When managing construction for Michigan State University’s STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, Michigan’s first-ever Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) building, Granger team members saw significant success from utilizing weekly BIM Coordination meetings.
BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is a way of turning design documents into interactive and intelligent 3D models. This can significantly help Owners and the entire project team better visualize design before construction. At MSU, Granger Project Manager Bill Bofysil conducted weekly weekly BIM Coordination meetings as an opportunity to review the latest design schematics with key team members.
“Our BIM Coordinator input all the latest coordination models from the trades into Navisworks before the meetings,” Bofysil noted. “Then our team was able to run the clash detection process, noting any soft or hard clashes or other design issues we should address. These BIM Coordination meetings were very useful from a Lean processes perspective, as they allowed our team to address potential issues early. Any changes we can make to the design prior to installation saves both time and money on the project. Also, because MSU STEM’s design was open-concept, with much of the conduit and ductwork showing, it was especially important to ensure these design elements were both aesthetically and functionally correct.”
One key to successful BIM Coordination was brings all design team members and Owner representatives to the table, allowing the team to have productive discussions about any areas flagged as potential issues.
“It might have been that a light fixture clashed with a section of conduit, or a VAV clearance box had a clash that prevented future maintenance and operation by the Owner after turnover. Whatever the situation, having each specialist in the room along with the Owner allowed us to communicate with everyone at once and start brainstorming solutions,” noted Bofysil.
