Giant Magellan Telescope: MEP Engineering Supporting Cutting-Edge Astronomy – IDOM’s Approach with MagiCAD and Revit

Brief description of the company and project

Company name: IDOM CONSULTING ENGINEERING ARCHITECTURE 

Project name: GMT ENCLOSURE ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING SERVICES

Project location: Observatorio Las Campanas, Desierto de Atacama, Chile

Relevant dates for the completion of the project: 2022-2025

MagiCAD modules used: MagiCAD for Revit, MagiCAD Ventilation, MagiCAD Piping, MagiCAD Schematics

Interviewer: Facundo Carignano, Technical Consultant Engineer, MagiCAD Group.

Interviewed: Jose Pedro Canalo Borreguero

Detailed Project description

“Can you describe the project in short? General project information and scope.”

“It is the largest optical-infrared Gregorian telescope in the world, with a power up to 200 times greater than that of current research telescopes. It will be equipped with seven of the largest mirrors ever built to explore the depths of space like never before. Its unique design will deliver the highest resolution of the Universe within the widest observation field. This extraordinary image clarity will provide scientists around the globe with new insights into the fundamental nature and evolution of the Universe.

The scope of our project includes the development of the Enclosure, an intelligent structure standing 22 stories high and 60 meters in diameter, capable of completing a full rotation in just 4 minutes. In addition, it encompasses the entire architectural and engineering development of the Enclosure’s systems, as well as other auxiliary buildings that form part of the observatory.”

“What was your role in the project within IDOM?“

“My role within the project has been Utilities Lead Engineer. In addition, thanks to my experience using MagiCAD and working within BIM environments as a BIM Manager for MEP, I have been able to help improve workflows whenever the project required it.”

“How much experience would you say IDOM has working with BIM projects?”

“IDOM has extensive experience in BIM projects of all types. We are a multidisciplinary company capable of developing every discipline that any project may require. In addition, we are certified under ISO 19650, which sets the strictest BIM requirements for projects.”

“What was the biggest challenge in this project?“

“The building is truly unique, located in a country that experiences an average of 6,000-7,500 earthquakes per year. Its geometry and structure are extremely complex and include two enormous doors that open for observation, as well as the ability to rotate 360 degrees. Therefore, it would be impossible to point to a one challenge.

From the moment the project came into our hands, it has represented a general challenge, not only from an engineering viewpoint, but also from a geometric, logistical, planning, and management perspective.”

“How did you manage to solve the challenges and how did MagiCAD help?“

“One of the greatest challenges has been designing the telescope’s HVAC system, due to the high demands and strict requirements we must meet. The complexity of the systems and the calculation values we have worked with are truly impressive. It is sometimes surprising to think about the calculation data we are operating with, as these are far from typical for conventional building systems. We are talking about duct systems with a total airflow of around 100,000 Liters per second. That’s not something you size every day. MagiCAD has been an essential tool in achieving the required level of precision for this type of project, which has left our client really satisfied.”

MagiCAD usage within Revit projects

Which MagiCAD modules were used in this project?

MagiCAD for Revit
MagiCAD Ventilation
MagiCAD Piping
MagiCAD Schematics

“Did you use modelling tools, calculation tools or both?”

“We mainly used the sizing and balancing of duct and water cooling pipe networks. However, we also worked with other tools, such as MagiCAD’s fluid definition tools, properties to consult information about installed devices, or changing properties to assign calculation criteria or insulation thicknesses.”

“Were there any particular features that were useful in this project or in general?”

“In this case, I would highlight MagiCAD’s Schematics module. The ability to link model geometry to two-dimensional diagrams has been extremely helpful. Thanks to this feature, we have reduced the possibility of discrepancies between model data and schematic drawings practically to zero.”

“How was your overall experience from using MagiCAD in this project?”

“Overall, the experience of using MagiCAD by the IDOM team on this project was very positive. Its intuitive interface and advanced functionalities resulted in a smoother workflow and a significant reduction in errors. Furthermore, the technical support was excellent and always available to resolve any questions or issues that arose during the process.”

“How did the software and BIM help you with project management and cooperation with other parties in the project?”

“The ability to share models and data in real time among different teams and disciplines adopted more effective communication and closer collaboration, which had a significant impact on project management as well as cooperation and coordination among all parties involved. Thanks to the BIM methodology, it was possible to achieve a clear and detailed visualization of all project components, which facilitated problem-solving before they became major obstacles.”

“What benefits did MagiCAD provide compared to using standard Revit for MEP design?”

“The main advantage of using MagiCAD over Revit MEP without MagiCAD is that it gives you much more advanced tools for modelling and calculations. This makes the design more accurate and efficient, reducing errors and rework. Plus, it has a huge library of up-to-date products, which really speeds up selection and design. In short, with MagiCAD, projects are faster and higher quality.”

“Did you notice any time saving in the design of the project by using MagiCAD?”

“Yes, the use of MagiCAD in the project’s design allowed for significant time savings, especially due to the continuous changes and improvements that occur during its development. This translated into quick adaptation and rapid response to those changes.”

References / links of interest

https://giantmagellan.org/