state main purpose
I+D+i program is to achieve
funds ofa the more efficient
Spanish development
Government to of the
unify
road designs for their whole service life using BIM methodology.
criteria for road design [26]. The project’s main purpose is to achieve a more efficient developmentThe great majority of the road and
transport
of the roadsystems
designsin forSpain are public
their whole serviceowned so that
life using BIM the benefits of this
methodology. TheBIM greatimplementation
majority of the road will
mostly be for the
and transport government
systems in Spainand arethe
publicsector companies.
owned so that the benefits of this BIM implementation will
On one side, the applications of
mostly be for the government and the sector companies.this methodology in the design and construction of linear works
incorporating
On one side, the applications of this methodology in source
geographical information is a high value the design to adjust the road layout
and construction according
of linear works
to hybrid conditions
incorporating including
geographical social impacts,
information is a high material proximities,
value source to adjustetc.theThis
roadway different
layout accordinglayoutto
alternatives can be studied in order to select the most appropriate
hybrid conditions including social impacts, material proximities, etc. This way different layout [27] thus avoiding extra costs and
construction
alternatives can delays. However,
be studied the adaptation
in order to select the of BIM
mostmethodology
appropriate [27] to the
thusconstruction
avoiding extra of linear
costswork
and
layouts keeps facing significant challenges. There are several previous
construction delays. However, the adaptation of BIM methodology to the construction of linear work studies trying to integrate
the design
layouts andfacing
keeps structural analysis
significant in BIM by
challenges. breaking
There downprevious
are several the layout in individual
studies trying to sections
integrate[28].the
Nevertheless, in most cases
design and structural the design
analysis in BIM cannot be made apart
by breaking downto thethe structural
layout in design
individualbecause they affect
sections [28].
the long-term performance
Nevertheless, in most casesofthe thedesign
layoutcannot
[29]. The lack ofapart
be made standardization
to the structuralof thedesign
structural elements
because they
makes it necessary the use of different software packages because
affect the long-term performance of the layout [29]. The lack of standardization of the structuralnone of them ensure the integration
of all requirements.
elements As abovethe
makes it necessary commented,
use of differentRevit software
is the reference
packages software
because fornone3D modeling
of them ensureincluding the
simultaneously other information. However, the capacity of this
integration of all requirements. As above commented, Revit is the reference software for 3D modeling software is quite limited in high
dimension linear works and
including simultaneously the interoperability
other information. However, with some the specific
capacitysoftware like Infraworks
of this software is quiteor Civil
limited
3D is poor. It is also needed to keep in mind that the effort required
in high dimension linear works and the interoperability with some specific software like Infraworks for infrastructure modeling will
greatly depend on the complexity of the project and that the creation
or Civil 3D is poor. It is also needed to keep in mind that the effort required for infrastructure of a level of detail (LOD) with
the basic information
modeling will be on
will greatly depend indispensable
the complexity priorof tothethe model
project and construction
that the creation as canof be observed
a level of detailin
Figure 1 [19].
(LOD) with the basic information will be indispensable prior to the model construction as can be
Several
observed in stretches
Figure 1 [19].of the M-30 Madrid ring highway have been modeled [30] including linear works
and some
Several parts of the of
stretches tunnel (Figure
the M-30 14). Itring
Madrid is one of the world’s
highway have been highest
modeled traffic[30]
density roadslinear
including with
300,000 vehicles per day and a length of 325 km. The goal is to develop
works and some parts of the tunnel (Figure 14). It is one of the world’s highest traffic density roads a workflow model similar to
Figure 6 for the
with 300,000 infrastructure
vehicles per day and maintenance
a length ofand to link
325 km. Thethegoalinformation
is to develop of the maintenance
a workflow modelworkers
similar
with the model.
to Figure 6 for the infrastructure maintenance and to link the information of the maintenance workers
with the model.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 13 of 22
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 22

Figure
Figure 14.
14. Design
Designmethodology
methodology of
of aa linear
linear work
work infrastructure.
infrastructure.

