with expert José Martinez from contractor Hydrojet (Marti Group)
Summary
José Martinez, the head of Hydrojet, a construction company specializing in concrete repair and protection, shares his experience with using BIM (Building Information Modeling) in the restoration of the Fridolinsbridge. Additionally, learn how increasing challenges in the industry such as skilled labor shortages, logistics, and sustainability can be overcome from the perspective of a contractor.
Introduction of Contractor Hydrojet
Hydrojet, a subsidiary of the Marti Group, has established itself as a leader in high-pressure water technology, concrete repair, and protection in Switzerland, boasting an experienced team of 80 employees. With specializations in various areas such as tunnel coatings and concrete installations, Hydrojet has expanded its reach beyond Switzerland to markets in Germany, Austria, and globally.
Fridolinsbridge: A Case Study in Bridge Restoration
The Fridolins Bridge, built in 1979, spans a length of 244 meters and a width of 13 meters, featuring two lanes. As part of its restoration, Hydrojet was tasked with replacing the road joints, console heads including road widening, repairing the bridge bearings, waterproofing the roadway, and renewing the corrosion protection. The restoration of the Fridolins Bridge served as a pilot project for the Canton of Aargau in the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) – a digital representation that facilitates the coordination and execution of construction projects. The use of BIM allowed for ordering based on elements rather than relying on a specification list.
- Challenges in Implementing BIM in Maintenance: One of the main issues encountered during the Fridolins Bridge project was discrepancies between the digital model and actual onsite conditions. Differences in concrete thickness under the roadway and other structural elements required adjustments, highlighting the need for flexibility and adaptability or remeasurement for an accurate digital model after construction began. These discrepancies were resolved through experience and good communication.
- Benefits of BIM in Maintenance: Despite these challenges, the benefits of BIM were undeniable. The ability to visualize complex aspects of the construction process facilitated better decision-making and communication among team members. Moreover, BIM enabled more precise planning and resource allocation, leading to shorter construction times, high quality, and the overall success of the project.
Strategies for Employee Development at Hydrojet
Facing an industry-wide decline in the number of skilled workers, Hydrojet places great emphasis on training programs and continuous learning. Through the Master Builder Association, apprenticeship training, and the promotion and further education of their team, Hydrojet ensures it can successfully implement technically demanding projects and maintain high quality standards.
General Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges in bridge restoration are diverse, as each bridge is unique. Key challenges in this area include logistics management (whether in cities or difficult-to-reach places), sustainability, and the lack of skilled workers. By implementing sustainable practices, continuously promoting skilled workers, and utilizing digital tools like BIM, companies like Hydrojet can increase efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and pave the way for the construction industry’s development. A particularly challenging field is logistics management:
Logistics in construction not only involves transporting materials and equipment to the site but also the timely coordination of construction processes and ensuring that the right resources are in the right place at the right time. For projects such as railway bridge restoration, logistics can be particularly challenging as site accessibility may be limited and the work must be carried out without interrupting rail traffic. Moreover, urban construction sites often require additional planning to minimize disruptions to public order and traffic.