Look Again: Virtual Construction Administration – Saving Time & Money while Social Distancing

Look Again: Virtual Construction Administration – Saving Time & Money while Social Distancing

Working in and through a post COVID-19 world—virtual construction administration is integrating A/E/C teams in unprecedented ways.

For years the construction industry has been implementing Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) methodologies into their projects. However with the appearance of the coronavirus pandemic virtual tools have converted into a necessity rather than simply a value add.

To continue to deliver critical infrastructure to our clients, all of which are in the communications, data or technology sector, Constructiv implemented early on what may soon be the newest way for our A/E partners to monitor major constructions projects—Virtual Construction Administration or VCA.

VCA is the process that allows the architect and engineer (A/E) to perform “virtual” or “remote” inspections or review of a project’s progress. The process ensures all parties involved understand the methodology and are prepared to execute in collaboration with the team (owner, general contractor, architect, engineer, subcontractors).

Types of systems typically involved in VCA observations are electrical, mechanical and plumbing, as well as architectural, and other specific observations that may have been requested by the owner, general contractor or other party to facilitate construction meeting design intent.

VCA coordinates all scheduling for the work, including phasing testing and inspections. The process involves live video observations (LVOs) using a 360-degree camera onsite and a VR headset with control by the remote user. In addition to LVOs, the process includes still photo observations (SPOs) for capturing tight shots and details. Both LVOs and SPOs include a virtual “tour path” mark-up of the areas to be inspected to assist offsite personnel in maintaining orientation with the facility.

This works by having the onsite parties meet at a preselected location near the equipment or system to be inspected. The General contractor is also onsite with a member of the subcontracting team to open cabinets, remove floor and ceiling tiles and provide access to any areas that are safely accessible while the rest of the team is gathered virtually watching the process in real time.

This activity is further followed up by additional photo or video observations for subsequent review and comment. They are then documented and archived online.

Constructiv is successfully using VCA on current projects and is working with owners and A/E teams to deliver technically complex critical infrastructure projects. VCA is eliminating the need for worksite human-to-human contact. Plus boosting benefits to efficiency and project costs (savings in the tens of thousands of dollars)! As you would expect, Constructiv is employing the VCA process on all projects to come.

Balancing COVID-19 with Worker Safety while Maintaining Essential Critical Infrastructure Projects

Balancing COVID-19 with Worker Safety while Maintaining Essential Critical Infrastructure Projects

How one critical infrastructure construction company is continuing to support the growth of communications, data and technology clients in tandem with prioritizing safety.

It’s no doubt that the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread around the world and continues to be of great concern. The concern is not only to personal safety but to the economy in large scale. As a result of the requirement to greatly reduce human-to-human contact, the construction of communications, data and technology facilities are even more essential than ever before. In most cases, technology has become the only string bonding people and communities, providing face-to-face interaction for education, healthcare, financial, etc. alongside important recreational activities like online gaming and streaming workouts.

No one knows for sure how this will impact the way we do business or interact with each other in the long run. Though what is becoming apparently clear is that those who adapt the quickest and bring real world solutions to their clients are the ones who will emerge from this tumultuous time of adjustment better able to provide value to the businesses they serve.

Modifying behaviors from the onset and being agile enough to know when quick, decisive action is pertinent not only ensures business continuity, but protects the health of the team members required to execute the work.

So much so was the concern of Constructiv, an organization focused on mission critical, 5G and edge data center deployments that they instantly implemented and trained all team members on the Standard Operating Procedure for work during pandemic events.

However, they didn’t stop there. Realizing that critical infrastructure projects require specialized expertise and an elevated level of dedication, Constructiv took matters into their own hands.

Early and continued commitment is the cornerstone for success.

In February, Constructiv began a new data center project for Data Foundry, a data center colocation provider. By March the project was in full gear and coronavirus had become a reality in the U.S.

To keep the project on schedule and the workers safe meant having to quickly implement fundamental alterations to the construction team’s behaviors that went beyond the norm. With this steadfast attitude to keep the project moving forward and adhering to OSHA and CDC guidelines, Constructiv’s safety protocol was amplified to include:

• Hyper-communication of procedural information and expectations with staff, clients, subcontractors and vendors. Operating procedures for work during pandemic events was implemented and shared with staff, clients, subcontractors and vendors. This allowed both internal and external teams know what was expected of them and how to proceed.

• Daily reporting with a Self-Disclosure Health Questionnaire for all employees, including field, office and remote workers. This was used to assess if workers were at risk of being infected or of the potential to infect others.

• Temperature screenings for all onsite workers implemented. Those with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater or those that had contact with potentially sick individuals were sent home and monitored for either quarantine or other actions.

• Contact tracing and application of separating activities was initiated. The tracking of teams as a whole or “family” was performed. This reduced the impact of one positive but asymptomatic individual entering the workspace potentially infecting the entire workforce.

• Frequent hand washing protocol was directed. Hand wash stations were placed in the pathway of construction entrances and exits.

• Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces with a CDC-approved, industrial anti-viral solution at the beginning and end of each workday required.

• Reducing human-to-human interaction was prioritized. Points of personal contact such as security badging and tool sharing were lessened to minimize daily transactions.

• Social distancing processes were launched. Besides having project meetings online, site work was coordinated in shifts. For instance, whereas the electricians and the mechanical subcontractors would not be scheduled to occupy the same workspace at the same time.

• Employing the proper and consistent use of (personal protective equipment) PPE.

These procedures were found to be so successful in maintaining safety as well as maintaining the integrity of the project and schedule that they have been incorporated into all Constructiv work going forward.

Plans are to further enhance these procedures with certain work functions such as quality control (QC) and punch list walk throughs performed virtually with the assistance of body worn video camera systems and sophisticated VR software.

Downtown Data Center Builds

Downtown Data Center Builds

Take a glimpse at some of the world's most densely populated data centers where Constructiv is building data center assets for some of the top-rated Colos in the industry.

Constructiv is enhancing the infrastructure of some of the most densely populated critical spaces in downtown areas. As Construction Specialists in the renovation, upgrading and enhancing of data center and telecom buildings in active environments, Constructiv travels the country serving colo and cloud providers with best-in-class service.

Maintain your claim in this highly competitive market and let Constructiv evaluate your facility infrastructure options. Don’t allow lack of robust connectivity keep your business from being a true contender.

Welcome to Constructiv

Welcome to Constructiv

The team at Constructiv would like to personally welcome you and let you know that we have changed our name and are stronger than ever.

Why did we make the switch to Constructiv?

Well, the answer is simple, our client’s.

Constructiv is powered by Electronic Environments Corporation, part of a $2.3 billion global company providing engineering, construction and operations services to the global data center and telecommunications industry.

As Constructiv, we can now better serve our clients by engaging global subject matter experts with our seasoned team of construction professionals. Collaboration and project success are now more than ever at our client’s fingertips.

The Constructiv team now has increased access to complex data center projects, which has enhanced our ability to bring best practices and lesson’s back to the delivery of our data center projects. Along with the teaming of our $2.3-billion partner, we also provide more financial resiliency and lower overhead making us all that more cost efficient.

You will still get access to our team that as a unit has been working together for over 15 years with knowledge derived and fine-tuned from experience with over 50 million square feet of data center space and over 1,000MW of critical power.

We are excited to be part of a stronger team and want to share that excitement with you.

We look forward to working with you!

The Constructiv Builders Team