What is Virtual Design Construction (VDC)| BIM and VDC | Challenges and Benefits of VDC

Virtual Design and Construction is a comparatively new technology that has been revolutionizing the construction process. It is quickly gaining popularity in the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. As more and more construction professionals and firms adopt this technology, we can expect to see even more innovative ways to use it to improve the efficiency, safety, and quality of construction projects.

Before proceeding further with the discussion let’s clarify first what is VDC.

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a way of working that involves digital tools to improve the planning, designing, construction, and operation process of buildings. VDC helps to improve collaboration, communication, quality, efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Hence as a result it minimizes risk and reduces overall costs

A study by McKinsey & Company says that VDC could save the construction industry up to $100 billion per year by 2025.

?BIM and VDC

BIM and VDC are two closely related technologies that have gained popularity among construction professionals. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process of preparing a digital representation of a building incorporating both geometric and non-geometric information. Whereas, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a broader term that utilizes BIM and other digital tools to improve the entire building life cycle.

BIM is one of the key components of VDC, however, VDC is not limited to BIM. VDC includes the use of other digital tools, such as 3D laser scanning, point cloud data, and simulation software.

Most importantly, BIM is a process, while VDC is a way of working. In all the way these two technologies are helping AEC professionals to execute and deliver construction projects flawlessly.

?Benefits of VDC for the AEC Professionals

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) integrates with various technologies such as 3D modeling, 3D laser scanning , point clouds, 4D simulation , and others to improve the design built process. VDC helps in improving communication, collaboration, and informed decision-making throughout the building project lifecycle.

Here we have discussed the benefits of VDC to help AEC professionals complete their job efficiently, including:

• Improved Communication: Virtual Design and Construction helps to improve communication among different stakeholders in a construction project. Using a common data environment (CDE) and creating a shared 3D model helps project participants to view project data and interact with related project teams. The entire process helps to identify and resolve potential issues early in the design process. Working in a shared file ensures that everyone is on the same page throughout the project.
• Enhanced Collaboration: VDC helps to enhance multi-disciplinary collaboration in a construction project. VDC uses a cloud-based digital platform for stakeholders to share information and collaborate on decisions. This helps in improving the efficiency of the project and reducing the risk of errors.
• Improved Decision-making: VDC helps in making informed decisions during the construction project lifecycle. Real-time access to project data in a single digital platform allows stakeholders to visualize the project and simulate different scenarios. This helps stakeholders to make better decisions about the design intent and help to reduce the risk of costly mistakes during the construction process.
• Reduced Risk: VDC can help to reduce risk in construction projects. VDC allows for identifying and resolving potential problems early in the design process. As a result, the chances of expensive design change orders during the construction process reduces which helps in saving time and overall cost.
• Increased Efficiency: VDC ensures an increase in the efficiency of construction projects. Utilizing CDE project stakeholders can share information, and make decisions collaboratively following project specifications. This help to reduce the need for rework and ensures safety during the construction.
• Improved Quality: VDC helps to improve the quality of construction projects. Identifying and resolving potential design errors early in the pre-construction stage allows project participants to deliver quality-assured clash-free projects.

VDC helps AEC professionals to improve communication, collaboration, decision-making, and efficiency in construction projects. This can lead to reduced risk, increased efficiency, and quality.

?Key Components of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) encompasses several key components that collectively contribute to its effectiveness and impact in the AEC industry. These components include:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM works as the foundation of VDC. It involves creating a digital representation of a building or infrastructure project that includes geometric and non-geometric data. BIM facilitates collaborative design, clash detection, and data management throughout the project lifecycle, enabling effective coordination and decision-making.

Learn more about BIM - An Ultimate Guide of BIM – Building Information Modeling

• 3D Visualization: VDC utilizes advanced 3D visualization technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), etc. to create immersive virtual environments. This allows stakeholders to visualize and experience the design realistically before construction begins. 3D visualization enhances communication, improves understanding, and enables early identification of design conflicts or deficiencies.

• Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): VDC promotes an integrated approach to project delivery, bringing together all project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and owners, early in the design phase. IPD fosters collaboration, shared decision-making, and risk mitigation. It encourages transparency, accountability, and a collective commitment to project success.
• Clash Detection and Coordination: VDC utilizes clash detection tools such as BIM 360, Navisworks, Revit, etc. to identify and resolve conflicts or clashes between different building systems, components, or disciplines. By identifying clashes virtually, potential construction delays, rework, and cost overruns can be minimized. Clash detection enhances coordination, reduces errors, and improves project efficiency.
• Simulation and Analysis: VDC incorporates simulation and analysis capabilities to assess various aspects of the project, such as structural integrity, energy performance, lighting analysis, and construction sequencing. These simulations enable informed decision-making, optimize design performance, and enhance sustainability.
• Collaborative Workflows: VDC promotes collaborative workflows that enable real-time information sharing and collaboration among project teams. Cloud-based platforms such as BIM 360 or Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), project management software, and collaborative tools facilitate seamless communication, document sharing, and coordination among stakeholders, regardless of their physical location.
• Construction Sequencing and 4D Planning: VDC incorporates construction sequencing and 4D planning, which involves adding a time dimension to the 3D model. This allows stakeholders to visualize and analyze the construction process, identify potential conflicts, optimize schedules, and improve project phasing and logistics.

• Facilities Management and Asset Lifecycle: VDC extends beyond the design and construction phase to include facilities management and the entire asset lifecycle. The digital model created during design and construction serves as a valuable resource for facilities managers, enabling efficient operation, maintenance, and renovation activities.

By integrating these key components, VDC enables a holistic and data-driven approach to project delivery, fostering collaboration, enhancing efficiency, minimizing risks, and improving project outcomes in the AEC industry.

?The Challenges of VDC and How to Overcome Them

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the construction process. However, there are also some challenges associated with VDC. Here are some of the most common challenges:

?High upfront costs: VDC can be a costly investment, especially for smaller businesses. The upfront costs of implementing VDC include the cost of software, hardware, and training.

o??Start small: If you are a small business, start with a small project. This will help you to learn the ropes and to identify any potential challenges. The upfront costs of implementing VDC on a small project will be lower than the costs of implementing VDC on a large project.

o??Consider cloud-based VDC solutions: Cloud-based VDC solutions are becoming increasingly popular. These solutions are hosted in the cloud, so they can be accessed from anywhere. This can make it easier to share information between different stakeholders and to collaborate on projects. Cloud-based VDC solutions are often more affordable than on-premises VDC solutions.

o??Look for government grants or loans: There are a number of government grants and loans available to help businesses adopt new technologies. If you are a small business, you may be eligible for a grant or loan that can help to offset the upfront costs of implementing VDC.

o??Partner with a VDC consultant: A VDC consultant can help you to assess your needs and to develop a VDC implementation plan that fits your budget. A VDC consultant can also help you to find the right software and hardware for your project.

?Lack of familiarity: VDC is a relatively new technology, and there is still a lack of familiarity with it among many construction professionals. This can make it difficult to get buy-in from stakeholders and to find qualified VDC professionals.

o??Educate stakeholders: One of the best ways to overcome the challenge of lack of familiarity with VDC is to educate stakeholders about the benefits of this technology. This can help to get buy-in from stakeholders and to make them more willing to adopt VDC.

o??Find qualified VDC professionals: There are a number of qualified VDC professionals available. However, it can be difficult to find these professionals, as VDC is still a relatively new technology. One way to find qualified VDC professionals is to attend industry events or network with other construction professionals.

o??Offer training: If you are unable to find qualified VDC professionals, you may need to offer training to your team. This training can help your team to understand the basics of VDC and to get up to speed on this technology.

o??Start small: If you are new to VDC, start with a small project. This will help you to learn the ropes and to identify any potential challenges. Starting with a small project can also help to build confidence and familiarity with VDC.

o??Partner with a VDC consultant: A VDC consultant can help you to assess your needs and to develop a VDC implementation plan. A VDC consultant can also help you to find the right software and hardware for your project and to train your team on how to use VDC.

