How Virtual Design & Construction is Changing the AEC Industry?
The term “Virtual Design and Construction” (VDC) refers to the practice of combining advanced digital models spanning building disciplines with traditional methods of project planning and administration in order to build a building project virtually before it is built on site. During the design phase of a project, Virtual Design and Construction enable stakeholders to inspect plans and designs through VDC software or portals. This virtual construction can result in more effective planning as well as improved communication between all of the stakeholders that are participating in a project.
History and Evolution of VDC
ArchiCAD and Revit are two of the most widely used Virtual Design and Construction software that have been around since the late 1990s and early 2000s. Since then, VDC and BIM software has completely altered the ways in which architects, engineers, and other construction professionals plan buildings and work together.
When Building Information Modeling (BIM) was just beginning to gain traction in the construction industry in 2001, the Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE) at Stanford University introduced the concept of VDC virtual design and construction services. Martin Fischer might be considered the spiritual leader of the VDC. Over the course of twenty years, Martin has conducted study on both the theory and practice of VDC design. Virtual Design and Construction companies deliver board range of services in the building and construction industry.
A Framework for VDC
Related: Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Framework: A Current Review, Update and Discussion
Difference Between BIM & VDC
While BIM and VDC share some similarities, they serve distinct functions in the construction industry. Building information modeling (BIM) generates a digital model of a structure. Virtual Design Construction technology makes use of 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other data for digital planning of all phases of a construction project, from budgeting and scheduling to managing risks.
Advantages of Virtual Design and Construction
• Improved collaboration and communication among stakeholders
The establishment of a Common Data Environment (CDE) is made possible through the use of VDC, which brings together information on design, analysis, and construction in a single central repository. This provides a single source of truth that can be used by all of the stakeholders to guarantee that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the progression of the project as well as the decisions regarding its design.
• Enhanced project visualization and simulation
VDC technology helps to visualize the project before construction. This helps project stakeholders including building owners and contractors to see the project and make an informed decision before the costly construction takes place. Building owners can ask for changes from the architects and engineers.
• Better accuracy and cost savings
The virtual models created by VDC construction are accurate and detailed. By creating accurate 3D models in BIM environment, accurate scheduling and cost estimation can be done. This helps to finish the project on time and within budget, thus helping in saving construction costs. Implementation of this technology has become increasingly important because of these reasons.
• Increased safety and reduced risk
Since everything is detailed and designed during the design phase itself the safety at the construction site is more and the risk is less. With the help of VDC technology, construction site hazards can be assessed and mitigated before construction even begins, resulting in fewer accidents and less damage to people and the environment.
• Faster project completion
The projects are completed fast with the help of VDC technology. With every detail completed before the start of the construction, and with streamlined construction management the project will be completed on time and within the budget.
• Improved quality
VDC designers have the ability to visualize key construction elements before they are ever built allowing for more precise budgeting. Errors made in the field can be avoided and quality can be increased by using models throughout the entire building process.
Applications of VDC addresses Construction Challenges
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling or BIM is a building design, construction, and operations workflow in which a building’s information is stored in an intelligent virtual model. BIM is also used for project scheduling (4D BIM) and cost estimation (5D BIM). A 3D BIM model can be used for remote and real time facility management by transforming it into a Digital Twin (DT) using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT)
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual Reality helps building stakeholders see the project on real life scale in 360 degrees using VR glasses. In VR one can immerse themselves in the virtual world of the project. While in Augmented Reality, virtual project data is superimposed on real world circumstances. This is mainly used by contractors and construction professionals to check the design on site.
• 3D Printing and Prefabrication
3D printing technology has emerged as a means of creating complex parametric structures in the AEC industry. It also helps in creating low cost houses. The prefabrication process is also streamlined with the help of shop drawing creation. This gives detailed and accurate data for smooth and streamlined prefabrication and installation of architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical/HVAC, electrical, and plumbing) systems.
• Drone Technology
Drone technology is used in the AEC industry for building and site surveying. Drones with the help of 3D laser scanning technology are used to acquire precise point cloud data of the building which is then converted to as built models with the help of Scan to BIM technology. Drones can be used to survey large building complexes and sites. This can help to analyze the site for new construction. This also helps in getting detailed as built drawings of the building which can be used for renovation and remodeling.
• Robotics and Automation
The construction process can be automated with the help of construction robots. They can be used for laying bricks, painting walls, and doing construction tasks in hazardous sites. The design process can also be automated with the help of BIM automation tools like Dynamo and Grasshopper. It helps to create various design options for a building in a fraction of the time.
Challenges in VDC Implementation
• Resistance to change and adoption
Many design build firms are resistant to the adoption of VDC for their projects because of the initial investment required. There is also a problem with the VDC trained staff in the construction industry. This resistance to change and the adoption of new technologies is a waste of time and money. Construction professionals should embrace these new technologies and use them for a better design and project management process.
• Lack of standardization and regulation
The lack of standardization and regulation in the VDC industry can lead to confusion and inefficiencies, making it difficult for organizations to adopt and implement these technologies effectively.
• Cybersecurity risks
Since in Virtual Design and Construction, the 3D model is saved in a cloud environment for collaboration, there is a risk of cybersecurity. There is a serious risk of data loss and a lack of cyber security awareness in the construction industry.
Future Potential of VDC in the Construction Industry
VDC management has already shown tremendous potential in the construction industry, and its future looks promising. The use of Digital Twin is raising in the construction industry. It is being used for efficient operations and maintenance of buildings and smart cities. A Digital Twin not just looks like a building, but also behaves like one with the help of AI, ML, and IoT. Virtual Reality and Augmented reality use will also get increased in the future since it is much beneficial for building owners.
Conclusion
Throughout the building’s existence, VDC is meant to facilitate open lines of communication between all involved parties. The potential for misunderstandings is mitigated by using cutting-edge tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and virtual reality (VR) software. Workflow processes can be improved through increased worker coordination, which in turn decreases delays brought on by scheduling conflicts or changes in design. Last but not least, VDC tools and practices boost efficiency all the way through a project, allowing firms to save both money and time.
