Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) for Lean

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) for Lean

Introduction to Virtual Design and Construction

This Lean Topic article was written by the LCI team in collaboration with Matt Edwards, Director of Virtual Design and Construction, CRB; Scot Lauwasser, Regional VDC Manager, The Boldt Company; and Vince Naviello, Virtual Design and Construction Manager, CRB.

In this digital era, it’s critical that the design and construction industry continue to evolve and utilize the tools at our disposal. This is especially the case with Lean design and construction, where maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement and being willing to learn new things is paramount to success in your projects.

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) was developed in 2001 by the Center for Integrated Facility Engineering at Stanford University, but has continued to evolve and grow in both use and adoption throughout the industry over the last 20+ years. Through this process, we can discover new and innovative ways to reduce waste, streamline working processes, and plan projects effectively.

What is Virtual Design and Construction?

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a streamlined, collaborative process that uses digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) to efficiently plan and manage construction projects. By aligning with Lean principles, VDC minimizes waste, enhances communication, and ensures that all teams—from design to fabrication—are working together seamlessly towards a single, optimized project model.

Removal of Digital Waste Through VDC

In traditional project methods, digital waste often occurs through rework. For example, an architect or engineer might design in 3D, but in a Design-Bid-Build process, the trades would then have to remodel it to a fabrication level—essentially doing the work twice.

With the help of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and other collaborative models that engage key stakeholders early on, teams collaborate from the start on a single model, eliminating the need for redundant design and fabrication work. This approach aligns with VDC principles by reducing waste across all areas. VDC also helps teams focus on optimizing the whole of the project, rather than becoming too focused on individual parts.

Key Definitions

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of a physical building’s environment, combining 3D geometry with related data.

Digital Delivery

Digital Delivery is the use of digital technologies (including VDC and BIM) to integrate work processes and connect stakeholders throughout the project and building life-cycle.

Clash Detection/Avoidance

Clash detection is the process of identifying conflicts between building components in a digital model before construction begins. Clash avoidance focuses on designing systems to prevent these conflicts from occurring in the first place, minimizing issues during the build.

The Relationship Between VDC and BIM

VDC and BIM are closely linked, as VDC relies on BIM for its execution. VDC uses the data, information, and 3D geometry provided by BIM to coordinate building design, construction, and operations.

For example, the 3D model from BIM can be used in the VDC process of clash detection to identify system conflicts virtually before they occur in reality. VDC integrates modern technologies like BIM with Lean Project Delivery principles and methods to further collaboration, flow and continuous improvement on a project. Essentially, VDC builds the project virtually first, solving major issues before construction begins in the physical world.

Applying Lean to VDC

VDC is a powerful tool that can be leveraged in Lean projects. It can be utilized across various project delivery models, including traditional and IPD, though IPD offers unique advantages by enhancing collaboration.

A streamlined technology stack and a clearly defined BIM Execution Plan are critical from the start of every project. Minimizing unnecessary steps (“picks and clicks”) is essential, and VDC workflows align with the collaborative plan built by the Last Planners® just as other disciplines do. This approach benefits all delivery types, such as IPD and Design-Bid-Build, but the fewer handoffs, the more Lean the process becomes. IPD and other integrated models represent the pinnacle of Lean execution, as it allows designers and trade partners to collaboratively author a single fabrication-level model (LOD 350+), eliminating the traditional design-to-construction handoff and rework.

In constraint-based design, modeling is influenced by prefabrication requirements, and technology enables greater collaboration and communication.

However, VDC is fundamentally about people—creating new opportunities for collaboration across diverse roles, teams, and companies. VDC fosters relationships between owners, designers, trades, and contractors, using the model as a communication tool. VDC professionals lead teams to solve problems, resolve conflicts, and break down silos. Technology is simply a tool that helps improve how we work together.

When executed properly, VDC can significantly reduce or eliminate physical waste caused by rework. By “tying the digital to the physical,” BIM is now being leveraged for precise field layouts using total stations and GIS (real-world coordinates) for autonomous field layouts.

