Australia Should Adopt Pre-fabrication to Address their Housing Affordability Issue

Home tenure is a keystone of the great Australian vision, providing economic and emotive safety, and time and again signifying the major investment an individual will make. However, home buyers are gradually going for higher density habitants such as apartments, flats and townhouses. According to a survey, over the five years through 2015-16, industry revenue is projected to decline by an annualized 1.0% to total $40.6 billion. This includes the contraction of 2.4% during the current year, reflecting a declining number of dwelling commencements following strong growth in the previous two years. 

In the midst of Australia’s housing affordability issue, prefabricated homes offer a solution. Experts believe that prefab housing is likely to decrease the cost of a new habitant by at least 10 per cent (excluding the purchase cost of land). Case studies of UK show savings of up to 10% to 15% in building costs and a 40% reduction in construction timelines. Manufacturing is more efficient, and factories don’t lose time due to bad weather.

Cost-effective and regulatory changes are likely to push for prefabrication 1.0

The prefabricated components, or let’s say “prefabrication 1.0” is a panelized system that incorporates layers of sheathing, insulation, air barrier, and coating. The components aren’t just confined to this. It can be modular construction components as well, the six sided boxes built with flooring, a roof, and door and among other HVAC features. Prefab boosts off-site manufacturing and the assembling of components becomes much easier than onsite. Hence, prefabrication 1.0 can cut construction time by 30% and can save tons of material that of on-site working.

The benefits of prefabrication like reduced construction time, reduced site trouble, saving from natural hazards are the common and most known. However, integrating it with BIM gives you a wider scope of exploring other benefits of this method

Why you should BIM - cation (BIM prefabrication):

BIM enables designers to participate from the very onset of the project unlike that of an outdated construction method. This aids in developing 3D BIM models that are used for virtual illustrations, information storage and analyses for the concerned project. MEP or HVAC clash detection done prior to construction saves considerable time and costs as well. 

Incorporating all disciplines at the design stage enables prefabricated construction. For major services like Plant room, chilled water pipes, etc. can be fabricated beforehand off-site and just be brought on-site for putting in the right place. Apart from saving the construction time, prefabrication of MEP services lessens the threat of high labor force on site as all stakeholders will bring together and produce service modules at the on-site and carrying it to the construction site.

Designers can conduct several building simultaneously to know the operability of the building prior to construction. 4D simulations done using software such as Autodesk Navisworks can assist the team in getting an improved insight into health and safety challenges likely to happen across the building construction projects. It becomes much easier to calculate Heating and cooling loads using the model than old spreadsheet methods. Apart from this, HVAC duct sizing and pipe sizing can too be calculated and distinct reports can be made for all computational studies carried out using the model.

Prefabrication means what to whom and why you should use it,

Architects: You have the most influence during the design phase of the project in deducing if the prefabrication is suitable or not. For you, prefabrication is a huge takeaway, for it offers better project efficiency, generating more sustainable structures and eventually growing ROI for the client as well as other members of the project team.

General Contractors and Construction Managers: Prefabrication delivers anticipated results for your schedule and costs. Research and surveys have time and again shown how prefabrication can decrease the buying and fitting costs of materials and compress project plans. These issues can in the long run cut the budget and let your firms be more competitive.

 

Owners: Given the accuracy BIM provides, and the quality provided by latest materials and manufacturing services, prefabrication construction offers the chance to attain substantial outputs on your schemes.

Conclusion:

Prefabrication/modularization has not been practiced consistently over quite a period of time. It has fluctuated terribly according to wars and economic booms. Nonetheless, industrial developments over the past two decades have grown greater than before what prefabrication/modularization can attain in the construction industry. BIM, along with urbane manufacturing abilities now bids major productivity advances on projects.

With a construction industry facing severe shortages for onsite skilled labor its high time we adopt prefabrication/modular approach for better functioning and improved solutions for the projects.

BIM Data Sharing is for Transparency, but will it succeed?

