Jon McClure, BIM Manager (USA)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aec-cad
jmcclure@pinnaclecad.com
Mr. Jon McClure comes with over 18 years of construction experience in the U.S.A. He is adept at applying lean construction techniques for MEP systems and BIM/VDC Management by providing leadership and innovating with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CAD (Computer Aided Design) technologies. Jon joined Pinnacle in January, 2017 and is working to drive our business in the United States and Canada.
Core Expertise
BIM/CAD services to the ENR top 20 mechanical firms in North America using innovation and technologyDelivery of high-quality BIM/CAD modeling, coordination and drawings to clients, resulting in increased profit and improving the delivery scheduleLeadership in building relationships within the AEC/MEP industry, resulting in increased sales, by working with new and existing clientsTraining BIM/CAD professionals to develop processes, workflows, and standards in design, construction and project managementPresentation to companies in the AEC/MEP industry with one-to-one company level meetings, main-stage industry presentations, and panel discussions teaching industry knowledge
Q. Please tell us about Pinnacle Infotech.
Pinnacle Infotech – The Global Leader in BIM Engineering
Pinnacle Infotech is the leading provider of innovative Building Information Modelling services to the Architectural, Engineering and Construction Industries for more than 20 years, and has executed more than 1251 projects in 36 countries worldwide. Pinnacle streamlines the entire workflow process from sales, bidding, cost estimation and conceptual design to detailing, fabrication, erection and follow-up, resulting in increased productivity through 3D modelling.
The Global Delivery Centres of Pinnacle Infotech, Inc. are located at India (Durgapur, Kolkata & Jaipur) with offices in U.S.A. (Houston), U.K. (London), U.A.E. (Dubai), Italy (Calolziocorte) and Switzerland (Zurich)
Pinnacle has executed numerous landmark BIM projects in North America, Asia, Europe & Australia, across various industries including Airports, Hospitals, Medical Centers, Stadiums, High Rise Towers, Infrastructure, University Campuses and more. The process orientation and quality control followed by Pinnacle are as per ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards.
Q. Please tell us about the culture and philosophy for IT Infrastructure Planning at Pinnacle Infotech?
Technical Support - Pinnacle’s Production Center has the capability to support 1500+ employees working in a single shift. It has conference rooms with modern technologies. Constant internet support makes job easier and ensures greater connectivity with clients.
Network – Pinnacle’s work stations are equipped with the latest computer models and servers have proper back-up system to support in crisis. Moreover, 99.99% data and voice network help us to make clear client communication.
Data Security - Information security is implemented through deployment of robust UTM box Fortigate 240D at the perimeter along with Anti-Virus, Anti-spam devices and anti-intrusion systems. Pinnacle’s access control system monitors both the campus and operation buildings. The process is essential for effective protection of client information and data.
Backups – Software updates are regularly applied to the workstations and the efficiency of the servers is kept in mind. Uninterrupted Internet service and secure data and voice network ensure communication between employees and clients. Back-up generators provide power during Emergency.
Hardware – Pinnacle's world-class fully owned production facility at Durgapur is equipped with more than 800 HP Z series high end workstations 12 HP Proliant servers, Perimeter security Fortigate 240D connected with multiple ISPs, CISCO switches of 4507, 3560 and 2960, HP DJ T920 &T610 series of plotters, advanced scanners and other peripherals with 24x7 high-speed internet. Pinnacle has layer 3 LAN through CISCO switches for fast throughput with the backbone of fiber connectivity. Pinnacle has EMC VNXe 3200 series with high availability configuration and 40 TB of useable space for data storage. Pinnacle uses Symantec Backup EXE for data backup.
Software – Pinnacle experts develop automated software routines and processes that rely on high standard quality at all stages of aesthetics, presentation, completeness, accuracy and conformance to specifications. Pinnacle is equipped with the latest software applications like Revit (Building, Structure, Architecture & MEP), SysQue, Navisworks, 3ds Max, Photoshop, Illustrator, Inventor, Civil 3D, Plant Design Suite, Pro/Engineer, Bluebeam, MicroStation, Bentley, Tekla, SolidWorks, Autodesk Fabrication Suite, QuickPen, AutoCAD, Ecotect Analysis, A 360 Collaboration, Autodesk BIM 360 Glue, Sketch Up, Lux Level Calculation, Rebar CAD, All Plan CADPipe, ETAP, Dialux, Newforma, CAD-Duct and CADPIPE and provide detailed design, drawing and support services to AEC firms, developers, owners and building product manufacturers for a fast turnaround.
