Experience with coordination of mechanical and electrical systems

Apollo has a long resume of experience as the Lead Coordination Manager (LCM) of Building Information Modeling on projects as diverse as Level 4 Bio Labs for the Centers for Disease Control, to data centers for companies such as Yahoo, Intuit, and T-Mobile. Apollo’s continuing success as LCM is due to the fact that we focus our attention in the pre-con phase, building the entire project in model and paper eliminating all conflicts, then carrying this directly into fabrication and spool drawings for construction, and finishing with complete, accurate as-built documents. Apollo views the LCM process as a way to increase fabrication and installation efficiency for both our internal forces and other subcontractors resulting in a faster construction schedule and less overall cost.

Apollo has completed the following projects as the Lead Coordination Manager and the mechanical contractor:

A complete list of BIM projects can be provided upon request.

In-house CAD Capabilities

Apollo uses Autodesk AutoCAD MEP 2009 software to create the 3-D drawings and would require participating contractors to use AutoCAD 2004 or newer, compatible software is acceptable. Navisworks software is used to perform the coordination, conflict identification and facilitate the conflict resolution. Free viewing software is provided for review of the coordination effort. In addition, Apollo will provide (if required) a Web based file hosting site for the MEP Coordination drawings, documents and related items to help facilitate the Coordination effort. Apollo has the capabilities to interface with Bentley, Solid Works, Inventor and Revit.

Apollo CAD services currently consists of a Division Manager, Department Head, Department Lead, (2) EIT, (6) Tech Level 1, (5) Tech Level 2 and (3) Tech Assistant. The group has a minimum experience of 3 years and as many 25 years in the trades, and in detailing and coordination of mechanical systems. We have provided a minimum of 42 hours per man of additional training in the last six months and have a continuous training program.
Apollo currently has 15 Techs in our BIM department with 17 stations.

Apollo is a strong proponent of the BIM process and has extensive experience with MEP Coordination and Constructability Models. Through the implementation of the BIM process Apollo has decreased material waste, increased productivity, and allowed for prefabrication of HVAC and piping systems.

Apollo has successfully interfaced with Revit by integrating the Revit model into the Autodesk AutoCAD MEP 2009 platform, which is our preferred software.
The MEP 2009 software, for our use, provides greater interoperability with other software.

Apollo’s role as LCM in the BIM coordination effort would be to establish procedures and guide lines for the development of a Constructability Model, composite drawings, conflict identification, resolution, and document control. The procedures are developed and based on the contract documents.

The LCM develops a 3-D Constructability Model and background drawings from CAD files of the design drawings or Revit model. The model and drawings includes structural restraints, interior structures, ceiling construction and elevations. The LCM will coordinate with the participating contractors to establish system installation zones and system priorities. The participating contractors with the full knowledge of the installation zones, system priorities and work of other trades will develop 2-D/3-D drawings of their systems and equipment. The drawings shall include all required installation, maintenance, contract and code clearances. The drawings will then be submitted to the LCM for incorporation into the 3-D Constructability Model. The LCM then identifies the conflicts, coordinates the resolution of the conflicts and submits the completed coordination drawings for review. The LCM, Construction Manager (CM), and the participating contractors will not make changes to the system design in order to resolve any conflicts. Procedures will be established to submit design conflicts to the A/E teams for resolution.

Apollo Sheet Metal has successfully utilized this BIM process for coordination on nearly 80% of its self-performed work in 2008. On most of this work, we acted as the Lead Coordination Manager. Having clear, coordinated drawings on large projects with condensed schedules has become a life line to success for Apollo Sheet Metal.