Beyond drawings: pioneering model-only delivery in Eskilstuna

This decision marked a major step in Trafikverket’s long-term strategy to move toward digital construction information models. The Eskilstuna project became a pilot for exploring how model-based delivery could support clearer communication for stronger collaboration, and better visibility across the entire project lifecycle.

Working with design partner VAP / VA-Projekt AB, the team used Trimble Connect as the shared environment for viewing, coordinating, and discussing the model. The platform allowed everyone involved, from designers to contractors and Trafikverket’s own project team, to work from the same digital context, creating a connected workflow built around a single, shared understanding of the project.

For Trafikverket the aim was clear. The organisation has been working toward a future where digital construction information models play a larger role in planning and delivery. The starting point was to replace drawings with models and this project provided an exciting opportunity to test whether that vision could work in practice.

“We’ve been satisfied with getting to the point of being able to create the model to replace the drawings, and then trying to get that to work both technically and clearly as a contract document.” - Andreas Magnusson, VAP

Establishing a digital contract

Delivering a model-only tender introduced several new requirements. The digital model needed to describe the full scope of the road and interchange design in a way that contractors could reliably interpret and build from. Information that would normally sit in drawings had to be embedded directly into model objects, and the structure of the model had to make it easy for users to navigate and find the details they needed.

The team also needed to ensure the model could stand up as a contractual document within existing Swedish standards and systems. Because this approach was still relatively new, the Eskilstuna project became a pilot for understanding whether a fully model-based tender could meet both technical and legal expectations, replacing drawings in a tender document.

“I think we’re in a transition period now between traditional drawings and models. And you have to do that step by step; I think it’s good that the Transport Administration has gone ahead with using only a model here as a pilot and test project, now let’s see what the model can be used for.” - Gabriel Wilund, Infrakraft Mälardalen AB 

Once the decision was made to use a model as the central project document, the team needed a way for everyone involved to view and interpret the information in a consistent way. Trimble Connect became the shared digital environment where Trafikverket, VAP, and contractors could access and work with the same model.

Creating a shared foundation for collaboration

Rather than relying on drawings, markups or even separate files, discussions could take place directly in the digital context of the project. This way, any clarifications and comments could be linked to specific locations or objects within the model, allowing teams to quickly understand the issue being discussed.

“We often receive a link or a screenshot in Trimble Connect. Then we look at the model together, understand the issue, and resolve it. That’s how we communicate.” - Andreas Magnusson, VAP

This shared access helped create a common reference point for the project. Designers, project managers, and contractors could look at the same information and interpret it in context, which reduced the risk of misunderstanding and made it easier to resolve questions as they arose. 

For Trafikverket, the model added enormous value and also became a valuable tool for explaining the project beyond the design team. During key moments, from meetings and site visits to internal discussions, the digital model helped illustrate how different elements of the infrastructure would connect and interact.

“The advantage of using digital tools is that we all work in the same model. It’s a good way to avoid mistakes. Everyone can pull up cross-sections. We don’t need a binder of papers; we just need a tablet or a phone.” - Hugo Andersson, Infrakraft Mälardalen AB 

By working around a shared digital model, the project team created a connected workflow where information could move more easily between people, disciplines, and organisations.

Delivering precision and transparency in design

Moving to a model-only approach changed how the design work was carried out. When a model becomes the primary project document, every element must be defined clearly and positioned with accuracy. Information that might previously have been interpreted through drawings now needed to exist directly within the model itself.

For the design team at VAP, this meant investing more time in building and refining the digital model during the early stages of the project. Geometry, attributes, and relationships between elements had to be complete and reliable so that contractors could understand the design without relying on traditional drawing sheets.

The structure of the model also became an important part of the work. Information needed to be organised in a way that allowed users to navigate the model and identify relevant details quickly. Contractors needed to understand which elements governed the contract, and how different components related to written specifications, as well as how to locate information connected to specific parts of the interchange.

While the model served as the contractual foundation for the project, the team recognised that certain aspects of road design still benefit from traditional two-dimensional views. Profiles and certain geometric relationships remain easier to interpret through drawings. The experience therefore, pointed toward a practical balance where digital models provide the primary context while drawings continue to support particular technical details.

The Eskilstuna project showed that a model-based approach can support construction planning and communication, while also revealing where established methods continue to provide value.

Supporting day-to-day communication on the worksite

As construction progressed, the digital model continued to play an important role in how the project team communicated. Instead of relying on drawing sets as the main point of reference, discussions often began with the model itself.

Questions and clarifications could be explored visually by looking at the relevant part of the project together. Links, screenshots, and viewpoints from the model were shared through Trimble Connect, allowing teams to review the same information even when they were not on site at the same time.

“We communicate a lot by phone and email with links to the model. We review it together, explain intent, and check conditions on site.” - Andreas Magnusson, VAP

The model also proved useful during site visits and coordination meetings. Seeing the infrastructure in its full spatial context helped teams understand how different elements related to each other and how design decisions affected surrounding areas.

Although the model was not updated in real time during construction, it still provided a valuable reference point for understanding the project and resolving questions. Even when technical challenges such as device performance or network connectivity arose, the project team found that discussing issues in the context of the model often provided more clarity than traditional drawing-based exchanges.

The experience demonstrated how a shared digital reference can support communication across organisations, helping teams stay aligned as the project moves from design into delivery.

Demonstrating what model-based delivery can achieve

Because the approach was new for everyone involved, the project created a shared learning environment for Trafikverket, VAP, and the contractors. Each organisation entered the project aware that it was testing something different, which encouraged open discussion and a willingness to adapt and learn together as the work progressed.

“I’m most proud of the team here on site in this project. We have a great collaboration. We are solution focused and pro-active and want to achieve a good solution for the team.” - Gabriel Wilund, Infrakraft Mälardalen AB 

For the design team at VAP, the experience also changed initial perceptions of what a model-based approach could achieve. Early uncertainty gradually gave way to confidence as the project demonstrated that the model could support both tender documentation and construction communication.

“We were quite sceptical at the start. But now it has proved its worth. Many question marks have been resolved.” - Andreas Magnusson, VAP

By the time the model was delivered, the project had demonstrated that a fully model-based tender can support complex infrastructure delivery while improving visibility across the project team. Working from a shared digital environment made it easier for stakeholders to understand the design and discuss issues in context, while maintaining a common understanding of the work throughout.

For Trafikverket, the project represents an important step toward a more digital future for infrastructure development. The experience has already provided valuable insights into how models, drawings, and structured data can work together to support modern project delivery.

“In my next project we’ll also use a BIM model; I think it’s a fantastic complement to drawings. And I don’t think I’ll want to be without it.” - Gabriel Wilund, Infrakraft Mälardalen AB 

The Eskilstuna project shows how connected construction can move from theory to practice. By bringing people, information, and workflows together around a shared model, the project team demonstrated how digital collaboration can strengthen understanding and support better outcomes across the entire construction process.