We first adjusted our virtual models to remove all interior items, leaving just the hollow shell of each building. Then, using Dynamo software, a custom script was written to convert the shell of the buildings into solid 3D masses, which is necessary for the models to be self-supporting during and after 3D printing. With this complete, we handed our model over to the FabLab team for test printing. After a few adjustments, the model was ready for final printing.

Using a Ultimaker S5 3D printer, one 3D model of both buildings took about 34 hours to print and used 374 grams of PLA plastic. This is the first 3D building printed by the UVM FabLab and we are looking forward to teaming up on more projects in the future!

The STEM Complex consists of two new five-story buildings totaling nearly 200,000 square feet. The project includes a state-of-the-art laboratory building as well as a modern classroom and teaching building to align UVM and its students, faculty and staff with a new era of STEM programs. The complex features 20 state-of-the-art teaching labs, seven media-rich classrooms, faculty labs, and meeting spaces for student and teacher interaction. The buildings interconnect with a third existing building to house the chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics and statistics and computer science programs. The construction process employed extensive 3D BIM coordination to streamline the installation of highly complex MEPF systems.

Learn more about this project:

UVM STEM Complex Achieves LEED Silver

UVM STEM Complex Wins Regional and National Awards

Project Update: University of Vermont STEM Complex

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Waterhead Mill, located in Lowell, Massachusetts, is a four-story, brick building originally built in the early 20^th century as a corduroy mill. The building is situated on a two-acre site surrounded by the Concord River and Wamesit Canal. When PC Construction completes the renovation work, the 78,000-square-foot mill will be transformed into a housing facility including 68 single bedroom units, three studio apartments and resident amenities such as a fitness center and community room.

To document the extensive exterior rehabilitation of this historical building, we used our drone to capture the existing site and building conditions. High-resolution aerials and close-range photos were taken of the building and site. In addition, 3D drone mapping was utilized to provide a complete visual of the entire project for reference throughout construction.

Take a good look – before long this building will be back to its original glory and ready to serve a new purpose!

Below: 3D drone mapping provides a complete visual of the facility for reference.

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The Mill240 Apartments II project in Lawrence, Massachusetts, involves a massive renovation of the former Newark Paper Mill, which has been unoccupied for several decades. PC Construction was selected to bring these buildings back to life and has been on site since June 2017. The project consists of the renovation of the two existing mill facilities – a seven-story, 344,000-square-foot building that will house 198 apartments and a one-story 29,000-square-foot building to include 19 large studio apartments. Both buildings are located directly next to the Merrimack River, making work on the river side of the buildings challenging.

With the project nearing completion, the team needed a way to inspect the painting completed on the buildings’ exposed concrete. The painting on the river elevation was initially completed using chair swing staging because use of typical staging was impossible given the proximity to the river. The quickest and least expensive way to inspect the paint work was to bring in our drone to capture close-up, high resolution photos of each building elevation. From there, the team was able to visually inspect that the painting work was completed accurately. Within an hour, the inspection process was complete. Using traditional inspection methods, this task that would have taken many hours to complete while presenting severe safety challenges.

The use of drones in the construction industry and here at PC has grown substantially over the past few years, not only for inspection purposes, but because drones offer capabilities that can simplify processes and increase efficiency. Stay tuned to hear more about how PC Construction is putting drones to work on our projects.

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