Virtual Reality on the construction site thanks to BIM

Surgery Graz © Lorenz Consult ZT GmbH

AdobeStock 129713457 © ME Image

In the field of digitalization of construction, general planner Lorenz Consult has been a pioneer since 2005. More effective interdisciplinary planning and the visualization of the building in 3D led to the introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in 2009. The list of successfully implemented large projects is long, and development continues – up to the use of Head-Up Display glasses.

At Lorenz Consult, civil engineering firm for construction, there is a dedicated BIM standard across all departments, thirteen years after the introduction of Building Information Modeling. New team members are trained by existing staff. Additionally, current topics are discussed in BIM rounds to further develop BIM within the company. "BIM is a vital tool for the digitalization of the construction industry. Digital data and information are increasingly integrated into on-site construction and are gradually replacing 2D plans," explains Managing Director DI Christian Lorenz.

With Display Glasses on the Construction Site

For the near future, Lorenz believes that site managers and construction supervision will walk around the construction site with Head-Up Display glasses to access 3D information: "An effective inspection of the proper construction of the structures is thus possible."
To actually implement this, the main task of BIM remains providing 3D geometry information and calculating quantities for tenders and cost estimation. New scanner technologies facilitate digital billing of completed construction services.

BIM as an Important Planning Tool

Thirteen years of planning and building with BIM have been a time of learning and further development for Lorenz Consult: "Most of our experience was gained with the Graz Surgery. Since we based this large project on a comprehensive model, the loading times of the model were extremely long," reports Christian Lorenz. Today, work is done with sub-models, and importantly: "Even when we use BIM, we maintain the proven planning processes."

From BIM Skeptic to BIM Enthusiast

The fact that convincing work is sometimes necessary during BIM implementation is demonstrated by a recent project in highly technical cleanroom planning: "Initially, our client was skeptical about the added value of the models. Today, just before completion, he is a BIM fan and allows the as-built situation to be fully represented in the model," shares general planner Christian Lorenz. Success recipes include close collaboration with the process planner from the early project phase and the integration of construction and plant models. This allows early development of installation options, adaptation of the building to these needs, and collision avoidance.