Value engineering is a systematic method of improving facility planning. The process results in lower design costs and better construction sequencing of a project – while decreasing the overall expense. The value engineering concept tends to keep in place those functions which expedite and optimize the planning, design, and construction of facility projects, while removing unnecessary expenditures. This process is often used to keep projects from running over budget without sacrificing the integrity of the entire design/construction process.
Often, government projects demand that a value-engineered workflow is followed – bringing to the table a multitude of ideas aimed at reducing construction and life-cycle cost of structures while maintaining the required building performance. The process entails presenting questions in all phases of planning, design, and construction – and obtaining answers based on the following project criteria:
- what alternate methods, materials, or processes can perform the same desired function
- evaluating best practices versus reasonable cost to arrive at acceptable substitutions
- comparison of design solutions to determine which answer will perform adequately
- expanding design efforts for those areas where performance or impact is critical
Value engineering answers both how? and why? Simultaneously during all phases of new construction. The concept is not simply focused on cost reduction, it also embraces the value that a systematic, team approach can add to projects. Keeping a close handle on the economics of design and construction, should not limit innovation or quality. Construction economies can be found in many places – such as coordinated labor scheduling or advanced bill of materials solutions.
When value-conscious design decisions are made, an evaluation and comparison of potential solutions are analyzed. When a cost-effective alternative is obtained which satisfies the owner’s requirements, it becomes the chosen solution. The end result is a regulation of costs, without sacrifice to function.
Answering the Challenges of Facilities Planning
The facilities planning stage, when looked at from a value-engineered framework, has less to do with spatial function and layout – and more to do with built-in life cycle performance and facility maintenance reduction, along with acceptable occupant flow. Aligning planning strategies with business strategies requires looking at alternate design and construction methods along with substitute materials which support the vision of all project stakeholders. Urban planning and mixed-used construction are areas where the keen use of space and tight budgets can benefit from value engineering.
Often, the answer lies in working with an outsourced engineering service which can provide fast turn around of multiple conceptual designs for layout comparison, adding value to the planning process. Mass modeling to determine the best site orientation to gain the energy advantages of both shading and sunlight is just one example. The efficiency of using 3D conceptual modeling to quickly visualize and compare alternative structural designs is a critical function within the value-engineering framework.
Applying Value Engineering in the Design Phase
When designing projects with ‘built-in value’, the engineering and design phases offer the greatest opportunity for productivity gains and cost savings. With the use of intelligence-based, computer-aided design (CAD) technology, critical design information is included as part of the graphics layout. This provides for engineering analysis procedures which can mathematical obtain values which support the most economical, yet structurally-sound options.
Tekla Structures is one example of design/drafting software which supports three functions of structural engineering – modeling, detailing, and fabrication or shop drawing generation. With the included power of an information-rich database, evaluation and analysis of cost-efficient solutions is built into each model. A key benefit of a 3D model built with Tekla, is the efficient translation of dimensional information straight to CNC machining processes
Another design area which can benefit from value engineering is the design and layout of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems or MEP for facilities. System clashes during construction and installation of equipment represents one of the greatest budget drains in time and cost. The value engineering method includes a systems development phase which support four tenets of installing utilities infrastructure:
- design calculations
- layout comparisons
- cost evaluations
- best solution
When it comes to designing MEP systems, reliability becomes the driving motivator and offers the greatest value. In the design drafting stages of value engineering, the consideration of different iterations of a design layout is critical to arriving at the most cost-effective solution. To quickly and effectively accomplish this, third-party drafting vendors can provide multiple layout solutions for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Choose a services that is skilled in both 3D and general orthographic view layouts of utility systems for subsequent evaluation by in-house engineering staff.
This brings the discussion back to the bottom line of value engineering – and that is, spending money wisely. Choosing the right outsourcing model which brings the most value to a project is the first step. Whether a single vendor or a multi-sourced approach is applied, the goal is the same – to balance the A&E companies’ assets and skills with the accumulated experience of the engineering services vendor. To maintain value when partnering with outsourced engineering services, attention should be paid to avoiding companies which have hidden costs, extra fees, or inflexible contracts.
Erection and Construction Payoffs
Value engineering is translated to the erection and construction phases through a reduction of in-field engineering change notices and avoiding system interferences which may have went undetected during the design phase. But, an additional savings can be found in using experienced and quality construction contractors who can provide in-field solutions which enhance the value for the owner. Often savings can be found when commercial builders optimize construction scheduling and manpower to reduce downtime and unproductive tasks.
At this stage in the process, the focus becomes accomplishing the required tasks at the lowest cost. But keep in mind, the construction phase can also be assisted by an efficient engineering and design layout. When the installing contractor is linked in communication with the design team, design decisions that influence the construction process can be evaluated before erection and installation.
In all phases of planning, detailed design, and construction – value engineering is not to be considered a cost-cutting approach, but a value-added approach. Money is saved when capital costs are reduced – not from inferior materials or below quality installations. The main drivers are cost vs. performance – with neither being independent of the other.
The Value of Outsourced Documentation Delivery
Outsourced engineering services contain an inherent added value over in-house design/drafting processes. From conceptual design to full 3D modeling and design package documentation delivery, multiple benefits are seen which contribute to economic planning, design, and construction phases.
Offshoring of projects can bring significant savings in drafting documentation with fast and reliable turn-around speeds. Many engineering projects contain a vast amount of repetitive work and an extremely high amount of documentation. This is seen is the structural, electrical and mechanical areas especially – making these disciplines value-conscious options for offshore engineering services.
Highly specialized projects which demand proficiency and skill sets in certain technologies are another option for outsourcing. It is here that the value of using pre-trained CAD technicians with skills in high-level CAD programs such as Revit is of most benefit. With online sharing tools, outsourcing becomes an extension of the primary AEC professionals in-house staff, and offers more value than hiring, training and retaining a full staff for large projects.
The INDBIM offers architectural, structural, and mechanical engineering and design services for a wide range of small and large projects.