?Data management: VDC projects generate a large amount of data. This data can be difficult to manage, and it can be a challenge to ensure that the data is accurate and up-to-date.

o??Use a data management platform: There are several data management platforms available that can help you to manage the data generated by your VDC projects. These platforms can help you to store, organize, and access your data securely and efficiently.

o??Establish data standards: Establish data standards for your VDC projects. This will help to ensure that the data is consistent and that it can be easily shared between different stakeholders.

o??Create a data governance plan: Create a data governance plan for your VDC projects. This plan should outline the rules and procedures for managing the data.

o??Use data analytics: Use data analytics to analyze the data generated by your VDC projects. This can help you to identify trends and patterns that can be used to improve your projects.

o??Train your team on data management: Train your team on data management. This will help them to understand the importance of data management and to know how to manage the data generated by your VDC projects.

Additionally, use cloud-based data management platforms, Back up your data at regular intervals, and encrypt your data to protect your data from unauthorized access.

?Interoperability: VDC software from different vendors can be difficult to integrate. This can make it difficult to share information between different stakeholders and create a cohesive project model.

o??Use open standards: There are a number of open standards for VDC, such as IFC and COBie . Using open standards can help to ensure that different VDC software platforms can communicate with each other.

o??Choose a platform that is compatible with your stakeholders' software: If you are working with stakeholders who are using different VDC software platforms, choose a platform that is compatible with all of their software. This will make it easier to share information and create a cohesive project model.

o??Use a middleware solution: A middleware solution is a software application that can be used to integrate different VDC software platforms. This can help to overcome the challenges of interoperability and to make it easier to share information between different stakeholders.

o??Use a cloud-based VDC platform: Cloud-based VDC platforms are becoming increasingly popular. These platforms are hosted in the cloud, so they can be accessed from anywhere. This can make it easier to share information between different stakeholders and to collaborate on projects.

Learn more about What is Common Data Environment (CDE)

?Cultural barriers: VDC requires a change in the way that construction projects are traditionally managed. This can be a challenge for some organizations, as it requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to embrace new technologies.

o??Invest in training: VDC is a complex technology, so it is important to invest in training for your team. This will help them to understand how to use the software and get the most out of VDC.

o??Empower project teams: VDC requires a change in the way that construction projects are traditionally managed. This means that project teams need to be empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their projects.

o??Create a culture of collaboration: VDC requires a culture of collaboration between different stakeholders. This means that stakeholders need to be willing to work together and share information.

o??Use a change management process: A change management process can help to overcome cultural barriers and to ensure that a smooth transition to VDC is made.

o??Celebrate successes: Celebrating successes can help to build momentum and to create a positive attitude towards VDC.

o??Be patient: Overcoming cultural barriers takes time and effort. Be patient and give yourself time to learn and adapt to VDC.

It is important to note that the solution will vary depending on the specific organization and the needs of the stakeholders. However, the solutions listed above can help to overcome the challenges and to make VDC more accessible to organizations that are ready for revolution.

?Wrapping Up

As the AEC industry continues to face challenges such as increasing complexity, tight schedules, and cost constraints, the adoption of VDC offers a pathway toward overcoming these hurdles. By leveraging digital tools, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative workflows, VDC has the potential to revolutionize the industry, driving innovation, improving project outcomes, and delivering sustainable and efficient built environments.

VDC represents the future of the AEC industry by revolutionizing traditional processes, fostering collaboration, and leveraging advanced technologies. Embracing VDC holds the potential to transform the industry, drive efficiency, and deliver better-designed, more sustainable, and cost-effective buildings for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.