In this
In this case,
case, for
for the
the creation
creation of
of the
the operation
operation and
and maintenance
maintenance model,
model, the
the Revizto
Revizto program
program was
was
used. Revizto is a software package for visual collaboration based on the cloud that centralize
used. Revizto is a software package for visual collaboration based on the cloud that centralize the 3D the 3D
environment and is useful for problem detection. The management data was developed
environment and is useful for problem detection. The management data was developed and is shown and is shown
in Figure
in Figure 15.15.
Civil 3D and subsequent revision with Navisworks are the most useful software for simple and
efficient design of a road. In the case of a road followed by a tunnel the script was in charge of locating
the parametric family. The curve is defined by coordinates in an Excel sheet (exported form a Civil3D
file). Then, with the families distributed along the curve a solid is created by the unification process of
the cross sections.
To allow Dynamo making of the process a series of inputs are required, mainly providing the
coordinates of the tunnel points, the difference of families, and the distance step in which the families
are distributed. With these data the script is able to generate a new family that covers the complete
tunnel modeling.
It must be taken into account that the activities for constructing new linear works are only a small
percentage of the total network and that suggests that the new efforts should concentrate in developing
efficient systems of management and maintenance. Initially the information was obtained manually
and later, progressively, a fleet of technology equipped vehicles was launched. In parallel, several
software packages were developed to allow the fast and simple management of the site data. At this
point it is necessary to use BIM models to gather the saved information, so achieving better planning
and cost reductions due to the automatic transferring of the information. There are already several
successful BIM applications in the design, construction, and management of linear infrastructure like
the MI J33 in the United Kingdom or the enlargement of road A1 2LB between Leeming and Barton [31].
However, in all cases the authors insist in the need of improving the operability between the software
packages and developing a data integration strategy in order to improve the value of the 3D model.
It is therefore necessary to obtain the geometrical definition of the road alignment in an automatic
way and integrate all the management systems of the network in a single model. The detection and
measuring system of objects using a Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) has been a kind
 Figure 14. Design methodology of a linear work infrastructure.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 14 of 22
In this case, for the creation of the operation and maintenance model, the Revizto program was
used. Revizto is a software package for visual collaboration based on the cloud that centralize the 3D
of revolutionary in the field because it can generate a big point cloud of the infrastructure with high
environment and is useful for problem detection. The management data was developed and is shown
resolution and precision [32].
in Figure 15.

Figure 15. Proposed facility management for maintenance and exploitation of roads.

3.2.1. Case Study 3

The project was based on the idea of applying BIM to the conservation and exploitation of the
M-513 road in the Madrid region. The high cost of the LIDAR is the main obstacle for it developing in
small scale cases like the present one. Photogrammetry is in these cases an ideal substitute because it is
affordable, saves time, and is able to scan large areas with reasonable precision. This way it is possible to
generate a model containing: geometry, special relationship data, geographical information, quantities
and properties of construction elements, and cost and inventory of materials. By the integration of all
these parameters the final dimension of BIM (7D) is reached allowing the management of the whole
life cycle of the project and associated services like inspections, repairing works, management, etc.
This final dimension or operational phase requires a complete, well-structured, and adapted
information bank and that is why the information flow must be active with a methodology similar to
the one shown in Figure 16.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 15 of 22

Figure 16. Methodology for the maintenance and repair road section.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 16 of 22
Figure 16.
Figure 16. Methodology
Methodology for
for the
the maintenance
maintenance and
and repair
repair road
road section.
section.

A drone Mavic–Pro M1P was employed. The surface taken and the flight routes can be seen in
A drone
A drone Mavic–Pro
Mavic–Pro M1P
M1P was
was employed.
employed. The
The surface
surface taken
taken and
and the
the flight
flight routes
routes can
can be
be seen
seen in
in
Figure 17.
Figure 17.
Figure 17.

(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
Figure 17.
Figure Different flight
17. Different
Different flight routes of the
routes of the drone:
drone: (a)
(a) curved
curved flight
flight (b)
(b) straight
straight flight
flight

As above
As abovesaid,said,the
theapplication
application of the
of BIM methodology
the BIM
BIM to roadtomaintenance
methodology requires requires
road maintenance
maintenance the previousthe
As above said, the application of the methodology to road requires the
generation of a
previous generation photogrammetric
generation of grid
of aa photogrammetric provided
photogrammetric grid by drone
grid provided flying.
provided by In
by dronethese cases,
drone flying.
flying. Inthe operability
In these
these cases, with
cases, the
the
previous
Revit software
operability withof Autodesk
Revit is quiteoflimited.
software AutodeskIt is then
is necessary
quite to turn
limited. It tothen
is intermediate
necessary software
to turnsuch
to
operability with Revit software of Autodesk is quite limited. It is then necessary to turn to
as Meshlab, Inventor,
intermediate software or FormIt
such as that useInventor,
Meshlab, friendly formats
or FormIt asthat
*.obj,
use*.dgn, or *.skp
friendly although
formats as they
*.obj, still
*.dgn,
intermediate software such as Meshlab, Inventor, or FormIt that use friendly formats as *.obj, *.dgn,
suffer
or important
*.skp althoughinformation
they still losses.important
still suffer
suffer In these circumstances the useInofthese
information losses.
losses. OpenRoads ConceptStation
circumstances the use of
use of
of
or *.skp although they important information In these circumstances the
the commercial firm
OpenRoads ConceptStation Bentley
ConceptStation of and
of theContextCapture
the commercial
commercial firm as intermediate
firm Bentley
Bentley and software
and ContextCaptureare recommended.
ContextCapture as as intermediate
intermediateThe
OpenRoads
reconstruction
software are process
are recommended.used
recommended. The the information of
The reconstruction the aerial
reconstruction process triangulation
process used
used the to process the
the information images
information of and create
of the
the aerial
software aerial
a three-dimensional
triangulation to dataset.
process the Such
images a dataset
and can
create a be obtained as
three-dimensional a 3D mesh,
dataset.a point
Such a cloud,
dataset orcan
raster
be
triangulation to process the images and create a three-dimensional dataset. Such a dataset can be
images (see
obtained as Figure
a 3D 18). a point cloud, or raster images (see Figure 18).
mesh,
obtained as a 3D mesh, a point cloud, or raster images (see Figure 18).

