Enhancing project management with 4D modelling at Hinkley Point C

Summary

Hinkley Point C is a new build nuclear power station under construction in Somerset. The new 3.2GW power plant is set to power six million homes and supply 7% of the UK's electricity. AtkinsRéalis has supported EDF NNB GenCo, a subsidiary created by EDF Energy to build and then operate Hinkley Point C, with the development of the power plant from its very early stages.

The Challenge

With construction well underway, a vast number of different projects are being run simultaneously, making it more important than ever that these projects are planned and managed efficiently throughout. The planning and design stages of a project are often the most critical in guaranteeing success. Traditionally, 3D models have been developed during these stages to visualize the scale of construction work. This poses an issue on complex sites such as HPC as each building can be made up of more than 900,000 3D objects linked to 1000s of construction activities.

Consequently, during the early stages of these projects it can be difficult to account for all the necessary factors you need to consider. The magnitude of installations, contractors, safety and logistical elements to name a few is a lot to consider and if missed, can have significant financial consequences.

The solution

4D modelling, as a digital visualisation tool, mitigates the limitations of 3D models by incorporating the concept of time. The dynamic tool provides simulations of a project’s construction sequence, offering both visual and quantified data throughout the project’s life cycle. By visualising how the project will evolve over time, 4D modelling helps project teams anticipate and address day-to-day risks and forecast potential problems before construction begins. This predictive insight supports safe, timely, and budget-compliant construction, enabling stakeholders and on-site workers to make informed decisions swiftly.

These 4D models are used for planning, quantity extraction, logistics management, contract coordination, construction mitigation, and addressing health and safety issues on site. Unlike traditional written reports, which can be damaged, lost, or forgotten, 4D models provide real-time progress updates directly from site surveyors to planners, ensuring seamless communication and accurate planning.

AtkinsRéalis provides a fully integrated service to create, manage, and maintain the 4D models for Hinkley Point C (HPC), ensuring the client has access to the latest information for configuration management and quality assurance. These models support the entire project delivery, from design to final handover, offering a safer and more comprehensive understanding of site forecasts.

The outcome

AtkinsRéalis now offers up-to-date 4D models using Synchro 6.5 software, accessible across the NNB Nuclear New Build Organisation. This aids in planning, de-risking future site activities, reducing rework optimising schedules, and saving money. By not only creating and updating the 4D models but also bringing them to site in the hands of the site managers, surveyors and workers (via tablets), AtkinsRéalis provide a clear view of the work to be delivered and the necessary arrangements to ensure successful project execution.

This type of modeling also enables near real-time reporting of the site’s progress. Using tablets, we can gather live information directly from the site and promptly send it back to the office for immediate action. This data can include construction issues, damage reports, or even simple installation completion updates, allowing us to address any concerns swiftly and maintain efficient project workflows.

The next step of the AtkinsRéalis 4D service is to aid in commissioning, linking the Mechanical, Electrical & HVAC (MEH) installation dates with the Commissioning Test Plans (CTPs). This will enable NNB to be flexible and alter their commissioning schedule to align with plant installation to increase efficiency.