Digital Engineering

The combination of rail expertise and digital technologies

DB E&C combines traditional railroad engineering knowledge with IT expertise to create modern rail infrastructure and mobility solutions.

Digitalization of the entire value chain

Digital tools and processes are used throughout the entire infrastructure and rail system life cycle, from design and construction to operations and maintenance to operations and monitoring.

Data-driven systems

Big data, smart data, predictive analytics, IoT platforms, digital twins, and so on are used to make the condition, operation and maintenance of infrastructure and vehicles more efficient.

Digital design and modeling

Modern digital planning and design methods, such as building information modeling (BIM), digital terrain models, 3D scans and sensor technology are used to design and implement infrastructure projects more accurately, more transparently and with fewer resources.

Digitally supported maintenance and operations

Digital services are used for predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and infrastructure and vehicle monitoring, resulting in optimized life cycles.

Rail infrastructure is technically and organizationally complex, with many technical disciplines, long life cycles, and high standards for safety and quality. DB E&C’s digital approach:

• ensures end-to-end support across design, construction and operations, making projects more stable, less risky and more sustainable
• improves design and execution quality with BIM and data integration
• enables better documentation and traceability (e.g. for maintenance, operations and upgrades)
• promotes efficiency and standardization in large and complex projects
• enables the use of modern technologies (IoT, data analysis and software) to improve operations, servicing and services

DB Engineering & Consulting supports companies with digital solutions that make design, construction and maintenance more efficient. This includes precise data acquisition such as point clouds, orthophotos and foundation soil analysis as well as tools for digital site inspections, documentation and 3D visualization. Customers benefit from a stronger basis for decision-making, transparent collaboration and accelerated processes, from the first design to safe infrastructure operations.

DB Engineering & Consulting helps companies save time and money, identify risks at an early stage and manage projects based on data – from the initial design idea to long-term infrastructure operations.

DB Engineering & Consulting uses AI-supported data analysis, model-based systems, collaboration platforms, simulation tools and cloud-based development environments. Digital engineering solutions use modern measurement and analysis technologies such as LiDAR scans; geomagnetic, electromagnetic and ground penetrating radar measurements; and mobile mapping to precisely record infrastructure and foundation soil data. Point clouds, digital terrain models and orthophotos are visualized and evaluated using X2BIM. IoT sensor solutions enable continuous geotechnical monitoring of structures.

Clear development standards, frequent automated tests and transparent documentation ensure safety and quality. This includes defined quality processes, secure data processing, continuous validation and close coordination with subject matter experts. Structured reviews, controlled updates and standardized working methods ensure that digital solutions remain reliable, stable and technically correct.

Digital engineering is used in all phases of infrastructure projects: Data acquisition, design, construction, documentation and maintenance. It includes mobile mapping methods, digital site inspections, 3D visualization, sustainable planning of design options, foundation soil analysis and structure monitoring. DB Engineering & Consulting provides efficient, data-based support for rail, energy, building construction, and civil engineering and underground engineering projects.

Digital engineering fosters sustainable planning and implementation of infrastructure projects by using precise data, digital twins and BIM-based comparison of design options to enable eco-friendly and resource-saving decisions. Tools such as BIM4LCA promote climate-friendly design by using monitoring and analysis methods to improve long-term maintenance of structures. In this way, digital engineering actively helps reduce emissions, extend life cycles and achieve DB’s sustainability goals.

DB E&C cooperates with leading technology partners, research institutions and universities (e.g. with the University of Bremen on ground penetrating radar) to drive innovation in simulation, AI and data technology. DB Engineering & Consulting also collaborates closely with InfraView. This partnership has led to joint digital products such as X2BIM, TRACKORD and Baudoku. DB Engineering & Consulting cooperates with DB Bahnbau Gruppe on the 360° Multisensor Platform (MSP). DB Bahnbau Gruppe provides the manpower and measurement train for inspection, while DB Engineering & Consulting handles data enhancement and processing.