Figure 18. 3D view of the raster images with ContextCapture.

Nevertheless, to reconstruct the virtual 3D model this program shows limitations because it is
oriented to preliminary studies and the use of OpenRoads Designer is required for higher detail such
as road marking. To introduce the information in the elements of the road for the BIM management,
AssetWise ALIM can be used. It helps improving accessibility, quality, integrity, and relevance of the
active data through all the service life of the infrastructure. It allows controlling of the information,
documents, and registry and managing the changes guarantying the deliver and reception of the
information to the engineers and operation staff. An alternative is using Infraworks that allows
including such information and with the help of SketchUP vertical elements can also be introduced.
Figure 19 shows the comparison of the reality with the model, revealing that the model was a
very highly visual model and rich in information. This information could be used through facility
AssetWise ALIM can be used. It helps improving accessibility, quality, integrity, and relevance of the
active data through all the service life of the infrastructure. It allows controlling of the information,
documents, and registry and managing the changes guarantying the deliver and reception of the
information to the engineers and operation staff. An alternative is using Infraworks that allows
including
Appl. such
Sci. 2020, information and with the help of SketchUP vertical elements can also be introduced.
10, 7072 17 of 22
Figure 19 shows the comparison of the reality with the model, revealing that the model was a
very highly visual model and rich in information. This information could be used through facility
management
management programsprograms to to manage
manage the
the infrastructure,
infrastructure, offering
offering advantages
advantages in
in terms
terms of
of efficiency
efficiency and
and
quality.
quality. In addition, the visual information can help the decision-making process andreduce
In addition, the visual information can help the decision-making process and can errors
can reduce
that
errorslead
thattolead
higher costs. costs.
to higher

Figure 19. Comparison

Figure 19. Comparison of
of the
the reality
reality on
on top
top with the model
with the model below.
below.

3.2.2. Case Study 4

This fourth study study isis about
aboutthetheincursion
incursionofofthe
theBIM
BIM methodology
methodology in in
road
roadprojects focusing
projects focusingon
oneone
on of oftheir fundamental
their fundamental aspects: thethe
aspects: provisional
provisional deviations
deviationsand andthe
theroad
roadsafety
safetyof
of the
the different
alternatives [33,34].
alternatives [33,34]. Due
Duetotothetheaffectations
affectationsmade
madebyby
thethe
workwork in progress,
in progress, BIMBIM couldcould
be anbeefficient
an efficient
tool.
tool. However, as was shown in the previous study (Figure 11), there is a lack of references about the
However, as
systematization inwas shown in In
construction. theorder
previous study this
to achieve (Figure 11), there
objective, is athe
taking lack of references
road safety andabout the
the costs
systematization
as key variables that in construction. In order
guide the design to achieve
through this objective,
the different softwaretaking the road safety
and independent and the
criteria, costs
aligned
as such
in key variables
a way thatthat the guide the design
best design could bethrough the different
systematically softwareThe
guaranteed. and independent
project objectivecriteria,
was to
aligned the
deviate in such
A-30ahighway
way that in theMurcia,
best design
Spain.could beso,
To do systematically guaranteed.
a fly-over bridge The project
was included, objective
and the main
was to deviate
platform the A-30as
was modified highway in Murcia,
can be seen Spain.
in Figure 20. To do so, a fly-over bridge was included, and the
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 22
main platform was modified as can be seen in Figure 20.

