Magil Tisseur — Construction Management Award Winner 2024

Revolutionizing Construction Management with Micro-Drones and LiDar Technology

Magil-Tisseur CRJDA Sainte-Thérèse project exemplifies innovation in construction management. By integrating advanced BIM and VDC tools, micro-drones, laser scanning, and 4D simulations, the team overcame complex challenges, setting new industry standards for collaboration, efficiency, and technology-driven solutions in a fast-track design-build project.

The key challenge in the CRJDA project was managing the complexity of integrating multiple systems within a non-standard architectural design while maintaining tight construction schedules. The building’s curved forms, lack of typical floor layouts, and complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems posed significant coordination challenges. Additionally, the facility required features commonly found in detention facilities, which had to be seamlessly incorporated without creating a harsh or institutional feel, as the primary purpose of the building is rehabilitation for children.

Compounding this was the fact that this project marked the first design-build contract for Magil Construction, as well as the first joint venture with Tisseur, another general contractor. Both companies had to rapidly adapt to new roles, learn to collaborate effectively, and leverage their respective strengths while addressing each other’s weaknesses. This partnership demanded a steep learning curve in optimizing processes, sharing resources, and aligning management strategies.

Moreover, the fast-track nature of the design-build contract meant that construction began while portions of the design were still being finalized. This required intricate planning and real-time coordination across teams, all while ensuring the project remained on schedule and within budget. Balancing these logistical, technical, and collaborative challenges was essential for the project’s success.

Challenge

The challenges faced in the CRJDA project are highly relevant to the broader construction industry, particularly in the context of design-build contracts and collaborative ventures between general contractors. As more public infrastructure projects move towards design-build models, the industry is seeing an increasing need for seamless coordination between design and construction phases. The challenge of starting construction while the design is still being finalized is a reality many companies are facing. Successfully managing this requires innovative tools, real-time communication, and precise coordination to avoid costly delays and rework.

Moreover, the collaboration between two general contractors, Magil Construction and Tisseur, reflects a growing trend in the industry where partnerships are formed to combine strengths and mitigate individual weaknesses. This approach can be powerful, but it also brings its own set of challenges, such as learning to integrate workflows, share responsibilities, and align decision-making processes. The CRJDA project serves as a case study for how such joint ventures can be structured to overcome these hurdles.

The ability to efficiently manage complex designs, integrate advanced mechanical and security systems, and execute a fast-track project while maintaining a focus on the psychological comfort of building occupants is also highly relevant to sectors like healthcare, education, and rehabilitation. The lessons learned in this project have the potential to shape best practices for handling similar challenges across the industry.

Solution

Magil-Tisseur addressed the CRJDA project’s challenges through a comprehensive, technology-driven approach that managed complex design elements and the fast-track nature of construction. By developing a fully federated 3D BIM model integrating architectural, structural, and MEP systems, the team detected and resolved over 2,800 clashes early on. Ongoing use of BIM and VDC enabled real-time coordination, allowing the team to promptly address evolving design and construction issues, minimizing on-site conflicts and keeping the project on schedule.

Early involvement of key contractors, particularly those handling mechanical and structural systems, was crucial. They produced high-detail models for fabrication and coordination, which were integrated into the BIM platform. With access to collaborative tools like BIM 360 and Revizto, 66 users from 11 companies worked together in real-time, ensuring instant access to design updates, clash detection, and construction sequences. Frequent automated clash detection ensured seamless coordination across systems.

Additionally, quantity extractions from BIM models allowed precise tracking of materials and work progress. Surface finishes, concrete and excavation volumes, and MEP duct lengths were quantified to verify compliance with specifications and manage supply chains. For example, the brick walls contractor invoiced based on linear meters of walls completed monthly, tracked in the field using Revizto on tablets, ensuring accurate expense control.

By integrating advanced technologies, fostering early contractor involvement, and utilizing real-time collaboration, we resolved the project’s challenges by enhancing coordination, reducing errors, optimizing efficiency, and effectively managing costs within the constraints of the fast-track schedule.

