17414_Authority_April_2024

16 The Authority | APRIL 2024 Design Tools to Effectively Collaborate with Engineers, Owners, and Contractors Leveraging 3D Design to Maximize Decision Making By Matt Crow, Mark Bottin, and Edward Barboe, Hazen and Sawyer Brian Wilcox, Scot Fertich, and Michael Kyle, Lancaster Area Sewer Authority The Lancaster Area Sewer Authority (LASA) is in the planning stages for a number of process and reliability improvements at their Blue Rock Water Resource Recovery Facility. Since the original facility’s construction in the 1960s, there have been a few improvement projects, but many of the structures and equipment are due for replacement. Given the significant modifications and additional structures/processes planned for the facility, this is viewed as a legacy project that will serve as a cornerstone for producing high-quality effluent to the Susquehanna River for decades to come. Hazen and Sawyer (Hazen) partnered with LASA to complete the design upgrades. Given the size, complexity, and challenges of the project, it was decided to utilize Revit 3D to aid in the design process and visualization, as opposed to traditional 2D drawings (AutoCAD). Some of the project elements include: • Primary and Gravity Thickener Improvements • New and Modified Aeration Basins • Upgraded Blower Building • New Sidestream Treatment • New Chemical Building • New Final Clarifier • New RAS WAS Pump Station • New WAS Thickening • New Effluent Flow Metering • New Trucked Waste • New Electrical Building Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies and non-proprietary methods for viewing 3D models have become increasingly available over the years. This includes platforms such as HoloBuilder, Inc. and BIM 360, which allow a direct link to the 3D models for an all-encompassing view of the proposed improvements. These tools have allowed Hazen and LASA to take a deep dive into operational and maintenance considerations, including examining spacing around equipment, considerations for planned future mechanical replacement, development of maintenance of plant operations (MOPO), and communications with internal and external stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the complete picture. Operating this 3D software is akin to navigating using Google Maps Street View, allowing owners to view the 3D models independent of design meetings. Owners can provide more effective feedback on their preferences to the design team, allowing stakeholders to have a more active voice in the process. Figures 1 and 2 depicts the proposed WAS Thickening and Trucked Waste Facilities composite view incorporating process mechanical, electrical, structural, architectural, and building mechanical (plumbing & HVAC) designs utilizing BIM 360. Beyond the easier and clearer conveyance of technical information, an additional benefit of these new tools is the ability to provide virtual walkthroughs of proposed facilities and detect discipline clashes. This mitigates conflicts where piping, conduit, and ductwork could interfere and improves constructability, which in turn reduces change orders during construction. Figure 3 outlines various components without the structure to more clearly Figure 1: WAS Thickening and Trucked Waste Structures (Exterior View)