Au.Pcp Case Study.11.9.09

BIM MEANS BUSINESS! James Mckenzie - Principal, BIM Centric Consulting

Scott Johnson (assistant) - Autodesk AEC Sales

Class No.: CR9114-1

Builders are showing strong leadership in adopting BIM, and recognize its value in terms of improved efficiency and risk mitigation in the construction management process. Technology and new collaborative business processes are currently transforming the AEC industry in unprecedented ways. This class will focus on presenting the strategies, best practices and high-level workflows used by builders involved in using BIM tools (specifically Revit and NavisWorks) during the pre-construction and construction phase. Also addressed will be current trends on how builders are strategically implementing BIM on specific projects and throughout the enterprise, the importance of BIM standards and associated contractual language, and how BIM is used in various project delivery methods such as design/bid/build, CM at risk, design/build and IPD. Also presented will be examples of how builders are using BIM as a competitive advantage in a challenging economic environment.

About the Speaker:

With over 20 years of innovative AEC industry project management experience with industry leading firms, Mr. McKenzie provides strategic building information modeling (BIM) consulting services, which include BIM education, implementation, staffing strategies, business process re-engineering, 3D model development and integration. Mr. McKenzie holds a BS in Construction Management and a MS in Architecture. [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

BIM-Centric Consulting 1/5/2010 Page 2 of 14

Phoenix Children’s Hospital Project – Case Study

Phoenix Children’s Hospital Project-Case Study Kitchell Contractors By: James McKenzie-BIM Centric Consulting

10-31-09



1. Strategic Use of BIM by Kitchell Contractors Helps Drive Key Decisions Early in the Project

1.1. Summary

Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) is a leader in pediatric care and is one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the country. As a response to a growing pediatric population in Arizona, that is expected to reach 1.5 million by 2030, PCH has embarked on an expansion of its existing facilities. The $588 million expansion includes a new structural steel patient tower, an ambulatory care building, new main entry boulevard, four precast/post tensioned concrete parking structures, landscaped gardens with a large playground and a central plant. The project is spread out over 45 acres and will be completed in phases. Hospital operations will continue during construction.

When completed the expansion will add 770,000 square feet of new patient and ambulatory space. The facility expansion will allow PCH to achieve its strategic business goals.

Kitchell Contractors was contracted to provide preconstruction and construction management services. PCH selected Kitchell due to their: extensive local, healthcare construction experience, collaborative management approach and their ability to comprehend the project’s needs.

2009

1 million children

2020

2030

1.5 million children



1.2. Firm Profile

Kitchell Contractors is a subsidiary of Kitchell Corporation; an $870 million privately held firm headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Ranked as one of nation’s top-35 construction management firms, Kitchell is a diversified company that delivers construction-related services, including program and construction management, general contracting, medical equipment and real-estate development.

Kitchell has over 30 years of healthcare construction experience and has the capability for self-performing concrete work. Many of Kitchell’s key employees have been with the firm in excess of 15 years which has allowed them to retain a considerable amount of institutional knowledge. Over the years Kitchell has been innovative in the use of construction techniques while at the same time maintaining an excellent quality control and safety record.



1.3. Project Context

As the only comprehensive children's hospital in Arizona, Phoenix Children's Hospital is the major provider of pediatric care in the state. It is a regional referral center for children with highly specialized or life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

Arizona has experienced “explosive” growth in the last several years. Growth is expected to continue with some projections indicating that the Phoenix Area population will double in size by 2030. Responding to future pediatric population growth concerns PCH performed extensive facility planning in order to meet current and future demands, take advantage of new and emerging medical technologies and to enhance their leadership in pediatric care. PCH’s mission statement is to “provide hope, healing and the best care for children and families.”

1.4. Project Objectives

The design goal of the new facility revolves around the concept of “family-centered” care that enhances the hospital experience for the young patients and their families and “encourages interaction in an environment consistent with the everyday setting of life.” On the operational side PCH is committed to minimize disruption to its healthcare operations during construction and to provide a facility that meets their present and future needs. The expanded facility will be used as an incentive to recruit the highest caliber, pediatric healthcare professionals.

Kitchell’s objective was to leverage their collaborative management culture, extensive healthcare construction knowledge and well-refined BIM capabilities to bring value to PCH by developing and examining viable options based on creativity, experience and reliable and accurate data.

1.5. Project Team Building

PCH understood that in order to achieve an optimal project outcome the right a high-performance team would have to be assembled. Having the right team gave PCH a greater set of solutions to their complex, uncertainty-filled, business environment. While PCH considered the organizational strengths of the short-listed design and construction management firms they ultimately selected firms that exhibited strong collaborative capabilities and that best reflected their values. According to Dave Cottle, PCH’s executive director of planning, design and construction, “Phoenix Children’s found the right combination of experience, creative solutions, and alignment with our family-centered values in HKS and Kitchell.”

