History
Mortenson was an early pioneer in the application of technology in the construction field, utilizing it in all phases, from preconstruction through operations and maintenance. Mortenson began to focus on research and development associated with Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), Integrated Delivery, and BIM in 1996 with the creation of our Center for Construction Innovation (CCI).
Our VDC journey began with the development and use of a 100 percent model-based planning and fabrication process in order to build the “unbuildable” Walt Disney Concert Hall. This was a pioneering project that advanced the science of construction and pushed 4D modeling into the commercial construction realm.
Since then, Mortenson has invested in the people, education, and technology to truly demonstrate our commitment. We have more VDC experts per capita than any other construction company in the nation, and they are stationed at most of our project sites to encourage daily interaction with owners, designers, consultants, subcontractors and trades people. By virtue of our knowledge and expertise, we are now considered by many to be the BIM/VDC leader in the industry.
Industry Partnership
"A ten-year track record implementing and promoting a BIM process makes Mortenson Construction a pioneer in the field of advanced AEC practice."
Jay Bhatt
Senior Vice President
Autodesk AEC Solutions
Click the "+" to view examples in each decade. Click the "-" to contract each decade.
Construction InnovationMortenson forms the Center for Construction Innovation to research ways to improve construction processes
Emerging Technologies
Emerging Technologies- Nintendo 64, which features 3D graphics, is released
- Sun Microsystems introduces Java
Emerging Technologies- Ebay adopts its new name and begins its rapid growth
Building and Installing an Acoustic CeilingUsing Building Information Modeling, the project team determines how to create and install the complex prefabricated ceiling panels over the stage in the Walt Disney Concert Hall
4D Models DevelopedMortenson's growing team of VDC experts develop the first 4D models, which incorporate time into the three-dimensional model.
Computer Numerical ControlsOur project teams begin to use our models to drive CNC (computer numerical controls) fabrication of building systems based on the 3D project database
Emerging Technologies
- Revit 1.0, a new Microsoft Windows building information modeling software, launches
- We survive the Y2K crisis
Model-Based Clash DetectionMortenson begins the use of model-based clash detection. We start to establish processes to lead and manage “total building” coordination and planning
Emerging Technologies
- Wikipedia goes online
- Apple releases the iPod
Expert Advisory Board FormedMortenson forms a company-wide think-tank called the Integrated Delivery Advancement Team (IDAT) to further Mortenson team member knowledgebase and expertise in virtual design & construction.
Emerging Technologies
First Model-Based PreFabWe build our first model-based prefabricated wet core, allowing us to build components of a lab building off-site to improve quality and reduce the project schedule.
First Plan Room Computer DeploymentMortenson deploys its first plan room computer (PRC) to begin our process of driving the model data into the hands of the craftworkers – improving efficiency and further leveraging the use of the model on the project site.
First R&D Benchmark: General DynamicsWe continue our R&D efforts by benchmarking progress with the ship building industry.
Sharing Lessons LearnedMortenson deploys internal collaboration tools to capture and share virtual design & construction lessons learned companywide, and further our VDC knowledgebase.
Shared Project WebsitesSecure project websites are created that allow project teams to collaborate and share model and project content with all of the project stakeholders, including customers, architects, and subcontractors.
First AIA Building Information Modeling AwardMortenson receives its first American Institute of Architects Building Information Modeling Award for the Denver Art Museum project.
View Denver Art Museum BIM case study
Journey to The Last 100 FeetIntegrated Work Plans (IWP) are deployed on our project sites – assembling all of our project model database information into simple, comprehensive “instruction sets for the field”, thus beginning our journey to The Last 100 FeetSM.
Emerging Technologies
- Google acquires Sketch Up
Second R&D Benchmark: BoeingMortenson's research & development efforts continue as we study lean principles and prefabrication research in the commercial airplane manufacturing process and its application to the construction process.
The Last 100 Feet in ActionMortenson introduces the concept of The Last 100 Feet®, which moves VDC from a computer in an office directly into the field, driving efficiency and innovation further into the project site.
Developing our First "Virtual Mockups"Mortenson project teams develop our first enclosure “virtual mock-ups, ” which are detailed enclosure models that allow our teams to build virtually before we build physically.
Second AIA BIM AwardMortenson receives its scond American Institute of Architects Building Information Modeling Award for Design/Delivery Process Innovation using BIM at the University of Washington Benjamin D. Hall Interdisciplinary Research Building.
View University of Washington Benjamin D. Hall BIM case study
First Three-Party AgreementMortenson executes its first three-party integrated agreement.
Emerging Technologies
- Apple release the iPhone, the first touch-only operated device
- Autodesk acquires NavisWorks
Independent Study Confirms Reduced RFIsIndependent University of Colorado study confirms 37% RFI reduction based on Mortenson’s VDC process compared to BIM use on another very similar project.
Laser Scanning Survey Systems ImplementedLaser scanning survey systems are implemented on Mortenson projects for as-built conditions and for quality control measurement linking the model to work put in place.
Tablet PCs DeployedTablet PCs are deployed on project sites to allow real-time access to project model information and provide additional safety, quality, and productivity tools for our project teams.
Engineering & Technology InnovationMortenson receives Fiatech's Celebration of Engineering & Technology Innovation (CETI) award for work on the University of Colorado Denver - Research 2 project. This award is given to organizations that have conducted new and emerging technology implementations.
View University of Colorado Research 2 BIM case study
Plan of the DayThe Last 100 Feet® develops further with the invention of the Plan of the Day (POD) on-site project workstation. PODs place the model and associated information into the project work zone.
Digital Plan TablesDigital plan tables are deployed to project sites – providing our teams with a VDC-based replacement to the traditional 2D drawing project site plan table.
Operations and Maintenance ModelsWe deliver our first operations and maintenance models as part of project close-out and transition to sustainable occupancy process.
Third R&D Benchmark: Healthcare IndustryWe continue our R&D benchmarking with a study of LEAN practices within healthcare facility operations.
Companywide Training LaunchedMortenson University deploys VDC training to all 1200 team members.
Fifth AIA BIM AwardMortenson receives its fifth American Institute of Architects Building Information Modeling Award for Design/Delivery Process Innovation using BIM at The Medical Center (confidential customer). At this time, Mortenson Construction is the only general contractor to win five individual AIA BIM awards.
View The Medical Center BIM case study
Model-Based EstimatingModel based estimating systems are rolled out as a company-wide solution for improved preconstruction and integration with design partners.
Touch ScreensTouch screens are integrated into our Plan of the Day (POD) and Plan Room Computer (PRC) stations on project sites – further enabling ease of use and access to our models.
Emerging Technologies
Improving Facilities ManagementMortenson's integrated delivery advancement team, with key Mortenson leadership, establishes an industry focus group to study ways of utilizing building information modeling to improve facilities management.