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Logistics & customsPublished November 1, 2026

Kazakhstan Bridge Engineering: Mandatory BIM Standards and LiDAR Diagnostics

Bridge design in Kazakhstan has shifted toward digital workflows, requiring building information modeling (BIM) for bridges 100 metres and longer, according to JSC Kazakhstan Road Research Institute (KazdorNII). The institute is also deploying aerial LiDAR laser scanning and photogrammetry to survey bridge conditions.

Kazakhstan Bridge Engineering: Mandatory BIM Standards and LiDAR Diagnostics

Illustration: AI-generated, not a real photo.

KazdorNII noted that the rollout supports nationwide mandates aimed at modernizing transport infrastructure and digitizing the mobility sector.

When does BIM design become mandatory for bridge projects?

According to KazdorNII, starting August 1, 2026, engineering designs for bridges measuring 100 meters or longer must be developed exclusively using information modeling. This constitutes the opening phase of the BIM transition authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Construction on March 19, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2028, mandatory BIM will expand to category I and II highways, and by January 1, 2030, to all types of construction facilities except facilities of the third level of responsibility.

Which bridge structure represents Kazakhstan's first BIM project?

KazdorNII completed its first practical BIM workflow on the working design for a bridge crossing with approach routes in the city of Uralsk. The design is undergoing official review by state examination body RSE Gosexpertiza. The institute has also published industry regulatory guidelines covering the application of BIM technology to road construction.

How are digital technologies used in bridge inspection?

Engineers deploy airborne and terrestrial LiDAR scanning alongside photogrammetry to record high-precision spatial geometries and structural conditions, generating three-dimensional bridge models. The resulting diagnostic data feeds into a centralized bridge management platform developed by KazdorNII, which maintains inspection histories and current condition.

The institute also created standardized pavement compositions for medium road repairs spanning highway categories I through V. A planned partnership with the Polish Road and Bridge Research Institute (IBDiM) covers future research programs, pilot projects, and joint standards adaptation, which currently remain in the planning stage.

FAQ

### Which bridges must be designed using BIM?
According to KazdorNII, the rule applies to bridges measuring 100 meters or longer from August 1.

Rules related to this news

### When will highways fall under mandatory BIM rules?
Beginning January 1, 2028, for category I and II highways.

### Where is Kazakhstan's first BIM bridge project located?
In the city of Uralsk, where design documents for a bridge crossing with approaches are under review by Gosexpertiza.

### What is the current status of cooperation with the Polish institute?
KazdorNII confirmed that joint research, pilot implementations, and technical standard development remain planned initiatives.

### Does this development involve Chinese companies?
The source makes no mention of Chinese companies, and no inferences are drawn in this article.

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