Processes:
- All major parties agreed to use BIM software during design and construction phases, allowing a model manager to incorporate all models from consultants and subcontractors to coordinate the entire facility virtually.
- Early integration of the construction team into the design process allowed for accurate detailing and collaborative coordination between building trades. Subcontractors were able to help determine scheduling, phasing, and sequencing to allow for a faster schedule.
- Early selection of the contractor permitting it to take on a design-assist role, which helped increase the number of pre-construction and constructability questions (and to develop solutions) well in advance of construction activities.
- The structural steel analysis model from the engineer was exported and used by the steel fabricator, and the 3D model exported from the steel fabrication model to integrate with other construction models for virtual coordination. The fabrication model was also used to develop structural steel shop drawings and drive the fabrication process.
- Subcontractors felt a great sense of pride in the work because they were heavily involved in the resolution process. They came to weekly meetings to lead discussions on how to improve processes, schedule, further detailing and equipment / material locations on site.
- An emphasis on face-to-face meetings allowed designers and buildings to solve problems in real-time before they became costly issues in the field.
Results:
- The steel supplier estimated that there was a 20% decrease in steel costs from the early integration of their team members
- HVAC was able to cut 10% of their cost out of the project due to collaborative detailing and coordination efforts.
- An overall 20% reduction in overall construction costs compared to traditional, non-collaborative bid packages.
- A 45% reduction in RFIs during the first quarter of construction compared to similar projects within the same time frame.
- Schedule reductions that occurred due to openness toward new products from trusted vendors such as smart concrete, which allowed for structural steel to go up within 10 days of the slab pour and parking opening up 7 days after a paving pour (which allowed for a cleaner site).
Project Details
- Owner:
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Architect Team:
Labarre Associates
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General Contractor:
Labarre Associates
- Engineers & Contractors:
- SQFT: 55,000+
- Completion Date: 2020