BIM is a fundamental ingredient of VDC at SSOE. In 2015, Dodge Data & Analytics released a SmartMarket Report, “Measuring the Impact of BIM on Complex Buildings” focused on quantifying how BIM is contributing to improved outcomes in the stages of design and construction for complex buildings. In order to quantify, Dodge  performed an online survey of 391 owners, architects, and contractors who indicated that their company uses BIM and that they had a moderate or higher level of knowledge about the use of BIM at their company. We created an infographic that boils down a few key findings from this report on the positive impacts of BIM, top project outcomes expected to have the greatest impact in the next 5 years, and obstacles preventing organizations from achieving greater efficiency through BIM. You’ll also find a few SSOE-specific stats on the impact we’ve seen from VDC in our organization. Continue Reading →

In our latest newsletter, we are highlighting the outstanding performance of Jonathan Bolbach and Mark LaBell, winners of SSOE’s Founder’s Award. Their accomplishment — developing the AutoNavis software application — met two of the award’s key criteria: delivering exceptional value to clients by saving them time, trouble, and money and implementing an innovation that leads to improved processes and quality. Continue Reading →

In moving a project from statement of work to completion of construction, regular collaboration between owners, designers, and contractors is no longer a luxury. It is the managerial insurance the project must have in order to stay on schedule and budget. Much of the unbudgeted time and expense incurred by change orders can be attributed to a lack of integration between the players. It’s often because these parties failed to include the resources and intentional effort for collaboration. Continue Reading →

In the AEC industry, when a client asks for a project to be completed "faster, better, and cheaper," chances are they will be told that two out of three is about as good as it gets. Thanks to technology, integrated delivery methods, and an exceptional team effort, SSOE raised the bar and delivered on all counts on a recent project for a global leader in the food industry. Continue Reading →

The beginning of a new era in construction project delivery. VDC Steel is an innovative application of SSOE’s virtual design technology that seamlessly integrates steel design, and fabrication, delivering exceptional quality with reduced cost and a compressed schedule. Virtual Design and Construction is not just a new software or tool—it’s an industry-wide shift in the process for delivering construction projects. In fact, VDC has been compared to the shift that took place when digital cameras were first introduced to the photography industry. With our VDC Steel capabilities, SSOE is well positioned to offer our clients the benefits of this new approach to project delivery since it is in an area where we excel; we have been working with steel structures for 65 years, starting with our first project. VDC Steel takes a 3D/BIM model beyond design intent and into the design details, shop drawings, fabrication, and procurement. For example, most are familiar with the benefits of clash detection utilizing a 3D model. However, in a VDC application the clash detection is done using the detailed design—exactly as the project is going to be built, not just the design intent. This results in much more powerful and accurate clash detection. Historically, SSOE has been an industry leader in recognizing the opportunities that result from shedding traditional methods and fully leveraging available technology for the benefit of our clients. This includes our early adoption of 3D / BIM as a tool to reduce inefficiencies and errors in the design process. While BIM has now been widely adopted by both designers and contractors, to-date the intelligence capabilities of the model and efficiencies of utilizing a single model from design through construction have not been fully leveraged. Often, contractors and fabricators must create additional 3D models from the designer’s 2D drawings, which is wasteful and inefficient, and creates more opportunities for errors. VDC is a process change that removes the barriers to using the same intelligent 3D model from design through construction. It reduces the number of handoffs, compresses the schedule, eliminates errors, tightens material quotes, and results in a completed project that is closer to the original design intent. It also improves the ultimate design by revealing issues more generalized drawings miss. VDC Steel is just one piece of the shift being generated by Virtual Design and Construction. We are excited because it’s a piece our clients can leverage to immediately experience significant benefits. Benefits of VDC Steel: Streamlined and seamless integration through one virtual model that produces: Fabricator ready models Approved shop drawings CNC programs Mill order lists Exceptional Quality Advanced clash detection Limited field errors Methodical control from design to construction Reduced Cost Optimized detailing in a virtual environment Accurate bids and estimates Reduction in field change orders Reduced schedule by a minimum of 4 weeks Steel lead times Design and approval process Analysis and options Continue Reading →

Mark LaBell, BIM / CAD Technical Leader, recently authored an article on laser scanning featured in Manufacturing Automation Magazine. Within, Mark discusses how laser scanning speeds up a project, reduces costs, and improves safety. Although there are challenges when adjusting laser scanning for specific projects, he writes that understanding project goals is key. Laser scanning is quickly becoming the go-to tool for reality capture—replacing the time consuming and less accurate method of manually recorded field measurements and ultimately creating an incredibly realistic and detailed 3D model. The article dives deeper into insights and benefits of using this innovative technology.  Continue Reading →