The same day, the crossing highways were flipped in an alternative design. Automated retaining walls were created from the constraints developed within the software. Similar quantities were calculated for comparison and an informed decision was made to move forward with the original design. Communicating the design As mentioned before, communicating design intent in the past has typically been done on hand-drafted paper or on 2D CAD-developed paper plans. Someone with industry experience would then study the plans and visualize the project. Often, specific design elements that the designer wanted to convey may be missed or overlooked by the reviewer mentally visualizing the project. With the designer and the reviewer on different pages, communicating design intent and address- ing stakeholder concerns becomes an even bigger challenge. Also, visualization software required heavy-duty computing power, an experienced user who may or may not have an engineering back- ground, and a significant amount of time invested into each model. Consequently, these models would often only be used for high-profile projects with large budgets. Current design-centered 3D modeling software such as OpenRoads, Autodesk REVIT, or Autodesk Civil3D allows design intent to be communicated faster and easier. The software is more intuitive, easier to use, and more accessible than ever before. 3D visualizations are the direct by-product of engineering calculations. The increased use of 3D models helps increase collaboration among not only engineers, but also stakeholders, politicians, and the public. Since everyone un- derstands the intent of the project better, work-sharing and problem- solving workshop scenarios help foster closer relationships between these stakeholders. A case in point: During a meeting, a client requested the design team to determine the cost difference between using a retaining wall, a con- crete side slope, or purchasing right-of-way, expecting an answer later in the week. Within 10 minutes during the same meeting, the designer was able to show the client what the project would look like in each scenario and a rough cost comparison between the three scenarios. Visualizing the design in 3D helped inspire new ideas and increased collaboration between the client and consultant. Training benefit Training young engineers-in-training (EITs) and staff is easier when the concepts you are trying to teach are easily visualized as well. The previous generation of engineers would conceptualize everything in 2D and often have difficulty grasping certain 3D design concepts in mind, using Excel, or even drafting the elements in plan, profile, or cross section. Using 3D design methodologies, EITs can be taught concepts and the ripple effect of design changes throughout the life of the project. A realistic, visualized model is much more impactful than
tend to move slower than other civil fields, but it is improving nation- wide. Pilot projects in many states are beginning to see the benefit of stakeless jobs — construction projects based on digital information and often using 3D design models in automated machine grading/paving. Contract language and national/statewide standards regarding 3D de- sign can be improved and adopted. On some current projects, a 3D design is developed, then converted down to 2D plan sets. The winning contractor would then recreate the 3D model from the 2D plan sets with inferior information. How can we move more efficiently from design to construction? In some states, the true benefit of 3D design from designer to contractor can be realized only through innovative contracting vehicles such as design-build, construction manager, or general contractor at risk. How can we make this work better for design-bid-build or rather, how can we change design-bid-build to utilize 3D design models? With the growing popularity of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), 3D design models are quickly developing not just for visualization, but also for formwork construction and real-world clash detection. In other industries, VR/AR with real-life application, like construction, are being developed with various software companies such as Microsoft’s Hololens, Occipital Structure, HTC Vive, and even Facebook/Oculus VR. Martin Bros. recently created a proof of concept by having some- one construct a bathroom pod frame with no plans and only using Microsoft’s Hololens. City planners and engineers in Christchurch, New Zealand, have used an app called CityView AR to show where buildings were before earthquakes. Autodesk and Bentley have been developing various products to take advantage of the growing interest in AR and how it can help pave the way of the future in planning, design, and construction. Conclusion 3D design models help transportation engineers design smarter, faster, and more efficiently than years past. Current models also mitigate risk, reduce time, produce better designs with accurate calculations and quantities, and convey the design intent more effectively than ever be- fore. In addition, they can be used to help train younger staff or foster better collaboration between clients, consultants, contractors, and the public. While the current state of 3D design tools is far from perfect, they provide a better way to deliver projects more efficiently today and in years to come.
ALAN ESGUERRA, P.E., is a senior transportation engineer at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN; www.lan-inc.com), a national planning, engineering, and program management firm. He can be contacted at acesguerra@lan-inc.com.
a stack of papers with lines. Potential improvements
The new generation of 3D design models in the transportation industry are far from perfect. Adoption of new technologies in transportation
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