AUTODESK DRIVES THE DIGITISATION OF RAIL PROJECTS THROUGH BIM AND CDE IN COLLABORATION WITH CAF TURNKEY & ENGINEERING

Autodesk, a global leader in design and project management software, is playing a crucial role in the digital transformation of the rail sector, thanks to its collaboration with CAF Turnkey & Engineering (CAF T&E). Through the implementation of advanced technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the Common Data Environment (CDE), Autodesk has enabled CAF T&E to optimise its mobility infrastructure projects, from planning to maintenance.

Railway digitisation powered by Autodesk

CAF T&E, a division of the CAF Group, specialises in the design and execution of turnkey projects for sustainable transport infrastructures. To carry out these complex projects, the company has adopted Autodesk tools such as Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), which enables centralised management of all project lifecycle information. The use of BIM and ACC has been key to improving operational efficiency, reducing time and errors in all phases of the process, from design to construction and maintenance.

The Autodesk platform has facilitated the integration of CAF T&E teams, allowing seamless access to data and automation of repetitive tasks. This has not only improved the accuracy of decision making, but has also generated a more collaborative environment between the different actors involved in the projects, both internal and external.

Advanced project management tools

One of the key tools in CAF T&E's digital transformation has been the use of Autodesk's BIM-CAD, which allows engineers, designers and operators to work on a single digital model that centralises all the information needed for the project. With this approach, CAF T&E can manage larger and more complex projects with full traceability of data, facilitating reviews, approvals and early detection of potential problems.

The Common Data Environment (CDE), also provided by Autodesk, has been essential to centralise and share all documentation generated during the project. By using the CDE, CAF T&E teams can manage large volumes of information securely and efficiently, improving coordination between disciplines and ensuring that all stakeholders have the most up-to-date information in real time.

Impact on project sustainability and safety

The use of advanced Autodesk technologies has not only enabled CAF T&E to increase operational efficiency, but has also had a significant impact on the sustainability of projects. Digitisation and simulation in BIM facilitates the optimisation of resources and energy consumption, allowing CAF T&E to design more sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructures. In this sense, Autodesk has been a key ally in the implementation of technological solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of rail transport projects.

Another highlight is safety. By relying on an Autodesk-based workflow, CAF T&E projects have achieved greater security in data management and infrastructure integrity, ensuring that decisions are made based on accurate and accessible information. This results in fewer errors, ensuring optimal and safe operation of railway systems in the long term.