The overarching goal of VDC workflows is to eliminate physical waste. Key themes include:

  • Defining project risks
  • Enhancing collaboration and coordination
  • Recognizing that digital waste leads to physical waste
  • Conducting operability, maintainability, and constructability reviews to ensure the digital design translates smoothly to the physical build.

VDC in the Design Phase

VDC plays a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the design phase of a project through several key functions:

1. Cloud-Based Model Authoring

Tools like Autodesk and Autodesk Construction Cloud enable cloud-based model authoring, allowing multiple stakeholders to collaborate on the design in real time from any location. This ensures that everyone is working with the most up-to-date information and streamlines the design process.

2. Spatial Planning

VDC facilitates spatial planning by providing accurate 3D models that help designers visualize and optimize the layout of building elements. This enables more effective space utilization and ensures that all components fit together as intended.

3. Model Coordination & Clash Detection

VDC tools support model coordination and clash detection, identifying and resolving conflicts between different building systems before construction begins. This minimizes potential issues and rework by ensuring that all systems are properly integrated.

4. Visualization & Virtual Reality

VDC enhances design through visualization and virtual reality, allowing stakeholders to experience and interact with the design in a simulated environment. This immersive experience helps to better understand design intent and make informed decisions, while allowing the project team to test the design against the conditions of satisfaction and owner value before it is too costly to make changes.

VDC in the Construction Phase

VDC significantly enhances the construction phase through various advanced technologies and tools:

1. Model-Based Scheduling and Cost Estimation

BIM-based parameters facilitate detailed analysis of project schedules and costs. By integrating these parameters, VDC helps in accurately forecasting timelines and budget requirements, improving overall project management.

2. Field Technology

VDC incorporates field technology to streamline construction processes. This includes tools for precise field layout and reality capture, which ensure that construction aligns with the digital model and reduces errors.

3. Reality Capture

Utilizing reality capture technologies, such as 3D scanning, allows for real-time comparison between the as-built conditions and the digital model. This helps in identifying discrepancies and making necessary adjustments promptly.

4. Autonomous Construction

VDC supports the integration of autonomous construction technologies, enhancing efficiency and precision on site. These technologies can automate tasks, reducing manual labor and improving overall productivity.

VDC in Facilities Management

VDC offers significant benefits in facilities management through advanced technologies and data integration:

1. Digital Twin

A Digital Twin provides a virtual replica of the physical facility, allowing facility managers to monitor and manage the building’s performance in real-time. This digital copy includes detailed information about the facility’s systems and components, enabling more effective maintenance and operations.

2. Common Data Environment

VDC establishes a Common Data Environment (CDE) that ensures a continuous data thread of critical engineering and construction information. This centralized data repository facilitates smoother turnover from construction to operations and improves the accuracy and accessibility of facility management data.

Key Lean Systems & Principles Supporting VDC

We’ve already discussed how VDC helps to eliminate physical and digital waste and how it is supported by an Integrated Project Delivery model. Here are some other key Lean concepts that VDC supports:

Target Value Design (TVD)

VDC supports Target Value Design by focusing on delivering value and meeting project goals efficiently. This approach ensures that design decisions align with the project’s budget and objectives.

Kaizen

The principle of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, is supported by VDC through ongoing refinement of processes and workflows. This focus on incremental improvements helps in achieving higher efficiency and quality.

Visual Management

VDC leverages visual management techniques to enhance communication and clarity. Using digital models and visual tools helps stakeholders easily understand and track project progress.

Flow

VDC promotes smooth project flow by optimizing the sequence and coordination of tasks. This reduces delays and interruptions, ensuring a more seamless construction process.

Collaboration & Efficiency

By facilitating collaboration among diverse teams and streamlining workflows, VDC enhances overall project efficiency. Improved communication and coordination lead to better decision-making and more effective project execution.