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BIM and Prefabrication for Fast-Track Efficiency

February 3, 2016

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Over the years, building information modeling (BIM) technology and workflows have proven successful in the construction industry. When properly planned and paired with other tools such as Trimble GPS, they expand the boundaries of construction efficiency exponentially.

Like BIM, prefabrication has been gaining popularity among owners and builders. Prefabricated items, which are created in a controlled environment, are generally higher quality than site-built items, and with the aid of technology, it is now possible to prefabricate components of buildings that were previously impossible.

The benefits of prefabrication often parallel those of BIM: increased safety and efficiency, higher quality, and reduced labor and material costs.

13182_N7_webview-300x200On the $94 million construction of WellStar Paulding Hospital in Hiram, Georgia, these tools proved to be the keys to success for fast-tracking the project successfully—and with exceptional results.

The WellStar Paulding Hospital replacement was a true fast-track project. Work began before the construction documents were completed, and the project could not have met its aggressive schedule without the project team’s commitment to using cutting-edge technologies and innovative techniques—primarily BIM in conjunction with prefabrication.

Pages-from-WellStar-Paulding-Case-Study-150x190Creating efficiencies is important on projects of any size or type, but for a fast-track project, the difference between success and failure is determined by the number and impact of these efficiencies and the project team’s ability to create them while maintaining quality and staying within budget. On the WellStar Paulding Hospital project, Brasfield & Gorrie and its skilled team of subcontractors succeeded beyond WellStar’s expectations. By building the job virtually months in advance of actual construction and prefabricating components off site, the team sped up production and installation, improved quality, reduced material rework, enhanced safety, and reduced waste, not only in materials but in design intent, fabrication design, construction, and installation. Though the schedule was aggressive, the project was completed successfully on time in February 2014.

To find out how the combination of BIM and prefabrication led to these results at WellStar Paulding Hospital, download the full case study.