Use of Plant-4D saves Bibb vast amounts of time on projects

Founded by Robert Bibb in 1979, Bibb and Associates, Incorporated, Lenexa, Kansas, is a full service, multidisciplinary engineering and architecture firm.

Early in 1996, the Bibb Power Division began investigating database driven, 3D CAD software systems. The most critical element of these systems is the need to enter information only once in the database. This saves Bibb Power Division huge amounts of time while working on projects.

While searching for a system that provided these needs, Bibb learned of the Plant-4D system in mid-1999. They studied the program and evaluated it against their experience with other programs. Plant-4D is non-proprietary and database independent. It runs on standard Windows platforms and operates in either MicroStation or AutoCAD. In addition, set-up time, database administration and training were minimal compared to other systems. Based on this evaluation, Bibb chose to proceed with using Plant-4D from CEA Technology. Plant Information & Design Solutions, LLC (PIDS) provided training and software development/support.

In addition, Kiewit Industrial Company (KIC), the Kiewit construction company that does power plant construction exclusively, has also realized significant benefits from Plant-4D. Bibb teams with KIC on most of its power plant projects. On these jobs KIC is linked directly to the Bibb project database and can view the 3D model as it is being developed. This has proven to be an excellent communication tool between construction and engineering. KIC also uses the 3D model on site for construction planning and communication between various crafts.

Since starting with Plant-4D in late 1999, Bibb has used the program on all of its power plant projects. To date, that consists of nine-combined cycle power plant projects. Eight of these projects have been full EPC with Bibb providing all engineering services for the jobs. With this Bibb has expanded their use of Plant-4D to become the largest Plant-4D install base in North America.