Internal Quality – Pinnacle’s quality is strictly maintained as per the ISO 9001: 2015 standard. Pinnacle has been certified with ISO 9001:2015 as per Quality Management System Standard by Det Norske Veritas and ISO 14001:2015 standard under Environmental Management System. Pinnacle’s adherence to quality reinforces the faith of clients. Pinnacle monitors the operational process of every BIM professional.
Q. Please tell us about Pinnacle Infotech’s work on “Rosslyn Central Place”.
Pinnacle Used BIM for Smooth Completion of Rosslyn Central Place Project
Project Summary – Rosslyn Central Place
One of the significant projects of Pinnacle Infotech, Rosslyn Central Place is a mixed use development, located above Rosslyn Metro Station in Arlington County, Virginia, USA with a 636,000 sq ft. Residential Tower & 750,000 sq ft. Commercial Tower. It is perfectly positioned with an easy access to Washington’s Central Business District and Georgetown. Phased turnover will begin in early 2017, it will provide an inspiring dining and retail space with integrated clientele living and working upstairs.
Located along the shores of Potomac River, Rosslyn Central Place is an exciting mix of residential, retail & commercial development. Designed by a famous architecture firm – Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners, the glass façade of the RosslynCentral Place will soar to dramatic heights, offering amazing views of the District & Northern Virginia. Going further, an open-air public plaza with seating, shade and a robust programming schedule is expected to serve as the heart of the place. The project will also be home to the highest public Observation Deck and open air terrace in the Washington D.C. area at 443’-0” above sea level, with 360 degree views of the DC, MD and VA skylines. The panoramic views are anticipated to attract over half a million visitors annually to the front of Central Place.
BIM Scope for Pinnacle
Pinnacle created the architectural and structural models of Rosslyn Central Place that boasts of 33 stories (Ground Floor Level to 30th Floor Level, Floor 31 Penthouse Level, Roof Level) including the basement (B1, B2 & B3). The office space starts from 75 feet above street level on the 8th floor and the view just gets better. Pinnacle deployed a team of 10 BIM Engineers (In-house), including project managers and collaborators located in US and India to create 3D architectural and structural models of the 34 floors, including the level above Mechanical room.
Pinnacle’s scope of work also included:
• Creation of 3D Models (LOD 300) for Architectural & Structural Trades for MEP Coordination (Clash Detection & Mitigation, Visualization)
• Architectural Modeling elements like Exterior Walls, Interior Walls, Ceiling, Soffit, Doors, Windows (as per schedule), Stairs and Railings
• Structural Models of Beams (Primary & Secondary as per the beam schedule), Columns, Joists/Trusses, Structural Slab/Metal Deck, CMU/Pre-cast walls, Footing, Foundation, Equipment Support System, Steel/Concrete Stair and other Structural Framing Components
• Constructability Review (Model Update to reflect changes resulting from Design changes, RFI Update & As-Built Update)
BIM Process involved Pinnacle’s In-House Team, Client & Consultant
Challenges & the Way Out:
1: Timeline - Pinnacle faced the challenge of completing the models of all the 34 floors within 27 working days.
PIS approach:
• PIS engaged a team of 10 engineers, divided into two groups – one for the architecture and the other for the structural modeling with clearly defined targets.
• PIS used Autodesk Revit for successfully completing the 3D Models.
2: Input Inconsistency
The Construction documents set had several inconsistencies that needed to be sorted out before the commencement of modeling.
PIS approach:
• The engineers checked and compared the Construction Documents for inconsistencies.
• Comparison documents were submitted showing inconsistent parameters. The proposed solution were given by Pinnacle and client’s approval was sought for the change.
• Over 85 RFIs were raised, where client’s decision was considered necessary. The RFIs were vetted by the client, who in turn escalated the same to the consultant for probable solution.
3: Coordination Problem among Services
Coordination was difficult as the structure of the building did not allow any service to pass through the beam/concrete wall, unless it was not conceived at the design stage and the space between false ceiling and the true ceiling was inadequate in many cases.
PIS approach:
• At places where coordination was genuinely impossible, RFIs were sent to the client/consultant to change the false ceiling height.
Hurdles Overcome with the Help of BIM
Input Challenges – BIM helped sort inconsistencies that were found in the input drawings.
Incomplete Information – In many cases, floor beam sizes, specifications and elevations were not available in the input documents. BIM identified the need for providing revised ceiling height and beam sizes that would provide the actual plenum space for MEP services. Besides, there were incomplete information related to wall types and design layout for hotel and residential units. RFIs were raised to resolve these issues.