Innovativeness

We extensively used micro-drones for real-time aerial data during excavation and structural phases, generating photogrammetric pointclouds georeferenced with permanent GCPs for high-accuracy. This allowed precise validation of excavation depths, slab quality, and ensured excavation volumes matched the design, preventing disputes over quantities. Drones also provided data for safety analyses, such as verifying excavation side slopes and proximity to electric lines, to prevent hazards. Laserscanning was applied at critical stages like concrete placement and mechanical installations, ensuring adherence to design specifications and minimizing rework.

Daily panoramic images were captured using OpenSpace and integrated into the BIM model. This enabled real-time comparison between as-built conditions and the planned model, facilitating immediate identification of discrepancies and swift corrective actions, enhancing quality control and communication across the project team.

We created 4D simulations linking the 3D model to the project schedule using Fuzor, optimizing construction sequences from high-level overviews to detailed analyses of mechanical rooms. Dynamic simulations modeled the movement of large equipment through the building, allowing optimal route planning and minimizing disruptions. CmBuilder was used to model four logistic scenarios focusing on general setup, concrete pouring, excavation, and steel structure installation. This improved communication, enhanced site safety, and had significant cost implications, as logistics impact the general contractor’s budget and influence trades and suppliers.

We conducted tests with Boston Dynamics’ Spot and the Trimble HP SitePrint robots, exploring automation in data capture and site layout. Field tests of TrimbleAR and ReviztoAR allowed on-site teams to visualize BIM models overlaid on the physical environment.

Results

Over 2,800 issues were identified during the design-coordination phase. Collaboration involved 66 users from 11 companies, working with 27 models. 44 automated clash tests were set up and run weekly.

BIM processes included 162 parametric search-sets for tasks like coordination, QTO, and asset management, along with 7 appearance templates for model visualization.

Micro-drones executed 134 missions, totaling 1,271 minutes of flight time, each producing orthomaps and point clouds. This allowed for validation of excavation depths, slab quality, and progress tracking.

Laserscanning generated 26 pointclouds totaling 452 GB of data, used for verification during critical stages like concrete placement and mechanical installations.

360-degree cameras captured 534 site visits, integrating panoramic images into the BIM model. This enabled real-time comparison between as-built conditions and planned models, enhancing quality verification.

4D simulations were created using Fuzor, including 7 sequence optimization scenarios and 5 dynamic simulations of large equipment movement. Additionally, CmBuilder was used for site logistics, developing 4 scenarios focusing on concrete pouring, steel structure installation, excavation, and general site setup.

As a result, the project remained largely on budget at $140,556,000, with minimal claims or extras, and was completed close to the scheduled timeframe. Early integration of key contractors facilitated smoother coordination, significantly contributing to the project’s success.

Methods of Measurement: Software-generated reports and dashboards from platforms provided detailed metrics, which were compared against industry and internal benchmarks. Despite being our first design-build joint venture, the project’s success in staying on budget and schedule validates the effectiveness of the innovative approaches used.

Open standards

Implementing BIM and VDC in the CRJDA project required adopting open data exchange standards like IFC (Industry Foundation Classes), ensuring interoperable BIM data sharing across diverse software applications.

We utilized a COBie-like (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange) standard for robust data collection during construction. This simplified transferring essential information to the owners upon handover and contributed to populating the Asset Information Model (AIM) for efficient long-term facility management.

A comprehensive BIM Execution Plan (BEP) outlined the project’s lifecycle, defining BIM deliverables and stakeholder responsibilities, facilitating effective construction processes.

Transparency was ensured by granting all parties access to collaboration platforms like Revizto, BIM 360, and Procore, enhancing project understanding and fostering collaboration among 66 users from 11 companies.

These interconnected platforms reduced errors. Procore served as the central management hub, allowing document access and issue linkage with Revizto, which facilitated the creation of RFIs (Requests for Information) from Revizto issues while maintaining their interconnections. Procore was also integrated with Magil-Tisseur’s financial system, Acumatica, promoting efficient project management.

By leveraging these open standards and interconnected platforms, we facilitated real-time BIM coordination. This created a collaborative environment that promoted transparency and communication among all stakeholders, enhancing the overall execution and success of this complex project.

