Digital transformation

Model-based approach Digital twin Digital pioneers

We’re building the digital future.

The latest technologies and innovative ways of working have been a cornerstone of WTM Engineers from the outset. In the process of digital transformation, our flexible and collaborative ways of working have likewise put us at the forefront in many of the services we provide.

Be it model-based planning and building, use of drones or 360° cameras, from a basic assessment to supervising construction: We are transforming the entire value chain. WTM Engineers is shaping the future digitally.

Model-based approach

Our model for success: consistent use of BIM methodology.

For us, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been an established and proven standard for years. We were one of the first companies in the market to fully embrace BIM in planning, building, and operation – in all our fields of work and in all project phases. In the process, we always make use of the latest technologies, continually develop fields such as automation, partial automation, and process optimization, and rely on virtual and augmented reality – all with the goal of finding smart solutions for ever more complex tasks.

The central data hub

Traffic

Actual buildings

Orthophotos

Building ground

Central information store

ALKIS

Traffic:

Integration of other specialist models, e.g. road, rail, shipping

Actual buildings:

Model creation and integration of existing engineering structures

Orthophotos:

Mapping of the surrounding area with the help of georeferenced orthophotos

Building ground:

Geological data is translated into ground models and evaluated

Central information store:

Available throughout the entire life cycle of a structural asset

ALKIS:

Incorporation of data from Official Real Estate Cadaster Information System (ALKIS)

Ordnance:

Consideration of 3D explosive ordnance information

Pipes:

Examination of pipelines and cables and conflict check with planned components

City model:

For faster decision-making, the building model is embedded in the urban context

Ordnance

Pipes

City model

BIM as-built model as a central data hub

In the as-built model, data is collected, structured, and processed into information through modeling.
Here, individual building models and models of the surrounding environment with varying basic data are brought together in a central information store.

Example of the Argentinienknoten: as-built model with 21 building models and 12 surrounding-area models with comprehensive basic data

The information store

The "next-level" as-built model

The creation and interconnection of an as-built database, document links, and incorporation of web-based data sources means that information in the inventory model is always to hand during all phases of the project – for a comprehensive, lasting, and transparent data foundation.

Example of the Hamburg U5 subway line: 2,107 recorded buildings, 6,811 linked documents, 63 special structures with a further 209 linked documents

Information management

Automation in data and information management

To ensure we are able to focus on our core engineering activities, many steps in our work processes are automated: for example, checks on data quality, creation of calculation models, or property-specific creation of service specifications.

ElbX as an example: The essential volumes for the items covered in the list of services are defined by a model-based and partially automated process.

PR work

Visualizations as a key to decision-making and public relations

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, we offer a broad range of options for visualizations, from simple renderings to realistic high-end animations, through to virtual reality.

In the example, we have the large Friedrichsfeld lock on the Wesel-Datteln Canal: a web-based representation of a simple, as-built model

Digital twin

Overcoming process limits and conserving resources.

The creation of a “digital twin”, the virtual representation of an actual existing structure, affords us a full range of options to develop sustainable, resilient, and intelligent infrastructures. The digital twin guarantees a transparent planning process, consistent interfaces, and greater quality in the structure – and it can even be used after completion for monitoring and facility management.

The as-built model

The first step from the BIM model to the digital twin

The as-built model is adapted as accurately as possible to the real existing structure. Every change in the real building is reflected with perfect accuracy in the as-built model – thus, step by step, the as-maintained model is formed.

Example of a production building: integration of building and plant technology in an as-built model

The digital twin

The virtual representation of an existing structure

Virtual, entirely true-to-life visualizations and animations support the operation and maintenance of an existing structure.

Example of the Köhlbrand Bridge: digital twin as a basis for structuring the flood of information

Monitoring

Detailed structural measurements and 24/7 monitoring

To network a structure with its digital twin, we develop customized measuring concepts for sensor-based monitoring.

Example of smartBRIDGE Hamburg: installation of more than 500 sensors

The structure's dashboard

Measurement and depiction of the state of the structure in real time

The digital measuring information is processed automatically in the digital twin in real time and made available to those operating a building or structure in the structure’s dashboard.

Example of smartBRIDGE Hamburg: This innovative project has garnered numerous awards.

Digital pioneers

Leading the way in digitization: WTM Engineers.

We are not exaggerating when we claim to be pioneers of digital change who have played a key role in the development of BIM in the last few years. Now, we are striving to digitize the value-added chain over the entire life cycle of a structure, for which we rely on interdisciplinary cooperation and networking at a national and international level. In addition, we participate in various working parties and associations and also run in-house seminars to help consolidate the digital transformation in people’s minds.

Our pioneering BIM projects.

Together with our clients, we have realized a large number of pioneering pilot projects in the last few years of which we are still proud today. After all, the foundation for each of these projects was always the passionate development work and extensive experience of our team.

European XFEL X-ray laser research facility

Multidisciplinary BIM model of the building and the complex research technology

2004

Westfield Hamburg- Überseequartier

Digital 3D models for coordination of all structural aspects of the neighborhood development

2016

Langenhorn Nord subway station

BIM pilot project by Hamburger Hochbahn for barrier-free conversion of the subway station

2016

B5/A1 interstate bridge in Hamburg

BIM pilot project from which many of the currently applicable standards were developed

2018

smartBRIDGE Hamburg

This project’s aim was to optimize the maintenance of the Köhlbrand Bridge in the Port of Hamburg

2019

Hunte Bridge on the A29 in Oldenburg

The BIM model from the pilot project was used extensively for PR work

2019

Pleidelsheim lock on the Neckar River

WSV experience project for the further development of the BIM strategy as part of BIM4INFRA

2020

Argentinienknoten in the Port of Hamburg

BIM model for conversion and new construction of a complex transportation hub in the Port of Hamburg

2020

Allianz 3 Schulen Bremerhaven

Germany’s first integrated project alliance (IPA) under construction for the public building sector

2021

Georgsheil Central Hospital

Complex healthcare campus with helicopter landing pad

2021

Hamburg U5 subway line

First entirely model-based infrastructure project in Hamburg

2022

Wesel-Datteln Canal, lock locations

Implementation of the BIM method in the major project to replace the locks and pumping stations

2023

Networking in the field of BIM.

Networking has always been part of our DNA. We have always shared our knowledge and our experience with key players and have contributed decisively to establishing currently applicable standards. And we’ll continue to drive the industry’s development in future too.