Watch the Full Video

To learn more about how we implemented BIM & paperless design in this important project 12 years ago, watch the full video below.

IMPLEMENTING BIM & PAPERLESS DESIGN 12 YEARS AGO.

Twelve years ago, we took on the engineering design for the Baku Olympic Stadium, one of Azerbaijan’s key infrastructure projects. At the time, Building Information Modeling (BIM) was a developing technology, and applying it to such a large-scale and complex project was an important step in advancing digital construction management.

Located in Baku, the stadium is still the largest in Azerbaijan, with a seating capacity of 68,000 spectators. It was designed to host international sporting events and was the venue for the 2015 European Games and several matches during UEFA EURO 2020. It continues to be the home ground for Azerbaijan’s national football team.

Our Approach

In partnership with Tekfen Construction, the company responsible for the stadium’s construction, we were tasked with designing and engineering its complex structural elements. The project was funded by SOCAR, the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which provided key guidance during its development.

A major challenge was designing and implementing over 20,000 tons of steel within a strict 52-week timeline. By adopting BIM technology early in the process, we were able to streamline the design and meet these tight deadlines while ensuring high-quality standards.

What is BIM?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics. It serves as a shared resource that supports decision-making throughout the project’s lifecycle. BIM includes not only geometric data but also important details like construction materials, schedules, costs, and lifecycle management, which help to streamline project coordination.

For the Baku Olympic Stadium, BIM enabled us to simulate each phase of the design and construction process, ensuring smooth collaboration among the various teams involved.

The Global Network – Overcoming Geographical Barriers

The project brought together teams from Greece, Turkey, South Korea, and the USA. With teams spread across different continents, BIM helped overcome geographical barriers by enabling seamless collaboration and real-time data exchange. This digital approach ensured that project milestones were met on time and without delays.

Key Benefits of Implementing BIM

Using BIM on this project provided several significant benefits:

1. Time Efficiency

The project timeline was reduced by over 70% compared to traditional methods.

2. Proactive Problem-Solving

BIM allowed us to identify and address potential issues in the digital model before they could impact construction, avoiding delays and additional costs.

3. Improved Collaboration

By using a unified BIM model, all teams could stay aligned and make informed decisions at each stage of the project.

Implementation Stages: Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial Model Development: The process began with SDENG developing a preliminary BIM model, which included essential structural elements like precast concrete and steel.

2. Platform Transfer: The model was then transferred to the Revit platform in Istanbul, where it evolved into a full-scale BIM implementation. This step ensured data consistency and accuracy across all engineering disciplines.

Sharing Data: Weekly Updates

Due to the scale of the project, real-time data sharing wasn’t feasible in the early stages. Instead, we implemented a system where data was uploaded every Friday and downloaded on Monday, ensuring all teams had the latest information to proceed with their work. This approach worked effectively during the initial phases of the project.

Solving Complex Issues Digitally

During the construction phase, BIM proved invaluable for generating:

• Fabrication drawings

• Material take-offs (MTOs)

• Automated scheduling

By addressing design and construction challenges digitally, we reduced confusion and delays on-site. In addition, 4D BIM was used to create animations that visualized the construction sequence, helping to define clear project milestones.

BIM Recognition: 2013 Global BIM Awards

The successful application of BIM in this project received international recognition, culminating in the 2013 Global BIM Award in the Total BIM category. This award, presented at the Tekla European Forum 2014 in Berlin, acknowledged the effective and innovative use of BIM in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Conclusion:

The Baku Olympic Stadium project highlights how BIM technology can enhance efficiency, collaboration, and problem-solving in large-scale construction. By adopting BIM twelve years ago, we helped set important standards for digital construction management and demonstrated how technology can improve project outcomes.