PDG - Work Structuring and BIM

Building Information Modeling and Cost Modeling

Technology will be the key enabler in the integration of design and construction with Building Information Modeling (BIM) providing the platform to advance integration throughout the building design, construction and management continuum. Benefits include:

Improved decision-making: Reduce poor design decisions by using digital models and electronic design visualizations
Improved construction documentation: Reduce the level of unknowns in contract documents, eliminating the use of the RFI process to "fill in the gaps"
Improved preconstruction estimating: Reduce guesswork and inefficiency by leveraging schematic design take-offs generated in BIM
Improved procurement and scheduling: Reform procurement and scheduling through time modeling (4D) and cost modeling techniques
Improved coordination: Reduce field coordination errors by integrating design models early and using clash detection software
Improved cost-efficiency: Reduce cost impacts of coordination errors, incorrect fabrication, and improper installation
Improved closeout documents: Transform closeout documents by migrating to a BIM-centric approach

BIM will be used to reduce unpredictability through Virtual Design and Construction (VDC):

Design Coordination: Providing platforms for integrated processes
3D and 4D visualization: Enhancing scope definition and decision making
Model-based analysis: Understanding energy consumption, structural performance, cost estimates
4D modeling: Coordinating construction and increasing schedule reliability
Fabrication from 3D models: Elimination of shop drawings; better tolerance, lead time, safety
Model-based bills of materials: Faster, more accurate takeoffs

The Role of the 3D Coordinator

The 3D Coordinator works closely with different design teams to implement Project requirements including:

Approving workflow and methodologies
Supporting study with the 3D model following a PDCA principle
Developing levels of detail needed for models
Deploying protocols across all team members providing 3D data
Establishing standards and methods of coordination
Managing the production output of the 3D modeling team

BIM Coordination Workshop

At the beginning of each phase, exploratory workshops will be held centered on specific tasks/disciplines to identify workflow, data interoperability, level of detail, tolerance, individual responsibilities. Weekly meetings will use the Last Planner System to secure commitments.

Cost Model

The Cost Model will be produced for each site while remaining flexible during site adaptation. In a BIM/Revit environment, cost estimating and scheduling are done "real-time" in concert with design development. As the model is developed, cost and procurement information is added, updated and refined. This allows a more effective approach to Target Value Design, as components are tagged and grouped according to assemblies.

Value Stream Mapping

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is one of the Work Structuring tools used to achieve efficiencies within all processes involving production or operation. VSM performed during Process Design will inform the Central Materials Management Team (CMMT).

Process Design incorporates:

Structure work for flow
Type, size, and location of buffers to absorb variability
Make throughput equal to demand rate (pull material vs. push)
Structure work in continuous flow processes when feasible
Layout for flow
Simplify site installation to final assembly and commissioning
Minimize negative iteration in design

Control work for flow:

Identify control points and manage through LPS production control
Reduce variability (prime reason for inventories)
Reduce batch sizes (match material deliveries to installation production rates)
Pull materials and information through the production system
Reduce inspection time, processing times, rework time
Improve hand-off of work
Reduce time materials spend being moved and not processed

VSM is used to streamline the supply chain from design through installation. Stakeholder participation is crucial. When lead times are reduced it allows higher certainty to pull material to project sites from commitments made within the Last Planner System.

VSM Framework

Five primary steps for optimizing value streams:

Identify a value stream that would benefit from analysis
Map the existing supply chain and value stream
Analyze value stream map using program requirements
Model optimal value stream based on program requirements (demand)
Implement optimal value stream and monitor/improve

Standardization of Design Components

Standardization is not merely mass producing one building type but optimizing the program as a whole by minimizing variability and maximizing flexibility through developing standard building components using standardized design guidelines.

Standardization achieves:

Reduced Variability: Timely collaboration to standardize components reduces variability in handoffs
Predictable Outcomes: Standardized components with customer input deliver to conditions of satisfaction
Quality: Facilitates quality control programs resulting in higher quality
Safety: Addressing safety needs in design prevents work-related risks
Reduced Loop-Backs: Standardization early minimizes costly changes during construction
Process Standardization: Components enable processes to be standardized
Process Flexibility: Standardized components enable flexible processes
Purchasing Leverage: Larger quantities provide economies-of-scale

Three areas of standardization:

Design Guidelines: Checklists developed from user requirements, best practices, lessons learned, and trade partner input
Standard Designs: Standard Design Components developed from the Prototype's kit of parts for site implementation
Standard Parts: Standard library built into BIM, informed by "preferred" parts list developed collaboratively by Owners/Operators, Designers, contractors, and supply chain, linked to the Inventory Management System

Strategic Sourcing

Strategic Sourcing is an essential strategy of Work Structuring. A five-phase methodology:

Phase 1: Assessment -- Analyze proposed construction spending for 30+ MEP/FP commodity types
Phase 2: Trade Partner Identification and Qualification -- Assess capabilities through multiple assessment visits
Phase 3: Strategic Sourcing and Contract Formation -- Instructions to Applicants incorporating Last Planner, workflow assignments, safety guidelines
Phase 4: Supplier Performance Measurement and Improvement -- Continuous monitoring no less than weekly for critical partners. Red-Yellow-Green dashboard metrics.

The strategic sourcing process results in the Lean Supply Chain initiative supported by solid program management and integrated knowledge exchange.

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