CHAPTER 4 CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTED RESEARCH

Conclusions

Implementing 3D model–based project development and delivery represents a transformative shift in construction practices, particularly for highway projects. 3D modeling brings immense potential for improving project delivery, enhancing design quality, and increasing efficiency. However, it also introduces several challenges related to quality management, organizational change management, and the adoption of emerging technologies.

This study emphasized that transportation agencies need to adopt a structured approach when integrating 3D models into their workflows. Successful adoption requires balancing People, Process, and Technology:

• People: It is critical to invest in change management strategies and workforce development to up-skill employees unfamiliar with 3D modeling environments. Creating specialized roles, establishing working groups, and collaborating with external partners are essential for ensuring successful integration.
• Process: Agencies must update their quality management frameworks to accommodate 3D models. This involves revisiting current procedures, adopting new review standards, and developing job aids and checklists that are adapted to the requirements of model-based workflows. Existing policies should be modified to accommodate the transition from traditional paper-based to digital environments.
• Technology: Advancements in software tools and open data standards will play a pivotal role in supporting 3D model–based reviews. Agencies should evaluate and, if necessary, acquire new technologies to enhance their review capabilities. Building partnerships with software vendors will ensure the continued development of tools that meet evolving industry needs.

Beyond the People, Process, and Technology framework, effective change management is critical for ensuring the shift to 3D modeling is fully embraced and sustained by agency personnel. Resistance is a natural part of any change process, especially when transitioning from familiar methods to a more complex digital approach. Proactively addressing resistance is key to ensuring smooth adoption of 3D modeling. The ADKAR Model provides a structured framework to manage change by focusing on individual and organizational transformation. The model’s emphasis on building awareness and embracing change helps mitigate resistance by showing employees how change benefits them and the organization. Leadership engagement, clear communication, and offering ample training opportunities are critical to overcoming resistance.

Future Research

Moving forward, the continued development and refinement of standards for 3D model–based project delivery are essential. Key areas of future research could include:

• Development of national open data standards for 3D models: Efforts underway as part of the Transportation Pooled Fund Studies 5(372) and 5(523) to develop national open data standards for bridges. It would be helpful to expand these to pavement and ancillary asset classes. Having a single, standard schema for digitally delivering project information to construction could streamline the development of review tools and construction viewers, while providing an opportunity to use automation to verify and validate the information provided. These could enhance current quality control capabilities that rely on visual inspection.
• Development of Specific LOIN (Level of Information Need) Guidelines: Efforts could focus on creating clearer, specific LOIN guidelines for multiple assets and project types that align to the national Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standards being developed. These guidelines can help standardize expectations across projects, ensuring all stakeholders understand model details and information needs.

• Automation and Tool Development: Significant progress can be made by developing automated tools for conducting model-based reviews. Collaboration with software vendors will be critical for advancing tools that enable more seamless reviews and documentation of design elements within a 3D environment.
• Training and Education: Expanding training programs to include more comprehensive education on model-based design and digital project delivery will bridge skill gaps. Programs that are scalable to accommodate the different levels of expertise among staff members will be key.
• Legal and Compliance Frameworks: As 3D models become more ubiquitous, further work would help clarify their legal standing as construction contract documents. Developing policies that address intellectual property, data security, and long-term digital preservation would help standardize their use across industry.
• Expanding Standards and Guidelines: Building on the existing framework provided by international standards like ISO 19650, agencies may want to consider developing and refining internal standards to ensure that quality management processes remain consistent, repeatable, and traceable across projects.
• Interoperability and Data Integration: Further research would help improve interoperability between different software platforms used by multiple project stakeholders (designers, contractors, engineers). Seamless, cross-platform data integration prevents data loss, enhances collaboration, and improves model accuracy throughout the project life cycle.
• Performance Metrics and Benchmarking: Performance metrics that measure the effectiveness of 3D model–based project delivery would be helpful. Establishing quantitative benchmarks for cost savings, time efficiency, error reduction, and project quality can support wider adoption of 3D modeling across the transportation industry.

• Cybersecurity for Digital Models: As the transportation industry becomes more reliant on digital tools and platforms, ensuring the security of 3D models will grow in importance. Best practices for safeguarding sensitive project data, developing standards for cybersecurity, and mitigating risks related to data breaches is important.