VDC technology allows stakeholders to identify and assess safety concerns before building begins to reduce hazards that lead to incidents onsite and minimize social and environmental impact.
Virtual Design and Construction Software
By Elizabeth Crofton | BIM, CAD, Sustainability, Visualization
What is VDC technology?
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a type of technology that creates digital models of buildings and project sites. Architects, engineers, and contractors use VDC models to visualize and plan building designs, processes, schedules, budgets, and more. VDC technology allows companies to analyze construction plans from start to finish before breaking ground.
What is the difference between VDC and BIM?
VDC and building information modeling (BIM) technology are related, but differ in purpose. BIM technology creates a digital representation of a physical building. VDC technology uses 3D BIM models and other information to digitally plan out all aspects of a construction project—from estimating costs to scheduling and risk management.
Using the AEC Collection for VDC
The Autodesk AEC Collection is an integrated set of BIM tools that enable you to quickly and efficiently create building design, civil infrastructure and construction simulations. The collection supports all phases of the building lifecycle with design technologies that cover conceptual design through construction.
VDC Workflow for Construction
The risk of human error is inherent in construction workflows. VDC technology allows you to build a project virtually then track construction progress, optimize processes, minimize waste, and validate installations. The workflow becomes more efficient, quality improves, and risk is reduced.
Benefits of virtual design and construction
Save money, increase collaboration and improve quality and safety on your construction projects.
SAVE TIME & MONEY
When applied properly, VDC technology helps save time and money, from delivering more accurate preconstruction cost analysis to optimized detailing for more accurate bids and estimates.
INCREASE COLLABORATION
VDC technology allows multiple multi-disciplinary parties to collaborate in a virtual environment, providing everyone the most current design information and enhancing off-site coordination.
IMPROVE QUALITY
Preconstruction visualization helps allocate proper funding to important construction aspects. Modeling through each phase of construction eliminates field errors and further improves quality outcomes.
ENHANCE HEALTH & SAFETY
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Collection
The AEC Collection allows VDC teams to plan, design, construct, and manage buildings virtually using integrated CAD and BIM tools. Mitigate risks early by optimizing designs for constructability. Reliably measure quantities to estimate construction costs. Coordinate models to reduce costly field coordination issues, and so much more.
Virtual design and construction resources
FOR BIM/VDC COORDINATORS
BIM/VDC coordinators describe their career paths, common duties and responsibilities, and their recommended best practices on the job.
VDC & BIM FOR EXECS
Get an executive overview of the features and benefits of VDC and BIM technology and how they apply to construction projects.
DRONE DEPLOYMENT
Get a VDC manager’s approach to drone deployment on large-scale projects. Learn about trends and regulations in UAV use, how to outsource deployment, and prepare, deliver, and analyze drone outputs and more.
DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT MADE EASY
Learn how a construction firm integrated BIM 360 Document Management technology into the VDC process for improved information management.
INDUSTRIES: Architecture, Buildings, Construction