Constructability Issues/ Reviews – There were some conflicts between architecture and structure, which could have affected the actual construction in terms of time, cost, manpower, material, etc. BIM minimized all these wastages.
Value Engineering:
• Modified ceiling height design to suit site constructability
• Modified beam size design to avoid issue in site construction
• Coordinated MEP services with Existing Structure and Interior Drawings
• Detected Design and Constructability Issues
• Facilitated Complete Coordination among all trades
Value Addition:
• Over 85 RFIs were raised pertaining to Missing Data, Conflicting Data, Constructability/ Aesthetic Issues, Maintenance Issues and Accessibility Issues
• More than 100 Clashes were resolved from BIM implementation
Summary
Autodesk Revit helped Pinnacle Infotech to plan using intelligent models and allowed team to anticipate, plan and coordinate every aspect of the project design, detailing, construction and maintenance. It helped to identify constructability issues before the construction by detecting the number of clashes, thus avoiding work stoppages, rework and wastage of time, material and manpower.
Biprajit Nag, Deputy General Manager, Pinnacle Infotech said - “Autodesk Revit BIM software helped us progress through each phase of the project, starting from floor setup to structural modeling. Pinnacle has reviewed critical areas in 3D for any changes made and evaluated space constraint successfully. BIM facilitated various design disciplines to collaborate in a flawless manner as a single information platform, enhancing work efficiency, reducing errors, verifying aesthetic looks and improving building performance.”
“Using Autodesk BIM software, we could easily create models with the help of cutaways, elevations and sections. We combined Revit & Navisworks software platforms to coordinate with subcontractors’ models as well as other disciplines and thus could avoid the cost of rework from the existence of clashes.” – added Sourav Banerjee, Manager, Pinnacle Infotech.
“Autodesk Revit has slashed the time consumed and helped the project to move forward. By managing project info though Revit, our team was able to complete the modeling within the strict deadline, focusing more on better engineering, construction oversight and client satisfaction.” - concluded Bimal Patwari, CEO & Biswaroop Todi, Vice President, Pinnacle Infotech.
Behind The Project:
• Architect - Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners
• Engineer - Tadjer-Cohen-Edelson Associates
• MEP Contractor/Consultant - Dewberry
• General Contractor - Clark Construction Group, LLC
• Developer - The JBG Companies
Behind The Project:
Molly Raglani, Senior Project Manager - “Pinnacle was extremely responsive whenever issues arose. The desire to deliver a satisfactory product was very much appreciated.”
Mike Reisinger (Residential) – “Upon project kickoff, our project team was left with a complicated building design without a building model to coordinate with. Pinnacle Infotech quickly produced an accurate structural & architectural full building model to allow MEP coordination to begin almost immediately. Furthermore, the pinnacle detailers were extremely responsive when incorporating design changes into the program. More times than not, Pinnacle’s turn around when making model edits was less than 24 hours.”
P.J. Bombero, Project Manager (Office) – “The design of this project was completed prior to the use of 3D modeling and in order to perform MEP coordination a model needed to be developed. Pinnacle Infotech worked diligently with the team in order to produce the model in phases to allow the coordination process to begin on the below grade structure. The Pinnacle team worked to develop the model quickly, and provided multiple revisions based upon design changes from the Architectural and Structural design firms. Their quick turnaround and desire to provide a satisfactory model was essential in the MEP coordination process.”
Pinnacle Uses BIM For Smooth Completion of Rosslyn Central Place Project
Q. Please tell us about an interesting project/case study/product where technology is being implemented or has been implemented at Pinnacle Infotech?
Intelligent Tekla BIM Modeling Saves Time, Delivers Efficiency
About the Project
Escondido Village Stanford University (Graduate Residence) is one of the world’s leading teaching and research institutions, dedicated to find solutions for big challenges and preparing students. Stanford is known for its academic strength, wealth, proximity to Silicon Valley, and ranking as one of the world's top-ten universities. The project comprises of Four Residential Halls of Type 1 Construction (6, 8 & 10 stories) with a capacity of accommodating 2,400 beds. Currently, Stanford University has more than 55% increased student housing capacity, accommodating over 9,000 graduate students on campus.