One facet of BIM Level 2 is to set up of a Common Data Environment - CDE. In the setting of the Government focus for BIM Level 2, the CDE is listed by the business in the Employer's Information Requirements - EIR. This information is to a great extent, although not completely, related to the physical asset and choices the employers have to make during the growth of the facility.

Tier 1 contractual worker are exceptionally fascinated for utilizing the given data to smoother the construction process, both at the commencement stage and for managing facility. New developments are inclusive of digitizing the archives in forms attached to a BIM model. Models are connected to the programing software to create 3D visualization for clash detection and construction sequencing. Date and location specific data is recorded in the field, and at the same time one can also investigate the models for their data history.

It’s not a new thing. Contractors have so far kept all records and recorded the design developments through variations. The catch here, however is, how BIM can contribute in bringing transparency between all stakeholders. The root of BIM is “the single source of truth”, and the industry recognizes that information transparency is more than important, than ever. But the truth is that it’s a collective practice, where stakeholders look at it in their own commercial interest. The data or information is used in a very non-collaborative “need to know” basis and confidential as well at times.

It is hard to perceive how things will change; as there will be a discrepancy between records that the contractors require for their own reasons, and the data an employer might request to be kept in the CDE. In any case, if the source of information is solid and information is promptly accessible, it would help us to reduce the irregularity of records, which in previous cases would have prevented us from having a flawless picture of events in case of problems.

Project records are held in a CDE with access granted to any and every stakeholder to the project, or a committee will be asked to resolve the disputes, do you think it is a far-fetched possibility? How soon can we initiate from one source of truth held in the CDE and focus on resolving challenges from a common base?

For once-in-a-lifetime, tier 1 contractors employed with smaller projects, the information may not be recorded. But if larger tier 1 contractors bring together these practices as a set standard and make it a mandate for their supply chain to follow, the accessibility of data will become much more common, and the challenges of access and how it can be used in events of disagreements, will be a real problem for the industry.

BIM Level 2; Developing Coordination & Collaboration or Causing Complexity

One of the prime expectations of UK BIM mandate was, through improved communication and collaboration; it will bring greater clarity to projects. It would also enable better decisions and reduce risks, resulting in greater certainty of successful delivery. It will standardize procedures and the way information is provided and shared. But, holding it back is the very fact that every design practice and contractor has a diverse setup.

Expectations from BIM mandate was that it would drive increased collaboration and initiate a different set of behavior within building construction projects. Along with this anticipated change, a suite of standard documents - PAS was also designed to unify the approach across the industry. PAS 1192-2:2013 is a set of specifications for information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using building information modelling. This was to ensure that almost everyone nearly speaks the same language when it comes to BIM. 

So what needs to be assessed is, has PAS suite and some of those beliefs, helped the building construction industry to collaborate more effectively and efficiently or is complicating the situation furthermore?

As a matter of fact, architects, contractors, surveyors and several other stakeholders are still struggling to interpret the documents and the protocols. Some of them are experiencing BIM level 2 anxieties. They also fear, if they are appropriately positioned to implement BIM level 2.

LOD is sometimes interpreted as Level of Detail instead of Level of Development. This Specification uses the concept of Levels of Development. Level of Detail is essentially how much detail is included in the model element, whereas Level of Development is the degree to which the element’s geometry and attached information has been thought through. It is the degree to which project team members may rely on the information when using the model. In essence, Level of Detail can be thought of as input to the element, while Level of Development is reliable output.

Level 2 BIM has been presented more technically challenging than what it actually is, says Bhushan Avsatthi, Director (AEC - Division) - Hi Tech iSolutions LLP.

The challenge is that none of our clients have the time to sit and read all the government standards and documents to ensure they tick every single box as it is massively complicated. We, as BIM service provider firm, are sent across papers on BIM or are invited for seminars and conferences, to navigate professionals from the industry. We are confident of achieving all the principles of Level 2, and it is our constant endeavor to stay complaint to the minutest detail written in government documents.

