Over the past several years, the growth of virtual design and construction (VDC) services and capabilities has been astonishing.
“I never have a day that was the same as yesterday,” says Joshua Marriott, director of VDC and field solutions for The Weitz Company, an architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) firm based in Des Moines, Iowa. “Five years ago, what we were doing was completely different from what we’re doing today.”
And it’s showing no signs of stopping.
“The stuff we get to work on is really cool and ever changing and ever evolving, so it’s an exciting field,” says Logan McGuinness, VDC manager at Weitz.
Marriott and McGuinness offered their insights about what’s happening now in VDC and where they see it going next in a recent Tech Insider interview. They identified three key trends and three predictions reshaping the future of building construction.
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Trend 1: Accelerating Projects with Fast-Track Designs
VDC is enabling fast-track design, an area that Weitz specializes in, where construction and design services are happening simultaneously to meet compressed project timelines.
“You’re designing as you’re building, so it’s absolutely critical that information is up to date and readily available for those who need it to install work,” Marriott says.
This approach is all about getting buildings up and running as quickly as possible without compromising quality, and the VDC team’s role is essential.
“We’re that bridge between the office staff, the architects, and the engineers, coordinating all of that information and getting it to the guys in the field,” Marriott says.
There are several important factors to consider with fast-track design projects, McGuinness says:
- Critical Path Scheduling: Helps keep projects on track by prioritizing key tasks and performing work in advance whenever possible, such as early procurement of equipment or incorporating prefabricated and offsite construction.
- Technology-Driven Collaboration: VDC ensures everyone is on the same page, by using the tools and real-time data available.
- Regulatory Expertise: Navigating compliance in compressed timelines is crucial. VDC plays a pivotal role in meeting all requirements efficiently.
“The opportunity for VDC on these projects is huge,” McGuinness says. “We are an integral part to making these projects run smoothly.”
Trend 2: Defining the Future of Construction with Digital Twins
Digital twins are the buzzword attracting more companies to the concept of reality capture, by offering a virtual replica of physical assets.
However, as Marriott points out, “there has to be some definition put behind it.” Each project needs a tailored digital twin strategy to make sure everyone — from architects to contractors — understands the specific goals and data requirements.
“We do that through our BIM execution planning process,” Marriott says. “That document defines how we’re going to perform on that project.”
Questions to ask should include:
- What is the outcome needed for the project?
- What are the budget parameters and resources required?
- Where is the value?
- What are the risks on the project that VDC can assist with or address? (ie, model coordination, model creation, shop drawings, concrete lift drawings, etc)
- How are communications going to run?
- How often will stakeholders meet?
- What are the data handover protocols?
- What is the frequency of deliverables?
“The term digital twin means a lot of different things to different people,” McGuinness says. “Designers are focused on aesthetics and compliance, contractors are focused on construction phase coordination, and owners expect long-term asset management and predictive maintenance. Defining what is needed at the beginning of a project is crucial.”
Trend 3: Surging Use Cases for Laser Scanning
Laser scanning technology is exploding in popularity in the construction industry, significantly improving accuracy and efficiency.
“The rate of requests for that service has gone up exponentially,” Marriott says.
So what’s fueling that adoption?
- More Accurate and Varied Deliverables: Laser scanning is providing teams with precise data in applications ranging from project verification to floor flatness analysis and scan-to-BIM programs.
- Increased Confidence: As teams become more familiar with the technology’s capabilities, they are relying on it more to meet project needs and timelines.
- Ongoing Education: VDC teams are helping field staff and operations better understand how laser scanning can positively impact and complement the work they do.
Top Predictions
Prediction 1: AI and Robotics are the Next Frontier
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics will take VDC practices to new heights by streamlining processes and reducing manual labor, Marriott says.
“It’s something that we’re internally watching very closely on how it’s going to impact our jobs,” he says.
There are a couple of main benefits he sees with those technologies coming on board, including:
- Automation: AI and robotics will serve as workforce multipliers for repetitive tasks, filling in the gaps left by the construction industry’s skilled labor shortage and allowing teams to focus on more complex aspects of their projects.
- Predictive Analytics: With enhanced insights, teams can make smarter decisions, improving project outcomes.
Prediction 2: Tech Integration Wins the Future
When multiple technologies come together — think laser scanning with gaming engines and virtual reality (VR) — project planning, safety training, and verification will become even easier.
“Think about mapping out logistics of a job site in something like Unreal Engine or Twinmotion, and being able to get on a headset and leading a safety training offsite before anyone even gets on the job site,” McGuinness says.
Recently, Weitz digitized an airport project in Unreal Engine, making it like a video game where construction workers could virtually navigate the site.
“It was super impressive, and I’d really love to see more of that,” McGuinness says. “I think that’s a game changer for our industry.”
Prediction 3: VDC Becomes the Norm
As more universities offer VDC programs and the next generation of construction teams come in, VDC will continue to move from an optional consideration to a standard part of the process.
“I think the adoption of technology is going to be met with more welcoming arms,” McGuinness says. “I see our job getting a bit easier in the future with teams that understand and are willing to bake VDC into the budget, understand the return on investment, and get excited for it.”
Marriott says he already sees the tide turning on the willingness to embrace and accept the technologies that VDC teams use.
“In the world we live in now, these project timelines are shortening, and the complexity is changing,” he says. “We can’t be of that mindset that ‘this how we’ve always done it.’ We have to make it change as an industry.”
To learn where the future of VDC can take your team, connect with a building construction specialist to discuss your needs.
