Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)
This section is focused on the 4IR in the field of industry infrastructure, namely Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). VDC maybe has its first theoretical reference in December 2007, Stanford University, Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE). VDC is about designing and then building virtually before building in reality. VDC is implemented in a construction project by workflow of software connected to wearable holograms for HoloLens and Headsets, and where data are stored in the cloud. VDC is in the so-called “Era of connection and immersive computing”, [Autodesk]. VDC refer to many different categories in a construction project. However, the most importance of a project using VDC is not the technology, but the people and the organization behind the project. A success VDC project needed therefore project owner, designer, engineer, contractor and supplier are all participated in the VDC technology from the beginning of project. VDC software & BIM-tools (Building Information Modeling) VDC and BIM are easily mixed together where both create work methods to achieve a business goal successfully. VDC is the larger overarching methodology than BIM and VDC doesn’t always involve BIM. VDC is an overall process of utilizing computer technology to make the construction process more efficient, where BIM is one of the tools that can be used in the VDC process (and where BIM can be applied without being considered part of VDC).
Software to VDC are developed by Autodesk, Trimble Connect, Bentley or Graphisoft, being use in BIM. They can broadly be broken into three categories:
› Modelling › Analysis/collaboration, and › Project information/cloud computing as listing below, cf. [2016.01] Modelling Autodesk Revit, Vectorworks, Tekla BIM, ArchiCAD, Catia & MicroStation BIM The software is also called authoring software, used to model geometry and associated information in each element of the model. Analysis & collaboration Autodesk Revit, Rhino Grasshopper, Autodesk Navisworks & 360, Synchro, 3-D Max, Innovaya & VEO. The software applied to quantity takeoffs, project markup, scheduling (time), conflict resolution, code checking, flow analysis, energy analysis or visualisation. Some authoring software, such as Revit, has built-in analysis tools as well. Note that in ICDAS relation, analysis model refers also to structural FEM analysis which verify, modify and optimize dimensions of each component in the construction. Project Information Management & Cloud Computing Newforma, GTeams, Autodesk 360 Glue, Trimble Connect & Field. The software links dada from the model to distribution platforms, which record, organize and track documentation, communication and decision process. These software are typically accessible through any type and device with a web browser. Cloud Computing allows a greater amount of data to be saved, synced, and accesses instantly across multiple devices. As internet connection is becoming ever faster and more reliable it is possible to move software, data and computational tasks from in-office computers and serves to serves in the cloud, making data accessible from multiple locations and enabling access to multiple types of devices.
Most often VDC apply BIM 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D & 7D listing below. BIM 3D Information model (Revit) The concept of BIM has existed since the 1970s (Building Information Modeling). BIM is a process and Revit is a tool to leverage that process. ICDAS apply Revit as an intelligent 3D model-based process where all data are stored in one file. A Revit 3D BIM model covers 3D geometry AND all information for each element in the model. They can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making for a project. These information can further be basic input to an additional analyse called 4D-, 5D-, 6D- and 7D BIM as outlined in short below. BIM 4D Time Scheduling (Synchro PRO, Navisworks) The BIM 4D estimates completion times for each single activity of a project, using 3D BIM model as input. BIM 5D Cost Estimating (Sigma Estimates, Navisworks) The BIM 5D provides cost and budget analysis, technical and economic control for each period of a project, using 3D BIM model as input. BIM 6D Operation, Maintenance & Facility Management Unlike the 3D to 5D model, there is not an agreement on the meaning of 6D & 7D model. Most platforms work on 6D for Operation & Maintenance and 7D for Sustainability, others on the opposite. ICDAS is referred to the first case. When a construction project is completed, the 6D model is delivered to the project owner (also called the as-built model). The 6D model contains all data relevant for use in operations. The operator can use the 6D data to plan and estimate the future maintenance tasks and replacements of components of the constructions, which can be linked from the 3D BIM model. The BIM 6D is also called ‘Commissioning & Facility Management (FM)’. From BIM to FM means at project completion, the BIM model must be updated to the “As-built” model, which contains correct and useful data for operation and maintenance. Information on the individual building parts' operating manuals, the manufacturer, links to product pages, contracts etc. can be connected to the building parts from the Revit 3D BIM model. This gives the project owner an overview of when different building parts need to be replaced. The BIM 6D provides also processes for managing subcontractor/supplier data and facility component through the entire facility life cycle, from design to demolition. BIM 7D Sustainability The BIM 7D Sustainability is about to perform energy consumption, environmental and sustainability aspects for a building (indoor climate, ventilation, lighting), based on the 3D information model as the input.
The BIM 7D is also about using the most climate-friendly materials that have the least impact on the environment, but at the same time are strong enough to withstand the forces of nature. | 