Virtual Model Approval

I started in the construction business in the late 90's. We were drafting structural steel beams and columns on 24X36 sheets of paper by hand. We would make blueprint copies, and submit a series of drawings via postal service to the Structural Engineer of Record (SEOR) to review and approve if we were following design intent. The engineer would mark up comments with red pens and physically stamp the drawings.

Then as we moved into detailing in ACAD, we would submit PDF electronic versions of the 2D drawings and the (SEOR) would digitally stamp and add comments via Bluebeam or Adobe Acrobat.

Now as BIM emerges, the SEOR is reviewing and even stamping the data rich 3D model along with or even before 2D shop drawings are made. The AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) has been working hard with key industry players in promoting this process for the past few years.

But... Can we take it one step further using game engine and cloud/web technology to create a Virtual Model Approval? An approval process where you walk around in first/third person and listen to audio commentary, see textures and lighting, yet still see dimensional and true design properties on parts that can be checked and reviewed.

Watch this video below to see a live demonstration of that very possibility.

The original model was originally created in Tekla Structures by Clark Pacific Precast. The software you are seeing used here in this video is CMKView, powered by the Unity3D gaming engine.