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| BRIDGES AND TUNNELS
Bringing rail industry maintenance and construction into clear focus New build and refurbishment projects across the rail industry are now enjoying benefits from one of the latest design developments from system scaffolding manufacturer, Layher Ltd
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he company’s Scaffold Information Modelling (SIM®) tool comprises a range of planning features that not only help to make the creation of the optimal scaffold structure safer and more efficient, but which also interface directly with Building Information Management (BIM) methodology. The increasing inroads now seen into the building and construction industry are also clearly reflected across projects in the rail sector. ‘SIM helps with planning operations which, in turn, can maximise installation efficiency, reduce risk and enhance cost savings’ says Sean Pike, Layher’s UK Managing Director. ‘The system builds on the Layher LayPLAN and LayCAD software and enables users to create 3D visualisations either on screen or via a VR headset which take them into the digital world. Once
there, scaffolds can be rotated, ‘flown-through’ and readily adapted before key information outputs such as material needs, weights and logistical details are produced.’ Apart from a valuable planning and operational tool, Layher SIM also offers enhanced presentation opportunities, construction sequence simulation, communication with mobile devices via mixed reality and storage in the cloud. Importantly, the visualisation modelling allows virtual tours to be experienced and any clash detection issues to be resolved at an early stage. ‘Realistic rendering can also be added while ease of operation is Rail Professional
