Digital transformation is an irreplaceable part of the modern construction industry. The concept of Virtual Design and Construction represents a substantial advancement in how projects are planned, managed, and executed. It is necessary to explore not only the definition of VDC but also its relationship with BIM to understand how they change various construction industry processes.
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a vast and complex approach to project delivery that uses automation, model-based design tools, and human-computer interactions to support and improve project objectives. Contrary to traditional construction methods, VDC allows for the creation of detailed virtual models at the earliest construction phases—long before any on-site work is initiated.
One such model can then act as a central information hub to store and share any relevant project data, supporting collaboration and informed decision-making at any subsequent project realization phase.
Building Information Modeling, on the other hand, is what makes VDC work. The foundation makes most of VDC’s advantages possible – a complex process that allows multiple stakeholders and teams to collaborate within the borders of the same 3D model. Even though BIM and VDC are often used interchangeably, they are not the same – since BIM is the combination of tools and processes that makes everything work, while VDC is the overarching ecosystem that not only includes tools (such as BIM) but also processes and people operating as one to boost the results of project delivery.
Key Benefits of Virtual Design and Construction
At its core, VDC is comprised of several essential elements.
- Process modeling is responsible for mapping construction workflows and other sequences.
- Organizational modeling defines the roles and responsibilities of users and their communication channels.
- Product modeling is about creating detailed 3D models representing each project’s goals.
- Performance metrics exist to track objectives using a variety of measurable parameters.
The adoption of VDC can provide many advantages to construction businesses and stakeholders. The total number of advantages is so large that they can be segregated into groups for easier reading.
- Business Performance Improvements include identifying potential issues early on with the help of virtual walkthroughs and simulations, the accuracy of quantity takeoffs that improve resource allocation, and cost optimization. Comprehensive issue and conflict detection frameworks also make reducing rework possible.
- Streamlining Workflows: A BIM model can serve as the single source of truth for all stakeholders while enabling the automation capabilities for routine tasks. Additionally, BIM reduces time spent searching for or verifying project information.
- Improvements in Safety Management: VDC helps create high-detail safety visualization models that can also improve risk communication. Safety communication is generally improved across the board for construction teams that have adopted the VDC principles.
- Scheduling Optimization Advantages: Linking scheduling-related information with a 3D BIM model helps detect potential sequencing errors and other timing conflicts before they occur. BIM can also help visualize construction processes as they expand over time, which can be used in a myriad of different ways.
Future of BIM and VDC in Construction
BIM implementation tends to vary across the construction industry, with many BIM levels representing a certain degree of collaboration and technology adoption. At this point, most users are aware of the first four BIM levels:
- Level 0 – no collaboration, 2D CAD.
- Level 1 – 2D CAD for documentation, 3D CAD for conceptualization.
- Level 2 – 3D CAD usage with common file formats.
- Level 3 – A single shared model that everyone works with.
“Level 3” is the standard form of BIM that all businesses should strive for by default. Many government-level frameworks and regulations mandate BIM usage in construction projects worldwide, facilitating faster adoption.
However, the versatility of BIM does not stop here, since a lot of other information can be connected with a BIM model. That way we get:
- 4D BIM – the “time” dimension with project scheduling.
- 5D BIM – the “cost” dimension
- 6D BIM – the “lifecycle” dimension
- 7D BIM – the “facility management” dimension
- 8D BIM – the “health and safety” dimension
Successful implementation of VDC concepts often relies on dedicated software tools that operate together in a cohesive framework. Comprehensive BIM solutions are often used here for model management, construction collaboration, modeling, issue tracking, and many other purposes.
As the industry continues to evolve further under the influence of VDC and BIM, many emerging trends are worth noting already, including 3D printing applications in construction, robotics, automation, AR/VR, real-time information access, the usage of AI for data analysis, and more. Some of these technologies have already been implemented in certain solutions, while others have only been discussed and tested in specific scenarios.
Nevertheless, it is fair to say that both VDC and BIM represent a lot more than just technological advancements – they are the reason for a fundamental shift in how most construction projects are planned and conducted nowadays. The integration of specialized solutions with collaborative workflows and information-rich models helps construction projects become more optimized, less prone to issues, and safer for everyone at the same time.