Figure 20.
Figure 20. Graphical
Graphical visualization
visualization of
of the
the modification in A-30
modification in A-30 from
from ConceptStation.
ConceptStation.

An indicator of risk (IRDO) based on hierarchical-analytical criteria was designed based on the
legislation and audits reviewed in terms of road safety. It is a way to grade the deviation proposed
by variables directly read from the design models.
Additionally, by using a Hasse diagram, the most important attributes: signs and beaconing
have been recognized as the guarantors of the safety during the work execution. For that reason, these
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 18 of 22

Figure
Figure20.
20.Graphical
Graphicalvisualization
visualizationofofthe
themodification
modificationininA-30
A-30from ConceptStation.
from ConceptStation.
An indicator of risk (IRDO) based on hierarchical-analytical criteria was designed based on the
An
An indicator
indicator
legislation of
of risk
and audits risk (IRDO)
(IRDO)in
reviewed based
termson
based ofhierarchical-analytical
on road safety. It is a waycriteria
hierarchical-analytical criteria
to gradewas
was
thedesigned
designed
deviation based
basedonon
proposed thethe
by
legislation
legislation and
and audits
audits reviewed
reviewed ininterms
terms ofofroad
road safety.
safety. It is
It isa way
a way totograde
grade thethedeviation
deviation proposed
proposed
variables directly read from the design models.
by
by variables
variables directly
directly read from the
thedesign models.
Additionally, byread
usingfrom
a Hasse design models.
diagram, the most important attributes: signs and beaconing
Additionally, by using a Hasse diagram, the most important attributes: signs
signsandandbeaconing
haveAdditionally,
been recognized by using
as theaguarantors
Hasse diagram, of thethe most
safety important
during the workattributes:
execution. For beaconing
that reason,
have
have been
been recognized
recognized as
asthe
the guarantors
guarantors of
ofthe
the safety
safety during
during the
thework
work execution.
execution. For
Forthat
thatreason,
reason,these
these
these elements were modeled with greater detail using SketchUp, which is such a useful example of
elements
elements were modeled
were modeledofwith with greater
greater detail using SketchUp,
detail usingMoreover, which
SketchUp,aswhich is such a useful example of the
the LOD characteristic the BIM methodology. a partisofsuch a usefuldefinition,
this higher example of the
every
LOD
LOD characteristic
characteristic of
ofthe
theBIM
BIM methodology.
methodology. Moreover,
Moreover, asasa apart
partofofthis
thishigher
higher definition,
definition, every signal
every signal
signal includes parametric modeling, incorporating worksheets, and web directions to the technical
includes parametric
includes parametric modeling,
modeling, incorporating
incorporating worksheets,
worksheets, and web directions
and web directions to the technical
specifications of the supplier to achieve the design suitability throughout the whole to the technical
project’s life.
specifications of the supplier to achieve the design suitability throughout the whole project’s life.
specifications
A range ofof the supplier to
alternatives wasachieve the design
generated suitability
for being an example throughout the whole
of deviation project’s
using life.
OpenRoads
A range of alternatives was generated for being an example of deviation using OpenRoads
A range of alternatives was generated for being an example of deviation
ConceptStation (Figure 21). The design of each alternative on a reality grid allows obtaining the using OpenRoads
ConceptStation (Figure 21). The design of each alternative on a reality grid allows obtaining the
ConceptStation
quantifying (Figure
variables of 21). The designown
the program’s of each alternative onata the
risk, incorporating reality
samegridtime,allows
thoseobtaining
coming from the
quantifying variables of the program’s own risk, incorporating at the same time, those coming from
quantifying
signaling variables
and beaconing of the
byprogram’s
importingown saidrisk, incorporating
elements. From each at the
onesame time,
of the those coming
proposed from
alternative
signaling and beaconing by importing said elements. From each one of the proposed alternative
signalinga and
designs, valuebeaconing by importing
of the construction saidanother
cost and elements. fromFrom each one
the IRDO wasof the proposed alternative
obtained.
designs, a value of the construction cost and another from the IRDO was obtained.
designs, a value of the construction cost and another from the IRDO was obtained.

