Virtual Design & Construction Capabilities

Stephen Lester, Virtual Design & Construction Manager (East) at Robert Bird Group

VDC is used by RBG for high-level overarching methodologies of a project site down to micro sequencing of specific construction details, while providing model-based clash detection simultaneously. It can be used to detail unique design and construction elements of a structure that could be difficult to explain via conventional methods.

Some of the key services that RBG provides via its VDC capability include:
• 4D+ Construction Methodologies–3D models staged against program quantities, cost, and embodied carbon
• Temporary Works
• Construction equipment sequencing
• Site logistics planning
• Traffic Management
• Master planning
• Site induction and Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S)
• Risk assessment
• Separable Portion Handovers

The below dam-raising construction methodology is an example of how VDC was able to detail the simultaneous demolition of existing dam elements as well as the construction of a larger dam. It enabled the contractor to accurately portray this process to all project stakeholders and provide a fundamental understanding of the construction process required.

Dam raising–construction methodology

The images below are examples of a full construction methodology animation, detailing: site logistics; construction vehicle; public vehicle and pedestrian access; temporary works and equipment positioning and sequencing; as well as 'micro sequencing' of a link bridge installation. This provided stakeholders and contractors with a far greater understanding of what was required on site from lay down areas and construction zoning, but more critically, how to maintain access to other site buildings during construction.

Plan view of construction methodology highlighting site logistics

Perspective view of the same construction methodology

Detailed link bridge construction sequence

Virtual Design and Construction Interactive Simulated Models (Reveal)

Australia 108 Melbourne - an interactive simulated VDC model of the project in use

RBG has been utilizing the Unity Gaming Engine Platform for construction engineering purposes over the last 15 years, but more recently has focused on the development of a VDC-specific capability utilizing the Unity platform in conjunction with our full suite of VDC and construction engineering design solutions.

While Interactive and immersive simulated models utilizing gaming engine technology are not a new concept within AEC or VDC, it is only in recent years that we have seen an increased interest and growth in their use. They are fast becoming the new norm for model federation and coordination as well as for 4D sequencing. With advancements in software development and improvements in computer hardware, it has also become more accessible and less cost-prohibitive than it was previously.

Emerging capabilities will only enhance all of this even more. The future goals are to provide bi-directional links between multiple model platforms, automated model optimization, and integration of parametric model designs. It's not just VDC that benefits from these integrated virtual models, but the wider contributing digital design team as well.

In addition to facilitating multiple design options in any 3D software, static and real-time BIM data can be embedded to easily communicate to clients and stakeholders and provide direct program linking.

"The ability to interact with virtual construction models in a real-world environment will be very powerful."

RBG has developed an interactive, data-rich real-time model viewer called Reveal. Instead of a series of fixed outputs, the viewer provides users with the ability to experience, view, interrogate, control, interact, and collaborate from anywhere within the model and at any stage of the construction sequence, in a digitally simulated environment.

Key features of this capability are:

• Interactive Model Design Review
• Model Interrogation and Validation
• Model Data Federation (inherited from Revit models for example)
• 4D+ Construction Methodologies
• Interactive 4D Construction Sequence Timeline
• Measurement Tools

Technologies such as augmented reality (AR) are still in their infancy, however, they are going to be very important tools for the future use of such models. The ability to interact with virtual construction models in a real-world environment will be very powerful.