4 Buildings – A, B, C, D
Building A comprises of Blocks A1-1 with 9 floors, A1-2 with 11 floors, A1-3 with 7 floors, A-4 with 11 floors, A5 1 with 9 floors, A5 2 with 11 floors & A-13 with 7 floorsBuilding B comprises of B3 with 7 floors, B5-1 with 9 floors, B5-2 with 11 floors, B8 with 11 floors, B 14-1 with 9 floors & B14-2 with 11 floorsBuilding C comprises of Blocks - C3 with 7 floors, C5-1 with 9 floors, C5-2 with 11 floors, C7-1 with 9 floors, C7-2 with 11 floors & C8 with 11 floorsBuilding D comprises of Blocks D9 with 11 floors, D10 with 9 floors, D11 with 11 floors and D12 with 7 floors. The purpose of using BIM is for new construction of concrete structure at the project bid stage.
The Project Showcased in Top Entries of Tekla Poster Competition
Pinnacle Infotech was shortlisted into the top 8 entries for the poster competition - “Creative Showcase by Tekla Customers” at Tekla User Days 2018 on 9th August, Chennai, India, showing how Tekla Software helped to resolve challenges for this project.
Facts on the Project
A. Project Type – Residential
B. Location - Palo Alto, California, USA–
C. Trades Covered: Precast Concrete Structure
D. LOD: 400
E. Software Used: Tekla 2016
F. BIM Start Date: October, 2016
G. BIM End Date: December, 2018
H. Project Area: 1,994,455.22 sq. ft.
I. Average Team Size: 10 Engineers
J. Architect: KSH Architects
K. Structural Engineer: John A. Martin &
Associates
L. Design-Build Pre-fabricator: Clark Pacific
M. Owner: Stanford University
N. Developer: Vance Brown
Project Specifications
Four Buildings: Full Precast Structures
Fully Prefabricated: 14,700 Precast Panels
1,835,000 SF Residences
1,025,000 SF Exterior Cladding
Resilience: Designed to higher Class II Level than what is required by Code
Over 30#/SF lighter than CIP structure (Over 50,000,000 lbs. total)
20% Smaller Foundation
4 Buildings Installed within 11 Months (with Cladding System)
Building construction expected to commence in Fall 2017 with completion in
2021
Project Speciality
1. Total Precast Solution
2. Integrated Structure and Cladding
3. Glazing System Installed Off-site
4. Moment Frame System
5. Over 30#/SF lighter than CIP structure (Over 50,000,000 lbs. total)
Scope of Work
1. Preparation of Shop Drawing / 2D Drawings for Construction - Tekla Detailing
2. Concrete Lift Drawings - Elevation Drawings for Vertical Elements, Detail Drawings
3. 3D BIM Model Creation -
A. Foundation - Earthwork in Excavation, Deep Foundations, Footings/Shallow Foundations, Pile Cap, Grade Beams, Footing Presentation, Foundation Walls & Others
B. Horizontal Structural Component – Slab on Grade, Floor Slabs, Topping Slabs, Beams, Joist, Embeds, Metal Deck, Structural Floor, Structural Roof, Concrete Curbs, Drop Panels, Others
C. Vertical Structural Components - Structural Walls, Structural Wall Openings, Shear Walls, Shear Wall Penetrations, Columns, Column Caps, Ramps, Stairs, Retaining Walls, Lintels, Others
D. Other Structural Components – CMU Walls, Construction Joints, Sleeves, Water Stop, Equipment Pads, Concrete Deadman, Reinforcement, Others
E. Pre-Cast Elements - Tilt Up wall Panels, Hollow Core Slab, Joist, Pile, Beams, Columns, Corbel, Stair, Connection Details, Culverts, Monolithic Blocks, Parapets, Barriers, Others
1. Challenge - Collaboration Issue
Multiple Users Working Across Different Zones: In this precast concrete project, more than 40 people are involved in various segments to execute the model. As a result, it is difficult to progress the project smoothly. We required an effective collaborative software platform to increase the productivity and execute the construction process flawlessly. A cloud server (Model Sharing) is required to easily access the model and file with different time zones separately.
Solution - Tekla Software helped multiple users to work simultaneously in cloud server across different time zones of the world. We could easily work in Tekla without any trouble using master model sharing.
2. Challenge - Huge Number of Panels with Different Precast Elements
The precast modelling project involved 2228 nos. of precast wall panels, 5290 nos. of ribbed floor panels, 1250 nos. of beam panels, 4436 nos. of columns are involved and it was challenging to execute the project within the short & stipulated time frame specified by Clark Pacific.
Solution - After completing the reinforcement of the one panel, we reinforced the panels easily from one panel to another through ‘copy special’ command. This avoided the repeated work and saved time.
