BIM - Building Information Modeling
Hill & Wilkinson completed its first 3D modeling project in 2008 to assist with design and coordination of a design build research lab facility for a national defense contractor. This initial technology experiment has since become standard operating procedure on a majority of our projects. We quickly learned the difference between modeling for show and modeling that creates significant value in the construction process, and this is where we focus our efforts. Today we have completed fully federated models on office buildings, hospitals, higher education facilities, and federal recruiting centers. This technology and how we use it changes daily.
We start all our projects with 3D Logistics Plan that becomes the foundation of our scheduling, logistics, and pricing efforts. This model is initiated during the Preconstruction Phase by our field operations team to develop and then distribute to end users, designers, and subcontractors the means and methods issues that are not included in the standard drawing sets. This model is updated throughout the construction duration to accurately reflect completed phases and revised logistics scenarios. When combined with the fourth dimension, time, this is a more effective way to communicate complicated phasing and schedules.
The next step in the modeling process involves the coordination of the individual trades. The HWGC Division 1 BIM spec sets the foundation for all subcontracting modeling efforts with requirements for initial layouts, file naming systems, color coordination, subcontractor hierarchy, scope limits, and the overall coordination expectations and schedule. Experience with this process is part of our subcontractor selection criteria. Preferably started during the Preconstruction Phase, this effort generally focuses on three areas - façade, structure, and MEP. 3D shop drawings will be submitted from façade, structure, fire protection, plumbing, hvac, and electrical subcontractors then HWGC will develop a federated model and begin the clash detection process. This process continues until all parties have approved the model and the changes are documented. Accurate as-built drawings are then created from this model.
If accurate modeling information is provided by the design team, then this process can begin earlier and integrate other trades. If it is not available or the drawings were completed in 2D, then we still proceed with 3D submittals from our subcontractors to improve the coordination efforts. While this is not a replacement for human interaction and team communication, it is a tool that allows us to focus on constructing a high performance building to exacting quality standards instead of constantly stopping and starting to handle coordination issues in the field.
Projects completed with or currently using 3D modeling:
- UT Dallas | Student Services Building – LEED® Platinum Certification
- Reliant Rehab Northwest - Houston
- Reliant Rehabilitation Hospital – Dallas
- Reliant Rehabilitation Hospital – Bedford
- Capital One People Center Building #3 – Plano
- Capital One New Multipurpose Building - Plano
- Chickasaw Nation Parking Garage – Oklahoma
- L3 Building 645 – Greenville
- Fort Sam Houston | 502nd Air Wing Joint Base Headquarters, San Antonio – LEED® Silver certification
- Lewisville Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) LEED® Silver certification - Lewisville
- River Crest Country Club – Fort Worth
- Hill & Wilkinson Corporate Office - Richardson
- Winstar Casino Parking Garage - Thackerville Oklahoma
- SPCA of Texas | New Lone Star Campus - Dallas
- White Wave Foods - Dallas
- Temple Shalom - Dallas
- American Airlines | FTA Central Utility Plant - Dallas
- Whitemore Jetlube - Dallas
- Wylie Economic Development Corp. New Manufacturing Facility - Wylie
- Cummins | Southland Plains Maintenance Facility - Dallas
- Encore Wire Plant 6 - McKinney
- Independent Bank Austin - Austin
- MedAssests Corporate Campus - Plano
- Weatherford College | New Academic Building - Weatherford
