What is Value Engineering?
Value engineering is a process of analyzing a project's components and functions to identify ways to achieve the required functionality at the lowest possible cost. This is often completed by finding alternative materials or design methods that maintain performance while reducing expenses.
Lawrence Miles is credited with creating value engineering while working at General Electric (GE) during World War II. He was responsible for purchasing raw materials for GE when manufacturing was at its peak. World War II caused extreme material shortages, which left Miles searching for design alternatives with similar functionalities. He discovered that some substitutes weren’t only cost-effective, they also improved the product. This realization was the origin of a new technique called “value analysis,” more commonly known today as value engineering.
Value engineering has been widely adopted by many industries to solve problems, identify and eliminate unwanted costs, and improve function and quality.
Value engineering is not just a concept; it’s a methodology. Whether a team wants to substitute one material or system for another, consider alternative building materials, or improve sustainability, the process of value engineering remains generally consistent.
What is the Methodology for Value Engineering?
These are the key steps to the value engineering process:
Step 1: Information Gathering
- Clearly define the project goals and requirements.
- Collect detailed data on costs, specifications, schedule, and engineering expectations for each design element.
- Conduct a thorough analysis of the existing design to understand its functions and potential areas for improvement.
Step 2: Function Analysis
- Break down each design element into its core functions.
- Evaluate the necessity of each function for the overall project outcome.
- Identify potential areas where functions can be simplified or combined.
Step 3: Creative Brainstorming
- Encourage a collaborative environment to generate innovative ideas from diverse team members.
- Explore alternative materials, construction methods, and design approaches.
- Consider "what if" scenarios to challenge assumptions and identify potential cost-saving solutions.
Step 4: Evaluation and Selection
- Analyze each proposed alternative based on its cost, functionality, quality, and impact on the schedule.
- Receive accurate cost data from a reliable industry expert.
- Conduct feasibility assessments and identify potential risks associated with proposed changes.
Step 5: Development and Implementation
- Refine selected value engineering solutions into detailed design specifications.
- Communicate changes clearly to all stakeholders involved in the project.
- Monitor implementation to ensure the intended cost savings are achieved while maintaining quality.
How Can 3D Laser Scanning Aid the Value Engineering Process?
Value engineering during the planning and design phases has the greatest impact. With precise site data from 3D laser scanning, it’s easy to integrate value engineering methodology into design planning. 3D laser scanning enables engineers, architects, and designers to optimize functionality, reduce costs, and improve overall value in product designs.
What is 3D Laser Scanning?
3D laser scanning is a cutting-edge technology that captures high-resolution spatial data by emitting laser beams to measure distances to surfaces. This process generates precise digital representations of physical spaces or objects, known as point clouds. From a point cloud, a 2D CAD drawing and 3D BIM model can be created, allowing engineers, architects, and designers to visualize, analyze, and optimize designs in remarkable detail.
How Can 3D Laser Scanning Support Value Engineering?
Accurate As-Built Documentation
By capturing precise measurements of existing structures, 3D laser scanning eliminates the need for extensive manual measurements, reducing errors and providing a clear picture of the existing conditions for design modifications. For example, 3D laser scanning documented a historic building for preservation. The scans found hidden structural weaknesses, allowing the team to redesign and preserve the building’s integrity.
Clash Detection
By creating a detailed 3D model, potential clashes between different building components can be identified early in the design process, allowing for adjustments to avoid costly rework during construction. A wastewater treatment plant utilized an LOD 300 BIM model to visualize, design, modify, and manage the update of the heat exchanger system within the facility.
Optimized Design Modifications
The detailed data from a LiDAR scan, CAD drawing, and 3D model enables engineers to analyze and optimize design changes, identifying areas where materials can be reduced or substituted without compromising structural integrity. 3D laser scanning aids in this analysis by providing detailed models that highlight inefficiencies or redundancies in design. Engineers can simulate different scenarios and assess their cost implications, ensuring the final design is both functional and economical.
Improved Material Estimation
By capturing precise dimensions and spatial relationships, 3D laser scanning ensures that materials are cut, fabricated, and installed with minimal excess. This level of precision reduces costs and minimizes waste. For example, an airport was upgrading the entrance, 3D laser scanning ensured that prefabricated components for the ceiling panel system fit perfectly, reducing the need for costly on-site adjustments.
Enhanced Collaboration
A shared 3D model based on laser scan data facilitates better communication and collaboration between design teams, contractors, and stakeholders, leading to informed decision-making and potential cost savings. Teams can interact with detailed models in real time, making it easier to brainstorm alternatives and arrive at consensus-driven solutions. During a hotel renovation, a 2D floorplan was delivered via SiteMap® so the client could download and share with the project team to facilitate communication and planning.
Site Analysis and Feasibility Assessment
By accurately capturing the existing site conditions, 3D laser scanning helps identify potential constraints and challenges early on, allowing for design adjustments to optimize project feasibility. A historic cathedral requested 3D laser scanning to document damage to the exterior stonework of its’ front façade.
Retrofitting and Renovation Planning
When working with existing buildings, laser scans provide a detailed understanding of the existing structure, enabling efficient planning for renovations or retrofits with minimal disruption. 3D laser scanning an existing facility during a retrofit project can provide immediate insights, allowing engineers to design modifications that optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize downtime.
3D Laser Scanning Supports Every Stage of a Building's Lifecycle
Time is a critical factor in many projects, and delays often lead to increased costs. The speed and efficiency of 3D laser scanning allows teams to gather necessary data quickly, enabling faster analysis and decision-making.
Value engineering doesn’t have to end after the design is complete. It can add value through the lifecycle of a building. 3D laser scanning supports this by providing a digital record that can be revisited for maintenance, renovations, or future upgrades.
Why Use GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services?
3D laser scanning is fast, accurate and reliable. Three-dimensional data provides exact measurements of sites with a level of confidence and speed not possible with traditional tools. There’s no better way to drive decision making than to have accurate and intelligent, real-time data.
GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services provide 2-4mm accuracy by capturing 2 million data points per second, for efficient planning, design, and construction. And our in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can export your data to create accurate existing condition as-builts – above and below ground – to give you the accurate information you need in a format you can easily work with and share to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.
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Frequently Asked Questions?
How accurate is 3D laser scanning technology?
3D laser scanning provides a high level of accuracy, typically within millimeters, depending on the equipment and project requirements. This precision ensures reliable measurements for design, construction, and renovation projects.
Can 3D laser scanning be used for outdoor environments?
Yes, 3D laser scanning is highly versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor environments. It captures topographical features, infrastructure, and large-scale sites with accuracy, even under varying environmental conditions.
What industries benefit most from 3D laser scanning?
Industries such as construction, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, heritage preservation, and facilities management benefit significantly from 3D laser scanning, as it enhances project planning, documentation, and execution.
