BIM: Autodesk and ORIS collaborate to advance sustainability in transportation infrastructure by connecting digital twins with construction materials intelligence

ORIS, the first construction materials platform for a smart use of resources and low impact infrastructure, and Autodesk have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to link ORIS with Autodesk's suite of software, starting with Civil 3D. The aim is to connect digital models—or digital twins--of transportation infrastructure with advanced data on real construction materials. Considering construction materials during the early design stage of infrastructure projects is a key lever to build more sustainably. Both companies intend with this agreement to better leverage the power of data-connected building information models (BIM) to advance sustainability of the transportation sector.

Using advanced technologies such as data science and Artificial Intelligence, ORIS has built and structured an innovative database of construction materials that combines location, properties, and environmental performance, among other parameters. Through this collaboration, both companies will enable a connection between their solutions, allowing more sustainable and efficient design processes. A test phase will commence later this year for beta users in Europe.

Improved access to data and early consideration of construction materials in infrastructure design has demonstrated the capacity to reduce impact across several key metrics.  With access to the right data, teams can for instance reduce road pavement costs by -15% to -30%, cut a project’s carbon footprint by up to -50%, lower maintenance needs by up to -70%, and reduce the natural resources used by up to -80%-- all while improving safety and resilience to climate change. 

“The integration of materials knowledge in digital models through advanced technologies offers a new approach to build more sustainably and provide solutions to the challenges we are facing, ranging from climate change to natural resources scarcity and limited budget investments. In this context, we are delighted to further work with Autodesk to support the eco conception of transportation infrastructure,” explained Nicolas MIRAVALLS, CEO of ORIS

Autodesk’s Director of Infrastructure Industry and Business Strategy, Eric DesRoche added, “Optimizing the design and operations of our infrastructure systems is necessary to decarbonize the AEC industry. With expanding populations and global growth, we recognize the opportunity to connect engineers, construction teams and operators with BIM technology that empower more sustainable strategies. We’re excited to work with ORIS to connect BIM with material cost and carbon data to reduce embodied carbon associated with the transportation sector.”