Role of VDC in Structural Engineering
Table of Content
What is Virtual Design & Construction?
What is the role of BIM VDC in structural engineering?
Technologies Supporting Virtual Design & Construction
VDC vs. BIM Construction
How are Structural Engineers Benefited from BIM VDC?
Phases of Building Design with BIM VDC
Final Thought – Outsource BIM/VDC partner for design-build construction support
What is Virtual Design & Construction?
• Virtual design and construction is integrated multi-disciplinary performance models of design–construction projects, including:
✓Product
✓Work processes
✓Organization of design, construction & operation team
• This supports explicit business objectives for AEC professionals
What is the role of BIM VDC in structural engineering?
• VDC uses BIM models to plan construction process from start to finish including budget, cost estimation & planning (4D, 5D, etc.)
• VDC organizes the processes, BIM organizes the models & project documents used in these processes.
• BIM VDC Engineers are responsible for managing, planning & digitally modeling of a project
• BIM VDC in structural engineering ensures updated & accurate information throughout project stages.
Technologies Supporting Virtual Design & Construction
1. Building Information Modeling (BIM)
2. Level of Development (LOD)
3. Advanced Digital Tools – AR/VR
1. Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• BIM is a method that makes it easier for people to work together on a single 3D model.
• A digital depiction of a facility's structural & functional details, according to this 3D BIM model.
• As per National Instituteof Building Sciences, National BIM Standard, BIM acts as a source of information for a facility
• The technology provides a solid foundation for decisions throughout the course of the facility's life cycle
• A proper BIM model incorporates input from all partners, which is essential to VDC's success.
• In fact, VDC can increase efficiency by using a single parametric model.
• All parties collaborate on a single, parametric BIM model when using BIM Level 3, the highest level of BIM maturity.
2. Level of Development (LOD)
Level of Development indicates reliability of the output
It is the degree to which the element geometry and attached information have been thought through.
It is not to be confused with Level of Detail.
Inside each model element, LOD Specification helps to understand desired depth & quality of details.
VDC begins at LOD 100 and goes up to LOD 350 or higher
Provides precision to predict how MEP-FP systems would communicate
An element with LOD 350 or higher is where elements such as supports, connections, and other parts necessary for coordination—are modeled.
The quantity, size, shape, location & orientation of the element as designed can be measured directly from the model without referring to non-modeled data like notes or call-outs of dimensions.
LOD 350 to 400 enables project team to identify system conflicts & fabrication challenges before construction
3. Advanced Digital Tools – AR/VR
Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality (AR/VR) strengthens collaboration amongst project participants
They are useful for advanced VDC method for visualization
VDC vs. BIM Construction
BIM refers to the Building Information Model, a digital database of information associated with a building
BIM consists of geometric & nongeometric information.
VDC or Virtual Design and Construction is the act of building a digital equivalent for the physical infrastructure
VDC is the process in which Building Information Modeling is used through the lifecycle of a project.
How are Structural Engineers Benefited from BIM VDC?
Clarity of communication through shared platform
Streamlined exchange of information through cloud
Stronger extended team for collaboration
Achieving team success with aligned incentives
Trust through transparency
Phases of Building Design with BIM VDC
Pre-design –
Focus on Analyzing Goals
Schematic design –Emphasizing Design
Design development –More emphasis on Decision Making
Construction documentation –Emphasizing Documentation
Construction –Emphasizing Execution
Final Thought – Outsource BIM/VDC partner for design-build construction
• Outsourcing to a competent BIM VDC partner is an option to get all the VDC support from the design phase to the final construction.
• The BIM partner collaborate with all the team members to take care of modeling & coordination, while focusing on the client.
• BIM companies in USA like Tejjy Inc. aims to deliver value for projects through quality, speed & consultative approach.
