HOW MODEL PREP IMPROVES RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION SITE DEVELOPMENT
Residential subdivisions have steadily grown in popularity since their development in the 1940s. They require careful and thorough planning. Land developers must abide by local zoning laws, acquire building permits, and understand the topography before any land division can be done. Depending on the size of the planned subdivision, it is likely that a land survey will be done. Land surveys help identify the land boundaries, detail the topography, and detect any existing structures. It is recommended that land surveys be conducted early in the process to help avoid unnecessary surprises later on. To obtain the required approvals for construction to begin, it is also necessary to gather site plans, topo surveys, diagrams, and any other relevant project data. Included within the site plan is the layout and grading plan for the site, and that’s where we can get involved to assist with your data prep.
Stormwater retention pond
How Virtual Construction Engineers Add Value Beyond Model Building
We recently shared an experience where we partnered with one of our clients in West Virginia. They got in touch with us about a large subdivision project they were working on. The specific details about that project can be found here. Generally speaking, clients contact us to build a digital terrain model (DTM) for their project. Once we receive the PDF and CAD files from our client, our virtual construction engineer (VCE) gets to work by first comparing the PDF to the CAD. When it comes to subdivision roads, it is common that our VCE finds conflicts between the files. For example, sometimes, the road centerline (vector line data representing the geographic center of road rights) conflicts with the design contours on the grading plan. Finding this discrepancy early in the process saves our clients both time and money because it can be fixed before earth moving has begun. If not found early, other issues could affect the project, such as incorrect spot grades, areas where water won’t drain properly, unnecessarily steep slopes, and ADA code violations. Despite the reasons for why there may be one or more conflicts, an experienced VCE will always bring it to our client’s attention upon identification so that they can go back to their engineer to make the modifications before digging begins. Once all of the discrepancies have been communicated with the client and engineer, the VCE can prepare the linework. This 2D digital layout is a precursor to building the 3D surface model. This surface model is built with specific contours so that roadway transitions, including cul-de-sacs, are both smooth and gradual. No one enjoys driving on bumpy roads, especially not within a residential subdivision.
3D Model of a residential subdivision
Why Takeoffs are Key in Earthwork Projects
It should be no surprise if you’ve read our blogs that data accuracy is one of our foundational pillars. The reason is that earthwork requires precision to avoid dirt or other materials being hauled away or brought in when not necessary. Cut & Fills (takeoffs) are critical in determining the right quantities of what is on-site. Doing so lets the developer do proper resource planning, whether a residential subdivision or another type of land project.
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By utilizing GPS machine control equipped with our model files, the grading process becomes a lot simpler and more accurate, which allows you to stay on track with your project timeline.
If you need data prep for your residential subdivision project or any other earthwork project, give us a call!