Both Kitchell and HKS came with their own team of sub contractors and engineering consultants. Key trade contractors that Kitchell partnered with included: Schuff Steel (design assist, steel fabrication and erection), University Mechanical (design assist, mechanical system and plumbing system installation), Delta Diversified (design assist, electrical system installation). Besides extensive healthcare construction experience and knowledge these key specialty contractors all had proven BIM capability with the ability to not only produce fabrication-level 3D models but to use their models to fabricate their building components.



2. Solution

2.1. Project Delivery Process

PCH delivered this project using the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method. This delivery process set the stage for an interdisciplinary and collaborative project environment built and trust and continuous communication. Kitchell was given a lump sum amount to provide preconstruction services which included: estimating, scheduling, design assist services, constructability review and planning. The construction portion of the project was done using a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contract. PCH did not require BIM to be used on this project but was open to its usage. Kitchell, as part of its proposal to PCH, stated that they would be using BIM on this project due to its scale and complexity.

Kitchell started providing design assist services at the end of Schematic Design. The Architect HKS, a leading architectural firm with a considerable amount of healthcare experience, had adopted BIM within their organization and used it for the design of this project. However, the final design deliverables that HKS was contractually obligated to provide were traditional AIA 2D CAD Construction Documents. The construction documents that HKS delivered to PCH were derived from a Revit Architecture 3D model. Both the CMAR project delivery method and BIM helped foster collaboration between Kitchell, PCH and HKS early in the design and help identify some key issues that required resolution.

About 50% into the production of the Construction Documents Kitchell took HKS’s Revit architectural model and configured it as a separate construction model. Kitchell also had their key subs, structural steel, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection develop construction and fabrication models from the engineering design documents. Kitchell also modeled the existing and new underground utilities and structures. Composite models were created by Kitchell using NavisWorks which allowed for clash detection, 4D sequencing, visualization and coordination.

Kitchell

HKS

BIM Collaborative Project Value



2.2. Using the BIM Solution to Solve the Project Needs

The PCH Project presented Kitchell with a daunting task to build a very complex, phased, multi-building expansion that required them to work around existing hospital operations. In addition, utility coordination was a monumental undertaking. Kitchell also had to content with substantial construction logistical issues such as temporary parking for a very large workforce, assuring construction operations do not disrupt hospital operations or cause health issues to patients and a shortage of material storage space.

Kitchell’s solution to the project needs was to use BIM strategically which included developing a Revit 3D construction model, 4D sequencing and a fully coordinated composite model of structural, MEP and underground utility models . Kitchell is adept at using Revit and NavisWorks and used them as their primary BIM tool applications.

2.3. BIM Technologies and Delivery Method

BIM processes were brought to this project by HKS and Kitchell. Both firms had being using BIM for several years. While HKS has adopted BIM firm-wide, Kitchell’s use of BIM has been primarily with large, complex healthcare projects.

HKS has used various 3D modeling software applications for design since the early 1990s as a way to transform their design process but found that the technology was not quite yet refined enough for a large scale, complex designs and a multi-team member environment. HKS adopted Revit as their primary 3D design tool since it offered a solution to their design needs.

A BIM implementation committee was formed by HKD to develop modeling management procedures, model standards and implementation goals. HKS’s use of BIM enabled them to work in a truly integrated fashion with contractors and their clients; allowing more time designing rather than construction document production.

Kitchell’s lengthy experience with complex healthcare projects has taught them that in many cases design drawings oftentimes lacked detail and were not fully coordinated, especially MEP systems drawings, which caused significant problems during construction. By contrast the shop drawings produced by specialty MEP contractors, along with a thorough coordination process, contained the needed detail and dimensional accuracy to properly install the MEP system components. Kitchell quickly discovered that BIM’s 3D geometric nature allowed them to perform MEP systems coordination much quicker and with a higher-level of detail and accuracy than by using 2D CAD drawings. Once Kitchell had gained expertise in 3D modeling and performing clash detection using Revit and NavisWorks they started to use other BIM tools such as 4D sequencing on order to analyze complex project phasing and to locate logic busts in their CPM schedule.

BIM was implemented by Kitchell by creating a virtual construction department and recruiting a full-time Virtual Construction Manager and hiring and/or training project engineers to work with BIM processes and tools. Kitchell was also able to leverage off their specialty MEP contractors that had strong BIM capabilities. Besides their engineering staff Kitchell was able to get their field personnel to adopt the use of BIM technology to better perform their operations.



