(Newswire.net — June 17, 2014) Bryan, TEXAS — Garrett Mechanical, Inc., one of the largest mechanical contractors in Texas, has revealed leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is aiding the expansion of the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. Expected to be open to patients by October 2014, the $135 million Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital renovation will add about 800,000 square feet of new space. The entire project is being guided by 3-D technology to visualize every aspect of the building prior to construction.
With Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2014, piping and ductwork designed in Autodesk Fabrication 2014 can be laid out in precise detail. Contractors and engineers can view every mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection component behind the walls, floors, and ceilings. Ductwork and drainage piping can be mapped as well as conduits, cable trays, light fixtures, and ceiling grids.
The software is used in the pre-planning and fabrication of components. It can detect whether any parts from different systems are in conflict. As a result, corrections can be made before construction begins to avoid potential delays in the project. First, the building is replicated in 3D using 3D CAD software, while large duct systems and drainage piping are integrated with Autodesk Fabrication 2014 3D software. By using a combination of software tools, the contractor can prefabricate all components and avoid clashes between different systems.
Larry Garrett, Vice-President of Garrett Mechanical, Inc., said, “By contract, we are the leader of this effort. Taking the lead in the BIM effort, we are able to detail every supply/return/exhaust air duct, hydronic piping system, sanitary waste/vent system, roof drainage system, domestic water system, and medical gas. We can ensure every critical system is in place before construction even starts, avoiding delays and expensive fixes down the road.”
Coordination is essential not only for the project to be completed in time. The mechanical contractor is working with Bartlett Cocke Construction, so every detail for the site needs to be coordinated among everyone involved. More than 250 employees make up a skilled and professional staff at GMI alone.
Recent projects completed by Garrett Mechanical include the University of Texas Health Science Center (San Antonio) and multiple contracts at Texas A&M. The company maintains a perfect track record for finishing projects on-time, and also on-budget. Technical expertise has been put to the test in health care and in commercial and industrial sectors.
The first two patient floors of the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio will be ready in October, while the 30,000 square foot emergency room will be completed by November.
For more information on Garrett Mechanical, Inc., its services, portfolio, and safety record, visit the company website at http://garrettmechanical.com/.
About Garrett Mechanical, Inc.
Garrett Mechanical, Inc., is an award-winning mechanical contractor dedicated to excellence in the commercial, industrial and health care construction industries.