Graphical Database for Construction Planning and Cost Control

by Daniel P. Nevins, Stone and Webster Engineeering Corp, Boston, United States,
Ronald J. Zabilski, Stone and Webster Engineeering Corp, Boston, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Preparing for Construction in the 21st Century

Abstract:

Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation is using Computer Aided Construction (CAC) System that integrated construction planning with estimate development, schedule generation, and project management tools. Integration achieved by linking IBM's DB2 relational database with the CATIA three-dimensional (3-D) solids modeling application. The relational database is the central repository for plant information and documents of a project over the cycle of the entire facility. The 3-D model is the design and the window to the database information. Construction planning is conducted with the construction sequence model. The model provides the construction engineer with a tool that helps clarify the scope of the project. The design model is disassembled into its base components, pipe spools, concrete pours, and equipment. A project team then assembles the model simulating the sequence of field construction activities. The sequence model can be played back for verification of the logic and can be easily modified to account for problems, such as material and equipment access, delays of equipment delivery, and craft loading. Quantities are developed from the physical characteristics of the 3-D model. Labor-hours are generated by multiplying historical installation rates by the modeled quantities. Material and labor costs are then extended. The graphic sequence model is then used to generate the project network schedule. Construction progress is reported by selecting modeled components that have been completed in the field; labor-hours are loaded from the project's accounting system. The system then updates the schedule and reports using performance measuring techniques.

Subject Headings: Three-dimensional models | Construction management | Computer models | Project management | Databases | Computer aided operations | Graphic methods

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