The world has recently proven how critical technology is to keep people connected, which has further supported the construction industry’s belief of the importance of technology on projects. The construction industry is familiar with the terms BIM coordination and clash detection used by virtual design and construction professionals, but these specialists are utilizing their skills and techniques to improve project success and generally, do more for general contractors and subcontractors. VDC experts utilize additional technology and software to help project teams plan to stay ahead and keep projects on track for all clients.

Importance of Virtual Design and Construction

General contractors and subcontractors coordinate and make plans early so they can succeed throughout the construction process of a project. VDC professionals, along with the project team, start by reviewing the design models and project documents during the design phase. This review process helps to identify constructability issues and any critical missing information in the design documents early enough that it eliminates the need for redesign or significant adjustments during construction. The result of this review process helps to create more accurate construction documents and estimates from the general contractor and subcontractors. By using this tool, professionals can utilize the estimating software that reads the properties of an element in a 3D model and quantify a more accurate estimate of a building component.

For example, on a project, it may have a specific high-end finish on a wall that occurs on about 30% of the walls. These walls vary in location and height; therefore, an extensive and thorough review process of the square footage is required. By utilizing a design model, with just a couple clicks of a mouse, the walls that are in need of the finish can be calculated and passed along to the architect. This step allows the team to accurately estimate the materials and acquire those materials for the project.

In a time where supply chains and production of materials are being disrupted, these early estimates are extremely beneficial in making sure that the project’s team is able to acquire the materials for the project. VDC professionals are utilizing new technologies to create more accurate estimates every day and it’s encouraged that they continue to seek out subcontractors that are doing the same to ensure all projects are efficient and successful.

How VDC Has Helped with Scheduling

Construction professionals and clients know that daily schedules and overall project timelines can be easily disrupted by many different factors. In 2020, these disruptions are amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions in labor, supply chains, manufacturing and other economic challenges are having an impact on project schedules. VDC professionals and project teams can utilize software that allows the general contractors and subcontractors to coordinate building elements and systems early so they can keep the project on schedule.

The VDC coordination process produces a coordinated construction model with the major building elements and systems shown as a 3D model with a specific location and space within the building. The process gives the general contractors and subcontractors the opportunity to work collectively early in the construction process to identify the most effective and economical way to install the building elements. These plans then can translate to more specific project schedules that allow subcontractors to ensure they have the necessary materials and team members available for the project. Typical project teams and VDC professionals are utilizing the VDC coordination process along with the most current software and tools to ensure those are working with subcontractors to keep projects on schedule.

Instability of the current economy should encourage construction professionals to utilize the processes, technology and software that VDC teams have to help make projects a success.