LiRo VDC provides full-service modeling for projects of all categories and scales, and for both new and existing facilities. 

Our modeling expertise includes: 
Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Structural, Civil, Infrastructure, Site logistics, and Landscaping.

With VDC, capturing existing spaces is usually done by laser scanning, creating an extremely accurate 3-D point cloud that includes every inch of visible surface area. This cloud can be linked to the information modeling authoring software and used to model the space or validate existing information models. 

Depending on the scale of a project, LiRo VDC will typically contract out laser-scanning to reliable laser scanning partners, and work with their captured point cloud data to generate 3D information models of existing conditions. 

LiRo VDC also incorporates the use of Reality Capture tools such as Matterport, which utilizes photogrammetry to make point-clouds, and web-based models our clients can walk through.

VDC tools make it possible not only to visualize specific views, but also generate performance driven visualization and the construction of the building in sequence. LiRo VDC are experts at delivering high-quality images, animations, live virtual walkthroughs, experience simulations and 3D prints.

Visualization helps all parties quickly understand the project, especially participants who are not skilled in reading two dimensional documentation and specifications. Identifying issues becomes crystal clear, and all parties can take part in the discussion to resolve them.

The information model is the perfect tool for constructability reviews. Traditional 2-D documents are representations of the intended construction and do not describe every condition; they merely represent “slices” of the project. Any condition beyond those cuts is not described.

Our practiced VDC processes for constructability studies essentially creates a virtual construction simulation in 3D, quickly revealing issues that can then be rectified before construction begins.

As the information model includes every single location, and all the trades can be linked into one file, relationships in the model can be studied in greater detail. Virtually constructing the building helps identify a vast range of issues, especially when the project can be visualized over time, linked to a schedule and its quantities used for cost estimating. 

LiRo VDC has the capacity to create construction and complex building analysis mockups. These can include detailed modeling of foundation and excavation scenarios, formwork, analysis of construction sequence alternatives, virtual mockups of alternative primary structure and curtain wall system designs. 

Typical areas of interest are the joints and edges between assemblies, which require collaboration between multiple trades. These specialized models can also be 3-D printed to increase understanding of the relationships between pieces. The different parts can be color coded and made to be easily assembled and taken apart.

Our VDC team are skilled at augmenting geometric data in a 3-D model with phasing and constructability information. The purpose of this data manipulation is to run what-if scenarios for construction sequencing and resource allocation, which can help resolve potential problems ahead of time or in tandem with work being performed on-site.

During the construction phase, our on-site modelers can assist project staff with detailed analysis, quality control and validation for daily construction tasks. Examples of this type of work include detailed site modeling of formwork, scaffolding, reinforcing bar and penetration details, as well as sequencing of assembly. For larger elements, especially complex prefabricated systems, our team can animate the delivery; this is a helpful simulation to ensure there are no spatial conflicts or issues with the sequence of installation.

An information model generates accurate quantities that can be linked to a cost database, which then computes a cost estimate. This is fundamentally different from conventional “manual” calculation methods, which mainly consist of counting elements and areas from partial drawings that rarely describe the complete project.

The LiRo VDC team are diligent in reviewing the data in the model. The completeness, quality and accuracy of the information model is essential; Takeoffs will be instant, but will only be as accurate as the model.

LiRo VDC has devised methods and guidelines for the effective and efficient coordination of building systems. A comprehensive template is used to track a wide range of different interferences. The location of each interference is saved in the model, so it can be actively used in the resolution of each issue. Interferences are also statistically recorded and broken down per trade, so the resolutions can be tracked over time.

LiRo VDC are experts at utilizing code checking software (such as Solibri) and can perform certain tests on information models to measure code compliance. City and national planning commissions around the world increasingly accept the submission of information models to demonstrate compliance with specific codes. For example, the New York Department of Buildings now accepts site safety and logistics information models as a submission instead of 2-D documentation. 

4-D scheduling tools have evolved tremendously in recent years. LiRo VDC has made it a priority to stay abreast of these changes, and are experts at integrating schedule data into 3-D information models. Such 4-D processes are revolutionizing how complex projects are planned, as they give visual feedback to the scheduler as well as the entire project team, and make relationships between the different assemblies easier to understand.

LiRo VDC has the capacity to take BIM data accrued from design through construction phases and integrate it in to facility management and operations. This data includes the most detailed information about facility elements, systems and spaces. 

Tracking construction progress is essential to validate where a project is in relationship to the construction schedule, as well as determining what payments can be issued to the contractor. The LiRo VDC team is able to assist inspectors in using the model to establish the completion status of each element being tracked.

The model itself becomes a recorded document of the complete sequence of a project. This can be extremely valuable after construction is complete if there are any disputes about sequential conflicts.

Risk Support

On large complex projects, risk workshops are often used in order to gather all responsible parties in one room and analyse potential issues. Information models are useful for visualizing multiple scenarios and LiRo VDC can be on hand to navigate the models, and provide relevant graphics and animations.

4-D schedules and their potential outcomes, configured through the information model, can be showcased live on-screen during meetings. This visual feedback clarifies different risk factors and dramatically improves the decision making process, especially in the case of large stakeholder meetings.

Claims Analysis and Mitigation

In today's complex construction industry, characterized by rigid time constraints, multiple prime contracts and phased construction programs, claims have become a constant part of the construction process. An information model can potentially help avoid possible litigation. In case of litigation, LiRo VDC can utilize the information model to provide simulations of the situation to clearly communicate the cause of the claim to all parties. This is especially true if the project was tracked using a tracking model, as it is a virtual record of the whole construction project.

Worker Training and Safety

LiRo VDC can provide simulations for construction planning and demonstrating proper working methods to on-site staff. Utilizing a logistics model helps in visualizing and addressing safety concerns as well as supporting efficient on-site construction operations with comprehensive safety practices.

Construction Quality Assurance

Detailed on-site digital surveying and measurement technologies can assist with establishing actual grading geometry, site-built construction and installation. LiRo VDC can compare this on-site data 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.