The project used 3D modeling software to design the expansion of wet grassland habitat at the Ouse Washes conservation area. Phase 1 involved creating 180ha of wet grassland, a 280,000 cubic meter storage lake, and other infrastructure. The design team built a 3D model incorporating the new features. This model improved efficiencies by allowing rapid assessment of design impacts, establishing construction sequences, and providing precise data to GPS equipment during construction.

1. The Ouse Washes is an internationally designated
environmental conservation area. JacksonHyder
is currently working on a project to create 500ha
of wet grassland habitat to enrich the ecology and
biodiversity of the area and attract birds. Making
best use of data-driven technology has been an
essential element of the project’s success.
Phase 1 of the project involved a considerable
amount of earthworks, including creating 180ha of
wet grassland, a 280,000 cubic metre storage lake,
a landscaped area for wildlife enhancement, a car
park, access tracks, footpaths and viewing points
for walkers and birdwatchers. In addition there are
water control structures and a pumping system.
Using AutoCAD Civil 3D, the design team
built a 3D earthworks model that incorporated the
lake and the landscaped area. Using the Civil 3D
model, surfaces were created to reflect the new lake,
raised area, new ditches and ancillary works. The
existing soil conditions were captured within the
model for every soil stratum. This model has since
been instrumental in creating efficiencies on the
project, and also simplified the design and build
process.
Efficiencies during design
The model became central to the design process,
and brought together accurate information and
inputs from the environmental, geotechnical and
civils teams. By combining this information into a
single model, the team was able to benefit from
the 3D visualisation capability to verify the design.
The model allowed alternative designs to be
assessed rapidly, including their impact on volume
calculations, which takes considerable time using
traditional methods.
Constructing the lake required excavation and
relocation of approximately 400,000 cubic
metres of material. The material management
was a great challenge due to geotechnical and
environmental constraints and the requirements
of the planning application. The Civil 3D model
was used by the design team and the specialist
earthworks contractor to establish the contractor’s
construction sequence and check buildability
during the design phase. This improved
intelligence made it easier for the team to plan
heavy vehicle and machinery movements.
Including the soil within the model
provided a precise tool for estimating the
interface between different soil strata. This
allowed each slope to be designed to suit the
strata characteristics, identified distinct risks and
eliminated the need for imported materials.
Efficiencies during construction
The integrated model continued to deliver
efficiencies during construction. Data from
the model was uploaded into the earthworks
equipment, which was fitted with GPS sensors.
The machinery was able to accurately determine
heights and levels by adjusting the machine’s
cutting blade position in real time to align with the
design information. These approaches reduced the
need for complex surveying equipment and the risk
of human errors.
Emails: christian.arias@hyderconsulting.com,
peter.doktor@environment-agency.gov.uk
Team: Environment Agency, Jackson Hyder, EC
Harris
Hullbridge
BIM IN PRACTICE
HABITAT CREATION AT THE OUSE WASHES
Name:
Christian Arias
Title:
Regional Framework Manager
Organisation:
Jackson Hyder
PROFILE
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