Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is creating a digital construction project model to help stakeholders visualise and understand the project's design, construction, and operation. A VDC engineer is a professional who specialises in creating, managing, and coordinating digital models throughout a construction project's lifecycle. This article will discuss what a VDC engineer is, what they do, how to become one, the difference between VDC and BIM, and the benefits of virtual design and construction.

What is a VDC Engineer?

A VDC engineer is a professional who uses various software and tools to create, manage, and coordinate digital models of construction projects. They work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the digital model accurately reflects the design intent, construction methods, and project requirements. VDC engineers must have a strong understanding of building codes, construction methods, materials, and expertise in 3D modelling, virtual reality, and other related technologies.

What does a VDC Engineer do?

The primary role of a VDC engineer is to create and manage digital models of construction projects. They use various software and tools, such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and BIM 360, to develop 3D models that accurately represent the building's design and construction. VDC engineers work with project stakeholders to ensure that the digital model aligns with the project goals and meets the required specifications.

Additionally, VDC engineers also manage the coordination of the digital model throughout the construction process. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that the digital model accurately represents the physical construction of the building. VDC engineers also use the digital model to identify and resolve potential conflicts before construction begins, reducing the likelihood of costly delays and change orders during construction.

How to become a VDC Engineer?

To become a VDC engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as construction management, architecture, or engineering. However, you can also gain relevant experience by working in the construction industry in a related role, such as a project manager or design engineer.

Also, it's essential to gain proficiency in relevant software and tools, such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and BIM 360. You can take courses and certifications in this software and tools to enhance your skills and knowledge.

What is the difference between VDC and BIM?

VDC and BIM are related terms, but they are not interchangeable. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a process of creating a digital model of a building that includes information about the building's geometry, materials, and other attributes. BIM is a subset of VDC, which consists of a broader range of technologies and processes used to manage the construction project's lifecycle.

VDC includes BIM and other technologies and processes, such as 4D scheduling, virtual reality, and clash detection. VDC is a more comprehensive approach to managing construction projects involving digital models and data to improve project outcomes.

What are the benefits of virtual design and construction? 

Virtual design and construction provide several benefits to construction projects, including: 

1. Improved Communication and Collaboration

VDC allows stakeholders to visualise and understand the construction project better, leading to better communication and collaboration throughout the project's lifecycle. The digital model can communicate design intent, construction methods, and project requirements to all stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. This collaboration can lead to more efficient construction.

2. Reduced Errors and Rework

VDC helps identify and resolve potential issues before construction begins, reducing the likelihood of errors and rework during construction. VDC software can simulate the construction process, allowing stakeholders to identify and address potential conflicts and issues before construction begins. Additionally, VDC provides for more accurate quantity takeoffs, reducing the likelihood of material shortages and cost overruns.

3. Improved Scheduling and Cost Management

VDC allows for better scheduling and cost management throughout the construction project, reducing the likelihood of costly delays and change orders. VDC software can create 4D models that include the construction schedule. Additionally, the digital model can be used to calculate the materials required for construction, allowing stakeholders to estimate the project's cost accurately.

4. Enhanced Safety

VDC can help identify potential safety hazards before construction begins, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries on the job site. VDC software can simulate the construction process and identify potential safety hazards.

5. Improved Sustainability

VDC can be used to optimise the building's energy performance and reduce its environmental impact. VDC software can analyse the building's energy use and identify opportunities to improve its efficiency. This can help reduce the building's carbon footprint and improve its sustainability.

Virtual design and construction (VDC) provide numerous benefits to construction projects, making it an increasingly essential tool for the construction industry. From improved communication and collaboration to enhanced safety, VDC offers a comprehensive approach to managing construction projects that use digital models and data to improve project outcomes.

Using VDC software, stakeholders can create, manage, and coordinate digital models accurately representing the building's design and construction. This allows for better communication, collaboration, and coordination between stakeholders throughout the project's lifecycle, improving project outcomes, reducing errors and rework, and better scheduling and cost management.

Additionally, VDC helps identify potential safety hazards before construction begins, making job sites safer for workers. VDC also allows for improved sustainability, helping to reduce the building's environmental impact and increase its energy efficiency.

As the construction industry evolves, virtual design and construction will become increasingly essential tools for construction projects of all sizes and types. With its numerous benefits, VDC is poised to revolutionise the construction industry, making construction projects safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.