Problem Statement from the client

• The schematic PDF layouts lacked the level of detail necessary for creating clash-free and coordinated BIM models.
• Existing site conditions and outdated as-built information led to discrepancies, causing clashes during coordination and rework.
• Limited capability of field teams in using BIM tools made it challenging to translate hand-drawn sketches and PDF markups into accurate models.
• Frequent design updates and site changes required continuous updates to BIM models to ensure alignment with on-ground conditions.
• Effective coordination between geographically dispersed teams was hindered due to significant time zone differences.

Scope of Work

The Scope of Works included design support for the Electrical, LSS and Instrumentation and Control Systems for the contracting team. Which included Conduits, Cable Trays, Panel and support modeling, preparing shop drawings and creating as built models for service installed areas, coordination with other stakeholders for clash coordination etc.

Project Location 

North America

Input Shared

• Circuit markups in PDF format
• Comments in XML format
• As built content was shared in video and 360⁰ images format.

Software used

• AutoCAD MEP 2021
• Autodesk Revit 2021
• Navisworks Manage 2021
• Autodesk BIM360 Glue
• Bluebeam Revu 
• BIMtrack
• Cupixworks

Project Timeline

From the initial route planning to the close out stage of the files, it took approximately 3 years for 5 buildings with a total area of around 2.5Million Sq. Ft.

Key Challenges & How we solved the problem

• Challenge: Discrepancies in existing models
  • The existing models shared by the client were outdated and lacked accuracy, leading to frequent clashes during coordination and approvals.
    Solution:
  • Desapex utilized 360° site images in Cupixworks and conducted laser scans of the site to verify real-world conditions and update the models accurately.
• Challenge: Input limitations from field teams
  • Field foremen often provided inputs as hand sketches or markups on PDFs, which were time-consuming and prone to misinterpretation.
    Solution:
  • Desapex requested site captures in the form of 360° images and videos to complement the sketches. For areas where this wasn’t feasible, detailed viewpoints were requested to ensure clarity.
• Challenge: Significant time zone differences
  • With a 12.5-hour time difference between the client and Desapex teams, daily coordination was challenging.
    Solution:
  • The Desapex team adjusted their work timings to overlap with the client’s schedule, enabling seamless communication and collaboration without extending work hours excessively.

By addressing these challenges effectively, Desapex ensured a smooth project workflow and delivered high-quality outcomes.

Outcome or How the client got benefitted.

• Structured documentation and Project tracking.
• Supported the contractor team to leverage BIM by feeding IFF, technical and circuit details corresponding to each element.
• Supporting easier navigation through the model using Search Sets, Appearance Profiler for Navisworks, and custom parameters in the model.
• Faster quantification of materials for construction.