Figure
Figure21.
21.Three
Threealternatives
alternativesfor
forthe
thedeviation
deviationofof
ofthe A-30
the highway.
A-30 highway.
Figure 21. Three alternatives for the deviation the A-30 highway.
The
The weighted
weighted valuation
valuationof ofthe
thecost
costand
andthe
theindicator
indicatorwas
wasobtained
obtained(Figure
(Figure22),
22),having
having more
more
The weighted
importance than the valuation
last of of The
them. the alternative
cost and the indicator
that involveswas
the obtained risk
minimum (Figure
was 22),
chosenhaving
in more
order
importance than the last of them. The alternative that involves the minimum risk was chosen in order
importance
to than the last of them. The alternative that involves the minimum risk was chosen in order
to include
include on
on itit the
the improvements
improvementscarried
carriedout
outin
inaadesign
designdefined
definedand
andoptimized.
optimized.
to include on it the improvements carried out in a design defined and optimized.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 22. (a) Quantification of the risk associated to road drainage and (b) relative distance among
Figure 22.
22. (a)(a)
signaling.
Figure Quantification of the
Quantification riskrisk
of the associated to road
associated drainage
to road and (b)
drainage relative
and distancedistance
(b) relative among
signaling.
among signaling.

4. Discussion
In the first case study, it is shown that it is possible to develop an efficient bridge management
system (BMS) that is indispensable to satisfy the massive demand of bridge maintenance activities in
Spain. Previous studies have posed that bridge maintenance, mainly for historical bridges, applying
this methodology for a given case [35]. However, it is worth highlighting that there are thousands of
bridges at the moment that could not be considered as cultural heritage and their lifespan could reach
100 years [36,37]. BMS proposed in this study is based on BIM methodology according to real needs
and using existing resources [10], and fills a blank space in the BIM standards for the maintenance and
exploitation of bridges. Nevertheless, although the system is promising, it would require the 3D model
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 19 of 22

of the existing bridges and that is why the procedure is quite limited. Additionally, the generated data
should utilize Big Data technology to be useful and achieve an efficient bridge management [37].
In the second case of study, the potential use of BrIM for infrastructure replacement has been
demonstrated. Navisworks has shown to be a key tool to detect interferences because it considers time
as an ordinary dimension [18–39]. There are some other programs with the same possibilities such as
Synchro. In this case, Navisworks was chosen because it was considered that using the software of a
single commercial firm might enhance the precision of the data interchange among programs [40].
The third and fourth case studies were based on parameters that allowed gathering
three-dimensional and parametric models from the 3D-scanning data. Thus, each item was linked
from SketchUp to the uniform resource locator (URL) for each datasheet. This datasheet can vary and
include requirements such as reflectance, service life, etc., in the tendering phase. Such features may
be replaced by those supplied by the manufacturer when the real works are performed. Moreover, in
both OpenRoads ConceptStation and OpenRoads Designer, it has been possible to incorporate the
elements with their attributes on the program library [41]. In addition, a new table indicating element
to element any aspect associated with any specific traffic sign including its location or other aspects of
the construction works was included. The conclusion of this project showed the successful use of BIM
for this purpose, including in the same model elements with different LOD, sequentially designed and
with a final impartial value for the decision-making process [42].
The above discussion and examples reveal that in spite of the scarce implementation of BIM in
active management of civil engineering constructions [6] its use is very interesting. With it a single
model contains all the historical information relative to the vital elements of the roads and bridges.
Respecting the available software packages and their interoperability it has been shown that the main
problems with BIM usage are just the interoperability between different software packages, especially
if they are supported by different firms [43].
Through use of a combination of software and some programming, the case studies reveal the
outstanding possibilities of the use of BIM for the maintenance and exploitation of important existing
infrastructure. In addition, it has shown that it helps studying the work schedule and program of the
construction works in order to maintain the service during the execution of rehabilitation works [44].
Moreover, the use of digital tools and BIM can help assessing the best alternative in terms of safety [45].
The results have shown that BIM helps the decision-making processes of the managing staff as well as
diminish the risk of errors.
Regarding the augmented reality, photogrammetry is a method able to produce models of precision
similar to the point clouds [46] when the resolution of the captured image is high enough because
the deviation will be in the range of two pixels. In these cases, it is a suitable methodology for
research, documentation, and environment characterization and is faster and less expensive compared
to the sophisticated and hardly operable LIDAR equipment. This way a grid texture with simple
visual interpretation is generated, also including real shapes and information relative to the existing
conditions that can be more easily analyzed by the above-mentioned programs.

