How to maximize the benefits of 3D models PART

throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication 1

Design & Detailing,

or why every structural steel
project is not profitable
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

How to maximize the benefits of 3D models throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication

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 3D models were first
done faster and more efficiently, with the highest possible used to make drawing
quality. Projects can be delivered on time and on budget, production easier, but
while maximizing profits and minimizing error. these days, information
Thanks to 3D models, its easier than ever to give clients rich models are the key
exactly what they want, but this doesnt mean that the to better productivity
world is perfect. There are still many obstacles that can throughout Intelligent
hinder the workflow, and anyone in the structural steel
Steel Fabrication.
industry could provide a list of them from memory.
However, many of the
benefits of building
So, how can you make sure that your project gets off to the information modeling
best possible start while avoiding the numerous pitfalls
remain untapped.
that you are sure to encounter along the path of a project?
Using the entire model
It may seem like a pipe dream to some, but the future is
opens up a world of
bright for those who dare to embrace BIM.
possibilities, beginning
with design.

How to maximize the benefits of 3D models throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication

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

How to maximize the benefits of 3D models throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication

Track changes to
stay on track
Another major challenge in the detailing
phase is change management. In todays
fast paced world of construction, its 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.
Its 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 With accurate, real time information
much based on site and engineering at your fingertips, youll never have
schedules, these are constantly to wonder if youre looking at the
changing. The costly nature of most up-to-date drawing. On a larger
detailing mistakes, combined with scale, 3D models can stop projects
the frequency and diversity of from grinding to a screeching halt
changes, means that detailers need at the last minute, instead ensuring
all the help they can get. This is yet that theyre completed both on time
another good reason to embrace and on budget.
the use of 3D constructible models.

How to maximize the benefits of 3D models throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication

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

How to maximize the benefits of 3D models throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication

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, Whenever changes are made within
so optimally they should also be the model, connections adjust
found in the design phase. With 3D automatically. The model also
models, this is more than possible. updates automatically, meaning
Automatic clash checking with the that changes are accessible to other
model ensures that all components stakeholders. Exchanging updated
in a project coordinate correctly and drawings and searching desperately
effectively, down to the last bolt. If for the most recent drawing will be
clashes are found, they can be fixed things of the past.
before assembly or construction
even begins, saving time and money.

How to maximize the benefits of 3D models throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication

Modeling for
profitability
1 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.

2 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.

3 Connections within the model automatically adapt, if the

model changes, resulting in a superb level of accuracy.

4 Even large and complex projects are easy to manage using a single
database, many designers work on the same model when needed.

5 Its simple to cross-reference with other models

from MEP or plant design, for example.

How to maximize the benefits of 3D models throughout Intelligent Steel Fabrication

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 whats
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.

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

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