Role Models

The latest addition to the Tekla Structures constructible modelling software was on show recently at Offsite Expo, with a new Volumetric Modular Tool helping streamline the detailing process.

Offsite is a growing sector of the construction industry, helping structures to be built faster, greener and more efficiently. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be a key part of this modern construction revolution, with the use of BIM software helping offsite manufacturers to visualise and model a building before construction has even started. With this comes the ability to anticipate design clashes and remedy them before a project reaches site, improving accuracy levels, saving time and therefore costs, as well as reducing waste material. In this regard, BIM and Offsite are great partners. Using a BIM workflow can help to enhance all the values and benefits of Offsite Construction, helping to provide higher quality outcomes. The benefits of offsite construction are widely known and proclaimed, from faster build times, improved accuracy and quality, and reduced waste – the latter point being key when considering the efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

When it comes to delivering on the offsite vision, employing Building Information Modelling (BIM) solutions can be a big help. Indeed, in many ways the benefits of BIM align perfectly with the offsite goals, contributing to a more streamlined and efficient construction sequence and workflow. BIM and offsite truly are the perfect partners.

With this in mind, it could be said that BIM software providers have a big responsibility in providing offsite contractors, suppliers and manufacturers with the tools that they need. Digital technology is an area that is in constant development, with new features and tools arriving on the market as the construction industry itself develops and progresses.

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Developed on the back of the SEISMIC project, the new Volumetric Modular Tool was launched in the 2022 version of Tekla Structures. Designed specifically for the offsite market, the tool enables users to construct 3D models of container-sized modular units far quicker and easier, with automation at the tool’s core. A basic unit can be created in just a couple of clicks, saving valuable time and making the BIM workflow even more

efficient and effective. The tool also offers a clear assembly hierarchy, automatically creating and organising assemblies, sub-assemblies and parts ready for production.

Taking the time-saving benefits even further, the Tool’s parametric capabilities mean that the change management process is far easier to manage and coordinate. For example, if you make a change to one assembly it will automatically make the same change to all connected parts. Likewise, if you put in door or window openings, the Tool will automatically configure the surrounding steelwork to account for the design change.

Craig Johnson, Business Development Manager for Trimble’s Detailing and Manufacturing segment, said:

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“Our aim is to make sure the offsite industry, in particular, is aware of the fact that the design and planning of all building elements can be kept within the one 3D model, making sure all information and data are consistent, amalgamated and easily accessible. This is so important for an industry where time and accuracy are crucial for the success of any project.”

The Volumetric Module Tool is now available to download at: www.warehouse.tekla.com

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01-03. The Volumetric Modular Tool will bring an additional way for building designers to collaborate on volumetric construction and maximise quality and productivity

UK BIM ALLIANCE REBRANDS AS ‘NIMA’

The UK BIM Alliance, the independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2016 to champion implementation of building information modelling (BIM) in the UK is rebranding as ‘nima’. The name, also the Greek word for ‘thread’, is not an abbreviation. It has been selected to help give the volunteer-led organisation an identity, sense of purpose and a set of behaviours that are better aligned with current and anticipated future UK thinking about digital working in the built and managed environment. Explaining the change, announced at UK Construction Week, Birmingham in October, Dr Anne Kemp OBE, Chair of nima, said: “The UK has been hugely influential in the international adoption of BIM adoption since the launch of the UK government’s drive for change in 2011. Setting a ‘BIM Mandate’ in April 2016 did much to stimulate people, process and technology change and to help build a standards-driven movement. And since 2016, the Alliance has also helped maintain momentum, by, for example, supporting development of the UK BIM Framework. “However, the debate has started to shift. It is no longer just about BIM – often seen as a technological change – but about wider industry information management challenges, including building safety, climate change, and delivering value across the life cycle of our built and managed assets.” The organisation has been debating its identity and purpose since the publication of the international ISO 19650 standards in January 2019, mindful that industry discussions were also embracing emerging concepts such as digital twins. BIM was becoming ‘business as usual’ for significant parts of the construction sector. However, it was often misconstrued as a 3D design technology rather than a process supporting purposeful use of information across the whole landscape of the built environment, from the inception stages of projects, through construction, and – most importantly – then to support efficient operation, maintenance and use of assets through to their end of life. Continuing, Anne explains: “Our new name, nima, reflects evolution of our industry and our organisation. We are keeping an international perspective, continuing to support digital transformation across the sector, and aiming in our behaviours to be as inclusive as possible. We are not the ‘BIM police’ – we are a self-help community that anyone can tap into if they want to improve their information management.” As part of the rebranding process, the nima name is supported by a new logo, a refreshed strategy has been developed, and the organisation’s website and social media channels are being updated. Existing content (including the UK BIM Framework guidance – endorsed in the government’s 2021 information management mandate), local and sectoral group resources, and relationships with industry organisations (including UK government, professional and trade association affiliates, technology providers, and buildingSMART International) will be maintained and expanded.

Nima will also continue to support clients and industry practitioners with case studies, plain language guides, national and local events, and exemplar information management implementation projects.

For more information visit: www.wearenima.im

UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE

Leading modular housing company ilke Homes has reduced factory overheads and boosted output following the introduction of a bespoke solution from lifting specialists Totalkare.

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ilke Homes manufacture up to 2,000 steel framed homes a year from its 250,000sq ft factory in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Modules are precision-engineered along production lines and then loaded onto lorries for despatch across the UK. Previously, the loading operation was conducted by crane – a painstaking process adding significant time to the process. Totalkare solved this with the provision of two sets of six T8DC cable-free mobile column lifts, complete with rubber in-fill plates. This enables the unit to be lifted so a flat bed transport can reverse underneath before the unit can be lowered and secured in place.

Flexible & Cost Effective

Totalkare’s T8DC mobile column lift can lift 7,500kg per column and can be used in sets of four, six or eight depending on the lifting requirement. Highly manoeuvrable, they can be put aside when not in use, making them a flexible, cost-effective solution for any workshop.

Following their successful introduction, ilke Homes has invested in an additional two sets of six T8DC mobile column lifts, taking the total number at the factory to 24. Each set is supported by a Totalkare service plan which includes two service engineer visits per year plus Reports of Thorough Examination.

“Using the Totalkare lifts in our production facility has increased the speed in which completed units are despatched to site, while also saving the considerable cost of crane hire,” said Rachel Beech, Supply Chain Director for ilke Homes. “Doubling the number of lifts on site allows us to replicate these efficiencies as we optimise our production processes.”

For more information visit: www.totalkare.co.uk

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01. The safe and efficient lifting of modules is of paramount importance in the factory

VEHICLE LIFTS BRAKE TESTING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT VEHICLE PITS INSPECTION & SERVICE ONLINE TRAINING

Images courtesy of ilke Homes

MOBILE COLUMN LIFTS FOR MODULAR BUILDINGS

Using Totalkare’s mobile column lifts when loading modular buildings for despatch can save significant time and money. Ask us about our flexible finance options today!