Redefining Design: The Power of BIM at M. Davis

In the evolving landscape of construction and engineering, staying ahead means embracing innovation and cutting-edge technologies.

At M. Davis & Sons, we take pride in our commitment to revolutionize design and engineering practices through the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD).

Beyond Ordinary Design

At M. Davis, we craft solutions. Our team collaborates with design and engineering firms, leveraging the power of BIM to produce meticulous fabrication drawings that integrate with our models.

This integration is not superficial; it is a deeply ingrained process that emphasizes key modeling elements such as Process, Utility pipe, Structural Steel, and General arrangements for equipment that are uploaded to their respective platform.

Our commitment to excellence goes beyond aesthetics. We priority constructability, ensuring our designs are practical and feasible. By integrating our models with fabrication drawings, we streamline the process, minimizing errors and maximizing efficiency.

Precision from Inception: Define the LOD

Before embarking on the project, precision is paramount. That’s why we define the information required to achieve the desired Level of Development (or LOD). This process ensures a clear understanding of the scope of work with parties identified that are responsible for developing the specific LOD elements. By establishing the guidelines from the outset, we set the stage for success. Every project is carefully planned and executed to eliminate costly surprises down the line.

Comprehensive Disciplines Covered

Our proficiency extends across a spectrum of disciplines, ensuring that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients. Some of the key disciplines we specialize in include:

• REVIT: Leveraging the power of BIM to create comprehensive models that drive efficiency and accuracy.
• PLANT 3D: Designing complex industrial plants with precision and reliability.
• ADVANCED STEEL: Creating detailed structural steel designs that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
• INVENTOR: Unleashing creativity with advanced 3D mechanical design.
• FABRICATION MEP: Delivering innovative solutions for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• RECAP: Transforming reality into actionable data with advanced reality capture technology.
• NAVIS: Navigating complex projects with ease and efficiency, ensuring seamless coordination and collaboration.

 

No matter the scope or complexity of the project, our team has the expertise and experience to deliver results that exceed expectations.

Continue to read our Case Study for BIM!

Case Study for BIM: Large Cooling Tower Project 

In recent years, M. Davis and Sons was contracted to work with The DuPont Company and their engineering firm to replace an aging cooling tower at a Delaware facility. 

The objective was for the new cooling tower to provide reliable, efficient cooling for the large site. Noise reduction was another important feature to this customer, so we took all these factors into careful consideration. 

There were certain challenges we had to navigate. On the construction side, our main obstacle was upgrading the old tower in a short timeframe. We needed the new tower to be up and running by spring—and to stay within the same footprint at the DuPont site where the original cooling tower resided. 

Here is how we achieved this using BIM:
 

• During the Design Phase: 
  We had a part in the drafting to be done and had input on the way we would approach the project. BIM reduced the number of questions, in large part to the collaboration that TRTS software provided, and we had input on the front-end. Ultimately, the timing of this project was critical—and the footprint where the new cooling tower would reside was small. 
  We knew we needed to have clear communication and coordination between us, the engineering team and the end-owner.

• During the Fabrication Phase: 
  Our electrical shop made panels, steel, and pipe as fast as it could. BIM technology allowed us to prefabricate in our shops, which made the project move faster without compromising on quality. 

• During the Assembly Phase: 
  We brought the pieces together and assembled the electrical, steel, and piping into one unit. From there, we tested the unit and made corrections (and connections) in our controlled shop environment.
• During the Installation Phase: 
  Finally, we shipped and installed the modular components. Our team stayed on time and on budget, completing the new cooling tower by the early spring. The end owner, DuPont, was pleased to have a fully functional cooling tower completed before the warm weather arrived. Watch this short video of the Cooling Tower project re-cap to see where we used TRTS to get the reference points from the model into the field: