State departments of transportation (DOTs) have begun changing the medium of construction contract documents from paper or 2D plans to 3D models that are contractually binding. The driver of this major change is the ability for contractors and inspectors to use 3D models directly to support project activities and communicate the design intent. However, changing the medium of construction contract documents has created challenges for state DOTs, including a need for robust review and documentation procedures as well as a lack of automated quality control and quality assurance management processes for 3D models.
NCHRP Research Report 1153: Digital Model–Based Project Development and Delivery: A Guide for Quality Management, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, presents state-of-the-art information to assist state DOTs in their review of 3D models that are contractually binding and to advance the use of digital project development and delivery.
Supplemental to the report are NCHRP Web-Only Document 428: Quality Management for Digital Model–Based Project Development and Delivery, Appendix F Addendum: Review Checklist Spreadsheet, an implementation plan, and a webinar presentation.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2025. Digital Model–Based Project Development and Delivery: A Guide for Quality Management. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/29171.
| Chapters | skim | |
|---|---|---|
| Front Matter | i-x | |
| Summary | 1-2 | |
| 1 Introduction | 3-10 | |
| 2 Quality Management Concepts | 11-19 | |
| 3 Records Management | 20-27 | |
| 4 Model Reviews | 28-39 | |
| 5 Components of Review | 40-49 | |
| 6 Agency Considerations for Implementing This Guide | 50-59 | |
| References and Bibliography | 60-60 | |
| Acronyms | 61-62 | |
| Appendix A: Glossary | 63-68 | |
| Appendix B: Model Elements Taxonomy | 69-72 | |
| Appendix C: Review Documentation Property Set | 73-76 | |
| Appendix D: Competencies | 77-80 | |
| Appendix E: Review Procedures | 81-88 | |
| Appendix F: Sample Quality Artifacts and Checklists | 89-96 |
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