VDC and the Engineering Continuum

In this paper, we provide a brief overview of the historical underpinnings of the design-construction industry and the development of design engineering and construction engineering as independent but related subdisciplines of civil engineering. The effects of the first and second generation of computer tools on design engineering are identified. The complementary and evolving definitions of construction engineering and design engineering are examined, specifically in the context of structural design engineering activities and deliverables and the corresponding construction engineering activities and deliverables. The concept of an “engineering continuum” is introduced, and the process is recast in light of that concept. Several case studies are used to examine the promise of third generation design-construction computing technologies such as virtual design and construction and their potential beneficial impact on the cost and schedule of the typical design-construction project. Refinements to the definitions of construction and design engineering that have the potential to maximize the benefits of third generation technology are proposed with an eye toward the form of fourth generation computing technologies that are on the horizon.