5. Conclusions
The aging and deterioration of transport infrastructure is a problem of most importance that
consumes high annual budgets due to the huge infrastructure patrimonies of all countries. The high
increase of road construction makes it insufficient and inefficient the traditional existing management
and inspection systems. In this paper some successful examples in which the BIM methodology
produced optimum and sustainable infrastructure management have been presented. Additionally,
maintenance cost reductions were obtained.
However, the application of BIM methodology in infrastructure is still quite complex. The great
impediment to the implementation of BIM in the management and maintenance of infrastructure is the
lack of specialized software. Currently, the existing infrastructure design software is not capable of
being used as BIM models. The most used infrastructure programs Civil 3D or OpenRoadsDesigner,
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 20 of 22

only allow the creation of 2D or 3D models of surfaces, but it is not possible to create all the elements
with their own characteristics that allow reflecting the particularities and differences between the
different elements. This means, that they are empty geometrical elements, so they are not really BIM
models. Moreover, the most used BIM design programs (Revit) are not adapted to the design of
infrastructure. These architectural design programs have been created to design vertical elements
defined in different horizontal levels (floors), so it does not allow one to work in a simple way with
structures with a large horizontal extension. It would be very interesting, if future developments
could add some tool that would allow generating alignments as reference elements or vertical levels,
to subdivide the linear infrastructure. In this way it would be possible to work with this type of
infrastructure software packages.
There is also a series of programs recently available, which allow the design of infrastructure in a
3D environment, with parameterisable elements as Infraworks or Openroads Conceptstation. These
types of programs are much closer to the concept of BIM for infrastructure and are very interesting tools.
Unfortunately, although these programs allow the 3D visualization of projects in their environment
easily and quickly, they still lack many functionalities required to be implemented in a BIM-FM model.
One major problem with these programs is the impossibility of exporting 3D models.
It can then be stated that, although BIM is not yet implemented as an active management tool in
the great majority of infrastructure projects, a successful and promising future for it is to be expected.
With this technology important advantages are achieved in the design, construction, maintenance,
and rehabilitation of infrastructure elements with the additional feature of having different working
alternatives in the design process.
In short, it could be said that BIM is already a reality and, although today its use is more related to
the civil engineering industry, the complete introduction of this methodology in the design of roads,
highways, tunnels, or bridges is only a matter of time.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, M.G.A. and A.A.Á.; Data curation, Á.M.B. and A.A.Á.; Formal analysis,
M.G.A.; Investigation, Á.M.B.; Methodology, M.G.A. and A.A.Á.; Project administration, M.G.A.; Resources,
M.G.A.; Software, Á.M.B., J.A.T. and A.A.Á.; Supervision, M.G.A.; Validation, A.A.Á.; Writing—original draft,
Á.M.B. and M.G.A.; Writing—review & editing, M.G.A. and J.A.T. All authors have read and agreed to the
published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Acknowledgments: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Ministry of
Economy, Industry and Competitiveness of Spain by means of the Research Fund Project PID2019-108978RB-C31.
They also offer their gratitude to Calle 30 for supporting the Enterprise University Chair Calle30-UPM. Authors
also acknowledge the support provided by the UPM through the Educational Innovation Project IE1920.0409.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References
1. Pham, C.; Iyer, S. The business value of BIM for construction in major global markets: How contractors
around the world are driving innovation with building information modeling. In Smart Market Report;
McGraw Hill Construction: Bedford, UK, 2014; pp. 1–60.
2. Jung, W.; Lee, G. The status of BIM adoption on six continents. Int. J. Civ. Environ. Struct. Constr. Archit. Eng.
2015, 9, 444–448.
3. Lee, N.; Dossick, C.S. AC 2012–4816: Leveraging Building Information Modeling Technology in Construction
Engineering and Management Education. In Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the American Society
for Engineering Education, San Antonio, TX, USA, 10–13 June 2012.
4. Ju, K.B.; Seo, M.B. A study on the issue analysis for the application of BIM technology to civil engineering in
Korea. Creat. Educ. 2012, 3, 21–24. [CrossRef]
5. Jones, S.; Laquidara-Carr, D.; Lorenz, A.; Buckley, B.; Barnett, S. The business value of BIM for infrastructure
2017. In SmartMarket Report; Dodge Data & Analytics: Bedford, UK, 2017.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 21 of 22

6. Costin, A.; Adibfar, A.; Hu, H.; Chen, S.S. Building Information Modeling (BIM) for transportation
infrastructure–Literature review, applications, challenges, and recommendations. Autom. Constr. 2018, 94,
257–281. [CrossRef]
7. Sadeghi, H.; Mohandes, S.R.; Hamid, A.R.A.; Preece, C.; Hedayati, A.; Singh, B. Reviewing the usefulness of
BIM adoption in improving safety environment of construction projects. J. Teknol. 2016, 78, 10. [CrossRef]
8. Muriel, A.P.P.; Rodríguez, A.M.R. BIM como paradigma de la modernización del flujo de trabajo en el sector
de la construcción. Span. J. Build. Inf. Model. 2015, 15, 36–45.
9. Hudson, R.W.; Carmichael, R.F., III; Hudson, S.W.; Diaz, M.A.; Moser, L.O. Microcomputer bridge
management system. J. Transp. Eng. 1993, 119, 59–76. [CrossRef]
10. Red de Carreteras del Estado. Guía para la realización del inventario de obras de paso. In Centro de
Publicaciones; Secretaría General Técnica, Ministerio de Fomento, Gobierno de España: Madrid, Spain, 2009.
11. Cañamares, J.M.; Suárez, M.Á.A. Sistemas de Gestión de Puentes Optimización de Estrategias de
Mantenimiento Implementación en Redes Locales de Carreteras. Ph.D. Thesis, Universidad Politécnica de
Madrid, Madrid, Spain, 2016.
12. Wan, C.; Zhou, Z.; Li, S.; Ding, Y.; Xu, Z.; Yang, Z.; Yin, F. Development of a Bridge Management System
Based on the Building Information Modeling Technology. Sustainability 2019, 11, 4583. [CrossRef]
13. MacLeamy, P. BIM, BAM, BOOM! How to Build Greener, High-Performance Buildings. Urban Land Green
Magazine. 2008. Available online: https://www.archdaily.com/262008/the-future-of-the-building-industry-
bim-bam-boom (accessed on 10 October 2020).
14. Gao, J.; Martin, F. Framework and Case Studies Comparing Implementations and Impacts of 3D/4D Modeling Across
Projects; Stanford University: Stanford, CA, USA, 2008.
15. Zou, Y.; Zhou, S.X. A Model-Based BIM Framework for Bridge Engineering. In Applied Mechanics and
Materials; 587; Trans Tech Publications Ltd.: Stafa-Zurich, Switzerland, 2014; pp. 1339–1343.
16. Cheng, J.C.P.; Lu, Q.; Deng, Y. Analytical review and evaluation of civil information modeling. Autom. Constr.
2016, 67, 31–47. [CrossRef]
17. Lee, S.H.; Park, S.I.; Park, J.; Seo, K.W. Open BIM-based information modeling of railway bridges and its
application concept. Comput. Civ. Build. Eng. 2014, 504–511. [CrossRef]
18. Zou, Y.; Kiviniemi, A.; Jones, S.W.; Walsh, J. Risk information management for bridges by integrating risk
breakdown structure into 3D/4D BIM. KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 2019, 23, 467–480. [CrossRef]
19. Sankaran, B.; France-Mensah, J.; O’Brien, W.J. Data Integration Challenges for CIM in Large Infrastructure: A
Case Study of Dallas Horseshoe Project. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Computing
in Civil and Building Engineering, Osaka, Japan, 6–8 July 2016.
20. Blanco Rávena, R.; Martínez García, J.; Mozas González, B.; García Alberti, M.; Arcos Álvarez, A.A. Use of
BIM methodology in the re-modelling of an existing bridge. An. Edif. 2019, 5, 100–106.
21. Haardt, P. Development of a bridge management system for the German highway network. In Proceedings
of the First International Conference on Bridge Maintenance, Safety and Management, Barcelona, Spain,
14–17 July 2002.
22. McGuire, B.; Atadero, R.; Clevenger, C.; Ozbek, M. Bridge information modeling for inspection and evaluation.
J. Bridge Eng. 2016, 21, 04015076. [CrossRef]
23. Shim, C.S.; Kang, H.R.; Dang, N.S.; Lee, D.K. Development of BIM-based bridge maintenance system for
cable-stayed bridges. Smart Struct. Syst. 2017, 20, 697–708.
24. Cuenca Martínez, A.J.; Díaz Margarit, A.; Hernando Fernández, E.; Alberti, M.G.; Arcos Álvarez, A.A.
Implementation of BIM methodology into the conservation and maintenance of bridges. In Proceedings of
the V International Conference on Technological Innovation in Building, Madrid, Spain, 25 March–8 April
2020.
25. Arcos González, A.; Bueno Leal, P.; Bermeosolo Echeverría, L.; Alberti, M.G.; Arcos Álvarez, A.A. BIM
methodology for the extension of an existing bridge. In Proceedings of the V International Conference on
Technological Innovation in Building, Madrid, Spain, 25 March–8 April 2020.
26. Moya Sala, Q.; García García, A.; Camacho-Torregrosa, F.J.; Campoy Ungria, J.M. BIM para infraestructuras
de carreteras: Verificación de la normativa de diseño geométrico. Span. J. BIM 2017, 17, 10–18.
27. Kim, H.; Orr, K.; Shen, Z.; Moon, H.; Ju, K.; Choi, W. Highway alignment construction comparison using
object-oriented 3D visualization modeling. J. Constr. Eng. Manag. 2014, 140, 05014008. [CrossRef]
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 7072 22 of 22

