VDC implementation in transport infrastructure projects

Abstract

Due to the accusation that construction industry have low efficiency levels, relatively poor profit margins, and problems with quality when compared with other manufacturing industries, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) methodology, which has been mostly developed by the Centre for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE) at Stanford University, is seen as a potential tool to overcome such problems.VDC aims to provide effective means of adequately integrate multidisciplinary information required for the project design, planning and construction phases. The contribution of such tolls in construction projects may have different performances and implementations according to the project type and therefore the challenges faced by the project manager as well.By adopting VDC, it may bring to firms benefits regarding project coordination, integration and decision making, planning, review and communication processes during the design and construction life cycle.Full implementation and application of VDC and proper practice is yet to be achieved in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. The challenges regarding transport infrastructure projects still persist and seem to be bigger when compared to building projects. Some uncertainty remains however within the industry towards VDC and therefore impediments which firms have been facing are assessed in order to allow VDC applicability in their business models.