The use of Progress Reporting and Deviation Detection helped DPR keep an important data center project on schedule through a shortage of available VDC talent.
The Background
Raked among the top 10 general contractors in the United States, DPR Construction is a global self-performing contractor and construction manager with extensive experience in five core markets, including data center projects for leading technology companies.
On this particular project, the scope included five separate data centers to be delivered over multiple phases, inclusive of rooftop air handling equipment, outdoor standby diesel generators, and a separate electrical substation among various other components.
Timelines and schedule constraints are always a top priority for project managers, but the push for completion cannot overshadow the need for strict adherence to design specifications. Data centers are certified using detailed criteria that accounts for backup power systems, climate controls, fire suppression and fault detection. To ensure everything is done correctly and on schedule, DPR’s teams use advanced construction techniques like virtual design and construction (VDC) to monitor progress and avoid delays.
The Challenge
DPR had VDC teams create a Building Information Model (BIM) so their teams could work from a reliable plan. The plan was for VDC teams to use 3D laser scans to compare as-built MEP installations against the designed BIM model to ensure the correct location and installation tolerances. This would give project teams the information needed to correct any installation errors prior to concrete pouring and verify in-wall systems and penetrations prior to drywall installation.
However, DPR ran into issues due to a lack of skilled technical professionals to capture the scanning data quickly enough to keep up with the pace of construction. As well, they didn’t have the designated resources to properly review the as-built data and measure installation accuracy regularly.
“We came to a point where there weren’t sufficient resources available to complete scans or do the scan reviews in a timely manner,” says DPR’s Northeast Field Technology Manager Tim Conroy. “That’s why we reached out for help.”
DPR reached needed both Laser Scanning and AI-Analysis solutions. With a comprehensive portfolio, Hexagon’s Building Solutions was able to provide relief to DPR’s resourcing challenges effectively and efficiently:
Laser Scanning & AI Analysis Solutions
Step 1: Capturing Accurate Scans
The owner’s reps on this project requested the entire building be scanned for as-built verification and then validated against the BIM model to ensure a high-quality deliverable. “It was important for the client to know they were not only getting a coordinated design,” Conroy says, “but a facility that was built per the coordinated model, and subsequently an accurate model that reflected the as-built conditions.”
The customer requested installation tolerances within one inch of the model so accurate scans were critical. DPR self-performed the scans then relied on the reality analysis tools built by Hexagon’s Building Solutions to compare the as-built data to the BIM model for deviation analysis.
Step 2: Automating Reality Capture vs Model Comparison
Usually, DPR’s process for analyzing as-built scans was primarily manual, and time consuming. Using the workflows powered by Hexagon’s Building Solutions, DPR was able to automate the process comparing their as-built scans to the BIM model to hand their clients an accurate, updated BIM model much more quickly.
Benefits
The project owner saw the benefits in using Deviation Detection to improve construction installation tolerances and overall quality. At the same time, DPR was able to optimize its VDC workforce resources and save time, all while knowing they were providing their client with the accurate and updated BIM model they required.
DPR also used the same scan data and the Progress Reporting tool to keep tabs on trade progress during the build. The automated workflow allowed them to easily track structural elements such as pre-cast and site-cast concrete, framing, metal decking, metal stairs, and metal railings against the schedule timeline.
“What this solution does is let our talented team work more efficiently and open up bandwidth so they can support more work across our business,” says Conroy, and 11-year veteran of the construction industry.
Summary
Increasingly, construction teams are relying on laser scans to measure construction progress and manage quality on their projects. Automated workflows like Deviation Detection and Progress Reporting offer an objective way for project managers to validate construction progress of mechanical systems for schedule and billing verification, as well as eliminate manual scan review and deviation analysis. The automated system is faster, accurate, and less prone to error, freeing teams up to apply themselves in more value-added tasks.
Furthermore, owners have assurances that their facilities are built based on the coordinated design, and they have a high-quality deliverable at turnover with accurate as-built information that retains value throughout the lifecycle of their building.
If you’re looking to get more out of your reality capture data and harness the very best in AI analysis solutions such as Progress Reporting, reach out to Multivista, a reliable and trusted partner with over 20+ years of experience in construction documentation.
To learn more about Multivista’s Laser Scanning and AI powered analysis solutions, book a demo HERE.
