- Mortenson

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO-DENVER HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER - RESEARCH COMPLEX II
FIATECH 2007 CETI Awards Submission
Research Complex II VDC integration and construction implementation
Introduction
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC): A collaborative process incorporating both design and
construction input through the use of Building Information Models (BIM), CPM schedules and
cost estimates to create a virtual building prototype prior to construction.
The University of Colorado-Denver Health Sciences Center (UCDHSC) Research Complex 2
(RC2) project is an 11 story, 540,000 SF biomedical research facility located in Aurora, Colorado
on the UCDHSC Anschutz Medical Campus. RC2 is the second biomedical research building
on the campus following RC1, built on an adjacent site a few years earlier by a different general
contractor. The RC2 project provided a rare opportunity to compare the use of VDC processes
on a new building to a very similar project built without substantial use of these technologies.
The proposed use of VDC technology and processes on RC2 was a key factor in the Owner’s
selection of Mortenson for the project.
Rendering by Fentress-Bradburn Architects, LTD.
The Mortenson goals for the use of VDC on RC2 were to improve our customer experience, enhance productivity, optimize the project
schedule, and to provide effective collaboration among the project team members. The VDC processes that allowed Mortenson to
achieve these goals were Integrated Work Planning for concrete placement, 4D Visualization, and 3D MEP Coordination. Fentress Architects and the design team also used BIM on the RC2 project to enhance the design process and the models were shared as part of the
process. Mortenson then continued the process by building production models to facilitate construction.
Integrated Work Plan
The Integrated Work Plan (IWP) process is used to create work package drawings for concrete placement. The IWP process draws on all
related design disciplines and construction trades to contribute to a complete snap-shot of the work using a single composite drawing.
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STEP 1: 3D COMPOSITE MODEL
STEP 2: CONSTRUCTABILITY REVIEW
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STEP 3: CONCRETE PLACEMENT DRAWING
The process begins with a base 3D building model and
adds layers of information (i.e. structural steel, embeds, MEP
sleeves and other design considerations).
The construction team uses a quality control method to
review the data with all related disciplines.
The composite 3D model is distilled and translated into an
installation drawing for use by the concrete crew.
The information provided is an accurate, single-source set of
instructions and eliminates the risk of using incomplete or
uncoordinated drawings.
The IWP process on RC2 has contributed to a 74% reduction
in RFI’s during earthwork and foundation installation when
compared to the RC1 project.
The IWP delivery method is now a company-wide standard
on self-performed concrete placement work.
STEP 4: PRECISION FIELD INSTALLATION
2D/3D models and project images by Mortenson Construction
4D Experience
Mortenson used a multi-tiered approach to scheduling, which involved studying installation scenarios, communicating the results to
the subcontractors, and tracking material procurement and delivery. A 4D visualization,
created by linking a 3D model with a CPM schedule, enabled the construction team to
actively participate and provide instantaneous feedback on the schedule throughout the
life of project.
© M. A. Mortenson Company. All rights reserved.
left-click on image above to view the 4D animation
• The 4D process was led by a Mortenson project scheduler using NavisWorks
Timeliner software.
• An on-site Integrated Construction Coordinator assisted the scheduler and
updated the 3D model data.
• The 4D visualization was used in pre-planning coordination meetings to avoid
field conflicts between subcontractors scheduled to work in adjacent areas.
• The 4D process tracked the installation of critical systems required for the onschedule completion of the building, including structural, building enclosure,
and interior construction.
• With the early integration of the construction team in the 4D process, the project was able to benefit from the accurate placement of concrete and structural
systems, which mitigated the opportunities for re-work.
• 4D allowed the project to exceed originally scheduled milestone goals.
4D animation by Mortenson Construction
3D MEP Coordination
Mortenson led the virtual MEP coordination process by compiling a composite 3D model of the various MEP systems prior to fabrication and installation. By serving as the model manager and integrator, Mortenson was able to facilitate solutions to model clashes
between trades that were in the best interest of the project.
• Fentress Architects, provided a 3D model of the building and the
steel fabricator provided 3D steel shop models. Structural design
files were transferred from the engineer, Martin/Martin, via translators to the detailing and fabrication team.
• Mortenson verified the model data with the 100% construction
documents and provided the MEP subcontractors with 3D backgrounds.
• The subcontractors submitted 3D MEP models of their systems, and
Mortenson managed the MEP system collision detection process.
