The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) enlisted B&N as part of the KZF Design Team to provide a Building Information Modeling (BIM) model that represents the existing architecture and plumbing conditions of their facilities, in compliance with VA Directive 1061. Among other objectives, the VA will use these models to actively manage risk factors associated with Legionella and other water-borne pathogens at several VA Medical Centers (VAMC) throughout Pennsylvania.
B&N conducted site verifications of plumbing and building conditions at the following campuses:
- Butler VAMC, Butler, PA – six structures totaling over 134,700 square feet
- Erie VAMC, Erie, PA – two buildings totaling over 280,900 square feet
- Pittsburgh VAMC, Pittsburgh, PA, and James E Van Zandt VAMC, Altoona, PA – three buildings totaling over 739,800 square feet
At each location, B&N’s Architecture team used an advanced in-house LiDAR scanner, capable of capturing up to 2,000,000 points per second with nearly 1mm precision. This technology enabled detailed documentation of building components and supported KZF's creation of Level 200 BIM models. The LiDAR data was combined with civil site survey data to create geo-located BIM models.
Additionally, B&N's Plumbing team used various methods to document the existing potable domestic water systems, creating Level 300 BIM models that detailed supply elements, components, fixtures and distribution systems. These models included comprehensive system properties and color-coded elements to identify and manage the domestic water systems, ensuring patient safety during facility operations.
Upon completion, B&N provided asset management information via COBie reports and piping dead leg reports to assist local facility maintenance teams to correct potential risks.