BIM Development for the Crossrail Farringdon Station
Bam Ferrovial Kier's (BFK) goal at Farringdon was to link programme, model and design information so that it could be accessed by stakeholders from a single source at any stage of the life cycle of the asset.
The joint ventyre selected BIMXtra software from Clearbox to achieve this goal, working with software developers to further adapt the BIMXtra platform for its complex requirements. Farringdon’s BIMXtra platform is now compatible with the majority of computer aided design (CAD) systems, enabling design schedules to be automatically populated with the geometric data from different CAD models.
BFK’s design team can also add non-geometric information directly onto the schedules during the design process. All information is automatically linked back to model components. One of BIMXtra’s major advantages is the streamlining of data gathering for asset management: Instead of being transposed by hand, a time consuming activity that is highly vulnerable to human error, data is generated through the linked design schedules. The delivery format can be set at any stage and the process is entirely automated. BFK predicts that the resulting CAD time savings for services subcontractors over the life cycle of the asset can be measured in man-years.
This project was the Merit Award Winner, Digital Innovation Award, in the CIOB International Innovation and Research Award 2014.
The Judge's said, “The applicants demonstrated an advanced implementation of BIM technologies on a complex infrastructure project. They not only showed the simultaneous interrogation of multiple models developed in different software packages, but also the collaborative working relationship which included the client and software consultant. The judging panel was impressed by their enthusiasm in applying a range of BIM technologies.”
--CIOB
Featured articles and news
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.
The changed R&D tax landscape for Architects
Specialist gives a recap on tax changes for Research and Development, via the ACA newsletter.
Structured product data as a competitive advantage
NBS explain why accessible product data that works across digital systems is key.
Welsh retrofit workforce assessment
Welsh Government report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA.
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.