Every Day Counts
April’s innovation of the month is 3D Engineered Models, a basic building block of today’s digital highway that allows for faster, more accurate and more efficient planning and construction.
After encouraging the adoption of 3D Engineered Models in the second round of Every Day Counts, the Federal Highway Administration is continuing to promote the technology in EDC–3 to help the transportation community reap even more benefits.
In EDC-3, the focus is on three practices:
1. Using the as–found survey data from which 3D models are created for roadway inventory and asset management purposes
2. Incorporating schedule (4D) and cost (5D) information into models to enhance stakeholder communication, enable contractors to streamline construction schedules and improve cost estimates
3. Using post–construction survey data to correct design models and create accurate as–built drawings that include useful details such as subsurface utilities
FHWA offers technical support and tools to help transportation professionals use 3D technology:
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Visit the 3D Engineered Models (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/3d/) page for information on upcoming workshops, case studies, technical briefs, specifications and standards.
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Free web based training on 3D Engineered Models for construction (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/3d/wbt.cfm) focuses on topics of interest to new users of the technology.
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