Inspection case study

Preventing a Costly Ventilation-Conduit Clash at an Airport

THE PROJECT

Client:
Confidential

Project Type:
Airport

Location:
UK

Stage of Project:
Fit-Out Stage

TIME SAVINGS

20 SCHEDULE DAYS

Client Background

A leading MEP contractor was engaged as part of a complex upgrade initiative to enhance terminal infrastructure and capacity. The project spanned 7,200m² and was in the Fit-Out Stage at the time of this inspection. The scope involved both retrofitting within live operational areas and delivering new-build elements – creating compounded coordination challenges for contractors and planners alike.

The Challenge

The nature of the project demanded high levels of precision and real-time coordination. A revised conduit design, submitted without full cross-trade coordination, introduced a potential clash with the ventilation system route. The risk was particularly critical at this phase of the project, where late-stage mechanical and electrical fitouts were progressing simultaneously.

Traditional clash detection methods, reliant on retrospective reviews or delayed walkthroughs, would likely have missed this issue until physical installation had progressed further. This could have triggered a costly cascade of uninstallations, redesigns, and work stoppages – affecting downstream subcontractors and the overall programme.

The Solution

Using XYZ Reality’s construction delivery platform, a site inspection was carried out to proactively verify installations against the federated Navisworks model. Engineering-grade augmented reality™ (AR) enabled real-time comparison of the design-intent ventilation path with on-site conditions.

The inspection revealed a direct clash: an installed conduit segment was obstructing the ventilation route, which had been planned as per the original Navisworks model. Immediate action was taken. The inspector raised the issue with the ventilation package manager, who escalated it to the design team. A revised route was swiftly developed – not only bypassing the conduit but also extending around adjacent services that would have been impacted.

This early detection prevented further knock-on delays and eliminated risk for other subcontractors who were scheduled to begin work in the same zone.

The Results

Time Saved: 20 schedule days
Rework Avoided: Full uninstall and redesign of ventilation works
Risk Mitigated: One-month program delay identified and avoided

The project team developed a detailed fragnet to illustrate the potential downstream impact. Had the issue gone unnoticed, it would have delayed off-module ductwork and critical follow-on activities. Thanks to this proactive approach, the team gained early visibility, avoided costly rework, and kept the programme on track.

Ready to Eliminate Surprises and Accelerate Delivery?

XYZ Reality’s construction delivery platform empowers teams to catch issues before they become costly problems – just like we did on this airport project. With real-time project controls and engineering-grade AR, you gain the visibility needed to stay on schedule, reduce risk, and deliver with confidence.

Get in touch to see how XYZ Reality can transform your next project.

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