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Virtual Design and Construction
Virtual design softwares ensures that collaboration and communication is happening between all the stakeholders (architects, engineers, client, etc) during all phases of project design and delivery. VDC involves the transition from digital to physical and back again to digital and it covers 3D modelling, model verification, and point cloud modelling.
VDC and BIM are very similar, but they have distinctive differences. BIM, Building Information Modelling is 3D modelling and data input of physical objects. Meaning that it involves the information associated with the object. VDC however, uses these BIM models to plan the construction process throughout its whole life cycle. Its combining 3D modelling, cost estimation, scheduling, and budgeting. The process is sometimes referred to as “5D construction”, where time and money are added dimensions to the 3D model. VDC is closely related to 5D construction but they are not the same.
BIM model by ITED
To conclude, everything comes back to data. The information collected on site is the most crucial part to determinate the success of BIM and VDC process. In other terms, no matter what the process is, a 3D model is only as good as the data added to it.