Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP) is a global leader in engineered wood products. They manufacture wood framing, siding, OSB panels, and more. Miron Construction was engaged to help LP rebuild an existing hydraulic press and manufacturing line for lap siding. Using the latest construction technology, Miron set out to acheive three key goals, including:

• Decrease installation time
• Save on overall project cost
• Reduce lead engineer’s project-related duties

To accomplish these goals, Miron utilized multiple technologies, tools, and systems, coordinated through VPI (Virtual Process Information Modeling) - a lesser known cousin of BIM. This enabled real-time, reliable collaboration across all stakeholders which translated to a faster, cheaper, smoother rebuild process from start to finish. The project was so successful that this connected approach is now mandated by Miron on all projects.

Multiple construction technologies were integrated

Miron’s success proves that you don’t have to be one of the world’s largest construction companies to successfully integrate multiple technologies. Their innovative VPI approach enabled them to leverage several technologies, tools, systems and processes, including:

• 3D terrestrial scanning
• Using models for clash detection and multi-discipline coordination
• Tools for manufacturing and pre-fabricating that integrated with construction processes

Laser scanning expedited the process of capturing and documenting existing building conditions; allowing Miron and the entire project team to use the detailed point cloud to fully understand utility tie-ins and other facility infrastructure surrounding the actual equipment.

BIM + collaboration saves on speed and cost

Rebuilding LP’s hydraulic press and lap line required the coordination not only of dozens of technologies, systems, and tools, but also the collaboration of stakeholders across multiple departments of both organizations.

To manage the collaboration, Miron managed all construction drawings and 3D models in the cloud using BIM and VPI. All project stakeholders from both organizations were required to participate in all stages of the engineering, fabrication, and construction of the project, using 3D models as the basis. In addition, all 2D installation drawings were required to be created from the corresponding 3D models, which helped ensure model and drawing integrity.

Coordinating models and drawings through cloud-based BIM provided substantial time savings. The process of compiling, transcribing, and communicating documents traditionally can take days, and every RFI or change order requires another round of time-consuming communication. With information synchronized through VPI, however, all stakeholders have instant, accurate, up to date access to all documents, as well as notifications of changes and RFIs.

This had the added benefit of eliminating rework, which can account for as much as 20% of the project cost.

PRO-TIP: Streamline RFIs & submittals by managing all construction project drawings & data in one place.

Multiple efficiencies were gained

Miron’s BIM + VPI approach to the project provided a large number of additional efficiencies, including:

• Identifying in advance the ideal location for the equipment, including utility connections, through pre-scanning the site
• Proactively identifying existing building and equipment constraints, through the use of laser scanning and mapping point cloud data to the model
• Efficiently producing installation dimensions offsite
• Building the project in a model and doing crucial clash detection analysis prior to construction
• Utilizing construction management software tools to confirm schedule accuracy by creating 4D time lapse simulation of the new equipment installation
• Educating all installing trades on their role in the installation sequence
• Model information was exported from the model, loaded into a laser tracker, and used to establish the points required to accurately layout and measure center lines, anchor bolt locations, etc.

Far-reaching results

Integrating cloud tools with full synchronization into their process, Miron eliminated wasted time and materials. Of equal importance, they gained 95% contingency savings by eliminating system interferences such as conflicts between process piping, equipment, and electrical systems.

LP experienced a level of technical skill, ability, and professionalism from Miron that they had previously never seen from a contractor. The lead engineer, whose time savings were a partial measure of the project’s success, was so impressed that he used the project to establish a baseline for future project processes. For Miron, the project was a model for the success of their BIM + VPI process, an innovative and integrated approach to construction.

Learn how you can run a connected job site by downloading our free guide to connecting construction data and documents.

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