VEC’s roots in the construction world began with electrical modeling, which continues to inspire our journey. Since the electrical scope presents one of the most significant challenges regarding design and installation, our BIM electrical specialists always do their best to eliminate risks and deliver projects successfully. From kickoff to Trimble installation, we provide customers with the leanest system possible, coordinating our electrical 3D modeling with their project teams.
We start the process by setting project parameters, studying design documentation, and coordinating preferences with the field team. After that, our electrical VDC experts use such parameters to create redline PDFs and conduit schedules. Once the client is satisfied with the system we have redlined, we push through a rigorous electrical BIM modeling phase with coordination supervised by our team’s construction professionals. Thus, our crucial goal is to ensure clients will build the system they prefer, and we will assist them in achieving that.
VEC utilizes redlines for most BIM electrical modeling projects, allowing us to achieve optimal routing. After receiving contracting documents from the engineering team, we develop 2D redlines and transform them into a robust 3D model.
First, we analyze single-line diagrams and feeder schedules, which are critical for laying out the project’s main distribution systems. Next, we sift through lighting, power, and telecom options to determine the flow of home runs and branch systems throughout the building while maintaining the integrity of the original design.
Our experts review proposed designs, plan sequencing within each construction specialization, identify potential issues, and suggest how to boost construction performance. The particular constructibility efforts minimize onsite construction work (or rework) and ensure proper safety and efficiency on the field. Here, our goals include:
Improving equipment layout and type
Vetting installation options
Optimizing system routing
Selecting the best materials
Investment in these initiatives upfront reduces overall construction costs: timelines shrink, safety is better, and everyone gets satisfaction!
We can create the BIM model right the first time, covering all the client’s means and methods, system routing, and prefabrication preferences. When starting each project, our team spends time with the field workers to understand their preferred methods and prefabrication desires and capabilities. And we familiarize ourselves with all available options.
After completing the BIM coordination process and “Sign-off,” the trades are locked into the relevant routing, and any changes in the model (or field) must be rerouted around other trades. Shop/installation drawings are produced from the “Sign-off” model, the material is procured, and the field team proceeds with the installation depending on this set of drawings.
The primary goal of BIM for electrical contractors is to provide clear building installation documents to the field based on a coordinated, clash-free model. Thus, we collaborate with the field team to produce high-quality install packages catering to site-specific requirements.
Our specialists produce electrical shop drawings for projects where prefabrication takes place. They demonstrate the contractor’s drawn version of the information included in the construction documents. In the case of installation drawings, they help the field team understand how to install components used in the facility.
VEC has full-time software developers dedicated to R&D activities to reduce modeling and annotation processes inefficiencies. Such engineers code necessary plug-ins for automating our daily workflow, boosting the quality of our output, and minimizing errors.