As building information modeling (BIM) becomes the go-to tool for delivering complex projects faster and more accurately, teams are discovering the benefits of applying virtual design and construction techniques to aspects of projects not typically modeled—underscoring BIM’s capacity to minimize delays and streamline costs.

Working at the forefront of these advancements are DPR BIM engineers, such as Dan Casale, who has taken his experiences from the field and translated them into a technical overview of the gains made when BIM is used to model metal-stud framing, as DPR is doing on more than 2.6 million sq. ft. of healthcare construction in California and Texas.

Casale’s research shows modeling drywall, as with modeling other systems, has multiple long- and short-term benefits for the project team, subcontractors and the client.

For example, because using BIM to create virtual mockups is faster and less expensive than building live mockups, BIM has proven beneficial for prototyping new ideas. Partnerships with subcontractors, clients and design professionals have enabled DPR to put prefabricated walls through multiple paces in the virtual world and, eventually, transfer that virtual mockup into a live fabrication. Those lessons from the virtual mockup can result in a savings of time and money during a project’s research-and-development phase. Furthermore, they can directly impact the design of the live mockup that eventually is created.

It is also becoming evident that modeling for coordination helps to create an efficient design and resolve potential requests for information (RFIs) during preconstruction.

For Tyler Krehlik, an associate principal with Anshen + Allen, a part of Stantec Architecture, a collaboration with DPR represented his first experience with modeled drywall in his 12 years in the industry. According to Krehlik, the level of coordination exceeds typical detail. “Actual stud sizing and orientations at odd conditions are being modeled and coordinated during the construction documents phase, rather than becoming field coordination issues. This should assist the framers later in material quantities, and should make for a quicker install,” Krehlik said, adding that modeling’s potential to reduce stud/mechanical/electrical/plumbing conflicts, and therefore RFIs, is significant.

Another finding in Casale’s research is the influence modeling can have on design, making framing and mechanical duct designs and installations more favorable.

According to ACCO Engineered System’s Randall Ksenzulak, “The framing model is our base for every room layout. Where the doors and windows are gives us a starting point for the ductwork entering and exiting the rooms. By knowing where the framing is before populating the model, we are able to minimize the number of king studs taken out by large ducts, which leads to a more efficient system.”

The benefits of modeling extend well beyond the initial construction. Owners can consult an as-built model when preparing for building maintenance and future renovations, for example.

Read DPR Drywall Modeling: Ever Forward to read the paper in its entirety.

Casale’s whitepaper, “DPR Drywall Modeling: Ever Forward,” was written in collaboration with Matt Rayhbuck, Matt Henwood, Durga Tiwari, Songya Kesler, Casey Conner, Skip Miyamoto, Larry Lopes, John Baker, Randall Ksenzulak, Herb Moussa, Tyler Krehlik, Franklin Lee, Phillipe Raoust and Norm Counter.