Date of Submission

May 2021

Network Innovation Allowance Closedown Report

Notes on Completion: Please refer to the appropriate NIA Governance Document to assist in the completion of this form.
Network Licensees must publish the required Project Progress information on the Smarter Networks Portal by 31st July 2014 and each year thereafter. The Network Licensee(s)
must publish Project Progress information for each NIA Project that has developed new learning in the preceding relevant year.

Project Progress

Project Title Project Reference

Building Information Modelling (BIM) investigation into enhanced techniques NIA_NGGT0057

Funding Licensee(s) Project Start Date Project Duration

August 2014 0 years and 8 months

Nominated Project Contact(s)

Paul Lee, box.GT.innovation@nationalgrid.com

Scope

Initial investigation highlighted potential savings of 4-11% in the Front End Engineering Design phase alone This proposal will move National Grid closer to realising the circa
20% (Her Majesty’s Government estimate) whole life cost and carbon saving associated with BIM; in particular through the design and construction project phases (4D, 5D and
6D BIM phases). Internal and external collaboration will continue to be at the heart of the trial with the sharing of intelligent 3D models and lessons learnt across National Grid
and the wider gas industry.
At the heart of the proposal is the development of:
· A BIM Execution Strategy to make BIM business as usual;
· Policies, procedures & guidance notes e.g. model creation and key stage handover processes;
· Design & constructability assessment methodology;
Supplier (Principal Contractor & subcontractor) collaboration strategies and integration with current business practices.

Objectives(s)

To understand BIM techniques & tools and how they can add value to the way National Grid operates.

Success Criteria

To further understand the potential cost savings across Gas project models in design and construction. The learning from this project will enable National Grid to make an
informed decision on the deployment of BIM techniques & tools.

Performance Compared to the Original Project Aims, Objectives and Success Criteria

Performance has been very strong with a number of packages completed on time or ahead of time.
The laser scanning standard was developed and issued for company and supply chain use. So far 6 Gas Transmission sites have been scanned in accordance with this
standard. One amendment was made, to include the native scan format to enable manipulation with VirtuSurv, enabling faster transition from scanned assets to modelled
assets (in conjunction with Kubit). Kubit is producing between 25-40% efficiency compared to the fully manual process of scan to CAD model.
Mobile laser scanning was completed on a construction traffic route, proved successful and more cost effective (70%) than traditional methods for undertaking condition
assessments. Mobile laser scanning has been added into the Works Information as part of the Traffic Management Plan.
In terms of developing workflows, these have been developed for typical transmission projects and have been reviewed by an external consultant (CADline) refined to provide
the recommended workflow. The key lesson learnt was scope / site validation at the outset of the project using laser scanning and standardized models. The work flow, for gas
projects requires a mechanical package, however for ISS and substation design the package requirements are less. The overriding recommendation is to align the Project
Controls E-Hub cost estimation (5D) with the model structure. E-Hub are undertaking a software review over the summer 2015.
In terms of training, the recompression Unity file (Virtual Reality file format) was challenging for the developers due to the technical complexity of the operation requirements.
Through site experience of recompression and engagement with the Pipeline Maintenance Centre Team and BIM lead designer, the interactive Unity file has been tested on a
standard issue National Grid laptop and functions well. The package was taken a step further, enabling remote VR collaboration over a standard broadband connection,
demonstrating a scalable solution for the training piece. As a result of this work, the National Grid SSR (Sustainability and Resilience) team have requested multiple interactive
environmental training packages to be scoped as the three business units utilising this technology. It has been estimated to be 60% of training costs are model developments
rather than added value. Using the 3D models produced as a matter of course through construction projects could reduce the cost impact to Learning and Development, or
enable more training modules to be developed.
In terms of CDM and safety, huge performance improvements have been realised and tangible benefits seen on live projects. Across the 3 major Gas Transmission projects,
all have utilised Navisworks and laser scanning as part of the Formal Process Safety Assessments and design reviews. SR/25 compliant hazardous models have been
developed with National Grid’s Safety Engineering team and are of particular use on complex sites such as compressors. Site layout studies procedures to assess and confirm
compliance with design specifications have been documented also using Navisworks.
In terms of engagement with stakeholders and the supply chain, the monthly BIM Dashboard has organically grown to 370 persons and over 550 persons have attended
briefings / presentations on this project. Engagement includes the HSE on their BIM4Regs working party as well as BIM4Water. All Gas Transmission Tier 1 tenders are issued
with BIM Requirements.
The parametric model for a minimum offtake connection and the associated Unity file has also been used by GTAM to provide an unambiguous view of a typical minimum
 connection in a more engaging manner with customers and stakeholders. In terms of cross network working, Northern Gas Network recently released a tender with a BIM level
2 requirement.

Required Modifications to the Planned Approach During the Course of the Project

The choice of VR gas transmission site was amended due to the original proposal file size being over 1GB, which could have impaired performance on standard issue laptops.
The use of spreadsheets as look up tools is recommended to be substituted with SQL databases due to data capacity concerns and the additional functionality of databases
and limitations of associated software.
The workflow has moved away from a prescriptive BIM package approach and focused on client outputs. This was to increase flexibility for suppliers and to address concerns
by internal stakeholders for the potential licence costs. The client outputs are very much based on low cost / no cost solutions (Navisworks Freedom, Unity, Excel) and an
emphasis on neutrality with regard to suppliers internal process.
The data coding has moved away from a definitive list of attributes and is recommended to have a finite set of permanent (mandatory) attributes with the flexibility to add object
specific attributes that can be used to perform functional assessments and data extraction for design and ultimately asset management. This aligns with industry consensus
and the consultation with NBS and the National BIM Library.

Lessons Learnt for Future Projects

The time allotted for internal support (PMC for example) needs to be carefully considered at the outset. This was identified prior to submission but would have caused
significant issues without it. I would recommend factoring in more time to present / support the innovation project at industry events.

Note: The following sections are only required for those projects which have been completed since 1st April 2013, or since the previous Project Progress information was
reported.

The Outcomes of the Project

National Grid has now established a Digital Engineering Steering Group and Working Group to deploy BIM across both gas and electric projects based on the
recommendations from this innovation project. Substantial progress has been made on the “hearts and minds” challenge through the dashboard, internal and external
presentations. Quick wins are evident across Feeder 9 and the ERP 3 projects on Gas Transmission and transfer to the electrical business is also evident through SEESA. 15
companies signed up to the BIM Bank trial and the recommendation for an ISS BIM Bank has been put to the Digital Engineering Steering Group.

Data Access

Foreground IPR

Planned Implementation

Implementation commenced November 14 on Gas Transmission projects. 4D modelling has been included in the Feeder 9 tender return to enhance the pre contract challenge
and review of the scope. E-Hub is the primary area to be focused upon over the next 6 months to align cost estimation and cost breakdown structure to the intelligent 3D
models.

Other Comments

BIM tools and techniques are also now evident on other NIA and NIC projects, notably the NIC Project GRAID and Renewable Power Trial and Demonstration Project.

Standards Documents

The learning from this project has no implication on standards.