Hunt Construction Group, Inc., an industry leader in BIM, VDC and Integrated Delivery, has changed how building Facilities Management teams can more efficiently respond to component breakdowns.

Hunt debuted ArtrA software at the CityScape Phase I Development, a 618,000-square-foot, 28-story mixed-use tower in downtown Phoenix. In March, Hunt delivered the building to developer and owner, RED Development. About a month later, the Hunt team delivered a coordinated 6D model to RED’s FM staff.

With ArtrA, the 3D BIM model embeds 6D information electronically, including as-built drawings, operations and maintenance manuals, documentation, commissioning FM data as well as anticipated service schedules — in one place, on one model.

“In implementing ArtrA FM software for the first time on a jobsite in the United States, Hunt is writing an essential new chapter in BIM, significantly enhancing FM applied technology,” said Ondrei Poliak, national director of BIM/VDC Technologies for the company.

Poliak explained that FM teams traditionally rely on O&M manuals and as-built documents for detailed information regarding existing conditions. Without this information reliably available, normal maintenance and emergency repairs can be delayed.

“These bulky multi-volume texts, documents and drawings are often stored in areas not conducive to timely retrieval,” he added. “Or, they disappear over time.” When the need for best information is highest, the owner and its FM personnel face the worst conditions: pressure, frustration, disappointment, expense and disgruntled tenants.

The new 6D software particularly aids owners and developers after the contractor delivers the building:  “Information loss — a problem or potential problem for all FM teams — is eliminated with this new technology and process,” Poliak said. “We can now deliver — at the same time — the building and a virtual copy of it with all relevant data.”

The result: When a system or component malfunctions, the FM information is available immediately. No more searching for O&M manuals or not finding them at all. A fan malfunctions, and, within seconds, building staff knows where to find a replacement.

“By coordinating the new ArtrA software with our BIM software, we have added what we believe is a paradigm-changing component to the tool belt of construction industry professionals,” Poliak said.