3. Challenge - Time-Line Challenge for Shop Drawing Preparation
Preparing quality shop drawings for all the panels within a short time was difficult
Solution - Clone drawing preparation is one of the key facets of using Tekla software. Using this process we created shop drawings for similar panels. It helped to reduce time for creating shop drawings.
4. Challenge - Difficulty in Maintaining the Numbering System of Reinforced Panel
In this huge precast concrete project, it is difficult to maintain the numbering system for all the panels. “Number system” is very essential to identify the particular panels as well as reinforcement for the whole project.
Working with “Numbering” system is a significant part of Tekla Software. If we required changing the Rebar Model, we have to execute “Perform Numbering” of this panel. “Perform Numbering” system helped us to easily get the bar mark of the Rebar from the model.
5. Challenge - Time-Consuming to Use Repeated Custom Components (Hardware)
Repeated use of components in precast panels likes embeds, hangers, lifters, couplers, etc.
We created lots of custom components for the purpose of modeling and used those custom components in the model.
6. Challenge - Schedule Constrain for getting BBS
Difficult to get the BBS in the shop drawing after reinforcement of the panels
We could easily get the BBS of the rebars from Tekla.
7. Challenge – Need to identify the Pouring
Pouring is essential in this precast project to identify which part is poured at a particular
Pouring is the most valuable option in Tekla. We showed the concrete model with different pouring in site.
8. Challenge – Need to identify the Phasing
Phasing is also essential for the purpose of representation and identification
Phasing showed the entire concrete model with different color regions (part by part or floor by floor). Consequently, it helped to easily identify a particular section of the entire concrete model.
9. Challenge – Need for Selection & Visibility Procedure
Selection & Visibility filter are also essential to select & identify a particular element or object from the entire model.
Solution - Selection as well as Visibility Filter is another significant aspect of Tekla. The software helped to identify any object with ease from the entire model.
10. Challenge – Difficulty in Calculating Panels for Site Transportation
Difficult to calculate the number of panels for Site Transportation - as a result of which the Transport Cost of the Pre-cast Contractor get enhanced
Solution - “Lotting” is the most important feature in Tekla. This helped us to easily measure group assemblies for transporting to site. Moreover, from this option we calculated the numbers of units of panels carried by the vehicle and the size of the panel for suitable vehicle.
11. Challenge – Need for Separate Environment – Drawing & Model View
Separate & specific environment required for drafting as well as model view for avoiding shifting of the model elements with changes in the drawings
Solution - In Tekla, the model and drawing environments are different, where we cannot move 'drawing' to the model environment at the same time. As a result, the final model was not edited/tampered with the shift in the model elements because of drawing change.
Result
1. Using Tekla we have successfully completed 80% of drawing submission
2. Increased Work Efficiency, saving 40% time
3. Flawless Collaboration among stakeholders, reducing errors, improving building performance
Conclusion
1. Using Tekla, we are getting more quality output with less effort
2. Enhanced Quantity of Production at lesser time
3. Ensured ease of access for maintenance provisions & facility management
Q. Please tell us about Pinnacle Infotech’s Digital Building Management process to overcome 21st-Century Challenges.
Currently, construction industry is facing challenges for complex and unique projects with multiple services getting involved. The demanding owners want best quality, best finishes, fast execution and lowest operation cost and collaborating with multiple stakeholders has become complicated. In this regard, Pinnacle is implementing Digital Building Management process - A 360 cloud solutions to cater BIM collaboration amongst stakeholders.
Pinnacle Infotech introduced A360 Adaptations in Pinnacle BIM Workflow to collaborate among multiple stake holders including Architect, Structural Engineer, MEP Consultant, General Contractor, Project Site, Fabrication, Civil Consultant and several others. The compact platform for collaboration in BIM Project is initiated by Pinnacle to save time in terms of communication with respect to team members, collaborating on model changes in the central cloud that the entire team is accessing. A360 BIM collaborative environment helped effective Building Information Modelling by reducing direct communication and email chasing between clients and BIM service providers.
Q. Finally, please share your thoughts on how Integrated Design and Construction will impact the AECOO industry in the next five years?
BIM implemented Integrated Design and Construction will help to simplify BIM adoption in the AECOO industry by streamlining project operations in public, private & government sectors. The next generation will work with cloud technology (Model Sharing). BIM will provide effective project solutions & collaborations. BIM will help to streamline project information management processes - document control, resolution of design problems by RFI management & more. BIM will be a platform for model and information aggregation for project stakeholders.
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