• The 3D coordination process was led by the Mortenson on-site MEP
engineer using NavisWorks Clash Detective and AutoDesk’s Architectural Desktop 2006.
• The MEP engineer enforced the coordination efforts with the subcontractor team during field installation, which resulted in fewer
RFI’s and dramatically less re-work.
MEP Coordination field verification by Mortenson Construction
Owner Benefits
Mortenson’s VDC processes on the RC2 project provided enhanced collaboration and communication, Integrated Work Plans, 4D
Visualization and 3D MEP Coordination. The use of these groundbreaking services limited the Owner’s exposure to change orders and
schedule delays, and has resulted in a successful project.
• 4D visualization limited scope creep by creating an accurate and detailed Baseline Schedule. The construction team was able to allocate trades early, place material and equipment orders early, spend more time planning/coordinating and
assist the design team with constructability reviews.
• The efficiencies of the VDC process have resulted in an optimized project timeline, with an anticipated completion date three months ahead of schedule.
• According to the Construction Executive, 97% of VDC time on the project was
“value added.”
• The reduction in the number of RFI’s provided a cost savings to the project.
• “The projects have always been done on-time, on-budget, and I think the thing
that feels better is that it feels good going through the whole project. It’s done
in really a teamwork framework.” Michael Barden, Manager of Building ProjectsUniversity of Colorado.
left-click on image above to view the Vivarium 3D MEP walk through aimation
MEP walk through animation by Mortenson Construction
© M. A. Mortenson Company. All rights reserved.
Economic Benefits
The use of VDC by Mortenson resulted in an overall reduction of RFI’s when compared to the RC1 project. This reduction generated a
savings to the project that was realized through less administration costs normally associated with the RFI process.
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The cost of VDC was covered by the savings associated with the administration of RFI’s.
The projected RFI count was reduced by 37% for VDC-only related issues.
An increase in RFI’s during preconstruction due to VDC review of design resulted in the reduction of construction RFI’s by 74% during the foundation phase and by 47% during the steel erection phase.
VDC services resulted in a 31% reduction in Change Orders as of the 65% project completion date.
Technical Factors - FIATECH Capital Projects Technology Roadmap
Element 8: Technology- & Knowledge-enabled Workforce
The use of Virtual Design and Construction services on RC2 provided improved predictability of schedule and cost and effective collaboration among the entire project team. The main factor which led to implementation was the effort by the knowledge-enabled
construction team, whose integration with technology was instrumental in making RC2 a successful project.
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The project scheduler and MEP engineer were trained in the use of the various NavisWorks software programs for 4D scheduling
and 3D MEP coordination.
The subcontractors were trained in the use of the NavisWorks software for their own internal coordination.
The project scheduler managed the schedule and maintained the 4D model
The concrete crew were engaged in the quality and approval process on the concrete lift drawings generated from the 3D model
The MEP engineer managed the virtual MEP coordination and field installation.
Project team input allowed for complete Building Information Model. Images by Mortenson Construction
Collaboration
The success of this project was due to the joint efforts of the entire project team. The 3D model information was shared early on in the
project in order to effectively solve problems virtually prior to field installation. The list below describes how the 3D model information was distributed from each participating project team member:
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Mortenson Construction - Architectural 3D Construction Model - AutoDesk Building Systems (ABS), AutoDesk Architectural Desktop (ADT)
Mortenson Construction - 4D visualization schedule - NavisWorks Timeliner
Mortenson Construction - Concrete Placement Documents - AutoDesk Architectural Desktop (ADT)
Mortenson Construction - 3D MEP Clash Detection - NavisWorks Clash Detective and Publisher
Fentress Bradburn Architects, Inc. – 3D Design Model - Autodesk Architectural Desktop
Martin & Martin Structural Engineers - 3D Structural Design Model - RAM CAD - AutoDesk’s AutoCAD
Sturgeon Electric Company – 3D Electrical Construction Model - Autodesk Building Systems
Western States Fire Protection – 3D Fire Protection Piping Model - AutoSprink
U.S. Engineering – 3D Mechanical Duct and Piping Construction Model - CAD-Duct and CAD-Pipe
Cives Steel Company – 3D Steel Fabrication Model - Tekla Structures and CIS/2 Steel Model
© M. A. Mortenson Company. All rights reserved.