Benefits of Employing BIM on Unique Designs: Art Gallery of Alberta Bob Walker Ledcor Construction Limited Edmonton, Alberta May 2011
The Evolution of the new Art Gallery of Alberta Ledcor Construction was hired by the Edmonton Art Gallery in 2005 to be a participant in an international design competition to create a new national icon. Our Construction Management Contract initially included preparing a report on the four design finalists proposals: Construction Budget Construction Schedule Constructability Analysis (could it be built and would it survive in Edmonton)
Randall Stout Architect Los Angeles, California Initially using the physical scale model, Randall Stout used a digitizer to export the co-ordinates into a computer model.
Original design software used Rhinoceros 3D, a stand alone 3D modeling tool. Created the unique geometry. Randall's original model remained the master for comparison The Sub-Consultants and the Trade Contractors then imported the Rhino 3D geometry into their own software.
Architectural Design Structural Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Trades Structural Fabrication Original Stout BIM Design Model Electrical Engineering Metal Cladding Fabrication Glass & Glazing Fabrication Mechanical Trades
Empire Iron Structural Steel Frame Used the Tekla BIM software
Zahner Exterior Metal Cladding Received digital Rhino 3D model from Randall Stout. Created digital model that was an exact overlay of the Stout model. With the new digital model, Zahner would incorporate seam locations, flashings, interface connections and other information necessary to show the designer what was intended and how Zahner was going to provide it.
The final information was contained in digital files utilized by the fabrication equipment to define parts and assembles.
Revit software was used by some of the Sub-Consultants to create the actual floor plans. From the Revit program, the project team would produce paper working drawings to work with on site.
NavisWorks - Clash Detection Computer software that allows for effective identification of interferences in a 3D model project. Not used on AGA project but would highly recommend on next BIM project.
WEBEX Online meeting, on-demand collaboration and video conferencing. Tremendous tool when project includes global participants in project delivery. Each participant can take control and manipulate design with their comments and concerns.
San Francisco Kansas City Los Angeles
Photo by Robert Lemermeyer
Building Information Modeling in Practice the new AGA Did the BIM approach live up to the hype? Absolutely
Increased Speed of Delivery Powerful communication tool for the design intent and construction plan Optimized sequence of construction Pushed decisions earlier
Better Co-ordination Identified and resolved geometric conflicts in advance of construction Improved trade co-ordination due to less ambiguity Fewer errors on site Easier to update and share information All parties knew when changes were occurring Information rich as-built model for facilities management
Decreased Costs The North American wide design, engineering and trade contractors could clearly communicate without leaving their offices Reduced conflicts therefore reduced change orders
Higher Quality Work Substantially more trade work could be completed in a controlled shop environment rather than on site Structural Steel clips Sprinkler System- heads Mechanical- mechanical room pipe work
A comment to the design community With the new 3D modeling software there are virtually now no limits to design, but there still has to be a way to convert the vision to reality Engage the skills of a Construction Management Professional with BIM expertise (like Ledcor) to assist in scheduling, budgeting and constructability analysis of your vision as early as possible.
In Summary BIM had a tremendous, positive impact on the AGA project in the ability to design, visualize and communicate the essence of this complex new national icon and without a doubt the new AGA would not have been as successful without this technology. Those that do not embrace this technology will be overwhelmed by the shift that is occurring.