Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) was pioneered in 2001 at Stanford University’s Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, but has continued to develop and advance over the last two decades.
An amalgamation of modern technologies, VDC translates physical plans and data into an accurate digital representation to manage and visualize projects. This digital representation tracks the building throughout its lifespan, from design and early construction and — through the use of digital twins — even tracks continued maintenance and performance after the project’s completion.
How VDC utilizes BIM and other existing technologies
Much of the technology integrated into VDC has been around for decades including building information modeling (BIM), an instrumental component of VDC.
For example, take photogrammetry, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and laser scanning. Over the decades, these technologies have been implemented in different ways, like site surveying and mapping, with early photogrammetry techniques in construction being traced back to 1867.
In relation to BIM, all three of these technologies are ways of translating photos and scans of a physical worksite into the digital replica. They assist with clash detection and provide accurate documentation for as-built models.
BIM creates a digital model and provides accurate as-built documentation, but VDC enhances this by creating a living, breathing model that spans the entire lifecycle of a building. By integrating BIM, LIDAR and other supporting technologies, VDC traces, emulates and organizes a project throughout its different stages of construction.
Hensel Phelps’ Pacific Region Senior VDC Manager Drew Rebman provided an example of a current project utilizing VDC: McCarthy Mall at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. These two screen shots exemplify how VDC tracks two different points of the project’s construction timeline; these particular shots center around mapping out a pedestrian pathway (labeled with green feet).
In each shot you see different stages of the construction site, a redirecting of pedestrians (changes in the green footpath) and even the beginnings of a building being constructed.
It all starts with AEC collaboration and clash detection
Two main focuses of VDC are clash detection and risk reduction. These elements remain central to its purpose and assist in other core components of VDC like improving collaboration and coordination between architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) teams and improved visualization of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems in buildings.
On a project, each trade partner does their own drawings — a representation of exactly what they plan to build — which are then implemented digitally and combined into a complete, or “federated” model.
“The federated model has all of the [MEP] elements in it. … [we] take all those together and … run clash detection and look for constructability issues,” says Rebman.
“So we’re going to … check every single solitary thing that’s going to be installed to make sure that A, it’s not hitting something else, and then B, [that] it’s constructible,” Rebman explains.
“So we really go and take every single element and make sure every single pipe, every single fitting is going to fit in the spot that we said it’s going to go.”
Whereas BIM can be considered the digital blueprint itself, VDC can be seen as the coordination process — the approach or methodology used to integrate the technology throughout the project.
This process lends itself to another core component of VDC: assisting collaboration between a project’s AEC departments. All stakeholders access the digital model through a shared platform which in turn optimizes metrics, increasing not only compatibility of designs and construction but also scheduling, cost effectiveness, risk reduction and more.
In another example provided by Rebman, you can see a building’s inner workings — structural, architectural and MEP. Each color represents a different element — everything from conduit to air handlers and wiring to drainage — as it is planned to be constructed.
Of course, these 2D images don’t do VDC justice. The actual digital model is interactive, allowing operators to zoom in to see specific areas in depth and to view utilities separately or overlay them as they wish. Users can compare everything from structural elements to ductwork and electrical placement at all stages.
“[You’re] able to overlay the model and do an interference check between the model and the point cloud,” explains Rebman.
This is just one part of the project. As it progresses and applies other elements of VDC — like detailed, high-resolution models and images from LiDAR and photogrammetry — the digital representation becomes an even more accurate real-time version of the building.
Throughout the construction process, data is consistently uploaded to the digital model. By the time construction is finished, you should be able to compare all elements of the build throughout every stage of the process.
Imagine overlaying multiple comprehensive blueprints with real-life photos, but all digitized in one live model. You can pull back the layers to look at specific utilities and even have an exact representation of where each piece of rebar, pipe and even individual electrical outlets are located.
