What are Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Benefits for AEC Companies?

The construction industry constantly sees changes and developments, with some changes leaving more impactful effects than others. The truth is that some of these changes can even alter the industry. But of all the changes in the construction industry, virtual design and construction, or VDC, is one of the best. VDC is the ultimate game-changing development for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) companies, remodelers, home builders, interior designers, and other professionals.

It helps them draft their projects in more detailed 3D before the start of the actual construction. It means your company will miss many opportunities if you do not yet harness VDC’s power and full potential. Continue reading to discover VDC’s advantages to AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) companies.

What is VDC?

VDC, or virtual design and construction, involves designing and constructing buildings virtually instead of in real-life. Aside from this, VDC also considers what is required for design and construction. These include planning, selecting, sourcing materials, tool purchase, rental, staffing, scheduling, and more. This is done virtually in VDC and requires a more collaborative approach among team members combined with long-term planning.

Difference between VDC and BIM

The definition of VDC above sounds similar to BIM or building information modeling. But the truth is that BIM and VDC are not the same. However, their difference might be confusing since these two concepts are closely related. Simply put, architectural BIM services are one of the different aspects of VDC. BIM is the design of a three-dimensional virtual representation of a planned structure. On the other hand, VDC focuses more on the entire project itself, including pricing, scheduling, material selection, and more. BIM models are then used to inform the direction of the project.

Benefits of VDC for the AEC industry

VDC, or virtual design and construction, is so wide-ranging that it includes the whole construction process. VDC forms a tight connection between virtual design and construction, making it easier to confirm that the physical construction of the project is reflective of and integrated into its digital equivalent. One of VDC’s key components, 3D construction rendering services, support the shift from physical construction to digital visualization and then back to digital. Review some of the key benefits associated with VDC:

1. VDC helps close more bids

Construction has become one of the most time-consuming and expensive bidding processes of all industries as projects become more complex. Many people take part in the process when a construction firm submits its bid for a project. For instance, the individuals required include the client who will review the bid, the engineering and architectural companies that work together on the proposal, specialized and general contractors who provide information on materials, quotes, and suppliers who provide pricing, to name a few. The construction project may require freelance construction design & drawing services.

AEC companies can use virtual design and construction and retail space construction drawing services to present the collaborative and organizational abilities required to complete a project successfully. Architects and engineers can collaborate on the project’s virtual model that they can show to the client with the help of VDC. Integrated models consist of knowledge about the items required for the building, processes that should be finished to achieve the desired outcome, and the structure of all these activities demonstrate expertise and help AEC companies win more projects.

2. VDC allows collaboration and coordination

VDC eases the collaboration process by giving all team members remote access to the newest and most updated details regarding the project. It uses technology for clear expression and sharing of ideas. The key team members can then see and monitor these ideas, thus creating an open platform that allows quick and cost-effective means of addressing challenges and hurdles.

It is also possible for the different parties involved to communicate digitally throughout the design process to ensure that everyone is always on the same page regarding information. It facilitates efficient and effective off-site cooperation, becoming increasingly important in this modern global marketplace. VDC also allows transitioning the model from design to construction for layout once the project starts.

3. VDC and as-built drawings ensure maintenance of the facility

Once a construction project is completed, the construction company typically provides the project owner with the final deliverables. These deliverables contain all the essential details necessary for the upkeep and maintenance of the building. As-built diagrams or drawings are provided with the assistance of as-built drawings services and are often part of the project’s final deliverables. However, these as-built drawings still require regular updates and maintenance.

Owners of a construction project can maintain the building’s current model using virtual design and construction during the design, construction, and full-blown operation. The model can also streamline and guide normal maintenance or speed up repair work.

4. VDC enhances quality and safety

VDC also helps generate the required visuals for the process of construction. The method has already proven useful when pinpointing barriers in site logistics or potentially dangerous activities that would probably go unnoticed otherwise in standard scheduling and planning.

VDC enables the modularization or prefabrication of various building components in controlled off-site environments. These components can include wall panels, floor systems, roof trusses, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) modules, and other construction elements. Construction companies can enhance efficiency, quality, and safety by carrying out these processes in controlled settings like warehouse bays while reducing on-site construction time and potential disruptions.

5. VDC facilitates project scheduling and planning

Engineers and architects can also collaborate on virtual design and construction to develop more accurate visual project designs, leading to more precise scheduling and improved transparency. Throughout the project’s design stage, freelance BIM modeling services or BIM software can also come in handy to incorporate cost and schedule forecasts. Suppose the project manager starts scheduling early on in the design stage. In that case, it gives them more chances to identify bottlenecks and other potential causes of delays and address them before they become serious problems.

Even before construction starts, VDC technology allows the construction and design team to plan, estimate, build, and coordinate the project in the virtual space. As a result, it offers a clearer vision of the project to the partners, builders, and other team members, as well as the ideal method for budgeting, scheduling, construction, safety, and logistics.

6. VDC reduces waste and the need for rework

Reworks are a crucial example of lost productivity and waste during construction projects. Whenever a project requires dismantling and reassembly, it wastes money and time. According to industry analysts, rework is estimated at 30% of building expenses. VDC software allows construction businesses to collaborate and communicate across different teams throughout the project’s design and delivery phases, thus reducing design discrepancies.

If a building’s subsystems are individually developed, conflicts will always arise if the designs are blended into one model. The different subsystems are modeled together using 3D models or modeling from the beginning using VDC. Companies can also use software collision detection technologies to identify potential design conflicts before they result in delays or rework on the project site.

7. VDC helps save on effort, time, and money

During the preconstruction stage, VDC initiatives can help pinpoint gaps in the project timeline and sequencing. Additionally, they assist in making necessary adjustments to material layouts and types for real-time cost analysis. These initiatives contribute to better project planning and cost management. By taking a proactive approach, VDC enables early identification and resolution of potential challenges, leading to smoother construction processes and improved project outcomes.

These initiatives play a crucial role in helping the owner understand the budget requirements and predict the exact costs associated with the project. Builders can now leverage 3D estimation techniques, which enable them to spend less time on project take-offs and instead focus on analyzing material prices and finer project details. This streamlined approach allows for improved cost control and more efficient project planning during preconstruction.

During the construction process, Virtual Design and Construction can also help project team members maintain exceptional communication by relaying details on deliveries, the progress of the construction, quality inspection, safety concerns, and any unforeseen problems. VDC also has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry dramatically. Those who adopt the technology late will risk lagging because they can no longer compete in the cutthroat market, which is already the case in many markets. Contractors who wish to succeed in today’s ever-changing industry should invest in VDC training.

Revolutionary business leaders are constantly searching for innovative methods to boost profitability. For construction and design professionals, profitability is based on delivering results within budget and on time. Outsourcing your VDC requirements to a trusted VDC designer will let you enjoy all its benefits from the design stage to the final stage of construction.

How Cad Crowd can assist

Cad Crowd has you covered from initial concept to architectural design, VR and AR simulations, prototyping, patenting, and manufacturing. Our experts are ready to assist with any AEC project, large or small. Know how it works and request a free quote to bring your architectural vision to life today.