By Chinthaka Vithanage
The Benefits of 3D Visuals
“Effective Communication is the Key to Success” is a popular and familiar saying. How does this apply to design? We know that good communication throughout the detailed design process is important. However, effective communication is equally crucial for tasks required at the concept design stage.
As the curve in Figure 1 shows, obtaining effective feedback at an early stage is critical to the success of a project. One of the most effective ways to communicate early-stage design is using 3D Visualisations.
Figure 1: Opportunity to make changes in design vs cost
Using Muk3D for 3D Design
A typical example of 3D visualisation for effective client communication is a Waste Rock Dump (WRD), using Muk3D software to produce designs. The proposed site of the WRD is characterised by undulating terrain covered in light brush and trees. The material to be stored in this WRD is a mixture of Non-Acid-Forming (NAF) and Potentially Acid-Forming (PAF) material. Based on the arrangement of the NAF and PAF material, water storage dams are required to prevent potentially acidic water from contaminating the environment.
The Waste Rock Dump Layers are indicated in differing colours as shown below. The first image is an excavated pit, and the PAF material is shown in purple, while the different layers of NAF are shown in red and yellow. In the second image, all material placed is NAF rock, however it shows the progression of each 10m raise in a different colour for clarity. The proposed drains are shown in green, and the proposed embankments are shown in blue. A video produced at the end was a flyover of the proposed design and provided the context of the staging in one place.
The Advantages of 3D Visualisations
There are two main benefits to using this method instead of producing figures.
1. Cost-effectiveness of producing a video
Since all 3D materials (i.e. WRD, water dams, etc.) were produced in Muk3D software, we could create the video using Muk’s built-in functions. Although technical knowledge is required, the end product justifies using this method and reduces the amount of drafting needed.
2. Ease of understanding the intended design by the client
The client can see all angles using the video and better visualise the end result, particularly compared with producing 2D figures. The client can pause, rewind and go forward in the video and consider different aspects of the model. Then, the client can provide more meaningful feedback before we begin the detailed design phase.
To learn more about the use of 3D Visualisations and Muk3D design, please contact our Melbourne team on 03 8587 0900 or Brisbane on 07 3352 7222.
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