A commercial project, like a baseball game, is only a success when every role on the team understands how to strive for the same goal. And this is where we start when it comes to our mindset on Virtual Design and Construction (VDC).
The first step is understanding each role that technology plays when it comes to VDC. Building information modeling (BMI) is the digital database of information related to the physical and functional characteristics. BMI plays an important role in making decisions when it comes to making construction designs to make a model unique, functional, and foresee challenges of design before ground is broken. VDC is the process of bringing together the BMI models, cost estimation, and timelines to devise a strategic construction plan from beginning to end.
Here are four reasons why we utilize VDC to elevate and plan commercial projects.
- VDC helps to visualize the plan
Site logistics
The process of VDC improves the quality of construction designs beginning with site logistics plans. The VDC team will leverage drones and satellite images to get the virtual representation of the site to determine what modifications may be necessary. During the process laser scanning and photogrammetry are used to capture existing structures to integrate with modeling software. VDC assists in identifying imperfections in the land that need to be addressed, trees or other structural barriers that need to be removed before the building process begins.
Virtual representation
During pre construction, the process of VDC provides visualizations of walkthroughs, renderings and a virtual reality of the structural design. Virtual reality adds a new dimension of accuracy and efficiency to the project’s timeline. It allows the entire team to see the project site without having to travel to it, and creates an environment where teams can collaborate in real-time expediting feedback, questions and concerns.
- VDC makes scheduling better
Project managers love listing and hitting performance objectives. VDC helps the coordination and optimization of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MFP) is directed at ensuring architectural designs and the layout of the MEP’s do not clash. This gives engineers and architects fast and accurate concepts to prevent disruptions during the building phase of the project. allowing managers to make more tightly calculated and attainable schedules. Putting VDC into your process means the task of scheduling can be performed as early as the design phase, giving everyone in the following phases more time to do their jobs. VDC simply makes the entire management process smoother.
- VDC keeps the job safe
Communication is key when it comes to construction safety. VDC has been used to spot and communicate any potential safety requirements to on-site workers, or off-site safety officials. Additionally, because VDC paired with drone imaging creates an in-depth 3D model of the building, more project stakeholders will be able to identify any potential risks or instabilities in the environment. This gives the team an opportunity to re-work the plan to mitigate any potential safety concerns. The more eyes you can have on every aspect of a project’s structure and systems, the better. VDC creates a model for all eyes to use.
- VDC saves money
Budgeting is one of the biggest challenges any construction job faces, especially for commercial jobs. VDC generates highly-detailed project models, which includes using Building Information Management (BIM) software to find very specific cost estimates. The BIM process saves both contractors and businesses money not just by pin-point estimating every plank and screw, but by saving on rework that mis-estimating would’ve cost.
Additionally, the client now has a perfect 3D model of their commercial building’s design and its subsystems, meaning their building’s future maintenance needs will be easier to meet, update, and streamline, saving them money too. Practically for a client, VDC also provides natural light and energy consumption studies ensuring their design is optimal for their ongoing cost and sustainability. Financially, VDC is a win/win.
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