BIM for Global Asset Owner

DESCRIPTION

This was an interesting project where there was no physical building being created but rather we were working with a client to improve on their existing BIM process. A dream project for a BIM nerd! This client has a growing collection of global assets. Each building is designed by a different design team that can address local building requirements. While having design teams with local knowledge is essential to develop a code-compliant building, the owner also wanted to ensure

• that their clients (building occupants) have a consistent experience and;
• that the work of the design teams helps them manage the building once it is operational. After all, the design and build phase is relatively short compared to the operational life of a building!

This project consisted of 4 parts:

• understand the current process and document it
• develop a draft outline of the new process
• develop BIM assets to support the process
• develop a data-driven workflow to show how the above could be leveraged to help the client manage their operational assets

The project was successful and it was great to see how open and transparent they were about the current challenges and where technology (including BIM) may be able to help them. Ultimately, this project was just the start of a long-term transformation for this company. I hope to get to work with them again as the work re-opens after COVID.

ROLE

I was the project manager for TT who was acting as the structural consultant on the project. I developed the structural model assets and standards. A large part of my role was to help educate the designers on the unique role of structural engineering in BIM. SE is often a critical path during construction but plays a minimal role in building operations. Structural models also have a different “kit of parts” from architects and MEP engineers where structural “parts” tend to be created on-site (cast in place concrete) or industry-standard (structural steel shapes). We rarely have particular model numbers, serial numbers, nor do we deal with multiple manufacturers.

TEAM

• Thornton Tomasetti
• CRTKL
• Confidential Client