Design & Detailing, or why every structural steel project is not profitable

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1 How to maximize the benefits of 3D models throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication PART 1 Design & Detailing, or why every structural steel project is not profitable

2 Contents Background: Model behavior One design to serve them all Track changes to stay on track Say no to poor information flow A simple fix for costly surprises Modeling for profitability Designing your better future

3 Background: Model Behavior Within the past few decades, the use of 3D models has taken the steel industry to new heights. Today, accurate and detailed Building Information Models provide valuable information that can optimize everything from production to workflow to resources. This, in turn, enables jobs to get done faster and more efficiently, with the highest possible quality. Projects can be delivered on time and on budget, while maximizing profits and minimizing error. Thanks to 3D models, it s easier than ever to give clients exactly what they want, but this doesn t mean that the world is perfect. There are still many obstacles that can hinder the workflow, and anyone in the structural steel industry could provide a list of them from memory. So, how can you make sure that your project gets off to the best possible start while avoiding the numerous pitfalls that you are sure to encounter along the path of a project? It may seem like a pipe dream to some, but the future is bright for those who dare to embrace BIM. 3D models were first used to make drawing production easier, but these days, information rich models are the key to better productivity throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication. However, many of the benefits of building information modeling remain untapped. Using the entire model opens up a world of possibilities, beginning with design.

4 One design to serve them all It is not uncommon that the quality of early phase design models does not meet fabricators needs. Information that has often arrived late in the first place may not include everything that s needed for a fabrication-ready model. As a result, fabricators must send requests for further information, triggering a vicious circle of delays that can impact the entire project. A streamlined, efficient BIM workflow begins with the designers and detailers, but it doesn t end there: their work is the key to supporting the entire process. Your constructible 3D model should contain valuable information that helps everyone involved in the project further down the line, such as procurement, production and construction. It is crucial that the design model is cumulated with all of the information needed by fabricators and site operations too.

5 Track changes to stay on track Another major challenge in the detailing phase is change management. In today s fast paced world of construction, it s nearly impossible to discover all the essential information early enough in advance. Not only will there be the unexpected changes and revisions from designers but also architects, building owners and clients. It s left to the detailer to try to track all these changes in a pile of documents - a tough responsibility, given that detailing based on old or faulty information can result in huge delays and wasted materials. While the detailing work is very much based on site and engineering schedules, these are constantly changing. The costly nature of detailing mistakes, combined with the frequency and diversity of changes, means that detailers need all the help they can get. This is yet another good reason to embrace the use of 3D constructible models. With accurate, real time information at your fingertips, you ll never have to wonder if you re looking at the most up-to-date drawing. On a larger scale, 3D models can stop projects from grinding to a screeching halt at the last minute, instead ensuring that they re completed both on time and on budget.

6 Say no to poor information flow In most projects, changes are necessary and frequent, but they aren t always communicated as clearly as they should. Flawed communication means a higher risk of human error, essential information buried deep within a poorly structured file system, and misjudged decision-making. Lack of easily accessible status information affects everyone s productivity, too, from project managers, purchasing and sales to stock management, production, shop floor, and logistics. Thankfully, good 3D model information comes to the rescue once again. Your designers and detailers will benefit from files and drawings that are current and updated automatically, so everyone s message gets through. A good 3D model can even prevent problems arising from two designers envisioning a project differently, as it leaves no room for misinterpretation. Project and production scheduling speed up, and people based anywhere in the world can collaborate and communicate as effectively as if they were sitting in the same office, when they share the model. This improved communication puts fault-free and timely fabrication, erection and delivery within reach.

7 A simple fix for costly surprises The more complex your project, the more important it is to keep an eye on profit margins from beginning to end. With structural complexity currently on the rise in the construction industry, the likelihood of costly errors and clashes is higher than ever. How, then, do you catch costly errors before they cause delays or rework? Clashes occur in the design phase, so optimally they should also be found in the design phase. With 3D models, this is more than possible. Automatic clash checking with the model ensures that all components in a project coordinate correctly and effectively, down to the last bolt. If clashes are found, they can be fixed before assembly or construction even begins, saving time and money. Whenever changes are made within the model, connections adjust automatically. The model also updates automatically, meaning that changes are accessible to other stakeholders. Exchanging updated drawings and searching desperately for the most recent drawing will be things of the past.

8 Modeling for profitability A designer begins building using a reference model from either an architect or a process or piping designer, as is the case in many industrial projects. He or she uses an online storage of up to date, real industry standard details, connections and parts, to create custom connections and parts and even find special parts created by industry leaders. Connections within the model automatically adapt, if the model changes, resulting in a superb level of accuracy. Even large and complex projects are easy to manage using a single database, many designers work on the same model when needed. It s simple to cross-reference with other models from MEP or plant design, for example.

9 Designing your better future When the design is done, a model created for Intelligent Steel Fabrication begins to truly serve its purpose: the information is used in MIS software, CNC machinery and on the shop floor. As a deliverable, the model has value for fabricators and contractors who can utilize it throughout the lifecycle. A smooth workflow that benefits everyone begins with the design phase. The information within a constructible model not only helps designers and detailers complete their work efficiently, but what s more, it provides everything needed for increased productivity and seamless efficiency downstream in the fabrication and erection phases. All facets of the workflow are able to work together towards a successful project that is completed on time and on budget. Happily, Tekla Structures is here to help you get started and fully maximize the amazing benefits of 3D modeling. Smoother collaboration can be enjoyed also with services such as Tekla Model Sharing, which allows project teams to work efficiently together. Tekla Warehouse, the online storage of real fabricators 3D model parts, profiles and more, makes extreme accuracy easy and quick to achieve. To find out how we can help your business work better tomorrow, get in touch today.

10 Part 1: Design & Detailing, or why every structural steel project is not profitable Copyright 2016 Trimble Solutions Corporation. All rights reserved. Trimble and Tekla are registered trademarks in the United States, in the European Union and in many other countries. For more information, see TRANSFORMING THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS