A past study has shown that presentations are 43% more effective when information is both explained verbally and presented visually, as compared to a verbal explanation alone [1]. A set of new applications, referred to as Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) tools, takes into account the importance of visual information. VDC tools are currently being embraced by the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry to better visualize, analyze, and evaluate project performance. In addition, Building Information Modeling (BIM), a subset of VDC, integrates the information for multiple disciplines and project phases into a common multi-dimensional model.
Services Exponent’s team is comprised of VDC consultants who have been providing VDC services to clients for nearly a decade. We draw upon our in-house expertise in the areas of engineering, construction, and dispute resolution, to provide clients with a multidisciplinary approach to solving heir construction-related issues.
In addition to increased profitability and reduced risk exposure for those firms using these new tools during design and construction, these applications offer benefits when used during alternative dispute resolution and litigation:
- Educating team members with virtual project models that visually communicate case facts
- Automating many analytical processes that were previously manual and time consuming
- Providing a more understandable and persuasive depiction of complex issues and sequences than the verbal testimony of a witness alone
3D Design Conflict Analysis This type of analysis utilizes 3D models that represent a project’s major systems to automatically identify design conflicts and/or constructability issues. 3D design conflict analyses provide value during dispute resolution by:
- Providing automatic identification of design errors and omissions
- Creating a clear visualization of complex design coordination and constructability issues
3D and 4D Modeling 4D models integrate a 3D model of a project design with a project’s critical path method (CPM) schedule to create a “virtual” construction simulation. This type of model has been used successfully during all project phases, as well as in support of CPM schedule analyses. Traditional schedule analysis methodologies rely on bar charts or similar static graphics for analyzing and conveying their results, while 3D and 4D models provide the additional benefits of:
Allowing the viewer to visualize many of the parameters that are not easily discernible when reviewing a CPM diagram, such as shifts in an as-built critical path or resource information
- Providing a 4D version of a time impact analysis (TIA) fragnet to analyze and understand the fragnet’s impact on the schedule
- Providing a virtual platform for comparing two schedules side-by-side, such as an as-planned versus as-built schedule analysis
- Providing a 3D model of as-built conditions
Exponent’s VDC consultants provide VDC services through all phases of alternative dispute resolution and litigation, and assist clients in the following areas:
Fact Gathering
- Creating 3D and 4D models to facilitate the efficient transfer of information to the client’s team
- Integrating 3D laser scanning data to review a project’s as-built conditions
Analysis
- Creating 3D models to analyze scope, design coordination, and/or constructability issues
- Performing 3D design conflict analyses to identify errors and omissions
- Creating 4D models to supplement our CPM schedule analysis services or simply show what should have or did, in fact, happen during a project
Presentation of Results
- Condensing complex information into 3D and 4D exhibits that visually communicate a witness’ testimony in dispute resolution proceedings
- Providing a private and secure web-based workspace to members of the client’s team to facilitate the sharing of information and review of exhibits
References 1. Vogel, D. 1986. An Experimental Investigation of the Persuasive Impact of Computer Generated Presentation Graphics. Doctoral Thesis, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.