Manufacturing & Prefabrication

VIRTUAL DESIGN &

CONSTRUCTION

Get To Know VDC /

BETTER CONSTRUCTION.

BETTER VALUE.

What is VDC?

Virtual Construction is the integration of tried and true construction practices into a virtual environment. From estimation to installation, virtual construction allows the contractor to better identify, quantify, and coordinate the electrical scope of work for any project.

VDC Coordinators utilize tools such as Autodesk Revit and

Autodesk CAD, which enables them to model any aspect of the electrical construction process to add value to the project overall. Models typically include electrical scope, such as Switchgear, Panels, Transformers, Conduit, Lighting Fixtures, and Specialty Devices. The models developed may also include specific information as required, such as dimensional information, classification, manufacturer info, and other data as required by each project.

We are able to collaborate with our trade partners during construction by using Autodesk Navisworks and Autodesk BIM 360. These tools will highlight challenging areas where discussions and further teamwork may be required to find solutions to satisfy the scope needs for all trade partners.

Documentation tools, such as Autodesk Revit and Bluebeam, enable us to communicate the modeled and coordinated elements in a familiar 2D format as expected by construction professionals. Dimensions and annotations are used to provide detailed shop drawings that give installation instructions to construction professionals in the field as well as in prefabrication shops. These documentation tools also provide the ability to quantify scope elements, which assist in more accurate planning and procurement of materials for installation.

Why do you need VDC?

As the complexity of construction projects increase and build time's decrease, virtual construction has become a necessary tool to get the job done. VDC provides an opportunity to begin the installation of a construction project in a virtual environment before the first labor hour has been clocked on the jobsite. The opportunity to make changes within a virtual environment drastically reduces change orders on a jobsite. This allows the team to better plan for “just-in-time” installations as well as better manage the overall safety of work practices in a project.

Another advantage of a virtually designed project is the delivery of an “as-built” model at the conclusion of a project provided to the Customer/Owner. In a typical project, a 2D set of as-built plans is provided. With a virtual construction project, a 3D model is provided of the project that can also include data associated with installed equipment.

Virtual construction has been shown to reduce installation costs as well as result in fewer change orders on a jobsite, also eliminating future

un-anticipated costs. Prefabrication techniques, such as building in a controlled environment, have also shown to reduce costs as well as provide safer construction methods and reduced labor hours on the jobsite

Virtual Construction Design

Prefab Installation

Why do you need VDC?

In a virtual construction project, the VDC team will study and analyze the contract documents to begin preparing the installation plan for the project. After initial layouts occur, elements are modeled to represent the electrical scope of the project. This typically includes the equipment, lighting fixtures, and conduit systems.

As the electrical scope of work is modeled, coordination meetings will typically be led by the General Contractor, identifying, and highlighting the clashes between trade partners. Through these meeting, clashes are resolved, and agreements are made between trade partners concerning installation of systems.

Once areas are agreed upon by all trade partners, detailed shop drawings are created and provided to the General Contractor for approval. Once approved, these drawings are utilized for installation on the jobsites.