Two Sweco projects that use BIM technologies have been recognised at the Belgian Construction Awards, an annual event that highlights individuals and organisations that play an innovative and leading role in the construction industry.

Sweco received the BIM Infrastructure Award, as first laureate for a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Leopold III-laan, and third laureate recognition was given in the BIM category Industrial, Tertiary, & Residential Project for the expansion of the ArcelorMittal Ghent lifting beam furnace at an online ceremony held in May 2021 by the Belgian trade magazines Bouwkroniek & La Chronique and the EPB platform.“Sweco is strongly committed to innovative BIM (Building Information Modelling) technologies as a means of intensified dialogue and exchange of knowledge between all parties. We are very proud to win these awards and it shows that Sweco is at the forefront of using BIM in client projects,” says Erwin Malcorps, Managing Director, Sweco Belgium. “By streamlining these matters, the entire chain works more efficiently, more sustainably and with lower cost of failure.” BIM INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD First laureate: Bicycle and pedestrian bridge Leopold III-laan Visualisation & architecture: © ZJA 

Belgium’s longest steel bicycle bridge

At 510-metres long, the engineering structure (architecture by ZJA) will be the longest steel bicycle bridge in Belgium. The bicycle and pedestrian bridge will connect the Harenweg in Zaventem on the south side, with Sint-Stevens-Woluwestraat on the north side in Machelen, a municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant.It will also connect to the planned F201 bicycle highway, a short distance bicycle highway that will connect Brussels Airport with the centre of Brussels. The bridge is an important link in the bicycle network in and around Brussels and is expected to have a positive effect on the liveability, traffic safety, quality of the environment and mobility for residents. 

Innovative workflow for the shortest possible turnaround time

Another Sweco project, the expansion of the ArcelorMittal Ghent lifting beam furnace was recognised with a third-place laureate award in the BIM category Industrial, Tertiary, & Residential Project.In addition to the expansion of a lifting beam furnace in the hot mill at ArcelorMittal Ghent, this project also comprises new pipework and a new steel structure to support and maintain the pipework. The complex production unit had to remain in operation throughout the project. Sweco relied on the maximum use of BIM to meet the challenge. The project used digital exchanges of BIM models (both analytical and geometrical) entirely and no plan was exchanged on paper or by pdf.This innovative workflow offered the shortest possible turnaround time for the entire project. As a result, Sweco succeeded in designing a steel structure for the pipework which was ready to be installed within a short period of time.