Offsite construction provides many benefits and at its core is the need for accuracy. Nick Milestone, Operations Director at Sigmat explains why Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a perfect partner for factory-based design.
The clash detection capabilities, enhanced level of detail and greater visualisation that the 3D digital environment offers, all provides the assurance that if it fits in the model then you know it will fit on-site. While this assurance is of course valuable on any construction project, it’s perhaps especially critical when it comes to offsite – given that one of its primary advantages is for on-site assembly to be both quick and efficient.
If components don’t fit together correctly, then that level of efficiency will fall dramatically. Essentially, it’s the idea of a digital rehearsal. You get to construct it twice: once in the digital environment and once on-site. From accuracy at the detailing phase through to on-site coordination, Tekla software comes into play at every stage and feeds into our Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) processes.
Taking this theme of accuracy further, Sigmat recently worked closely with Trimble to embed Sig-Deck (own decking profile product) into the Tekla BIM library in Tekla Structural Designer. Having access to this product-specific content will in turn lead to enhanced levels of accuracy, as well as aiding engineers from a design calculation point of view.
Another benefit of BIM for offsite is the data integration that it enables. All the constructible data is present and co-ordinated throughout the entire process, ensuring that the high levels of accuracy are maintained from the detailing stage through to factory fabrication and beyond.
When it comes to fabrication, we’re able to upload the CNC files from the Tekla Structures model directly into the factory and use this data to programme our machinery. When processing stud and track profiles, for example, the machines will use the model data to correctly profile it, cut it to specification, drill the holes, etc. Fully automated, this enables our steel frame fabrications to be carried out to extremely high levels of accuracy – to within 2mm.
As well as offering a connected data journey, the Tekla modelling software is also designed to work with a variety of construction materials, including steel, concrete and timber.
At Sigmat, we work with both hotrolled and cold-formed steel. As such, it’s important that our chosen modelling software can keep up and allows us to detail and consider all materials within the one model environment. As well as saving time and improving productivity levels when it comes to the detailing process – avoiding the need to swap between multiple software interfaces or deal with several file types – this is another factor that contributes to high levels of accuracy.
Sustainability is a key consideration for us all. Thanks to our BIM workflows and the accuracy that this 3D modelling enables, it means that we can achieve zero waste. With correct material quantities ordered, thanks to the automatic quantity take-offs – no rework required due to detailing or fabrication errors and integrated data.
In addition to the Tekla structural modelling software, we have recently incorporated Trimble Connect – Trimble’s cloud-based collaboration platform – into its business. Used throughout the company, both internally and externally, Trimble Connect is facilitating effective communication and coordination.
As well as using the Trimble Connect platform to share files and models internally within Sigmat project teams, we’re also able to better communicate with the client and other key project stakeholders. Everyone is a part of the same project. While collaboration is important on any construction project, it’s perhaps especially critical when it comes to offsite, volumetric and modular. For example, our pre-panelised frames will often require close co-ordination with M&E contractors, ensuring that we are all aware of what the other party is doing.
At the moment, we’re working towards BIM Level 2+ and ISO19650. A key part of this is working with our clients within a federated environment. With the one-model approach, we stand to achieve greater levels of clash detection, a seamless design process and improved collaboration and coordination. It’s clear that BIM has been a really big part of offsite, developing alongside the sector as it has grown in popularity and strength. The changes seen within construction, offsite and BIM technology in the last 25 years has been extraordinary and the next 25 years promises to be just as instrumental.
Personally, as we move forwards, I can see the industry shifting towards a more iterative, predictive and intelligent form of modelling, using data from past projects and designs to inform and influence the new. Also, an emphasis on standardised platform design. Currently, we engineer and design every building and structure on an individual, one-off basis, rather than using a standardised platform as a base. Doing so could help to boost Offsite’s efficiency and productivity benefits even further.
For more information visit: www.tekla.com/uk
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