BIM in High Voltage Substations: Implementation, Data Gaps, and Readiness for Integration

Information Modeling (BIM) within a national transmission utility, with a specific focus on high-voltage substation and transmission line projects. As the utility sector moves toward digital transformation, the study examines the practical boundaries, data-related gaps, and organizational readiness factors that influence the feasibility of transitioning from traditional two-dimensional workflows to a BIM-to-Digital Twin ecosystem.

The study is grounded in a proof-of-concept (PoC) conducted in 2022, which served as a controlled case study to observe existing information practices and test BIM-based workflows.

Selected substation and transmission line projects representing different asset types and project maturity stages were included. Data collection involved interviews and workflow observations with engineering design, construction, and operation and maintenance personnel. BIM models were developed by converting legacy two-dimensional drawings and survey data into a federated model environment, enabling comparison between existing practices and BIM-based alternatives.

Findings from the PoC highlighted limitations in information continuity across project phases.

Traditional workflows were found to be heavily fragmented, with each department maintaining isolated repositories, which directly constrained interdisciplinary coordination. While the BIM models demonstrated high potential as a shared three-dimensional reference for visualization, significant technical constraints emerged. Due to the lack of native, substation-specific object families, the team had to employ surrogate modeling workarounds, such as using flexible pipe toolsets to represent overhead conductors and underground grounding grids. This lack of semantic disaggregation meant the models often functioned as single-block entities, reducing the reliability of automated Quantity Take-Off (QTO) and electrical logic analysis.

Subsequent preparatory activities undertaken between 2023 and 2024 revealed deeper constraints affecting scalability. Critical data gaps were identified, particularly the limited availability of manufacturer-provided three-dimensional models for high-voltage equipment and misalignment between generic BIM protocols and transmission-specific information requirements. These issues indicated that BIM scalability was constrained primarily by data structure, availability, and long-term maintainability rather than by software capability alone.

In parallel, organizational and ecosystem-related constraints including limited domain-specific

BIM expertise, continued reliance on two-dimensional workflows, and uneven contractor readiness further restricted broader implementation.

Organizational and ecosystem-related barriers further complicated the rollout. The study identified a significant "domain expertise gap," as domestic BIM training is largely concentrated in the architectural sector and lacks the specialized knowledge required for power utility engineering. To address these systemic challenges, the utility shifted its strategy toward a governance-centric framework. The development of a structured BIM Execution Plan (BEP) aligned with ISO 19650 was identified as the primary mechanism to clarify Information

Requirements (OIR, AIR, PIR, and EIR) and define the Levels of Information Need (LOIN).

Overall, the study concludes that BIM adoption in transmission utilities must be approached as a phased capability-building process focused on data governance and lifecycle continuity rather than rapid technology deployment. Establishing a Common Data Environment (CDE) and a single source of truth for asset information is a foundational requirement for reducing duplication, ensuring safety-critical accuracy, and strengthening long-term readiness for future data-driven asset management and Digital Twin applications.