Vico Software Constructor™ is a dedicated construction modeling application that enables creation and analysis of highly detailed virtual construction™ models

 

Architectural and Structural Modeling

 

Predefined Building Model Elements
Quickly create 3D models of your projects using predefined Virtual Construction™ tools with type-specific properties and settings.

 

External Content Links
With Constructor’s ability to read a wide range of industry-standard file formats, 2D design information can easily be used as the basis for 3D Virtual Building models.

 

Optimized Construction Model Content
Vico Software Constructor library content is optimized for use in Construction models. All properties and quantities required for Scheduling and Estimating purposes are included.

 

Reshaping Elements in 2D and 3D
With Constructor 2008 you can work on your model from any view you choose. Easily reshape even complex elements in the appropriate view.

 

Structural Steel Profiler
Constructor 2008 includes a complete library of steel profiles. The library covers the steel profile libraries of more than 15 countries; including the USA and the United Kingdom, in addition to European standards.Constructor 2008 is based on Graphisoft’s Virtual Building software; ArchiCAD 11®, which introduces new functionality that greatly increases modeling freedom and productivity.

 

Virtual Trace™
Virtual Trace helps to ensure that the construction model is accurately coordinated with all project drawings and helps to eliminate design errors at any phase of a project. Using Virtual Trace you can select any document (including the 3D view) as an underlay “Reference View” of the active view.

 

Visual Compare
Visual Compare greatly extends the functionality of Virtual Trace by enabling users to visually identify differences between the model and drawings. With this innovative solution, coordination becomes a natural part of the design process.

 

Interior Elevation Function
With this new feature, Constructor 2008 dramatically improves productivity by saving time spent on tedious technical tasks. Create unfolded interior model views of even the most complex-shaped room in just a few clicks. With its auto-placement rules, Interior Elevations can be placed on a layout with a single drag and drop action.

MEP Modeling

 

Constructor 2008 includes MEP Modeler; a full, high-end, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing modeling module. With specification-driven routing, MEP modeler is accurate and very easy to use: duct routes are automatically delimited by the components available from the specification library.

 

Extensive Library of Equipment, Pipes and Ducts

Start modeling immediately using the Constructor 2008 extensive library of localized MEP equipment. This new feature ensures a quick start, by enabling you to pull content from a prepared library.

 

Hanger Tool

The Hanger tool increases model accuracy and level of details by providing a quick and simple way to model pipe and duct hangers.  Select the hanger type and bracing options from Constructor’s Library, define the placing point on the pipe or ductwork, and automatically get the hanger at the correct elevation. The hanger tool will also extend the connections of braces and all-thread rod to connect to the slab or steel above.  Modifications can be made to the hangers after placement to avoid collisions and produce a coordinated model.

 

Specification Based Content and Modeling
Ensure “Design to Build” by basing your design on standard specifications. Constructor 2008 duct and pipe content libraries are all compatible with standard specifications. When defining a duct or pipe route, Constructor automatically applies parts that are available within the selected specification. This way, paths are automatically constrained based on the specified collection of parts.

 

Auto Routing
Auto routing makes it easy to connect main ducts with equipment. Simply pick two points and the system will automatically establish a connection. The connection can then be optimized based on defined constraints (e.g. the number of bends).

 

Editing After Placement
Ducts and pipes placed in the model environment can be edited after placement. Move points in the system in the x, y, and z directions, or change the angle - the system automatically adjusts the run.

5D Modeling

5D modeling with Constructor means connecting a Virtual Building model to a database that contains the information to support the estimating, scheduling and controlling activities of a project. Constructor 2008 provides the functionality to organize and break down the information as required for each of these tasks.

 

Live Connection to the Database
A parallel and synchronized workflow with Vico Estimator™ is ensured by a live connection to a common database. Changes and additions in the collection of Estimator’s cost Recipes are updated in the Constructor environment. The improved and integrated database and project setup function makes it easier to set up and maintain project-to-database connections.

 

WBS Manager
Adjust the WBS to fit your estimating and scheduling needs, and use options to easily analyze different construction sequencing scenarios and cost breakdown structures.
The new WBS Manager lets users organize the 5D model data as desired by defining a Work Breakdown Structure with unlimited hierarchical levels. Easy-to-use filtering mechanisms, in combination with the new construction zoning function, make it possible to optimally benefit from the 5D model for both estimating and scheduling purposes.

