Sander has been working at Iv-Infra for over two years in the department where designs for steel and movable civil engineering works are made. “I enjoyed my graduation research at Iv-Infra so much that I wanted to continue working here. Iv-Infra works on large and complex projects, which means my colleagues have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of steel and movable structures. I, too, would like to learn more about this. Now, a little more than two years later, I notice that I already enjoy much independence and responsibility in my work. An example of this is that I am currently researching the possibilities of Virtual Reality (VR) for Iv-Infra’s steel and movable civil engineering works department. I see real added value in VR for our design process, but also for our clients, new construction, and replacement and renovation projects.”
 

The ball began rolling when Iv-Infra was working on the design of the Schiphol Bridge on the A9 near Amstelveen. Instead of an internal design review with 2D drawings, Iv-Infra wanted to experience what it would be like to review this design using a VR model. Nevesbu, one of Iv’s divisions, was approached to help with this as they have been creating VR models for the maritime sector for quite some time and has specific knowledge and the necessary hardware in-house.

“As requested, Nevesbu created a VR model of our design of the Schiphol Bridge. While viewing the VR model, I noticed that reviewing a design in this way really incites people,” says Sander. “Many colleagues were very enthusiastic about experiencing the design so realistically. You get to experience what the design will look like in reality, and the human dimension is emphasised yet again. The designs we make are often so large that it is diffcult to imagine the format in real life. Our feeling was: we should apply this much more often in our daily work! I wanted to delve deeper into this, so I talked with Nevesbu about using VR and their experiences with it. But I also conducted additional research in my spare time. I can borrow Nevesbu’s hardware to explore the possibilities for Iv-Infra. We recently converted a preliminary design that Iv-Infra made of a movable bicycle bridge in Amsterdam with hydraulic operating mechanisms into a VR model. We then examined the VR model with the client. The client was impressed by the imagery that highlighted all the practical challenges emerging from the preliminary design. In the early stage of a design, the necessary practical points of attention can be identified with VR. These experiences and findings help us to apply VR better so that we can eventually integrate it into our design process.”

 

An example that illustrates the added value of VR for bridge management and maintenance is the commissioning of a complex bridge chamber. With a VR model of such a chamber, a bridge manager can thoroughly familiarise themselves with the technical area before the bridge is complete. This way, the manager is fully aware of the exact location of every part and how to access it. The model also provides insight into how long it takes to access a specific part and the complexity of the situation on-site. These are insights thatpromote effciency in management and maintenance and, if necessary, an improved design. Further advantages have also been identified. Iv-Infra is currently in consultation to purchase the hardware for creating and reviewing VR models. The aim is to eventually integrate VR into the design process and offer it as a standard service to clients, especially for more complex designs.
 

Sander: “I really appreciate being given the freedom and responsibility to investigate this for Iv-Infra. That’s also one of the things I love about working at Iv; it’s a company that allows you to tackle and further develop the challenges that come your way. They don’t tell you exactly how to go about it, but instead grant you the freedom to find out for yourself and come up with your own solutions and ideas. I can also be really proud of the fact that I contribute to public structures that will benefit others for years to come!”