Fast-tracking Chennai Airport Expansion

The air transport market in India is expected to grow by 262% by 2037 adding up to USD126.7 billion to the GDP of the country with almost 9.1 million jobs. In airport construction, 3D design and modelling software is considered to have a high degree of impact and application, alongside project management software. Cost estimation software is also considered to have a high impact in this phase for accurately estimating quantity take-off thereby reducing material waste and project cost.

During the Chennai Annadurai Airport expansion project, Yugasoft was the contactor and Trimble's Tekla Structures provide the solutions. Drawing details were derived from the Tekla model for fabrication and they were seamlessly used with Yugasoft’s in-house fabrication data package to produce

To make work faster, at peak times, two modellers worked on the same server using the software in multi-user-mode. We estimate a significant cost reduction by using and implementing BIM in this project. The multiuser mode worked very well and saved us a lot of time and money.

K. MAHADEVAN, Head of Yugasoft Challenges

1. Maintaining accuracy in fabrication details for perfect alignment and assembly. 2. Avoiding change orders and material wastage. 3. Time and cost over-run.

1. Optimised use of material. 2. Rapidly produced shop drawings. 3. Helped in managing the project timeline. 4. Reduced the material wastage by 3.5 to 4%. 5. Increased productivity by more than 30%.

Benefits of using Tekla Structures software

NC files for use in CNC machines and to manipulate bill of material data. By using the centre of gravity from the Tekla model, the jigs were prepared for each segment of trusses to ensure perfect alignment and geometry during assembly.

After the project's completion, the Chennai Airport Expansion project has a departure lounge on the first floor and one for the arrivals on the ground floor. The design of the terminal has a Finnish architect Saarinen-like quality to its rooflines, organizing passenger circulation around two sustainable gardens. The new terminal buildings measure more than 140, 000 meters. Its passenger capacity has increased to 30 million annually.