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Don’t Laugh Off Constructability

Digital By Sep 19, 2024 No Comments

I recently overheard a conversation between two engineers who were mocking a client’s request for evidence of their experience with constructability. The engineers found the client’s request silly, assuming that any construction project will inevitably be constructed, and that is what the construction team is for.

However, this mindset undermines the importance of constructability and its role in ensuring efficient and successful project delivery. In this blog post, we will explore why constructability matters and provide strategies for demonstrating a strong approach to constructability in project proposals, including the use of BIM and digital delivery methods.

What is Constructability?

Constructability is a broad concept that encompasses various practices and methodologies aimed at improving the construction process. It involves reviewing and optimising a project during its design, planning, building, and completion phases. By considering constructability, project teams can identify potential issues, improve efficiency, and enhance collaboration between stakeholders.

Constructability offers numerous advantages that benefit both project teams and clients, such as:

  • It encourages collaboration and enhanced communication between project stakeholders. This collaborative approach helps identify potential issues early on, preventing costly delays and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • By reviewing past experiences, consulting trade partners, and considering future planning, constructability enables project teams to identify and solve problems before they become costly issues on-site.
  • Constructability encourages a detailed review of project designs, ensuring that construction practices are considered. This results in more constructible designs, reducing the need for costly redesigns or on-site modifications.
  • By identifying potential issues and risks early on, constructability helps mitigate construction risks. This can lead to safer work sites, fewer accidents, and reduced liability for project teams.

Demonstrating Constructability

If you need to demonstrate how your team can ensure constructability, consider the following strategies to demonstrate your commitment to constructability and provide certainty to your clients:

  • Provide specific examples of how your team has successfully implemented constructability practices in past projects. Discuss the benefits achieved, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or effective problem-solving.
  • Explain the steps you take to ensure constructability is considered throughout the project lifecycle. This could include design reviews, collaboration with trade partners, and continuous monitoring and adaptation.
  • Show previous experience using Building Information Modeling (BIM) to provide a digital representation of a project. This could be detailed visualization, simulation, and clash detection. You could also demonstrate how your team has enabled cost estimation, sustainability analysis, and facility management.
  • Show your commitment to continuous improvement by providing training and education on constructability practices, including BIM and digital delivery methods. This could be through in-house workshops or partnerships with industry organizations.

The Role of BIM in Constructability

BIM is an invaluable tool for constructability analysis, offering a multidimensional perspective to construction planning. BIM enables detailed 3D visualizations and 4D simulations of the construction process, allowing stakeholders to identify potential conflicts and optimize construction methods and scheduling. Additionally, BIM excels at detecting clashes or conflicts between different building systems, preventing costly rework.

  • BIM tools enable detailed 3D visualizations and 4D simulations of the construction process. This allows stakeholders to identify potential conflicts and optimize construction methods and scheduling.
  • BIM excels at detecting clashes or conflicts between different building systems (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) before construction starts, preventing costly rework.
  • BIM integrates cost estimation with the 3D model, providing real-time cost analysis and informed decision-making for effective cost control.
  • BIM assists in analyzing the environmental impact of construction materials and processes, helping select sustainable options.
  • BIM’s utility extends beyond construction, providing detailed information for maintenance and operation, contributing to efficient facility management.

Constructability is a critical aspect of modern construction projects, and it should be a key consideration from the outset. By integrating constructability practices, including BIM and digital delivery methods, engineering companies can improve project outcomes and enhance client satisfaction. When responding to client requests, showcase your understanding of constructability and provide concrete examples of your comprehensive approach. By taking constructability seriously and utilising innovative tools like BIM, construction firms can set themselves apart and deliver exceptional projects.

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