CC3001

TECHNOLOGYfocus
Tekla Structural Designer
models with manufacturers is still typically
rare. This is a shame, he added, as it can
save significant time and effort, enabling
everybody to understand the project more
effectively. After all BIM is about sharing
project data across the entire project team
for maximum effect.
In addition, practical integration of the
analysis and design process is also rare,
as engineers do not always appreciate the
full value of BIM. However with the
introduction of Tekla Structural Designer
engineers have the opportunity to benefit
from a fully integrated workflow that
matches their requirements better than
ever before.
THE FIM PROCESS
Fabricators have been relying on
documents and drawings produced by
Tekla Structures' 3D models for a number of
years, not only for fabrication but also for
estimating and construction sequencing.
The development of the BIM process, with
its model-based workflows, has increased
productivity, providing improved project
management and a more comprehensive
information flow between detailing and
fabrication - and a secure base for
fabrication planning and management.
Using the constructible Tekla Structures
model as a single source of information
ensures that manufacturers will always
have the same consistent data for material
reports, fabrication drawings and
manufacturing data for the production
office and shop floor.
When everybody has access to the visual
model all ancillary processes are
coordinated, the creation of logistics, plans
and schedules, the availability of materials,
providing the information needed to plan
and monitor components in production.
The increasing use of mobile devices
brings shop floor workers into the process,
helping them to better understand work in
progress, and improving the efficiency and
quality of production.
As a bonus, being able to quickly create
conceptual models within Tekla Structures,
enables them to be used to generate
accurate quantities for estimation and
bidding, which, using visuals from the Tekla
model, can be used to present costings
and solutions to clients, helping
manufacturers to win more business.
Using BIM as a collaboration tool also
allows users to work with MIS software and
CNC equipment using proprietary links, or
common standard formats - IFC, DXF,
DWG and DSTV-NC. Supplementing these
are processes and applications developed
by Tekla users for the fabrication of
components, and made available through
the Tekla Open API programme.
The benefits of implementing a
Fabrication Information Modelling
process, therefore, brings all of the usual
benefits of BIM - the use of a single model
as the source of information and the
elimination of errors and rework. The
information-rich models provide a
powerful source of intelligent and wellorganised
information for fabrication, with
data for CNC processing, material
handling and robotic welding.
With access to the Tekla 3D model,
manufacturers are able to break projects
down, classifying and organising them into
individual building sections, project phases,
truck lots or any other type of breakdown to
coincide with the construction process.
The production status of each of these can
then be reflected within the model. In this
two-way process, erection sequencing and
other construction processes are critical in
allowing manufacturers to optimise
production planning.
Manufacturers can also use the 3D
models to generate additional dimensions
to help fabrication, and, of course, to
produce detailed reports covering all
aspects of manufacture. Shop floor
fabricators can be brought into the loop as
well, using Trimble's mobile solutions,
giving them a greater understanding of the
project, and enabling them to ask
questions about any aspect of it.
TEKLA STRUCTURES OR TEKLA
STRUCTURAL DESIGNER?
The key question, of course, is how will
Tekla Structural Designer provide additional
benefits for the fabricator, when Tekla
Structures already delivers a
comprehensive solution? Kevin Lea stated
that Tekla Structural Designer's focus is to
provide engineers with a comprehensive
BIM solution for the code-compliant design
of steel and concrete buildings. Through
bespoke integration tools the engineer's
model can be passed efficiently to the
fabricator using Tekla Structures. This BIM
process can assist the manufacturer with
topics such as estimating and procurement
as well as providing a more thorough
understanding of the project. What's more,
if changes need to be made to the
structure, the Tekla Structure model and
Tekla Structural Designer models can be
synchronised, helping to refine the design
throughout the design process.
www.tekla.com/uk/solutions
January/February 2017 19