Sector Focus: Computer software
14 NSC
May 18
The steel construction sector has
been utilising 3D design software
for over 25 years and is well versed
in the benefits and efficiencies it provides
to manufacturing and construction
programmes. Today computer software is
integral to the design, fabrication, erection
and everyday operational processes at most
steelwork contractors’ facilities.
Software is seamlessly interwoven into
each stage of the steel fabrication process
supporting activities such as knowledge and
bid management, project planning, frame
analysis, connection design, 3D modelling,
BIM co-ordination and the fabrication
process itself.
At the earliest stage, modelling and
estimating software plays an essential role
in the bidding process for the steelwork
contractor, and its use is increasing. This
software provides the ability to create
a model of the steel frame so steelwork
contractors can visually present the content
of their bid alongside the associated
costs, provide insight into the sequence of
construction works and identify solutions to
reduce health and safety risks.
The practiced use of 3D modelling
software allows steelwork contractors to
create a virtual prototype of the steel frame,
and is one of the most important pieces of
software a steelwork contractor uses today.
Data from the model can then feed into
many business processes. Importantly, data
from other parties can be imported into the
modelling software and the steel model can
be exported in Industry Foundation Classes
(.IFC) format for use by others. It’s this
function which plays an important role in
the adoption of BIM.
During the design phase, the structural
steel will be modelled to facilitate fabrication.
Materials Resource Planning (MRP) software
then processes the bill of materials data from
the model which is used for procurement of
materials, manages data to drive automated
cutting and fabrication machinery, plans
logistics, as well as piece weights for crane
planning. MRP software can also be used to
monitor progress of fabrication by capturing
data about each part as it passes through the
different fabrication processes.
Moving beyond desk-based software
and from 3D to mixed reality
Already data is being transferred from the
model to site and back again. Advances in
software interoperability means that specific
data from a design model can be imported
directly to the surveying equipment used on
site. The process can also be carried out in
reverse, enabling data captured on site to be
imported back into the construction model
for compliance and comparison purposes.
Actual progress of the works can also
be captured and reported back using an
increasing number of mobile devices and
Apps available for use on-site.
Over the last few years the transition
from 2D documents to 3D models was a
natural evolution, which improved team
communication and coordination. However,
further technological advancements will
drive the adoption and advancement of
mixed reality and holographic technology,
which will bring 3D models out of the screen
and provide users with the ability to engage
and interact with design data more intuitively.
By being able to view holograms of
3D structural frames in the real world,
engineers will be able to visualise a variety
of constructions on site to see what they will
look like, and confirm if they can physically
be created.
For steelwork contractors, while viewing
the 3D holographic image they will be able
to isolate connections and extract them from
the model to see if they are correct and if they
can be fabricated in the workshop.
This device and technology will not only
work on a building site or in cities, but in
workshops, where steelwork contractors
could wear the headset to see if there are
any missing components, such as bolts,
or anomalies within the structure, and
physically use the hologram as a guide to
creating the steel components.
The technology could also be used to
perform a ‘construction rehearsal’ where the
steelwork contractor and site staff virtually
walk through the construction sequence and
connection processes. This would ensure
the steelwork contractor’s detailing aligns
with the erection team’s preferred method of
assembly, before manufacturing instructions
are sent through to production.
Sponsors
Computer software
Thanks to Trimble Solutions (UK) Ltd for
contributing to this article
Design and
manufacturing with
computer software
In this article NSC examines how computer software supports
the full steelwork design and manufacturing process, the
benefits it delivers to the steel construction sector and how it
might evolve in the future.
Silver: Trimble Solutions (UK) Ltd
The transition from
2D to 3D models
has improved
design team
communication and
workflow
/Construction#Steel_erection
/Fabrication
/Modelling_and_analysis#Modelling
/Health_and_safety
/Design
/Construction#Mobile_cranes
/Construction
/Simple_connections