In large-scale EPC projects, equipment replacement or expansion often poses a difficult question: should new structures be built, or can existing infrastructure be reused?
This challenge arose during a project in Kazakhstan, where a design team needed to install two massive generators. The initial assumption was that the existing building couldn’t accommodate the new equipment, which meant constructing two new structures — a costly and time-consuming option.
Traditional workflows offered limited ways to validate alternatives. Measurements could be taken, but assessing real-world fit, access, and constructibility was difficult without significant rework or delays.
The Prevu3D Approach
The team turned to Prevu3D to evaluate placement options more effectively. By scanning both the inside and outside of the facility, they created an accurate 3D mesh environment. The CAD designer then imported virtual representations of the generators into Prevu3D.
Within this virtual environment, the designer was able to experiment with alternative placements. What started as a routine check turned into a breakthrough discovery: while the equipment wouldn’t fit inside the existing building, there was available infrastructure outside that could accommodate the new generators.
This insight was only possible because Prevu3D allowed the designer to virtually “walk around” and test different scenarios quickly and accurately.
The Results
The impact was substantial:
- Avoided unnecessary construction. Instead of building two new structures, the team reused existing infrastructure.
- Validated a $2.3M cost avoidance. By finding a viable alternative placement, the project avoided major capital expenditure.
- Faster decision-making. Virtual testing of equipment placement scenarios eliminated the need for prolonged debates and repeated redesign cycles.
- Greater confidence. Engineers could see the equipment in context, ensuring constructibility and practicality before committing to construction.
Why It Matters
In EPC projects, even small design assumptions can snowball into multimillion-dollar decisions. Prevu3D gives engineering teams the tools to challenge assumptions, test alternatives, and uncover cost-saving opportunities that would otherwise remain hidden.
By enabling rapid equipment placement analysis in a virtual environment, Prevu3D helps organizations avoid costly overdesign, reduce project risk, and deliver smarter solutions to complex engineering challenges.
In this case, the difference wasn’t just a better layout — it was millions saved and a more efficient project outcome.
Don’t let costly assumptions slow your project down. Book a demo with Prevu3D and discover how to cut design cycles and avoid million-dollar mistakes.