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would likely take up to three months to manually gather the information necessary and put it in a usable document — putting the entire project's schedule in jeopardy. Plus, the potential for human error and miscalculations is high, making the data less dependable. Laser scanning provides rapid, accurate as-built data of large, complicated buildings and the supporting infrastructure (HVAC piping, electrical conduit, existing structure, etc.). Laser scanners work by collecting millions of digital data points per second. The high density of the data points provide for 3-D visualization and give a good idea of what is there, enabling the team to decipher what can be used moving forward and what might "clash" and have to be retrofitted to match up with the new plans for renovation. The data gathered at Banner Thunderbird via laser scanning helped overall coordination with the existing facility, while making it possible to prefabricate many of the buildings systems offsite. Impacts to the facility were minimized by making sure all new work would fit within the constraints of existing utilities identified through laser scanning. Because of laser scanning, the facility has a complete as-built drawing of a nearly 30-year-old facility, with all renovations included. construction document phase and the bid, detailing/shop drawings phase were completed simultaneously, which represented a time saving of approximately four months. This approach allowed the architect and contractor to work together at an earlier stage, which necessitated open communication from the start. THE BOTTOM LINE The Banner Thunderbird Medical Center South Tower addition and renovation project team addressed user needs during design and coordination, expedited the remodel portion of the project, improved overall project quality, and most importantly, incurred zero changes as a result of proactive coordination and zero time delays due to rework. With advanced technology and creative scheduling and delivery methods, healthcare facilities are being delivered faster and safer, all while ensuring accuracy and quality standards are consistently met or exceeded. Chris Jacobson served as the project director for the Banner Thunderbird Medical Center tower addition and expansion project for McCarthy Building Companies. He can be reached at cjacobson@mccarthy.com. BIM PROVIDES SEAMLESS CONSTRUCTION Building Information Modeling, which is used in conjunction with laser scanning, was another key component of the Banner Thunderbird tower addition and expansion project. BIM was completed during the construction document phase and more than 6,000 clashes were detected and resolved prior to permitting. The actual fully coordinated BIM model was submitted along with construction documents for permitting. Critical elements of the BIM process include building extensive 3-D virtual mockups to enhance user communication. Heads of departments at Banner Thunderbird were brought in to review the virtual mockups to visualize the space and provide feedback prior to the start of construction. This approach alleviated design issues and rework at an early stage, representing cost savings for the hospital. Through the use of BIM, user needs were addressed during design and coordination versus post construction. This resulted in improved quality, zero changes as a result of proactive coordination, zero time delays due to rework and ultimately the tower addition was completed in 19 months. INTEGRATED DESIGN-ASSIST SAVES TIME Banner Health awarded the project as Construction Manager at Risk and hired both McCarthy Building Companies and NTD Architecture under separate contracts. McCarthy was brought on board early in the design phase to assist in constructability reviews, value engineering and budgeting to ensure the project met all the needs of the owner without sacrificing budget or schedule. Using McCarthy's integrated design-assist process, the www.mcdmag.com Seamless integration equals a healthier office. Karran Edge stainless steel sinks feature a unique resin matrix rim that allows for seamless bonding to any solid surface countertop. Karran Edge stainless steel sinks This eliminates voids between provide a simple way to ensure countertop and sink that collect a more sanitary environment for all of your patients and staff. dirt and promote bacteria growth. No hard to clean voids that are impossible to keep clean and sanitary means a safer environment for your patients and staff. Call or visit us today at www.karran.com. Karran USA, 1291 East Ramsey Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 866.452.7726 January/February 2013 | Medical Construction & Design 29