Vico Software Donation
5D Modeling Now Part of the Learning
Experience

 

Construction Management students at Colorado State are learning hands-on how to use Building Information Modeling, or BIM, a technology that is revolutionizing the entire construction process, from preconstruction and building design through facility management and life cycle assessment.

Last fall, Vico Software, Inc. (formerly known as Graphisoft), one of the largest architecture, engineering, and software companies in the world, donated $1.1 million in 5D modeling software to the Department of Construction Management. The donation enables students to develop skills and become familiar with Vico’s Virtual Construction software, a unique product that allows students to merge and manage multiple dimensions of construction projects. The company is also providing updates to the technology as it evolves.

Vico’s 5D Virtual Construction software integrates construction modeling, such as the 3D home shown above, as well as model- based estimating, 4D sequencing, and 5D cash-flow analyses in one powerful solution.

Vico’s Virtual Construction software has been used to design more than 1,000,000 completed buildings worldwide and is in use by more than 40 companies in North America.

“BIM is changing the way projects are designed, constructed, and managed,” says CM Professor Brad Johnson, who began using the software in his graduate class last spring. “We’re actually building the project virtually, prior to construction. From this virtual model we’re able to identify coordination issues, produce an estimate, and create and analyze a visual 4D schedule. Using this process opens the door to collaboration among project participants.”

A local contractor who used this technology was able to produce a parametric estimate for a hotel in about 12 hours, Johnson notes. To address questions about the estimate, the contractor opened the 3D model and visually explained the details of the estimate and cost justi ications to the owner.

One benefit of this technology is the ability to quickly make changes to the model and determine the impact on cost and schedule. Among other benefits, BIM enhances the design- build process and also aids in lean construction by helping to minimize waste.

Johnson worked with Ryan Martorano of Hensel Phelps Construction Company to allow students to use the software to work on an actual project. He also invited professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction to serve as guest lecturers, providing a variety of perspectives on the advantages and challenges related to BIM and how the technology is changing the way things are done.

The key advantage to having the software in CM’s computer laboratories is that it gives students an understanding of the technology, the Building Information Modeling concept, and the collaborative process that BIM makes possible.

“The construction industry has an enormous appetite to hire graduates who have 5D skills,” says Vico Vice President Don Henrich. “Many of our customers will only hire those who can demonstrate a strong understanding of managing the relationship between design, cost, and schedule. I am certain that this will be the case with Colorado State graduates.”

Johnson says people in the construction industry call him regularly, asking for students who have knowledge of BIM. “They’re ready to hire them,” he says.

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Larry Grosse retired in February as CM department head, leaving an exceptional “Ram Built” legacy. He provided outstanding leadership over the past 10 years as the department grew in undergraduate and graduate enrollment, industry partnerships, and funded research.

Grosse created a vision for construction management that included numerous partnerships with the construction industry. The 50th anniversary gala funded the establishment of the Phelps Internship Placement Program and the renovation of named classrooms in Guggenheim Hall. He also worked with alumnus Joseph Phelps of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, who established the Joseph Phelps Endowed Chair with a $1.5 million donation, and also funded an endowment for faculty development.

Grosse was the driving force behind the beautiful renovation of Guggenheim Hall, completed in 2004, and the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association Asphalt Laboratory, which opened in November. He encouraged industry to support student participants in the many student organizations and competitions held each year. He served for more than two decades on the Board of Directors for both the Associated Schools of Construction and the National Association of Home Builders. He also served six years on the American Council for Construction Education Board of Trustees.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Grosse leaves many initiatives in the works, including the Heavy Highway Endowed Chair initiative and a $3.2 million plan to renovate the Industrial Sciences Building, which was built in 1883.

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The author Roland Barth once wrote, “Excellence can be achieved if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible.” It’s a sentiment that has driven CM Professor Mostafa Khattab in all of his personal and professional endeavors, and one which he shares with his students.

In February, Khattab become interim head of the CM department. He is focused on helping others to succeed and creating a learning environment that fosters teamwork and excellence.

Khattab arrived at CSU in 2002, after teaching for 14 years in the Department of Construction Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1976, he graduated with honors from the University of Helwan in his native country, Egypt, and in 1981, he earned his master’s degree in production engineering from the same institution. He received his Ph.D. in industrial engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Khattab is a recent past president of the Associated Schools of Construction and served as a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, Society for Engineering and Management Systems American Institute of Constructors, and the American Society for Engineering Education.

While at Colorado State, Khattab spearheaded an international partnership between CSU and the University of Helwan, which involved sending CM faculty from Colorado State to Egypt to work with faculty members there to develop a multi-culture, multi- discipline construction management program. The Egypt project went beyond the objectives of the USAID grant that helped support it and has led to new international collaborations.

A search for a permanent department head is underway.

McWhinney Enterprises
Picks Up Tab For
Development Course

When industry professionals teach, students gain a very real and timely perspective of the work they’ll eventually be doing in their internships and careers. This year, the department welcomes back Dean Barber, VP for McWhinney Enterprises, Inc., who will teach “Development: A Comprehensive Study” for the second time. The course addresses the concepts construction managers need to understand to work effectively in the realm of commercial and residential development.

This year Eric Holsapple, Ph.D., CCIM, a partner at Loveland Commercial, LLC and a professor of finance and real estate at the University’s Everitt Real Estate Center, will co-teach the course, and students from that department will participate along with CM students. McWhinney Enterprises will again fund Barber’s time to prepare for and teach the class.

“Our goal is to give these students an advantage in their careers, by helping them understand how academia is applied in the real world and how the real world substantiates academia,” says Barber.

Involving McWhinney employees in the classroom supports the company’s goals of demonstrating leadership and developing excellent relationships with surrounding communities and business associates, says President and CEO Chad McWhinney. “We consider our relationship with CSU to be integral to our success, as CSU is both an important part of our community and a business partner. We also believe that the associates at McWhinney should be leaders in the efforts of educating the development community with their vast experience.”

Faculty Recognition

Brian Dunbar, director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University and a CM professor, was presented with the Energy Champion Award last fall at the governor’s office for his leadership in the Guggenheim Hall green classrooms remodeling project.

Jim Folkestad, CM associate professor, was awarded the University Division Outstanding Industrial Technology Professor Award from the National Association of Industrial Technology. In June, Folkestad moved from the CM department to CSU’s School of Education.

Steve Jaouen, a CM assistant professor, earned national recognition for excellence in the classroom. In March, the Associated Builders and Contractors presented Jaouen with the 2007 John Trimmer Excellence in Teaching Award.

Promotions

Brian Dunbar (pictured at top), director of the Institute for the Built Environment, was promoted from associate professor to full professor.

Becky Bell, an administrative assistant in the Department of Construction Management since 2002, was promoted to program assistant. Her new responsibilities include serving as assistant to the department head and graduate student liaison. She also schedules courses and works with faculty in regard to their teaching loads.