2.4. Key BIM Technology Components

Revit

Architectural 3D Design Intent models

3D Construction models of architectural features

3D modeling of underground utilities and adjacent structures

Data export of from Revit (x.y,z coordinates) to survey equipment for layout and installation

NavisWorks

Composite modeling of various modeling applications

4D sequencing

Clash detection

Visualization

Coordination

Autodesk Design Review

Design, and constructability reviews

Trade model coordination

Third party tools:

Tekla (steel design analysis & fabrication models)

Google Sketchup & NavisWorks (quick phasing concept models)

Construction Model Servers:

Kitchell developed a custom FTP site and developed update and access protocols of models

Models were on site giving trade personnel access to updated models from which to build from



2.5. Graphics

Unistrut Metal Support System Model



Garage B Concrete Pour Placement Sequence

Scaffold Erection Study



MEP Coordination Composite Model

Site Logistics Planning Model



3. Evaluation

3.1. Results and Benefits

Kitchell’s BIM efforts allowed them to convey to PCH how complex the phasing and sequencing of this project is which allowed them to make key decisions early in the design that led to substantial cost and time savings without compromising “value, image and performance” of the new facility. The 3D graphic nature of BIM allowed PCH to comprehend the complexity of this project in a much shorter period of time and to develop more creative options than if traditional 2D methods has been used.

Specific areas where BIM collaborative processes brought value and or avoidance of future problems included the following:

4D scheduling-phasing. $3 million savings in parking shuttle costs due to re-sequencing one of the new parking. PCH used the $3 million in savings to purchase additional adjacent property for future needs. Also used as a collaborative communication tool with Hospital Staff and Administration to explain campus disruptions throughout the construction process.

3D modeling-Underground Utilities. Utilities (new and existing) were modeled (based on underground surveys) and fully coordinated prior to the start of construction. Identified scope gaps which assisted the Architect in producing a fully coordinated set of Civil Drawings. Ensured that all work designed could be installed thus eliminating the cost and schedule risks associated with underground work.

4D Sequencing & 3D Modeling-Structural Steel. Modeling and 4D sequencing allowed an “expedited erection plan” and lean process (as needed) delivery of steel which mitigated tight site conditions. Earlier floor and roof access for other trades accelerated the overall project schedule. Saved two months on Erection Schedule and significant savings in productivity for steel erection translating into over $1 million in cost savings.

4D Sequencing & 3D Modeling. Modeling and 4D sequencing of the central plant allowed a construction CPM schedule logic error, regarding the caisson foundation system, to be identified which avoided a potential delay to slab placement and underground pipe installation of 45 days.

3D Modeling & Structural Analysis. Structural analysis performed early in the design resulted in identification of unique, high-grade steel material and bracing requirements allowing Schuff Steel and Kitchell to identify a unique steel supplier and pre-purchase (prior to a period steel material escalation) steel resulting in a $2 million total savings due to pre-purchase of material.

3D Modeling/laser Survey Equipment. Translating x, y, z coordinate data from the 3D Revit models and downloading into digital survey equipment increased productivity and accuracy in building layout and component installation.

3D Modeling & Collaboration Project Management System. Paperless construction documents and electronic distribution saved a considerable amount of time and money in



handling, postage and reproduction costs. In addition, this turned out to be an excellent green component of the project that followed the Green Guidelines to Healthcare.

“Cloud” Soffit Connection Coordination Model



3.2. Key Project Quotes

“Revit, helped identify coordination challenges and complicated details and material intersections early in the design process …. HKS sent Kitchell the Revit model throughout the design process to coordinate with the subcontractor’s 3-D models for mechanical ductwork. The firm also sent models to mechanical, engineering and plumbing (MEP) engineer CCRD Partners, allowing them to design complicated mechanical rooms and verify clearances with structures. HKS relied on the Revit models to print columns, cross bracing and concrete basement walls on the architectural drawings.”

Joe Spague, Principal, HKS Inc.

“The phased approach of this construction was chosen because of its minimal impact on the delivery of care to patients … We will collaborate with the architect and facilities, clinical, and administration staff to maintain ongoing access to campus, ensure life safety and infection control requirements are met, and maintain a positive experience for the kids throughout the construction of the project-always maintaining patient care as the number one priority.”

Russ Korcuska, Project Director, Kitchell Contractors

“Significant up-front planning coupled with outstanding progress by HKS, Kitchell and Schuff as well as ironworkers in the field has allowed us to accelerate steel erection.”

Jim Madden, Senior Project Manager, Schuff Steel

Phoenix Children’s Hospital found the right combination of experience, creative solutions, and alignment with our family-centered values in HKS and Kitchell.”

Dave Cottle, PCH Executive Director of Planning, Design and Construction, PCH

“It's hard to envision this lifeless looking mesh of steel and concrete turning into a beautiful facility that will house the most precious assets we hold closest to our hearts. But that's precisely what it will become one day. So cool, I can hardly wait!”

PCH Patient