We aim to engage at the client’s executive board level and work towards a holistic approach to define business case and strategy to embrace the value that BIM can provide and maximize benefits, yours occupants, and ours.

Though we believe and follow the standard driven approach, we strongly feel that these standards could be better coordinated. Several PAS and BS 1192 documents are greatly articulated, but they are missing on the fines in terms of a progression path that can link together all the RIBA stages. Is it advisable, leaving it out for the project teams to work it out on their own, is something which I am not very sure of.

What industry needs right now is a guide or a navigation tool that can link all the five key documents from BS 1192 to PAS 1192:5, each of which are referring to other BS standards, or are referring to different set of information that you will have to look out for, on you own.

Source

              i.        BIM is just a tick box activity and lesser or no changes underneath

             ii.        BIM will add to complexities, instead of showing any real improvements

            iii.        BIM project benefits are likely to materialize only for experienced patrons

           iv.        BIM’s effectiveness in the design stage proved successfully

            v.        BIM is completely leveraged by almost every contractor in the construction stage

           vi.        Efficiencies from BIM in the operational phase are clearly visible

          vii.        BIM will prove to be a facilitator for enhanced and effective collaboration

         viii.        BIM will help achieve better margins and/or productivity

I am afraid that the standards have not had the desired effect of unifying suppliers approach to BIM. The reason is that everyone’s level of understanding is different, and until that is resolved, BIM level 2 is not going to happen as expected.

While discussing this with one of a colleague architect from the industry, he said they get affected at the time of handover. They as an architectural firm, receive different models from different BIM modelers, engineers and contractors. All these models come in with different levels of graphical detail and level of component information. The models that we receive are not standardized, however; we are compelled to utilize the information it holds to carry out post-handover editing to attain standardization, he added.

Would it be wrong to say that BIM has achieved the success in spite of the standards, not because of them? There still are firms who work with their teams, not to follow the PAS 1192 documents, but to decide practically as to what they are going to do, what worked in their favor and what did not. None of the PAS documents can make people understand practically what they are supposed to do, in order to execute a BIM project, or does it?

Some building construction industry experts have all together a different counter-BIM argument to this episode. They are of the opinion that the benefits of BIM seem quite minimal if you look at them with a mindset, that most of the key design processes would be already in place. 

Why should we be dependent on BIM for our already set processes including need for consultants to collaborate? Our contracts are all equipped to create that environment to provide 3D models and run clash detection. 

Our CAFM systems are already populated with asset data. And not to forget that we have mastered these, with decades of experience. BIM walks in just to bring in all these disciplines and process under one umbrella. Client’s point of view says no benefit from BIM, however; BIM consultants are experiencing benefits out of it - big time.

Conclusion

Improved collaboration is what BIM is for. Why do we need software to help us do that? How beneficial and advisable it would be to bring teams together, who aren’t working together towards solutions?

3D Building Model Reconstruction from Point Clouds

The industry has always focused on BIM adoption and implementation for new built structures. However, new buildings form only a small percentage of the total number of buildings that exist.

So, how does BIM play a role in influencing projects for retrofits and existing buildings of heritage and architectural significance? 

One of the primary requirements of using BIM effectively, for refurbishment, renovation, repair and maintenance projects is – collection of detailed and accurate information about the building. Manually collecting information regarding the architectural, structural and MEP disciplines of a facility can be difficult. Hence, laser survey technology is widely used for this purpose.

Highly sophisticated 3D laser scanners are used to collect data of an existing building in the form of point cloud models.

Challenges of 3D Building Model Reconstruction from Point Clouds 

While information collection using the point cloud technology is easy as compared to manual collection, Surface Reconstruction from Point Clouds requires extensive remodeling and expert intervention. The 3D models obtained from laser scans have to be converted into triangle mesh, polygon mesh or a NURBS surface model.   

