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Client: Parallel Technologies
Location: Global
VinZero Partner: U.S. CAD
Industry: Development & Integration
Autodesk Solutions: Autodesk Revit
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OVERVIEW:
John Ray, Design and Estimation at Parallel Technologies, knew his team would need some help to meet the tight project timeline. “This facility is about six times the area of the previous projects that we’ve done for this client. It’s also more complex requiring a multi-phase construction approach all in an abbreviated timeline of 10 months.”
Along with large scope and scale, the security systems had to be fully designed in Autodesk Revit to facilitate clash detection.
“While we have Revit experience, the scope and timeline of this project was such that we knew we needed to bring on seasoned talent to help us,” says Ray.
After evaluating top BIM services companies, Parallel Technologies selected U.S. CAD.
Ray notes, “We had little margin for error or delay. We needed a partner with the ability to scale quickly and easily. From the first meeting, the highly trained U.S. CAD BIM production staff demonstrated a depth of experience and knowledge as well as the availability to help us meet this deadline.”
2D TO 3D EASE:
The first step was for the U.S. CAD team to translate Parallel Technologies’ 2D designs from both AutoCAD and PDF into a 3D Revit model. These designs incorporate comprehensive combination of access control, surveillance, and redundant low voltage communications system. One of the earliest challenges in the design and development of Parallel Technologies’ 3D model was the limited library of security solutions.
“Parallel had some good content that they were able to provide, such as equipment racks,” recalls Maggie Terry, BIM Engineer with U.S. CAD and lead on this effort. “Additional content either came from manufacturer content from the Axis plugin for Autodesk Revit or, in some cases like with security monitors, we developed from scratch. When it was possible, I tried to incorporate Revit families from manufacturers that Parallel Technologies typically specs out.”
The team also added custom parameters to the camera “family” to allow for lens information and each camera had a unique identifier that was included in the equipment schedule.
Camera identification in an elevation view can be vital during the installation process. Terry says, “In a plan view, you see the same tags, but the mounting height information is lost, so the elevations views with those same tags puts placement in perspective.”
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3D INTERACTION:
The 3D model provided almost instant value. Early on in the design, Parallel Technologies and U.S. CAD team sorted space throughout the data center into five custom color-coded Security Zone Maps using Revit space tools.
Security Level 1 - Bio In / Bio Out
Security Level 2 - Bio In / Card Out
Security Level 3 - Card In / Card Out
Security Level 4 - Card In / Rex Out
Security Level 5 - No Access Control
Since every piece of equipment, de-vice and fixture was modeled into a five-page equipment schedule, Ray was able to utilize the embedded data within those elements to create sched-ules. All schedules used a security closet as a control room that was fur-ther broken down and linked to other rooms and doors within the building. The Security Zone Maps allowed Parallel Technologies to also communicate to the client the security level of each specific room or pathway, which can be easier to read than a schedule.
BENEFITS:
One of the biggest benefits of using Revit over AutoCAD is that a Revit model is of course, the 3D perspective. On this project, the architectural team utilized BIM 360 Team to coordinate each disciplines’ Revit models. Through this site, each member of the data center project team had a live link to every model that was referenced in their own model (e.g., mechanical could see electrical design). This virtual connection greatly streamlined coordination as nobody had to wait for manual email or shared site updates.
For instance, the architect designed a data center lobby that was entirely encased in glass walls, which creates challenges when it comes to mounting cameras. Ray confirms, “This was a very effective tool that we used in the initial design review to visually represent the layers of the security system. The client was able to provide quick feedback for us to adjust as needed. If not for the Revit model, we would be walking the entire site “door by door” to explain the design.”
With the modeled security elements including support structure Ray and his team were able to show the client the challenges of an all glass system. He adds, “Because of different profiles in the architecture of the building, control joints in the concrete panels, and other services entering in the building the most ideal place for placing the cameras were not always feasible, but with the elevations and we were able to come up with solutions that wouldn’t compromise the ability of the security cameras to do their job.”
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The Parallel Technologies team was also able to adjust security room parameters. These rooms become the centralized location for all things related to security, communication and monitoring which results in the room being undersized.
Of course, one of the biggest benefits of 3D modeling is the ability to ‘see’ how mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems come together throughout the building.
“With the U.S. CAD-developed 3D model, we were able to quickly identify and communicate issues to the owner, the architect and the contractor,” Ray said. “In particular, we were able to model the network pathways along corridors and show how those conduits and cables fit share space with MEP and fire protection.”
Ultimately, the Parallel Technologies/U.S. CAD team met the imposed deadline for the Phase 1 security solution. The same model can now be utilized to finish out the other phases of the project as well as to support future BIM coordination that may be needed. Ray concludes, “This was a big win for us – both in terms of meeting the client’s schedule, and for our BIM education and advancement. We learned a lot from this project and know we have a trusted partner to help us continue our 3D evolution.”