Projects

Des Moines is a rapidly growing major metro in the Midwest U.S. One recent addition to its skyline is the construction of a new 12-story parking structure.

Fifth Parking Garage Project Details:

Located between Walnut and Court Avenues along 5th Avenue in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, the garage, a post-tension concrete structure, measures 300,570 square feet and accommodates 750 new parking stalls and street-level retail spaces. The Fifth parking garage has an open concept on the east elevation with a decorative screening element on the west elevation. In 2021 the garage was purchased by the City of Des Moines.

M-BIM Vircon’s Scope of Work:

M-BIM Vircon team detailed this project in 3D using Tekla software. Modeling of parking garages is inherently bit complex because of varying elevations of the ramps and the different heights of walls and columns supporting these ramps. Considering the complex foundations, slab-on-grade, and post-tension structure assemblies on this project, the model had to be precise to identify trade clashes and varying elevations of supporting elements (i.e. columns and walls) to prevent field errors. The utilization of Tekla 3D modeling software made it possible to identify and visualize constraints that were then communicated to the structural engineer. In conjunction with weekly work plan meetings, Tekla 3D modeling also proved valuable in managing design changes and resolving issues that could have otherwise delayed over 700 tons of rebar. M-BIM Vircon’s rebar model has generated over 70 RFIs for engineer’s review and resolution, which helped identify and solve several construction conflicts which otherwise would have been discovered at the site and caused delays in project completion.

Project Award:

M-BIM Vircon was awarded the coveted 2019 North America Tekla BIM Award in the Cast-in-Place category for its modeling work using Tekla on this project.