DIGITAL PRACTICE: HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR APPROACH 
The process of designing and constructing a building is complex. Innovations guiding productivity, advanced cost analysis and quality improvements in other industries – such as rapid and iterative design, concurrent engineering, cycle time management, and supply chain optimization – are now being utilized by the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Building information modeling, 3D construction logistics program values offer many tangible and intangible benefits: 
 
  • Better overall project comprehension for project analysis, estimates and proposals.
  • Reduction in quantity take-off preparation time, error, and unanticipated change cost.
  • Reduction in project schedule delay risk with better communication, and identification of optimal construction sequences and object spatial clashes in advance of construction.
  • Reduction of injury and cost through highlighting and resolving safety issues in advance.
 
 
DIGITAL PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHTS 
Project Modeling
The development of a base project model is a point of departure for GT project modeling services. A project master model assembles all relevant two-dimensional and three-dimensional project information into a common project database, which allows for the compilation and easy retrieval of project data, and rapid visibility and decision making.		  
 
Quantity Estimating: Cost
We work with clients on cost planning and control as a critical aspect of project success. Many conventional estimating techniques, which rely on two-dimensional drawing measurements, have substantial potential for ambiguity, inefficiency and error. A three-dimensional project model removes the ambiguity of and potential inconsistencies in project quantities estimations. Quantities can be derived directly from a master model, and linked directly to published or internal cost data. This information can be used for project cost planning and provided as a basis for subcontract bidding. A three-dimensional building model can remove the need for traditional laborious and error prone manual quantity takeoffs, which remove project cost analysis from direct impact on design and construction decisions.		  
 
4D Modeling: Scheduling and Sequence Planning
Project geometry can be linked directly to project schedules developed in various applications, to create "4D Models," which integrate design and schedule information. Project schedules can be reviewed in conjunction with corresponding spatial information to detect logistical conflicts or inefficiencies, and in support of site management and planning activities. Resource loading can be projected based on quantities extracted from a master project model on a basis of associated project activities. During early project phases, four-dimensional modeling can be used to develop, visualize and analyze macro level construction phasing strategies.		  
 
Cost and Contract Allocation
BIM solutions can provide support for projects involving numerous contractors and subcontractors, with potentially complex interfaces between different contract scopes. Individual system elements in a project model can be precisely assigned to specific contracts and associated scope items. A digital model can be used to clearly and precisely establish the scope of different contractors’ responsibilities, tie scope and costs to associated quantities extracted from a model, and highlight critical interfaces between contracts. This capability removes ambiguity and potential inconsistencies regarding different parties’ responsibilities.		  
 
Bidding, Tendering Process
GT has been involved with numerous projects where design phase models have been used in tendering and construction phases. We are familiar with many of the contractual forms for use of models in project agreements, as well as the technical requirements to support the transmission, translation, processing and return of three-dimensional system information by bidders. GT can streamline the process of specifying 3D bid packages and assets, producing gains to project oversight with minimal impacts on a bidder’s scope.		  
 
Management of Shop Drawing Submissions and Approvals
Digital shop drawings and shop tickets, properly formatted and provided to project management, as part of work package assets and approval processes, can provide tremendous value for coordination of a project and detection of coordination conflicts prior to construction. Any processing requirements for internal shop drawing information for allowance in project database should be specified as part of bidding requirements and may need to be tailored to a bidder’s internal production processes. Digital master model coordination can support three-dimensional and/or two-dimensional shop drawing submissions. GT can assist a project team in making these determinations on a case by case basis, and can work with subcontractors to develop shop drawing submission processes to provide maximum benefits for coordination and review in an efficient manner. GT or recommended contractors can work directly for a subcontractor to develop and support digitally enabled production methods.		  
 
Complex Building Analysis & Simulation
A three-dimensional project model can serve as an important tool in developing detailed insight into all aspects of a project, including site logistics, site work, and layout and system strategies. Our construct and complex building analysis projects have included modeling of foundation & excavation scenarios, analysis of construction sequence alternatives, "digital mockups" of alternative primary structure and curtain wall system designs.		  
 
Quality Control & Clash Detection
A project master model can provide greatly enhanced capabilities for review and quality control of design information. Errors and omissions traditionally buried in disaggregated two-dimensional drawings can be visually detected and resolved during project reviews. Automated "clash and clearance detection" allows spatial conflicts between systems to be automatically detected and reported. Resolving clearance issues before bidding greatly reduces RFIs and costly changes during construction.		  
 
Look Ahead Modeling
During construction phases, digital modeling has been used for project coordination at a detailed level and on a just in time basis. GT has commissioned on-site teams of modeling professionals who can assist project staff in detailed analysis, quality control, validation, and re-use of project geometry for day to day construction tasks. This work has included performing detailed site modeling of form work, reinforcing bar and penetration details, to ensure quality construction without slow and costly site retrofitting.		  
 
Worker Training and Safety
Project modeling and construction simulation can be used for simulating and demonstrating proper working methods to on-site staff, supports efficient on-site construction operations with comprehensive safety practices.		  
 
Quality Assurance
Detailed on-site digital surveying and measurement technologies can assist with establishing actual grading geometry, site built construction and installation. On-site data can be compared against required locations of construction as specified in a project model. Comparisons of specified versus actual construction can be used to verify quality of construction, and support the accuracy of subsequent systems.		  
 
Payment Request Validation & Approval
Project modeling can be used as a basis for verification of certificates of payment for work installed. A four-dimensional model can represent a snapshot of a contracted plan for delivery of work. Throughout varying project phases, a 4D model can be compared against actual site conditions to validate that work is on time and complete.