information engineers for infrastructural projects

A clear focus on information engineering

Through Information Engineering, Infranea – the infrastructure division of VK architects+engineers – aims to respond to client demand to map and manage the information of large, complex infrastructure works. The result: great added value for the client in terms of traceability, efficiency, longevity and failure costs for the entire life cycle of the infrastructure. “For our clients, we create and manage the information processes for infrastructure works, from start to finish,” said Bruno De Saegher, general manager of Infranea.

With more than 70 years of experience in healthcare, industry, buildings & infrastructure, VK architects+engineers gained a solid portion of digital expertise in 2019 with the acquisition of Infranea, the leading player in digitalization processes for the infrastructure sector. In a rapidly changing world, data and information are increasingly important. This is no different in the infrastructure sector. Many changes occur during the long lead time of projects. Through Information Engineering, Infranea maps these changes from beginning to end. This leads to a wealth of information upon project delivery.

Traceability, reduction of failure costs, Robustness and efficiency

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The overall implementation of an infrastructure project can take 15 years or even longer. Traceability of changes is crucial. In addition, information engineering helps to reduce failure costs. It makes the design process and information processing shorter and more efficient. In short, robustness, traceability, a reduction in failure costs, an increase in efficiency, are the four benefits of information engineering.

Detecting problems in advance

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Infranea recently helped the Flemish Institute for Mobility with research into environmental influences on the behavior of road users. Jaap de Boer: “For example, the effect of the cast shadow of wind turbines on road users was tested through simulations. Other examples of Information Engineering are the A16 tunnel project in Rotterdam or the swing bridge at Sluiskil. A digital twin of both was made. By combining Virtual Reality with the actual control software of the installation, the customer was able to perform virtual tests, validate the project with stakeholders and use the digital environment for education, training and exercises.

In addition, information engineering also contributes to efficient asset management. By linking digital twins to sensors, we can analyze and simulate expectation patterns.”
The fact that Infranea is playing the Information Engineering card to the fullest is not entirely surprising. As cited earlier, all the know-how and experience is present. “Because we combine the various competencies-digitization, processes and infrastructure-the client finally finds a solution with us.”