This page summarizes requirements for executing a successful VDC, BIM, IPD project. Subsequent content only provides and elaborates some of the details.
Participant performance is linked to communication. Tracking and/or metrics reveal the association communication has to production and quality. Therefore collaboration software will be put into practice.
A coordinated 3D construction model has to have defined stakeholders, with contractually defined scope and responsibilities.
Clarify and specify the means and methods or best practices to coordinate any participant in the most efficient and economical manner. Include any physical item which could inhibit the construction of another item. Properly address any unrepresented objects which adversely affected any participant.
The definition and intent of a coordinated construction model is; “if objects could conflict with other systems, they need to modeled in three dimensions (3D) or graphically documented (verified) as constructible to applicable building and safety codes by the production teams”.
Design prototypes 1* or models, (transforming into construction prototypes (plans), i.e. interim, final, and issued for construction stages), shall be developed to include as many of the systems described as are necessary and appropriate at that design stage and reviewed for affordable constructability by competent subcontractors. Design prototypes (models) define general geometry of systems; construction models (prototypes) define the exact object dimensions, construction sequences and clearances of the objects. Construction prototypes shall graphically represent any geometric area or object involved, even access boundaries. Metrology technology of existing / as-built conditions are a key success factor thus obligatory. Metrology technology is currently robust enough to displace traditional (i.e. legacy) design modeling processes.
The key deliverable is a 3D geometrically realistic prototype developed to include all systems described as they would be built, reflecting final as built conditions. Common sense shall be the teams golden rule. Metrics & dashboard reporting are mandatory deliverables to management.
Success depends on defining your objective, and creating positive team attitude. Team members are required to believe, support, and contribute to the process. Any compensation incentives MUST be modified to exclude costs associated with the VDC effort. If VDC expenses come out of the teams bonus pool (IPD or otherwise) the process will fail to provide cost and schedule reductions sought.
Analyze the personalities of the team! Create a worksheet to assist team members in the development of goals and the selection of technology uses based on project and team characteristics.
ANY and ALL team members should refrain from taking the position that slight adjustments will take place in the field to eliminate detected omissions, minor conflicts, or any errors shown in the specifications, coordination prototype, and construction prototype. The majority of legacy BIM field fit issues can be resolved by using metrology technologies.
History and experience have repeatedly shown most designs are not constructible as field tradesmen build according to plans they have in their possession - errors and all. Errors and Omissions are the basis of change orders and back charges.
Robust and capable supply chain and document control process are compulsory.
It’s the details that deserve the team’s attention as they always cost the most to clarify and fix in the field.
1*
A prototype is an early sample or model built to test a concept or process or to act as a thing to be replicated or learned from.