This is part two of a two-part customer story series with Kinetic Construction, focused on how their project teams are utilizing cmBuilder on various projects. You can read part one, which centers on leadership perspectives, here. In this part, we delve into the practical applications and benefits of cmBuilder through the eyes of the Kinetic project teams working on three unique projects:

Project 1: Hwul'a'mut Housing – Overcoming Challenging Terrain

Joseph Liska, Project Manager at Kinetic, is overseeing the construction of a six-story affordable housing project for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in Squamish, currently is in construction. This project presents significant logistical challenges due to the site's steep terrain and limited access. The site drops by about 5 to 7 meters from the road to the south end, which makes it difficult to plan. Access is available only from one side, as future roads are not yet built, effectively landlocking the site from three sides.

“cmBuilder was crucial in helping us visualize and iterate our plan, saving us from potential cost overruns and schedule delays”

- Joseph Liska - Project Manager at Kinetic Construction

To tackle these challenges, Joseph's team used cmBuilder to visualize and plan the logistics of the site. They began by positioning the crane and building up the contours to establish a logical sequence of work. During this planning phase, the team identified potential issues, such as the risk of being stuck in a corner and needing to move equipment down a steep slope without proper access. "cmBuilder was crucial in helping us visualize and iterate our plan, saving us from potential cost overruns and schedule delays", Joseph explains. By using cmBuilder, they were able to adjust their plan early on, deciding to build the retaining wall first and work out from the southeast corner, thereby avoiding costly delays and logistical hurdles.

The software also proved valuable in coordinating with the civil contractor to minimize future change orders. "We used cmBuilder to validate our approach and present options in meetings, which helped us avoid potential cost overruns and delays", Joseph notes. The team also utilized cmBuilder to review logistics with subcontractors and optimize the sequence for installing prefabricated walls.

Joseph also highlights cmBuilder’s value in training less experienced team members. "It's a great tool for young coordinators to learn about site logistics and sequencing", he adds. The software's ability to provide accurate, visual representations of the site helps those new to the field quickly understand the complexities of construction planning.

Project 2: NAV Canada – Building a New Control Tower

Sean Thomas, Site Superintendent at Kinetic, is leading the construction of a new airport control tower at Victoria Airport. The project is notable for being the only LEED-certified control tower in Canada, currently in the early stages with excavation just begun.

“Being able to visually present site plans and safety measures has been invaluable for stakeholder engagement”

- Sean Thomas - Site Superintendent at Kinetic Construction

A major challenge is the site's proximity to the airport, which imposes strict height restrictions. "Using cmBuilder to manage heights and ensure we don't exceed limits has been essential", Sean explains. Additionally, overhead utility lines from BC Hydro and Telus [local utility companies] needed to be relocated underground, and cmBuilder's visual planning tools were crucial in creating mock-ups to manage these utilities.

The site is a contaminated PFAS area, leading to logistical challenges with soil management. The project required a water management plan to treat all water before being discharged off-site. The team had to plan around large areas for site necessities like parking, caissons, rebar, and site trailers. cmBuilder was utilized to plan these spaces and direct traffic and equipment around them.

Safety planning was another critical component where cmBuilder made a significant impact. "We used cmBuilder to create a comprehensive site safety plan, which evolves as the project progresses," Sean shares. The visual aspect of cmBuilder allowed the team to effectively communicate safety protocols to stakeholders, especially those less familiar with technical construction details. "Being able to visually present site plans and safety measures has been invaluable for stakeholder engagement."

Project 3: Naut’sa mawt Affordable Housing – Navigating Tight Spaces

Mike Forsyth is the Project Manager for the Naut’sa mawt project, a 40-unit affordable housing development in Courtenay, British Columbia. This project, funded by BC Housing and CMHC amongst others, is located on a compact urban site, presenting several logistical challenges. The site is bordered by power lines only 9 feet away on two sides, requiring careful planning for construction close to these hazards.

“cmBuilder allowed us to visualize logistics better, plan equipment movements, and manage site constraints effectively”

- Mike Forsyth - Project Manager at Kinetic Construction

To manage these challenges, the team used cmBuilder to transform their initial 2D plans into a 3D model. "cmBuilder allowed us to visualize logistics better, plan equipment movements, and manage site constraints effectively", Mike explains. The 3D model was particularly helpful in coordinating construction activities near the power lines, ensuring that safety measures were in place and that all clearances were properly accounted for.

The site is also shared with an existing childcare facility, adding additional complexity. "cmBuilder helped us develop our initial plans further, providing a clear visual representation that we could present to the owner", Mike says. This visual planning tool allowed the team to forecast logistics more accurately, and communicate and plan controls to mitigate potential hazards related to the power lines and vehicular traffic management to all stakeholders. "By facilitating these conversations about site logistics and risks before construction begins, cmBuilder ensures everyone is on the same page," he adds. This capability has proven invaluable in keeping the project on schedule and within safety parameters.

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By leveraging cmBuilder, Kinetic’s project teams have been able to manage complex site logistics, improve planning accuracy, establish site safety plans, and communicate more effectively with stakeholders, helping project teams plan and execute jobs more effectively.

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