Building Information Systems
M. C. Headley is heavily committed to staying on the cutting edge of technology. Our in-house Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Group is dedicated to implementing today’s most advanced technology to provide for a lean construction process beginning at the earliest phases of design and continuing until completion.
The VDC approach is centered on the use of building information models (BIMs) and implements multiple BIM software platforms for specific uses in preconstruction planning, estimating, construction coordination, and facilities management. Because we offer a variety of VDC services, choosing a plan that incorporates the right combination is a critical step for each project. As part of the project team, M. C. Headley will provide our expertise and offer the leadership necessary for BIM development by using our Project BIM Plans (PBPs), project-specific plans formulated for transitioning the use of the technology as a tool for design to construction and ultimately for facility management.
SERVICES
We implement a wide range of VDC services to facilitate efficiency in every aspect of construction, from pricing to closeout, and we clearly communicate our plans along the way. To perform these services, we have a proven tool kit of software platforms, including Revit®, Tekla®, Autodesk® Quantity Takeoff (QTO), Synchro, and Autodesk Navisworks®. For a full list, click here to view our VDC tool kit.
The VDC approach is centered on the use of building information models (BIMs) and implements multiple BIM software platforms for specific uses in preconstruction planning, estimating, construction coordination, and facilities management. Because we offer a variety of VDC services, choosing a plan that incorporates the right combination is a critical step for each project. As part of the project team, M. C. Headley will provide our expertise and offer the leadership necessary for BIM development by using our Project BIM Plans (PBPs), project-specific plans formulated for transitioning the use of the technology as a tool for design to construction and ultimately for facility management.
SERVICES
We implement a wide range of VDC services to facilitate efficiency in every aspect of construction, from pricing to closeout, and we clearly communicate our plans along the way. To perform these services, we have a proven tool kit of software platforms, including Revit®, Tekla®, Autodesk® Quantity Takeoff (QTO), Synchro, and Autodesk Navisworks®. For a full list, click here to view our VDC tool kit.
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Preconstruction
Project BIM Plan Development M.C. Headley will lead the process of implementing building information modeling with our clients, designers, consultants, and trade contractors to ensure a smooth and comprehensive transition from project conceptualization to a facilities management (FM) solution that meets our client’s needs. BIM creation (2D Transformations and Construction Model Enhancements) If a project is designed in traditional two-dimensional (2D) CAD software, our modeling team will transform the design from 2D to BIM. If we receive BIMs from the design team, we will analyze and enhance those models for use in construction planning, estimating, and coordination. Model-Based Quantity Takeoff We use BIMs to extract quantities and provide real-time costing in our estimate. Four-Dimensional (4D) Scheduling By linking the model to the project schedule, we provide an animation of the construction at any point in time, making complex phasing and sequencing easy to understand. Site Logistics (Still, Animated, and Virtual) We provide three-dimensional (3D) visuals in a still, animated, or interactive format that allows for easy understanding of the logistics of our construction sites, including traffic, fencing, access points, material staging, temporary structures, construction trailers, crane swings, and more. Concrete Formwork Design/Material Planning For our self-perform concrete projects, we generate accurately detailed, project-specific assembly instructions for our formwork systems using Tekla Structures software. We fully detail complex reinforced concrete structures, including rebar, for formwork design, material re-use strategies, and assembly during construction. Coordination via Clash Detection Working with our subcontractor team, M.C. Headley manages the coordination of all underground and overhead work virtually to ensure that all conflicts are solved and that accessibility for future maintenance is ensured before starting fabrication or installation in the field. By doing so, we can avoid complications in the field that take time and money to solve. This process is an important part of the Project BIM Plan and ultimately results in the largest return on investment for VDC services. On the average project, we resolve thousands of clashes through this process and save anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of dollars by creating opportunities for prefabrication, avoiding rework in the field, reducing material waste, reducing jobsite clutter, and implementing more efficient layout methods. Prefabrication Assembly Design, Coordination, and Installation Sequencing As part of the coordination process, we continuously look for opportunities to reduce costs in time and labor by prefabricating multiple trade assemblies off site ahead of schedule. To achieve this, we work with our trade contractor partners to plan, execute, and schedule these assemblies for seamless construction, delivery, and installation in the field. This is all done virtually using 3D models and clash detection software. Virtual Mock-Ups As a less expensive alternative to real-life mockups, we provide virtual mockups of any aspects of our projects to full levels of detail, including exact material finishes, dimensions, furnishings, and equipment. Mockups can be provided as still renderings, animated walk-throughs, interactive space models, or all of the above. |
Construction
Living As-Builts During construction, we constantly update the models with as-built conditions, creating a “living” virtual replica of the project for reference during and after construction. We ensure quality through several methods, including BIM tablets in the field, field measuring, and laser scanning. Material Tracking and Tablet Integration By default, our BIM authoring software assigns a unique identifier to each part of the model, allowing us to use that number in combination with tablets and barcode/RFID scanners to track material deliveries, installations, and commissioning by color-coding the model to match various stages of construction. Laser Scanning We use laser scanning to supplement the VDC process by capturing existing conditions to create a model of an existing space or to verify that installations in the field match coordinated fabrication models. Operations Facility Management The content and organization of the final BIMs will be based on the client’s preferences and intended use. Whether the as-built BIMs are intended to be used in correlation with a FM software platform or viewed through Navisworks Freedom, we are committed to providing for our client’s needs and assisting in determining the product with the most value. |