Innovative digital design delivery for the Ordsall Chord in Manchester, UK

Abstract

The Ordsall Chord rail link project in Manchester, UK was designed using building information modelling. Federated three-dimensional models produced by all design disciplines were held in a common data environment, with modelling developed down to the level of individual reinforcement bars. Early involvement of both the main contractor and its steel fabrication subcontractor allowed conventional roles and processes to be challenged. The design models and drawings were produced on the designer’s behalf by the steelwork subcontractor, although these models and drawings were still owned by the structural designer. In some cases, drawings were dispensed with entirely, and key structures were built directly from the digital model, prepared in collaboration between fabricator and designer, and taking advantage of the fabricator’s highly automated working method. This paper explains the contractual arrangements and collaborative behaviours that allowed conventional roles to be challenged, and discusses the efficiencies that resulted.