Models as Construction Contract Documents

Advances in 3D modeling software and computing have revolutionized the design process for highway projects. Designing in 3D provides improved visualization of design intent, highly accurate spatial information, a product that facilitates collaboration and communication with other stakeholders on the project team, and many other benefits. Beyond design, 3D models present an opportunity for construction and maintenance personnel to elicit life-cycle benefits for their specific needs. This synthesis effort will seek to identify and consolidate current effective practices in DOTs for providing contractors with 3D models and including them in contract documents, appropriate contractual language, 3D model verification and update, technical and contractual limitations, and industry needs through a national survey and subsequent case examples.