How Bowen is Using Mixed Reality to Change the Design and Construction Process

BIO: Jared Redelman leads the VDC and Project Controls teams at Bowen. With 17 years of construction experience, many of which have been spent in the field, Jared understands the struggles construction teams face daily. As strong supporter of construction technology, Jared has successfully implemented multiple technology workflows into Bowen’s standard routine.  Jared holds a degree in Construction Management from Purdue University.

Bowen is a self-perform general contractor operating in much of the United States with offices in Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Tennessee, North Carolina and Kansas.  Working mainly in the Water, Wastewater and Power industries, Bowen utilizes Mixed Reality throughout the Design and Construction process on many projects.  Mixed Reality provides an entirely new way to view project data in the field allowing project stakeholders to fully understand the project scope in true scale.  Bowen first invested in Mixed Reality technology in 2020 and quickly saw the benefits the technology can provide.

After purchasing the first Mixed Reality device, Bowen used it for internal pre-planning and constructability discussions.  The technology was great for identifying clashes between model elements and existing structures that weren’t shown in the model.  It was also very helpful in planning work in tight areas and allowed crews to discuss how to get pipe spools, equipment and other physical components in place throughout construction.  Every site visit utilizing the technology prompted great discussions allowing the teams to be more proactive with generating RFIs, changing pre-fabrication efforts and better understanding of the design, all of which makes the project more efficient.  With seeing the value Mixed Reality provided internally, they decided to expand the effort and see how they can incorporate into meetings with Owners and Engineering partners.

Bowen first used Mixed Reality with an Owner and Engineering partner for a 30% design review meeting at a wastewater plant in New Jersey.  The plant was installing a new belt press in an existing building.  There was some concern by plant operators about the size of the belt press in the area it was supposed to sit and their ability to maneuver around it for access and maintenance purposes.  After explaining the capabilities of Mixed Reality to the plant team, they decided to give it a try.  

During the site review, multiple team members from the plant, engineering firm and Bowen reviewed the model showing the equipment, valves and piping in full scale where they were designed to be placed.  The initial goal of providing a level of comfort of the space around the new equipment was accomplished and there were no changes made to the equipment placement.  However, as people continued to review other areas of the project, there was concern about some pipe routing and valve placement in the design.  Early in the design process, some plant operators requested a particular valve be placed at chest level for easy hand wheel operation.  When viewing the model on a screen, the pipe routing and valve placement looked acceptable, exactly according to the initial request.  Utilizing Mixed Reality, it was obvious the requested location provided very little space to maneuver around the pipe and valve in the area it was placed.  After further discussion, all parties agreed that moving that run of pipe approximately 10’ higher along the ceiling and putting a chain on the wheel of the valve was a much better design.  The design model was updated accordingly and that’s how the work was installed on site.  This process increased collaboration, reduced RFIs and eliminated rework since a request to move that pipe and valve would’ve still come by the plant operators, but only after it was already installed in place.

Since that first design review using Mixed Reality, Bowen has used the technology to assist with many other design reviews with Owners and Engineers.  The feedback that is received after each review always makes the process well worth it.  There have even been some larger projects that have utilized the technology weekly to review design changes as the models are updated.  This specific scenario is helpful on fast paced design build projects where construction is occurring on site as the final design continues to change.  Bowen has increased their Mixed Reality capabilities by investing in additional hardware and software as the technology continues to develop.  Mixed Reality has proven its value and will continue to be a frequently used tool for the Bowen team.