For construction project managers, virtual design and construction (VDC) allows you to analyze a construction project through a 3D model to refine your design phases. However, because it is a relatively new technology, many people find it difficult to understand the true nature of virtual design and construction.
To help you with this, we've outlined several things worth knowing about VDC. They are the following:
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Allows you to plan and manage a construction project
Virtual design and construction is basically the method of creating a construction project virtually before doing it in the real world. Because you are first making a 3D model of a project, you will be able to correct any potential errors and improve the structural integrity of your building once the construction phase begins.
As a result, you will be able to significantly reduce risks and even reduce the overall cost of your project.
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It's not BIM
As VDC is relatively new, it is often misunderstood by many as BIM. However, this is not exactly the case. Although the two are closely related, they are not the same thing. BIM (Building Information Modeling) deals with the 3D modeling of physical objects. It involves virtually constructing an object using associated information.
Meanwhile, VDC uses BIM models to plan the construction process from start to finish. Compared to BIM, it focuses more on construction planning of the BIM model and includes certain elements such as schedule, budget, and cost estimation.
VDC does not need to involve BIM, and BIM can be performed without being part of VDC. BIM is a more specific process compared to VDC, although both are considered essential methods in planning and managing a construction project.
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Can help improve project cost estimates
One of the biggest challenges construction managers face when dealing with large-scale projects is the cost of the project. A small error in estimating job costs can make or break a project. However, it can be very difficult to come up with an accurate estimate of the project cost, not to mention it can also require a lot of work.
To solve this problem, they can use BIM software to extract data from their models and obtain more accurate estimates when creating detailed 3D models via VDC. This collaborative process improves the accuracy of estimates, as it prevents several critical subsystems from being ignored.
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It is ideal for future protection
The process of retrofitting devices into a building can involve a lot of expense. Before work can be carried out by an engineer, the extent of the work must be assessed first. It also involves deciding on the changes that must be made to remodel a building.
Once everything is ready, the actual construction project will be conducted, which can be quite disruptive to nearby citizens.
With VDC, however, future protection can be built into a structure during the early stages of construction. This can significantly reduce any construction work that may be implemented in the future.
The process of preparing for the future can be as simple as ensuring that facilities like gas lines can be expanded, or perhaps adding fiber optic technology upfront rather than doing so in the future.
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It can prevent possible problems from occurring
During construction work, it is always important to consider the safety of those involved. Fortunately, it is possible to detect any potential problems that could affect worker safety in advance using the VDC model.
As a result, you will be able to eliminate any unsafe scenarios before they even happen. However, this may be possible when both the architect, designer and detailer keep in mind the possibility of hazards that may occur in the project and resolve them or establish protection against them.
Because virtual design and construction can be used to create highly detailed models, it will be possible to perform a comprehensive assessment of any potential safety issues during the modeling phase. This will help ensure that those working on the construction project will not have to worry about being subjected to a potentially dangerous scenario.
Summary
Virtual design and construction is currently used by several construction companies to create attractive and detailed 3D models, as well as to provide accurate, up-front cost estimates and schedule information. Once the actual construction begins, the benefits of VDC will become even clearer.