However, the point cloud data for complex structures and larger buildings is of enormous file size. In addition to BIM expertise, it is also important to have the required infrastructure and hardware capabilities to accommodate and handle humongous volumes of point cloud data easily.

Scan To BIM Wave Sweeping the Middle East Region 

The Middle East region is experiencing a spurt in BIM adoption for retrofits, renovation and refurbishment projects. Scan to BIM is also increasingly used for accurate documentation of large and complex buildings. Building information modeling adoption will help UAE to become a world leader in building and infrastructural development.

Companies like Hi-Tech CADD Services provide support to architectural firms and developers to convert the point cloud models obtained from 3D laser scanning surveys into intelligent and information rich BIM. Existing buildings can hence become better, energy efficient, more apt in terms of occupant comfort and can be managed, maintained and operated in a better manner.

Benefits of CAD Design in Making Residential Buildings

Architects usually focus both on residential as well as commercial structures. However, most of us usually associate architects with commercial structures.

The fact is, residential buildings too require as much professionalism and accuracy as commercial structures (albeit lesser details) and residential building design forms an important part of building houses.

 
"Residential building design is as much similar to commercial building design."

Almost all aspects are covered under the residential building design in the same way as commercial office spaces are designed. What separates the former from the latter is the design itself.

Residential buildings are often designed in consideration with the person who wishes to build his/her house. Rough sketches and ideas are poured in, and then converted into design frameworks which are then detailed well in order to get all the measurements done correctly.

Residential building designs offer a wide scope for creativity which often is not found in the case of commercial building designs.

An engineer tasked with residential building design will optimally use advanced tools and software to prepare the plan designs and finally provide an output which will depict the house dimensions and design in crisp detail for sustainable structure.

CAD Design Services is often used in this regard. CAD helps quicken the process of building designs with accurate measurements. It also helps in checking for errors in the design which might prove to be detrimental to the structure's stability and sustainability.

There's an additional aspect to residential building design which is usually why everyone prefers a professional to take over the process. This concerns the legalities of registration and approval from the government. A plot can be used to construct a building only with the approval of the government and to do this, one needs perfect designs.

Building CAD designs require a very experienced and professional hand usually. That is why it is often suggested to hire experienced and well-versed designers in residential building design. They are the best people who can transform your dream home into a reality on paper.

How to AutoCAD Beneficial for Paper to CAD Conversion & Drawings?

In today's world of cut-throat competition, it’s a challenge to deliver product designs and services within demanding budget and schedule. To survive in this competitive edge Engineering and construction companies must leverage their assets and use of information technology.
 

For any engineering company having large amount of construction documents and paper drawings it is essential to process and manage their valuable knowledge assets efficiently and cost-effectively.

To save time and keep ahead of competition, successful engineering companies use AutoCAD to effortlessly manage, distribute or modify these valuable engineering drawings.

Value of Engineering Drawings

Before we go into further explanation let me clarify you about what is archiving process for the drawings.

Many Engineering firms have large no of design drawings which are very critical in the sense that it has to be stored for future use and reference. Here in Engineers realize the importance of CAD conversion.

They scan their archives into a digital raster format and the result is a very efficient way of managing construction documents for during the complete project life cycle.

What does AutoCAD Do?

An industry-wide research report shows that 75% of all new designs are based on old paper drawings!

Archiving of engineering drawings helps you save searching as well as re-engineering time for the process. These engineering drawings when transformed into electronic drawings can be easily modified, revised and redesigned in much less time and cost than paper drawings.

Digital CAD drawing gives you flexibility and facilitates easy transportation over a network of remote computers. It saves you lot of time and cost because you can carry the soft copies and reprocess it at any time.

Hi-Tech CADD Services offers CAD conversion services including Mechanical 3D Modelling, Structural drawings, Mechanical CADD shop drawings, Structural steel design and many more, through its huge teams of brilliant and devoted employees.

