Innovation: Staying Ahead of the Curve with Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)
How it works:
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) works hand in hand with Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the construction industry where a 3D virtual model is created from all parties involved. Through this process we can actively coordinate and resolve issues before the project breaks ground and provide essential information to all parties involved from within the model.
Why we do it:
We have invested in staying ahead of this industry trend for many reasons. By modeling and coordinating the project prior to detailing, we can have upfront client reviews to ensure access, spouting angles/routing and general fit meets project requirements.
Retrofit Projects:
When working in a retrofit application, it is sometimes difficult to have all as built information. With VDC, we can perform 3D scans that create a real life measurable image of the finest of details on site. This is a very powerful tool when integrating new equipment and structures into an existing facility. The scan data can be integrated seamlessly into the VDC model which allows the designers to walk through the facility from comfort of their chair and have the confidence that what is being designed and drawn will work.
Drawings:
As we enter the VDC world of engineering and construction there are some changes that accompany it. General Arrangement drawings are no longer the road map for detailing, it is the model which is the collaboration of the details which provides 3-dimensional arrangement of the facility. The model now becomes the GA, the M drawing, the installation drawing for structural steel, all fabricator content is present in the model which means it replaces the repetitive GA and M drawings. This does not mean these drawings are not generated, just the intent of the drawing changes.
Fabrication Details:
At FWS, we do not generate a model from the detail fabrication drawings, we generate our fabrication details from the 3D content, which means that our collaboration model is accurate and reliable. We are dedicated to the VDC process and see this as the future of the construction industry. We are committed to being one step ahead of the competition to continually provide Innovative Solutions for Building Customer Value.
How does this benefit clients & stakeholders?
More accurate budgeting for capital expenditures. Easier visualization in 3D. You see what we see, you can now help predict potential issues in the project. Better collaboration, less surprises. Ability to scan existing facilities for retrofit projects, minimizing issues encountered when using dated drawings. Provides a Whole Life Cost view of assets, versus only the initial cost to build.
