Becher Neme
Tivoli Village consisted of a two-million-square-foot area of re…
A Precise Model Enables Precise Coordination
By using the platform to automate the modeling of repetitive construction components, design time was significantly reduced. One key advantage of the software modeling is that repetitive 3D geometry did not need to be done manually. Concrete beams with post-tensioning cables, rebar, steel beams, and window surrounds were all modeled by combining parameters drawn from spreadsheets with design tables supplied by the design team or the fabricator. Without the automation process enabled by the platform, most builders would not have modeled them in the first place, which could have led to mistakes, re-work, and cost overruns.
The highly detailed structural 3D model also directly impacted the MEP model. By repeating iterations between the initial design and the final shop drawing, the team was able to optimize the MEP routing and reduce materials by 30%. Because the model reflects exactly what would be built and eliminated the chance of last-minute changes, everything could be ordered to fit, ultimately eliminating waste.
Workflow Improvements Eliminate Conflicts, Cost
With 3D modeling designs and easily adjusted workflows, project speed and accuracy were easily achieved. One example where the model improved onsite efficiency was by driving the process of laying out the formwork necessary for pouring the concrete beams. This job required hundreds of forms with different dimensions. Most forms were used dozens of times in different locations. Patrick L’Heureux from our team suggested we recreate these forms in 3D and number each one both in the model and onsite so that we could track which form was being used for which beam. That maximized reuse of the forms, allowing the team to build fewer and move them to new locations in the right sequence to maximize efficiency.
The model also helped with offsite manufacturing of key components. For example, stone for the window frames was precut hundreds of miles from the project and shipped to Las Vegas. The team produced detailed shop drawings for the stone cutters and detailed instructions for the construction teams. The instructions included were complete, with precise diagrams of which pieces were required for each window. When it came time to assemble them, each window surround fit together flawlessly.
On Time and On Budget
The 3D model changed the onsite experience for construction crews as the shop drawings and images of the master model improved communication and collaboration. The workers had access to the overall 3D model, which helped them to easily understand exactly how different systems can come together in a particular order for a perfect installation. The software allowed Hardstone to give crews unprecedented insight into their jobs in the larger context of the total project.
This also helped each trade see how important it was to work in ways that leave room for the next trade’s installations. Modeling the full project before starting work and sharing it with the different subcontractors gave everyone a sense of ownership in the project and eliminated surprises. The up-to-date 3D model reflected an exact representation of the completed buildings and very few changes and modifications occurred during construction. Those that were necessary were incorporated into the model as they were approved.
Hardstone was recognized with the Manufacturing Leadership 100 Award for Innovative Enterprise based on its use of an integrated collaboration process that improved efficiency and cut waste.
The collaboration between the Hardstone Construction and Neme Design Solutions, LLC teams as well as Dassault Systèmes’ 3D technology were instrumental in bringing the first phase of the $700 million project in on time and on budget. Our team is convinced that tools such as this have the potential to transform the construction industry as we know it today, eliminating waste and cutting costs while improving time to completion.
Becher Neme is principal and lead consultant at Los Angeles-based Neme Design Solutions, a 3D integration consulting practice that works with designers and contractors on complex projects to improve efficiency during construction through the expert application of the 3D technologies. E-mail becher@NemeDS.com.