Cost Estimating and Scheduling With BIM 5D: Challenges and Acceptance

5D BIM, is an evolving discipline of Building information modeling, where 3D BIM is loaded with project schedules and the cascading cost estimates. With the help of this methodology, contractors are in better position to visualize and keep track of the project time-lines and the concurring expenses, while instantaneously enabling the schedule to be enhanced by bearing in mind the quantities of materials resulting from the model and the productivity rate of construction staffs. 

It has been observed that 5D BIM approach offers an exceptional package, where the best design practices, cost and construction approaches combine. On the other hand, it should be noted that 5D BIM approaches call for a momentous transference in the way construction companies work.

It is impractical to promise widespread resources for a large construction company, towards repositioning of their intrinsic practices while enduring to be economical and lucrative.This write-up will give you a fair idea of application of BIM 5D Virtual Design and models in a construction company.

BIM 5D: Challenges

There are several challenges in executing 5D BIM in a large construction company. There are technological barriers that need to be inundated to execute 5D-BIM.

These projects require professionals who are experts in the relevant field and have exposure of technology. There are lot of costs associated with the execution of 5D-BIM procedures encompassing hardware, software and training. 

Disinclination to change is one of the biggest factors which make the task more intricate. The other thing is that since the personnel who already have experience in the field are very difficult to train as they have their mindset of doing a particular thing their way. This makes the adoption difficult. But the thing is that 5D-BIM is a new wave which has given a ray of hope to construction industry and it provides a trans formative experience to the construction company.

Changing Landscapes and Easy Adoption of BIM

"One easy way out is to employ a VDC team for BIM 5D, thus obtain a synchronized and coordinated project execution."

Further the team of architects, designers, construction project managers, MEP engineers etc can be educated and trained to use the software, thus track project changes and the resulting effects on schedules and cost estimates in real time. 

Now as all the teams are on the same page and updated about the latest changes in the project, it becomes easy to coordinate. Moreover, as these teams seldom go in the wrong direction due to erroneous information, there are very less chances of rework and hence unnecessary expenditures are curbed.

As mentioned earlier, the complexity of using such software, was a major hurdle in the path of BIM acceptance, however now technology has also evolved, and once the building information models are ready, it is very easy and user friendly to update and use them.

Now all the comprehensive BIM benefits, and the user friendly software updates, have led to the technology being accepted across the AEC industry by one and all.

Use of Solidworks in Mechanical Engineering Design

SolidWorks software is the most amazing tool for mechanical engineering design services. It is now considered to be the best according to industry standards that can be obtained for a wide array of designing, drafting and 3D CAD modeling for various industry verticals..

This software is utilized to provide some useful and practical designing software that will allow users to visualize as well as create prototypes of a product in reality and quick time.

(Image Source:- www.mechanicalengineeringblog.com)

There are Several Options For Solid Works Training, which Includes:

• Like all other enterprise applications and professional software that provides training with certification upon completion, Solid works software also has options for different professional examinations that helps in enhancing skills and increases the chances of finding better jobs as CAD operators.
• Online tutorials, groups and forums are some of the avenues where you would be able to discuss, debate and post questions related to a process in order to increase awareness about the mechanical computer designing software. You can also obtain SolidWorks training program on the Internet.
• With more practice, it is possible to improve the use of SolidWorks.

There are many features of Solid Works, which makes it one of the perfect software applications to use. It has become one of those revolutionary product documentation tools that set new benchmark for excellent product communication as well as distribution method.

The Unique Feature of Solid Works Called 3DVIA Composer is Commonly in Use These Days. With The Use of This Feature, It is Possible To:

• Create interactive marketing materials
• Create 3D animation
• Prepare service instructions and assembly
• Prepare higher resolution raster pictures as well as vector graphics
• Created animated HTML and 3D PDF
• Create parts manual online

SolidWorks software allows developers to give form to their out of the box ideas. However, this requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of the entire software and its basic as well as important features.