These models not only show the spatial relationship between MEP elements for clash detection, they also help in future planning. Knowing where these elements are helps prepare for any upgrades, remodels or future work that needs to be done — which is where digital twins come in.
Digital twins and engaging live data
While VDC technology overall has been more widely adopted over the last decade, digital twin technology is still underutilized. It’s easiest to understand a “digital twin” in relation to an as-built model.
While all the aforementioned technologies are used to convert images into comprehensive 3D and as-built models, VDC’s digital twin technology takes it one step further: it uses the compiled data to create a living digital representation.
Digital twins are not only used for monitoring and analysis during the production phase; they can also be used for maintenance even after the construction has finished.
“A true digital twin should be a live connection to the physical object in the field,” says Rebman. “So it takes it to a whole other level of facilities management.”
Think of an as-built model as a snapshot of the finished product, whereas a digital twin is a “living” virtual replica with additional real-time information — like data from Internet-of-Things sensors.
This information is all stored digitally and is generally accessible via the internet remotely. Imagine sitting in an office and being able to view live monitoring of your entire building’s infrastructure. Digital twins allow access to real-time readings or sensor data like temperature and energy efficiency.
So why doesn’t everyone use VDC and digital twins? The most common setback is often a high price tag.
“It’s a big [monetary] investment up front and it’s a big time investment. You [also] have to have the staff that can do it,” says Rebman.
There is an initial learning curve, but once you’re familiar with the technology it’s easier to implement it across the board with other projects. It’s highly customizable and though each project will be different, it uses the same basic principles and elements.
“It’s expensive to get started, but it pays for itself in dividends,” says Rebman.
Automation and robotics
Another sector of construction technology experiencing major growth alongside VDC is automation and robotics.
Three ways these advancing technologies assist VDC is by carrying out repetitive tasks and increasing efficiency and workplace safety.
“Automation is becoming a really big thing. I think where you’re going to see automation really take hold is the monotony work … or the stuff that is inherently dangerous,” says Rebman.
Three examples he uses are Boston Dynamic’s “Spot,” the Hilti Jaibot and automated layouts.
Spot is a robotic quadruped that navigates its environment using cameras and sensors. Rebman says at their worksites they mount Spot with a laser scanner and have him take pictures.
“Spot just goes and sits in his doghouse and at any given time, when he’s programmed to do so, he’ll just get up and he’ll go walk the site and go take those progress photos for you.” says Rebman. “Or he’ll go take laser scans for you, process the data, send it up to the cloud and then it’s there for you to use.”
Whereas much of the technology utilized in VDC takes the physical and translates it into digital, some growing tech translates digital plans into the physical, like both the Hilti Jaibot and automated layout technology.
Using BIM mapping, the Hilti Jaibot automates tedious — and sometimes dangerous — work by drilling holes in ceilings and walls, effectively translating digital blueprints into physical output. Much of this work is laborious, both time-consuming and hard on the human body, but can be done more quickly, accurately and safely using Jaibot.
Two examples of automated layout tech that Rebman uses are Dusty Robotics FieldPrinter and HP SitePrint which both automate “BIM-to-field” layout processes by printing digital plans directly onto the construction site.
While artificial intelligence, automation and robotics are a consistently hot topic, the overwhelming consensus regarding their construction applications remains that these technologies exist to enhance human work rather than fully replace it.
“If we start to take [the] human element out of things … it can go vastly [in] the wrong direction,” says Rebman. “Truthfully … you can’t build these buildings with a robot. … The robots are there to go assist you as a builder, not to build for you. There’s just too much nuance and too much thought that goes into all of the decisions made.”
In a sense, VDC can be seen as the next step in the natural progression of construction technology, utilizing BIM and well-established technologies to create accurate models that manage a project throughout its lifespan.
As VDC continues to evolve, its core principals and goals remain the same. By leveraging technology and data for a holistic project view, VDC simulates, analyzes and manages projects from inception to completion and beyond.
