VDC & BIM in Construction

 

While talking about Building Information Modeling (BIM) technique, most refer to it as an intelligent process based on 3D modeling for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction professionals.  The BIM tool facilitates the various phases of design-build solutions. Further, it helps to plan, construct and manage buildings and infrastructures in a proficient manner.

Now, what is VDC? Virtual Design and Construction are interpreted by many as the concept of a new BIM dimension, or a 3D Model to which information on the activities of the construction schedule and cost gets added.

Origin of VDC:

Virtual Design & Construction was initially developed by the Center for Integrated Facility Engineering at Stanford University of California in the year 2001 when the BIM conception hardly entered the software design market. The mission of the institute of VDC is to investigate how project results get improved with the usage of BIM so that it is beneficial for the client-owner, designers, and contractors as well as for all the AEC project stakeholders.

Why is VDC compared to BIM?

·         VDC involves the creation of a digital (virtual) twin and a data-enriched Building Information Model. The process of Virtual Design & Construction entails construction professionals from diverse companies, collaborating on multidisciplinary projects. All the project stakeholders require technology for creating digital twins, the final product to be delivered to the clients. Further, the people and teams necessitate production processes called Project Production Management delineating the workflow and resources essential to get the definite project objectives.

·         The virtual information and metrics produced in the BIM model and in production processes converge in decision-making occurring in sessions called Integrated Concurrent Engineering, where different teams execute simultaneous design work supported by contemporary display technology.

·         BIM and VDC are very much connected to each other but are not the same. BIM entails the building of a virtual object like a structure with related information. In contrast, VDC uses the BIM models for planning the building process from the inception of the design-build solution to completion.

Difference between Digital Twin & BIM:

VDC in essence is constructing the whole project virtually or digitally before it is constructed in the real world. Today, it is called the digital twin, as with VDC we can build a twin of the project. So we build twice.

·         The key variation between a digital twin and a BIM model is the introduction of the time factor and the digital context, its real location, - be it above or below the ground.

·         The second aspect that BIM lacks is the time dimension. Nothing is static in the world; everything changes in due course of time, especially in the case of construction.

3D & 4D BIM Model as a VDC Coordination Platform

·         At present, the BIM adoption follows the building project lifecycle, establishing the criteria for Level Project Content or Level of Development (LOD), considering 3D Modeling, 4D Scheduling, and 5D BIM Cost Estimation.

·         In Virtual Design & Construction, the 4th dimension of construction is created. While considering the 4D model, integration of time as the 4th dimension of the 3D BIM model, i.e. the project schedule connected to the 3D model, facilitates making a construction simulation as per the planning set by the construction team.

·         In the Level of Development stage, the BIM Engineers first create the Pre-construction model, which is a model enriched with information essential to building the project and helps connect the BIM model with the Schedule.

·         Next the model consists of a LOD, defining each element to be built at different points in time. To take an instance, following a structural column, the shape of the column gets modeled with the reinforcement bars and the finish.

·         Having a 4D model linked to the 3D design models schedule, BIM Engineers can identify and resolve dynamic clashes of time and space, thus optimizing the project performance.

Technology Integration with VDC

To synchronize 3D BIM models with 4D construction schedules, BIM Engineers coordinate in a 4D model.

·         NavisWorks software application helps to review the 3D BIM model at the last stage of the design process, as well as the data composing it. This facilitates obtaining extensive control of the project. Navisworks can audit clashes between models of diverse disciplines for making the pre-construction model ready.

·         SYNCHRO Pro is another 4D planning tool that facilitates in creating or importing schedules, associating tasks, and monitoring the whole construction process. SYNCHRO Pro helps in converting 3D objects into 3D resources, facilitating cost management. The software enables continuous synchronization of 3D models and schedules as the project progresses without losing the connection between them. Using baselines or snapshots of planned 4D models, BIM Modelers compare the actual as well as the planned project status.

So, NavisWorks & SYNCHRO Pro are complementary to each other. NavisWorks helps to prepare the pre-construction model with powerful BIM Clash Detection and perform the 4D construction simulations, and in SYNCHRO Pro, the BIM Model is used for planning and controlling project execution. In fact, the SYNCHRO plug-in for NavisWorks is found for making interoperability complete.

Crux of the Matter

·         If you are planning a construction project based on experience & technique of construction processes, you need to know the tools for creating 3D Modeling, 4D construction simulations, 5D BIM quantity take-off, 6D BIM Energy Analysis & Sustainable Building, and 7D Facilities Management techniques.

·         You can take the help of a BIM Service Provider in the USA or a BIM Modeling Company in the USA to define the best scenario for project execution.

·         Implementing BIM VDC for your construction workflow helps to reduce the economic risk and make the project progress smoothly. So, interoperate with the planning and BIM models to execute your construction plan efficiently.

·         BIM VDC technique helps to obtain a new and democratic vision of BIM usage. The project stakeholders have a common goal from an early stage of design to see the BIM models linked to reality, virtualizing the construction process, and enabling improved decision-making while entering the construction phase.

·         VDC creates a digital twin, building the whole project virtually before the onset of actual construction. This process reduces the risk, eliminates conflicts, and reduces project costs. VDC also emphasizes planning the construction with the BIM model, including elements like budget, cost estimation, and scheduling.

So, virtual construction is a process and Building Information Modeling is the key of using this technique in construction. Consult the BIMService Provider in the USA - Tejjy Inc. at 202-465-4830 or info@tejjy.com to implement BIM in your construction workflow.