Digital Twin Technology Revolutionizes Melbourne’s Port Rail Project

As part of its ambitious 2050 Port Development Strategy, the Port of Melbourne launched the Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP) to enhance rail freight access across Victoria, Australia. This AUD 125 million initiative aims to facilitate a shift from road to rail transportation, reducing truck traffic in Melbourne’s inner western suburbs and boosting rail terminal efficiency. The project spans over 500 hectares at the mouth of the Yara River and is vital for maintaining the port’s status as a major container trade hub.

Enhancing rail infrastructure for a growing port

The PRTP is set to increase rail terminal capacity, improve operations, and accommodate the growing demands of the port, which handles a third of Australia’s container trade. By shifting container transportation from trucks to trains, the project aims to alleviate road congestion and enhance logistics efficiency. “It’s about taking more trucks off inner-city roads and putting more containers on trains destined for outer-suburban logistics terminals,” said Matthew Brooks, senior project manager of port rail infrastructure at the Port of Melbourne.

WSP, with its 130-year legacy of excellence in transport infrastructure, was selected to provide design consultancy services. Their responsibilities included designing a new rail terminal, upgrading existing lines, and improving connections for operational flexibility. The project required meticulous planning and coordination among approximately 250 team members spread across three organizations, all working under tight deadlines.

Creating a connected digital environment

Faced with the challenge of managing information and coordination across multiple disciplines, WSP recognized the need for a connected digital environment. “The final design planning stage was required to be completed in 12 weeks, including a preliminary design submission at the six-week mark,” stated Alexander Yamas, digital engineering lead at WSP. Effective information management and collaboration were crucial for timely and successful delivery.

In the past, WSP’s project information was scattered across various desktop applications, creating compatibility issues and inefficiencies. To address this, WSP sought a streamlined solution that would enable real-time access to project data and models. They turned to Bentley Systems’ cloud-based applications to create a single source of truth for all users.

Leveraging Bentley’s digital twin technology WSP implemented ProjectWise and the iTwin Platform to establish an integrated digital environment. This cloud-hosted platform streamlined workflows, automated the federation of 3D models, and facilitated virtual design reviews and issue resolution. “Bentley’s cloud-hosted ProjectWise 365, integrated with iTwin Services, provided a ‘one-stop-shop’ for information management for the entire project,” said Yamas.

The iModel Manager feature allowed for coordinated digital design reviews, ensuring that all stakeholders had access to current and controlled data. This integration was crucial for maintaining alignment with international standards and specifications. General communication, including requests for information (RFI), transmittals, and issue tracking, was also enhanced through Bentley’s connected data environment.

Transforming project delivery and collaboration

Bentley’s integrated technology solution enabled real-time model sharing and data responses, optimizing collaboration and issue resolution. This approach significantly reduced rework, ensuring that the team met deadlines despite the tight timeframe. The project saved 475 hours and realized a total return on investment of 67.31%, or AUD 43,500.

Using ProjectWise and iTwin, WSP facilitated coordinated, multidisciplinary 3D design and weekly digital visual design reviews. This right-first-time design approach allowed for early issue resolution, minimizing waste and rework. “The reduction in rework helps make sure we meet deadlines and reduces the burden on the design team,” Yamas added.

Conclusion

The Port Rail Transformation Project exemplifies the transformative power of digital twin technology in complex infrastructure projects. By leveraging Bentley’s integrated cloud-based solutions, WSP connected 250 team members, streamlined workflows, and enhanced collaboration. This project not only demonstrates the effectiveness of digital project delivery, but also sets a new standard for future infrastructure initiatives. Bentley’s technology provided a robust platform for real-time information management, driving efficiency and innovation in the industry.