The document discusses 3D modeling for transportation projects in Dallas, Texas. It provides an overview of the virtual design and construction process used for the DFW Connector and I3 Orange Line projects. The modeling allowed early planning, helped with construction management, and both projects were completed ahead of schedule. Standards for the 3D modeling were important to allow updates as the projects evolved.

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DFW CONNECTOR & I3 ORANGE LINE | VIRTUAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, CIFE - STEVE SI TRAN DEC 2015
DFW Connector and I3 Orange Line 3D Modeling
Modeling development record for better management
Virtual Design and Construction
Dallas, Texas
Abstract
The following provides an annotated bibliography of record studies on Virtual Design and Construction with Modeling,
from DFW Connector and the I3 Orange line. The 3D Modeling compares international research and how the work
relates to and informs changes in policy and practice.
1.0 Introduction:
Urban transportation design and development can be a complex and bewildering process when first encountered. This
record is intended to explain how the process of 3D design works, the planning and design, and the steps that are used
in urban 3D transportation design. This is done in order to help better understand the 3D Modeling process and its
implications to help the management, stakeholders and marketing team to interpret and comment on its results. Since
the basic purpose of 3D design and modeling is to answer questions about future 3D design and modeling benefits
versus standards 2D design and plan set. This record will use a question and answer format to explain how the 3D design
modeling process.
2.0 The General Process:
What is 3D Design Modeling?
The 3D Design Modeling is a process that develops model information to help make decisions on the future
construction management in the construction field, especially in urban areas. It details the need for the type of
equipment and the added benefit of providing accuracy during the process of construction to better manage the
equipment demand. Typically construction involves a forecast of travel patterns of one to three years in the future with
an aim to develop a future of the construction system that will work effectively at that time.
Why is 3D Design Modeling necessary?
The 3D Design Modeling can have significant effects on mobility, economic construction environmental quality,
construction finance, and the quality of life. Wise planning is needed to help create high-quality construction facilities
and services at a reasonable cost. Significant transportation projects require a long lead-time for their design and
construction. Furthermore, they can have a major effect on future construction time’s patterns, which need to be
assessed.
What are the steps for 3D Design Modeling?
3D Design Modeling goes through a basic sequence of steps. Several can take place at once, and it is not unusual
to repeat some of the steps several times. The basic steps in the 3D Design Modeling are the following:
Early planning benefits the outcome:
 What are the keys of 3D Design Modeling?
 Economic, issues and problems facing the software and hardware?
 Lack of training?

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DFW CONNECTOR & I3 ORANGE LINE | VIRTUAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, CIFE - STEVE SI TRAN DEC 2015
3.0 Methodology
Planning and developing a 3D Model database and standards for VDC implementation practice are often a pre-
requisite for the revolutionary approach that is Virtual Design and Construction modeling. This cutting-edge
methodology has expanded to become the standard within numerous sectors including Architectural, Engineering,
Construction and even the Manufacturing sector, as Architects and Engineer’s demands for VDC ready content from the
Manufacturer for construction supply chain continues to grow. The use of this intelligent, model-based process provides
an insight for creating and managing projects faster, more economical, and with less environmental impact.
As an experienced Lead Design/Modeler Manager, s/he not only defines a better fit application and software for VDC
needed to get started in the world of VDC, but also offers the VDC team the assistance and guidance they may require to
be able to implement VDC with a road map, and get the most of the software investment.
For any business, organization, or project that is working on employing VDC, the actual implementation can be difficult.
Trying to get your team or colleagues to adopt methods and new procedures will certainly need forward thinking at the
initial stage to ensure that you are building a solid foundation that will meet your ongoing requirements.
The Modeler Manager will be able to help form a modeling team at this preliminary stage by gaining an understanding
of objectives the client wish to achieve from implementing VDC to support and plan procedure of deployment.
During the preparation and planning, the Modeler Manager will look to identify the following methods:
 Existing office setup
 Existing standards implemented
 Any existing CAD standards protocols
 Practice VDC aspiration and potential timeline for deployment
 General projects undertaken
 Current Hardware, Software direction and Training expectancy.
It is advised to visit this planning with any project size especially from medium up to complex.
3.1 Template creation
Template creation is an integral part of VDC modeling that enables our business, organization, or project to
have the initial core components for the implementation of the approach in our projects.
The Modeler Manager will guide the VDC team and help develop the database and all of the elements to be
able to get underway with VDC Modeling including:
 Set up a Basic template and database
 Set up Title blocks
 Adapt templates to contain any required Views
 Create and Manage project folder structure
 Create and Manage Schedules required with P6
 Load in any basic families required
 The template with regards to annotation items
 Set up CAD layers standards for exchange with Machine guidance and GIS
 Set up on the ProjectWise server
 Aid the setup of all libraries to VDC modeling structure
 Defines communication and collaboration method
 Process recording.

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DFW CONNECTOR & I3 ORANGE LINE | VIRTUAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, CIFE - STEVE SI TRAN DEC 2015
If the right standards are not in place during the development phase, the 3D Model will not be able to update correctly
as future improvements are made. It’s important to enforce 3D Modeling Standards that change not just some static 3D
PDF files or screen captures. Any shortcuts during development phase can forever reduce or eliminate the ability to
locate, retrieve, repurpose and update the database system data.
4.0 Conclusions
The results of DFW Connector and the I3 Orange line prove that the aforementioned methods are working
successfully:
GRAPEVINE (DFWCOM.COM) – Drivers can now cruise through the DFW Connector without having to
maneuver around construction cones or worry about detour signs. After more than three years of construction
and nine months ahead of schedule, the nearly eight-and-a-half mile project is done.
www.dbia.org/awards/2013-Design-Build-Project-Awards
Orange Line extension to DFW Airport to open early
Posted on January 24, 2014 by Travis Hudson
Commuters and travelers to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport can expect an early Christmas present this
year. The 4.7-mile Orange Line extension to DFW Airport is trending ahead of schedule and we’ll be able to
open the line earlier than the planned December date.
The current goal is to open the new DFW Airport Station at Terminal A by the start of the State Fair of Texas®
in late September.

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DFW CONNECTOR & I3 ORANGE LINE | VIRTUAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, CIFE - STEVE SI TRAN DEC 2015
There’s a lot of work to do, so we’re not ready to set an official opening date, but we’re committed to beating
the December target.
You may start seeing test trains this spring around the Terminal A area, but we still have systems testing,
operator training and construction to complete. Stay tuned.
References:
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Task Group
http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/cobie-uk-2012/
McGraw Hill Construction BIM Special Section
http://www.bim.construction.com/research/
NBS National BIM Report 2014
http://www.thenbs.com/pdfs/NBS-National-BIM-Report-2014.pdf
BIM Management for value, cost & carbon improvement
http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/BIS-BIM-strategy-Report.pdf
PAS 1192-2 Specification for information management for the capital delivery phase of construction project
using building information modeling.
http://shop.bsigroup.com/en/forms/PASs/PAS-1192-2/
Industrial strategy: government and industry in partnership
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/34710/12-1327-
building-information-modelling.pdf