- At VEC, we recognize the importance of change. The construction industry has a productivity index which has been constant for the last 30 years. While all other industries have become more efficient, construction’s has remained stagnant. Virtual Construction is a method that aims to increase productivity for our market sector and we at VEC embrace this change. While most of these practices have been in use by architects for years, they are now finding their way to the rest of the construction trade. Our goal is to adopt these practices to maximize our expertise and efficiency while continuously looking for ways to improve.
BIM
- Building Information Modeling; A design innovation that is revolutionizing our industry. With the ability to produce a 3D model of electrical systems including information such as manufacturer’s part numbers, sizes, weights, installation time and costs, VEC is pioneering how electrical installations are handled in this construction technique. Our team members are also involved in the creation of industry standards such as the National BIM Standard-US and task forces for national organizations such as NECA and BuildingSMARTAlliance. BIM helps VEC realize many goals with a single solution.
- • Able to produce Navisworks® compatible fully detailed electrical models. Levels of detail from generators to junction boxes and all electrical items in between, using industry manufactures specifications to create accurate, detailed libraries. This process enables full coordination of MEP systems prior to fabrication of a single item; drastically reducing the number of RFI’s and change orders.
- • Able to create designed electrical systems using Revit MEP®. This enables VEC to provide Design Assist services to our partners with calculable panel loads and lighting levels
- • Creation of schedules that are linked to model to show sequencing of projects. This provides visual representation of the intended schedule and enables installation planning with a priority on safety.
- • Attach cost to all pieces in models including labor so that job costing can be done by and exported to multiple document formats. Our ability to tie models to the project schedule enables our project management team to have unparalleled knowledge of project progress at any point during the schedule.
Renderings
- This type of drawing is produced using non-intelligent 3D models. These are typically used during the bidding process to show the owners a visual representation of a highly complicated coordinated area. This can result in change of design or layout before space restrictions are materialized post- installation.
- • Allows owners to recognize problem areas early in process.
- • “Walk-through” or “fly-through” of buildings can show potential logistical issues.
- • Accurate representation of finishes can confirm architects design intent.
Trimble
- The Trimble® RTS unit is an exact measuring instrument that enables location of any item (in x,y and z planes) on a given site. With the capacity to layout every piece of equipment spanning distances of over 1000 feet, the Trimble® RTS allows our Electricians to install all equipment with the greatest precision, accuracy and speed.
- • Ability to accurately locate equipment locations with precisions up to 1/32”.
- • Able to coordinate with other MEP systems, regardless of on-site progress, maximizes VEC’s efficiency.
- • Electricians can relay potential collision areas back to office personnel for alternate routing solutions.
Pre-Construction Planning
- In addition to a project management process that focuses on pre-construction planning, we create pre-construction drawings for our skilled electricians to use for installation purposes. Knowing that the majority of engineered electrical drawings are focused on design, not installation, we tailor our drawings to provide all pertinent information for install. Benefits of this process can be seen in the following ways.
- • Increases project knowledge
- • Value engineering takes place sooner
- • Increases on site productivity
- • Able to provide accurate B.O.M. for each phase of project
- • Color coded information reduces interpretation errors
Pre-Fabrication
- Pre-Fabrication has been on the increase in the industry, providing controlled environments for product creation. Our ability to produce pre-fabrication drawings with exact cut lengths and bend radii for conduit and other electrical materials, enable VEC to maximize our Electrician’s efficiency on site. Prefabrication has helped us realize many goals, including:
- • Controlled environment which increases productivity, repeatability and quality
- • Enables installation ready material shipments by project phase
- • Provides an environment conducive to safety awareness
- • Eliminates most on-site rework