Hey Everyone,
My organization is in the process of transitioning from 2D drafting of projects, to 3D model creation for upcoming projects. The goal is to one day move from advertising 2D PDF contract plans, to having the 3D project model becoming the advertisement deliverable.
My team is helping create the 3D drafting environment to create these 3D project models. I have learned a lot over the last few months, but there is still a long way to go, as we will be changing to a different process for creating projects in a 3D environment.
I can see a lot of benefits to this new process once it is fully implemented and have worked through the growing pains. 3D models will be more accurate compared to 2D project plans, material quantities can be generated automatically, and design and construction changes can be modeled to see their impacts on the rest of the project.
I want to see if others here in the ASCE community have had experience with using 3D models as the contract deliverable, and to share their experiences here, so we can learn more about an upcoming technology shift that can impact many in the civil engineering field.
Here are some questions that I am trying to find some answers for:
- What program or software are using to create the 3D project models?
- Did you use this same program or software (or a different one) to share your 3D project model with clients, bidders, or contractors?
- How did you add project specific notes to the 3D model?
- What was your QA/QC process with a 3D model deliverable?
- What have you learned from your experience that could help others who are transitioning to 3D model deliverables?
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Doug Cantrell P.E., PMP, M.ASCE
Professional Engineer
Durham NC
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