Bridging the Gap between Engineering and Construction 3D Models in Support of Advanced Work Packaging

Abstract

Project failures and disputes are not uncommon in the construction industry. Advanced work packaging (AWP) is a planning and execution approach popular for capital and industrial projects. Although management processes are well defined, a gap still exists between informational deliverables provided by engineering and construction planners’ needs. Such disconnect is predominant in piping three-dimensional (3D) models for industrial projects, which often require adjustments and rekey of information in later stages of the project to be suitable for construction. This rework commonly causes delays and cost overruns in the project—a scenario prone to result in claims and disputes. To better understand this gap, the Construction Industry Institute (CII) commissioned Research Team TC-01 to investigate major hurdles experienced with piping 3D models, and to provide guidelines for a more construction-ready deliverable. Experienced construction professionals were interviewed and results indicate a lack of uniformity in 3D model development, lack of perception of the 3D model as a tool to be used downstream in the project, and lack of perception of the 3D model as a formal deliverable.