Simon Vaux’s Post

Last Friday I had the privilege of giving the Occasional Address, at the University of Sydney graduation ceremony #USYDGRAD for the Civil Engineering class of 2024. The last time I was in the Great Hall was back in 2001 during my own graduation, so it was incredibly humbling to return and provide a few words of inspiration to the next generation of future leaders. I am often invited to given presentations at industry events and speak on subjects such as digital engineering - however this was something else completely. It really made me think about the future of our industry and how it will look in two decades time. After attending this event, and seeing the excitement and optimism in the room, it filled me with confidence that the sector will be in good hands. I’d like to thank the School of Civil Engineering USYD for this amazing opportunity, and I wish the class of 2024 every success as they now begin their careers in Civil Engineering! Thanks also to MJ Kim and my mum for also joining me at this event🙏✌️

For anyone in the neighbourhood, the new Crows Nest Metro Station is having its Community Open Day on Sunday 26 May. This is your chance to have a sneaky before the line is officially opened later this year. Places are limited and booking is essential - so grab your free tickets before it's 'sold out'!! https://lnkd.in/gmBuVqEY

Calling all Digital Engineers! “AS 7739.2:2024 Digital engineering for fixed rail infrastructure – Part 2: Technical requirements” has now been formally published!! https://lnkd.in/gxZpHWvt   This follows on from the release of AS7739.1 Part 1 Concepts & Principles that was published on the RISSB website last year. https://lnkd.in/g7QzvRAX   AS7739 Part 2 provides a deep-dive into the Common Data Model and Common Data Dictionary, that will drive a step-change in data management in the rail sector. These solutions go beyond current BIM techniques, by providing a standardised relational database design to finally address many of the interoperability issues that impact major infrastructure projects.   These two standards provide comprehensive guidance and practical solutions that will transform data management awareness and technical capabilities throughout rail infrastructure sector. These standards will also provide a foundation for building the "digital thread" of data over the asset lifecycle and are essential for establishing sector-wide digital twins, smart infrastructure and smart cities. As author of this standard, it’s really exciting to see this now go live. I’d like to extend my thanks to Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (Australia), Bruce Wooldridge and all the members of the Development Group.   So what’s next? If you would like to find out more about this new standard, RISSB has provided an FAQ’s document that you can access here: https://lnkd.in/gCfe_WZn To support the launch of AS 7739, RISSB will also be hosting a MasterClass Webinar on Tuesday 12 March 2024. You can register for this free event here: https://lnkd.in/giYNjf5K #AS7739 #RISSB #digitalengineering  #datamanagement #digitaltwin  #digitaltransformation  #smartinfrastructure  #smartcities

Standards Australia has recently released their next Digital Engineering whitepaper, titled “Planning the Common Data Model”. You can read this paper here: https://lnkd.in/ghKaF5Rh This latest paper discusses the technical solutions necessary for building the digital thread of data over the full asset lifecycle. It outlines the proposed methodology for development and implementation of the Common Data Model (CDM) and provides a number of real-world case-studies of other sectors that have used a similar approach. This is the latest part of their ground-breaking series, that sets a new direction for digital transformation in the engineering and construction sector. This initiative challenges the status quo, with an intent to open-up new conversations and attract collaboration with data management experts from all sources including the public sector, industry and academia. Previous releases over the past 12 months have included: - Digital Engineering:  Shifting the Paradigm in the Construction Sector https://lnkd.in/gjNMNhAq -  Digital Engineering: Introducing the Common Data Model https://lnkd.in/gjNMNhAq - Youtube recording of launch event https://lnkd.in/gGZgfmMW - Podcast Bridging the Digital Divide in the Engineering and Construction Sector https://lnkd.in/gBS64FN7 As the author on this program, I am really thrilled to partner with Standards Australia and to develop these solutions in collaboration with the wider sector. To learn more and/or participate, please contact Strategic Initiatives Officer, Olivia Johnson via email: olivia.johnson@standards.org.au. Next year these plans will turn into actions, so exciting time ahead! Adam Stingemore, Olivia Johnson, Henrietta Tan, Roland T., Claire Ripley, Ian Oppermann, Standards Australia #digitalengineering #digitaltwin #digitaltransformation #smartinfrastructure #smartcities

Next week the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) will be hosting a free webinar titled "Capitalising on Digitalisation to Boost Productivity". This online event will discuss exciting developments with digitalisation in the engineering and construction sector, with case-studies from Australia, Europe & USA. I'm delighted to take part in this event and share insights on client-side digital transformation in Australia - so if you're working on infrastructure delivery and keen to learn more, please join us! This event is scheduled for 13:00-14:30 GMT on Wednesday 6th Dec. For more details, please check out this link: https://lnkd.in/gBxJP8Es Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Bluebeam, Inc., Adam Kirkup, Daxa Bharadwa, Darren James, Garie Warne, James Chambers #digitalengineering #digitaltwin #digitaltransformation

HS2 has been in the news a lot over the past few weeks, with stories now emerging about spiralling delays, costs and cuts to the overall scope. It's unfortunate to see such a visionary project end up this way, and I'm reminded of 10 years back when the project was just getting started. This "BIM Big Picture" diagram was doing the rounds online a lot back in 2013 - and was a common feature in numerous BIM presentations at the time. The poster did a great job articulating the many benefits for using BIM on the project - and presented two alternative futures for HS2 - one involving HS2 delivered using BIM and the other without. Higher res image here: https://lnkd.in/gtV-d4w7 BIM was expected to ensure the project would deliver a great railway, building pride, reputation and a long-lasting legacy for future generations. Furthermore, BIM would prevent turning HS2 into the seemingly bottomless pit of money - as shown alongside the now prophetic sign stating "Birmingham: Delays". In reality however, unfortunately it seems this hasn't been the case. I think this is worth reflecting on, and considering what else could have been done on HS2 to prevent the current outcome. #HS2 #BIM #digitalengineering #datamanagement

Calling all Digital Engineers! You now have less than 4 weeks to submit comments on  “AS 7739.2:2023 Digital Engineering for Fixed Rail Infrastructure – Part 2: Technical Requirements”. More details here: https://lnkd.in/g9UhnW54 Thanks to everyone who has provided feedback so far. Please return your PDF with comments to bwooldridge@rissb.com.au by Saturday, 7 October 2023.  #AS7739 #RISSB #digitalengineering  #datamanagement #digitaltwin  #digitaltransformation  #smartinfrastructure  #smartcities

Sure can't wait for this one😂 #utopia #NBA https://lnkd.in/gR-cZHUY

It’s really exciting to announce Standards Australia has just released their next Digital Engineering whitepaper, titled “Introducing the Common Data Model”. This forms part of their ground-breaking series, that sets a new direction for digital transformation in the engineering and construction sector. You can read the paper here: https://bit.ly/42epXzS This paper dives into the modern world of data management and considers a world beyond BIM. It explores concepts such as the importance of metadata, what are data models and how do we build the digital thread for data over the full asset lifecycle. This will also pave the way for the future for digital twins, smart infrastructure and smart cities. This paper challenges the status quo, with an intent to open-up new conversations and attract collaboration from all sources including the public sector, industry and academia. For background, please check out the previous paper "Digital Engineering - Shifting the Paradigm of the Construction Sector" - link here: https://bit.ly/44ECT3s As the author on this program, I am really thrilled to partner with Standards Australia and to develop these solutions in collaboration with the wider sector. To learn more and/or participate, please contact Strategic Initiatives Officer, Olivia Johnson via email: olivia.johnson@standards.org.au The next whitepaper on the Common Data Model will be coming out soon, so watch this space! Adam Stingemore, Olivia Johnson, Henrietta Tan, Roland T., Ian Oppermann, Standards Australia #digitalengineering #digitaltwin #digitaltransformation #smartinfrastructure #smartcities