Non-Destructive Element Splitting
This patent-pending technology increases 5D modeling power and productivity dramatically and enables fast, highly accurate analyses of construction scenarios. Non-Destructive Element Splitting™ enables users to define project construction zones as desired, and get the correct quantities and scheduling information without the necessity to physically split elements.

 

New Set of Quantities and Properties
Constructor 2008 enable more accurate and detailed quantity-take-offs by presenting a completely new set of quantities and properties available for estimating and scheduling purposes. This new set doubles the amount of quantities available compared to the earlier version. It also features new, recognizable quantity and property descriptions.

 

Estimating Integration

 

Vico’s third generation Estimating Integration provides a powerful and flexible connection to Vico Estimator™.

Recipe Model Links
Enrich 3D model entities with construction Recipe data. Elements in the Virtual Building model can be associated with costs by assigning a cost Recipe to it. The Recipe assignment is defined as a property in the element’s settings.

Recipe Link Checker
Increase accuracy and save time by easily identifying unassigned objects and defining links with the common database. This new feature provides one location for filtering and selecting elements, and assigning and changing Recipe assignments.

Extended Favorites
Accelerate the modeling process and ensure model standardization using Favorites - a user-managed library of predefined Virtual Building elements. Favorite settings can now also contain the assigned Recipe: if an element is added to the model from the Favorites panel, the predefined Recipe is assigned automatically.

Estimating Search and Select
Ensure optimized manageability of the Virtual Building elements included in the project. Searching and selecting for elements based on assigned Recipe properties is now possible with the Estimating Search and Select function. Multi-line queries can be defined and saved for later use.

Quantities and Properties of Selection
This function provides excellent quantity take off feedback at any moment during the Virtual Construction process. Quantities and properties extracted from elements in the Virtual Building model can be analyzed before being published to the common database.

Support for Conditional Methods
Provides superior integration with Vico Software Estimator. The Conditional Methods functionality introduced in Estimator 2008 is supported by offering functionality to select properties that are made available in Estimator. Selected properties are written into the common database and can be used with the Conditional Methods feature in Estimator. 

 

Scheduling Integration

 

Task Manager
Constructor’s new Task Manager functionality allows users to define schedule Tasks, organize schedule Tasks into hierarchical schedule Task groups, and map estimating Methods or Method Classifications to Task definitions.
Task Manager includes the functionality to group Tasks into trades, building phases, or any other desired grouping. Each group can be assigned its own Task representation behavior, and then be used to simulate the schedule in Vico Software 5D Presenter™.

 

New Control Integration
The newly introduced integration with Vico Control allows users to define Method-to-Task mapping in Control’s “Bill of Quantities” mode.
Additional Resources required for the project, introduced by mobilization and waiting time in the schedule, are now synchronized with the cost of Resources in the estimate through the common database

 

Data exchange with Primavera® P3 and MS Project®
Data can be exchanged with Primavera® P3™, as well as Microsoft® Project™. The connection transfers the Work Breakdown Structure and Tasks to the schedule. Schedule information (e.g. start and end dates) can be synchronized in Constructor to complete the 5D model.

Publish to 5D Presenter
Integrate, simulate, and present model progress, schedule and cost in one view. Constructor 2008 synchronizes model, cost and, schedule data and generates a 5D Model. The 5D Model can then be published to a 5D Presenter simulation. The simulation is the ideal way to check for constructability issues, identify potentially hazardous scenarios in the schedule, track actual progress, and run EV analysis.

Site Surveying

 

Site Surveying Export
Constructor 2008 introduces a new set of functionality that further increases the value of the Virtual Building model. The Site Surveying Export function lets users place site surveying and benchmark points inside the model environment. After defining the location of the reference point; the nearest global geological survey point, a data file can be saved for use in a Total Station, bringing the Virtual Building model to the construction site.

 

Site Surveying Import
Easily compare “as-built” to “as-designed” scenarios, by importing survey points into the Virtual Building model environment. This function lets site surveyors measure points on-site and bring them into the model through a data file that is imported into Constructor. The survey points are represented with a dedicated object for easy recognition.