28. Li, X.; Tian, Y.; Tian, L.; Chen, S.; Wang, A. Multiscale BIM modeling and adaptive splicing method of
mountain tunnel structure for engineering application. China J. Highw. Transp. 2019, 32, 126.
29. Tang, F.; Ma, T.; Zhang, J.; Guan, Y.; Chen, L. Integrating three-dimensional road design and pavement
structure analysis based on BIM. Autom. Constr. 2020, 113, 103152. [CrossRef]
30. Pastor Moreno, D. BIM Methodology Application for the Operation and Maintenance of the M-30 Road.
Master’s Thesis, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, 2019.
31. Zhu, J.; Chen, Z.; Sun, L.J. A method of construction of index system for highway maintenance management.
Procedia Soc. Behav. Sci. 2013, 96, 1593–1602. [CrossRef]
32. Omoregie, A.; Turnbull, D.E. Highway infrastructure and building information modelling in UK. In
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers—Municipal Engineer; Thomas Telford Ltd.: London, UK,
2016; pp. 220–232.
33. Reeder, G.D.; Nelson, G.A. 3D Engineered Models for Highway Construction: The Iowa Experience; National
Concrete Pavement Technology Center, Iowa State University: Ames, IA, USA, 2015.
34. Rodríguez Gámiz, J.A. Sistematización para la Aplicación Práctica de Desvíos Provisionales en Obras
de Carretera Aplicando Metodología BIM y Criterios Jerárquico-Analíticos Para la Cuantificación de la
Seguridad Viaria. Master’s Thesis, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, 2019.
35. León-Robles, C.A.; Reinoso-Gordo, J.F.; González-Quiñones, J.J. Heritage building information modeling
(H-BIM) applied to a stone bridge. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8, 121. [CrossRef]
36. Spanish Ministry of Public Works. EHE-08 Instrucción del Hormigón Estructural; Secretaría General Técnica,
Ministerio de Fomento, Gobierno de España: Madrid, Spain, 2008.
37. Navarro, I.J.; Martí, J.V.; Yepes, V. Reliability-based maintenance optimization of corrosion preventive designs
under a life cycle perspective. Environ. Impact Assess. Rev. 2019, 74, 23–34. [CrossRef]
38. Shayganmehr, M.; Saghatforoush, E. An assessment on the parallel impacts of building information modeling
and big data on project operation and maintenance. MATEC Web Conf. 2019, 276, 02002. [CrossRef]
39. Jeong, S.; Hou, R.; Lynch, J.P.; Sohn, H.; Law, K.H. An information modeling framework for bridge monitoring.
Adv. Eng. Softw. 2017, 114, 11–31. [CrossRef]
40. Kaewunruen, S.; Sresakoolchai, J.; Zhou, Z. Sustainability-Based Lifecycle Management for Bridge
Infrastructure Using 6D BIM. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2436. [CrossRef]
41. Abbondati, F. Rural Road Reverse Engineering Using BIM: An Italian Case Study. Environmental Engineering.
In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference “Environmental Engineering”, Muttenz, Switzerland,
8–10 September 2020.
42. Biancardo, S.A.; Viscione, N.; Cerbone, A.; Dessì, E. BIM-Based Design for Road Infrastructure: A Critical
Focus on Modeling Guardrails and Retaining Walls. Infrastructures 2020, 5, 59. [CrossRef]
43. Djuedja, J.F.T.; Karray, M.H.; Foguem, B.K.; Magniont, C.; Abanda, F.H. Interoperability challenges in
building information modelling (BIM). In Enterprise Interoperability VIII; Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2019;
pp. 275–282.
44. Silva, M.J.F.; Couto, P.; Pinho, F.; Lopes, J. Building Functional Rehabilitation Based on BIM Methodology. In
Sustainability and Automation in Smart Constructions; Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2019; pp. 45–49.
45. Kim, K.; Cho, Y.; Zhang, S. Integrating work sequences and temporary structures into safety planning:
Automated scaffolding-related safety hazard identification and prevention in BIM. Autom. Constr. 2016, 70,
128–142. [CrossRef]
46. Rizo-Maestre, C.; González-Avilés, Á.; Galiano-Garrigós, A.; Andújar-Montoya, M.D.; Puchol-García, J.A.
UAV BIM: Incorporation of Photogrammetric Techniques in Architectural Projects with Building Information
Modeling versus Classical Work Processes+. Remote. Sens. 2020, 12, 2329. [CrossRef]

© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
(CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).