Virtual Design and Construction of Pipelines

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a process utilized by project partners (owners, designers, facility operators, constructors, etc.) collaboratively to develop and simulate a project in a virtual environment throughout the lifecycle of the project. A consistent approach to virtual design and construction includes the people, processes, and tools necessary to execute exceptional projects. While VDC has been utilized in vertical construction for well over a decade, its application in the pipeline industry is limited. This paper will outline the current and projected future practice of VDC in pipelines, particularly for water infrastructure, and how it can be used for risk mitigation with real-life examples. The goal is to provide the reader a better understanding of VDC and how the process can be streamlined into the pipeline infrastructure with its advantages and limitations.