Best practices

By successfully integrating advanced BIM and VDC tools in a fast-track, complex project, we demonstrated that real-time, collaborative coordination among multiple stakeholders is not only feasible but highly effective. Early involvement of key contractors in the BIM process, allowing them to contribute their own detailed models, showcases a shift toward more integrated project delivery methods. This approach enhances coordination, reduces errors, and accelerates project timelines, setting a new standard for efficient project execution.

The project’s advanced R&D initiatives, such as deploying robotics like Boston Dynamics’ Spot and the Trimble HP robot, highlight the future of construction technology. These robotic solutions improved data capture, site layout efficiency, and safety, demonstrating their practical applications on large projects. Additionally, implementing augmented reality tools like Trimble AR and Revizto AR in the field enhanced visualization and on-site problem-solving, enabling real-time adjustments and better stakeholder engagement.

The innovative use of micro-drones for site documentation and progress tracking, combined with laser scanning and integration with BIM models, provides a blueprint for improving quality control and accuracy. These technologies enable precise validation of work, minimizing disputes and rework, and can be adopted industry-wide to enhance project outcomes.

Advanced 4D simulations for construction sequencing and equipment movement demonstrate the value of visual planning tools in optimizing workflows and resource allocation. This encourages the adoption of simulation technologies to improve efficiency and safety across the industry.

By integrating these cutting-edge technologies and methods, the project addresses common industry challenges such as complex coordination and tight schedules.

Economic Benefit

While economic metrics like GDP growth and job creation are vital indicators, some projects offer profound social benefits that transcend monetary value. The CRJDA project is one such initiative. By investing in the psychological health and rehabilitation of children, we are nurturing future generations who will shape Canada’s socio-economic landscape. The mental well-being of these young individuals is invaluable and cannot be quantified in dollars.

From an economic standpoint, the project has generated jobs in construction, engineering, and emerging fields like BIM modeling, drone operation, and data analysis, fostering a more skilled workforce. The adoption of advanced technologies enhances the competitiveness of Canadian firms, attracting investment and stimulating growth in related industries such as software development and education.

Moreover, providing a state-of-the-art facility that supports the mental health of youth contributes to reducing future societal costs associated with healthcare, social services, and lost productivity. Healthy, well-supported children are more likely to become productive members of society, driving innovation and contributing positively to the economy in the long term.

The CRJDA project exemplifies how strategic investments can yield both immediate economic benefits and immeasurable social returns. By prioritizing the mental health of our youth, we are investing in the nation’s future prosperity and well-being, which ultimately enhances Canada’s economic strength and social fabric.

In summary, this submission not only stimulates economic growth through technological innovation and job creation but also delivers lasting social benefits by supporting the mental health of children—an investment that pays dividends beyond measure.

Broader Impact

The CRJDA project provides a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center for youth aged 6 to 17 with adaptation difficulties. The facility’s design thoughtfully integrates security features without creating an institutional atmosphere, reducing psychological stress and promoting healing. Importantly, the project preserves one of the municipality’s last native wetlands—a critical habitat for protected amphibian species. By incorporating protected paths through this natural area, the project offers therapeutic immersion in nature for the children, enhancing their rehabilitation experience while promoting biodiversity conservation.

The project demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through the integration of 142 geothermal wells, each 6 inches wide and 200 meters deep. Glycol pipes run through these wells to harness geothermal energy, maintaining temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. This system preheats in winter and precools in summer, resulting in significant long-term energy savings and reducing the facility’s carbon footprint.

Moreover, the innovative use of technologies like BIM, micro-drones, laser scanning, and advanced 4D simulations leads to more efficient construction processes, reducing material waste and environmental impact. These technologies played a crucial role in protecting the wetland area during construction, ensuring environmental preservation alongside project development.

By setting a precedent for integrating advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and environmental conservation, this submission encourages others to adopt similar methods. This contributes to broader societal benefits, including improved environmental health, sustainable development, and enhanced social well-being. The project offers a model that can inspire positive change across the industry and society as a whole.