Technology that Builds Confidence
R.C. Mathews Contractor invests in leading-edge tools and expertise to enhance project performance. Our in-house Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) team strengthens collaboration and brings clarity to the complexities and unknowns of each project. Through innovative processes and emerging construction technologies, we bridge the gap between design and construction to deliver greater certainty and efficiency.
Smarter Building, Start to Finish
Informed Risk Reduction
Through Building Information Modeling (BIM), our VDC team brings future construction to life before work begins. By digitally reviewing and virtually building the project, we uncover potential challenges early, helping project teams make informed decisions and reduce risk with confidence.
Seamless Team Integration
We take pride in prioritizing open communication between our field teams, project managers, and VDC staff. This close collaboration ensures that updates made in the model are accurately and efficiently implemented in the field.
Tailored Solutions
Every project is different, and our approach reflects that. We draw from a variety of methods and technologies to craft solutions that best serve each project’s goals and uphold the owner’s vision and priorities.
Massing Feasibility Studies
Before a project takes shape, our team is equipped to help clients build a strong foundation for success. Because cost often determines a project’s feasibility, we offer early-stage massing models and Schematic Design–level reviews to ensure project viability. Early involvement allows us to align AEC, and ownership teams, keeping the entire project focused on a shared vision.
Reality Capture
We partner with specialized firms to perform LiDAR scans and generate accurate models of existing conditions that integrate seamlessly into the design and VDC workflow. Once projects begin, we use drones to capture real-time project progress, ensuring our teams have accurate visual data at every stage of construction to support effective schedule management.
3D Model Takeoffs & Reviews
At any stage of design or preconstruction, our team can extract precise quantitative data from designer models to provide valuable feedback during design iterations and budgeting. During these early phases, we also conduct constructability and efficiency reviews to help ensure the design is both cost-effective and buildable.
Preconstruction Planning
Comprehensive preconstruction planning allows us to take control of the site from day one. By developing detailed documents that define logistics and sequencing, we minimize risk and optimize constructability. Typical plans include:
• Traffic Plans and Pedestrian Plans
• Site Logistics Plans
• Excavation Plans
• Crane and Hoisting Plans
Site Layout
Our Virtual Design and Construction team collaborates closely with field layout staff to ensure building control and layout are established accurately. This coordination guarantees that layout data flows seamlessly from the model to the field, maintaining precision throughout construction.
Structural Coordination
Building structure is the most critical scope at the onset of a project and one of the least flexible aspects of a project. We model the concrete structure to virtually construct the design before work begins, allowing us to uncover unknowns and coordinate the design. We then integrate the structural steel model to verify connection feasibility and ensure no scope gaps remain.
Systems Coordination
We take pride in our thorough approach to the coordination of MEPFP systems. Our team leads the process with a focus on installation sequencing and long-term serviceability. By identifying potential issues months before installation, we minimize design impacts to meet the needs of all project stakeholders. This proactive coordination also allows for prefabrication of many building systems, reducing on-site work and increasing schedule certainty while preserving the architect’s design intent.