Platform on civil engineering, underground infrastructure, energy, construction equipment & construction machinery
However, the innovative company goes one step further and is among the early adopters of the latest surveying techniques, which many infrastructure contractors are already gratefully using. An interview with founder and owner Rein Brandsma.
BDM originated in Wolsum, Friesland, and has grown into a consulting firm that not only operates nationwide, but also operates (far) beyond its borders. "We are an innovative organization and are at the forefront of the market when it comes to adapting the latest techniques," says Brandsma. "All our measurement equipment is state-of-the-art, which makes us go further where others stop. We can use static measuring instruments or drones to measure civil engineering structures in the infrastructure sector to within 2 millimeters, but with those same drones we can also measure, for example, the health of crops (vegetation) or analyze the status of individual PV panels in a solar farm. Our technology is very widely applicable and we take the best practices across all sectors."
Many infrastructure contractors are already using BDM's expertise. "For example, we are responsible for the complete dimensioning of the Floriade 2022 in Almere, ranging from the physical plotting of the cunettes and sewers to the preparation and continuous updating of the 'as build' file," continues Brandsma. "We also provide design support for the engineering firm, converting design files into 'understandable language' for machine control." Many companies in the infrastructure sector still think in 2D, according to Brandsma; we make the translation to 3D or even 4D. "In fact, we have all the equipment available to measure projects as efficiently as possible and monitor progress. Using a drone, for example, we can generate time-lapses or prepare progress reports. On the basis of data, a fully automated check can be made on whether the planned completion date of an infrastructure project is in jeopardy. A drone can also be used to very accurately determine how many cubic meters of sand or soil have been processed or excavated. Interesting data for the settlement statement."
BDM, as mentioned, operates in several sectors. "Compared to construction and industry, the infra sector lags somewhat behind," Brandsma believes. "We therefore advise infrastructure companies to embrace the 3D (and 4D) opportunities. It definitely improves efficiency and goes far beyond simply reading a 3D model into the excavator. With the latest solutions, such as Trimble SiteVision, there is no longer a picket line involved. Even the contractor sees the same model on his tablet very visually in front of him, which can even use Augmented Reality. At Floriade 2022, for example, this technique is being used for clash detection. Without even having to measure anything, it is immediately clear where potential clashes occur."
BDM always relies on the latest equipment. Its innovative nature means that the Friesian company is able to attract many young people. "A young club of people brings a lot of dynamism and interesting insights. We really do it together," Brandsma says proudly. "Next year we will move to a new location on the A7 in a beautiful high visibility location. A huge milestone for the entire team."
