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Posts Tagged ‘architectural visualization’

Talking to Machines

Monday, October 8th, 2018

The construction industry can increase productivity and quality while reducing energy consumption, lowering costs and saving time through creating strong links between designing and making.

By Andrew Watts FICE FIED FIET FRSA RIBA, CEO of international building engineers, Newtecnic

Throughout history, to understand the complexities of buildings, models have always been made.  For centuries, these were physical scale models that allowed a close examination of the proposed structure. More recently digital models perform the same function. These not only allows stakeholders to comprehend the project but also provide the ability to ensure that crucial decisions are based on the fullest and most detailed information available.

By committing designs and associated information and data to digitalization it is possible to achieve total quality assurance for each component of the building, and of the entire finished entity. This occurs because by designing and then manufacturing components digitally, any technical, structural and aesthetic issues can be resolved in advance of physical work commencing.

This is not news to engineers and architects, who are often highly digitised. But the digital chain is often broken between building designers and contractors. However, when links are strengthened through the whole supply chain, the results are spectacular.

Leading the World from Morocco 

As part of the programme of cultural development in Morocco, and inspired by the Bouregreg River, the dramatic sculptural form of the Grand Théâtre de Rabat in Morocco incorporates an 1800 seat theatre, a 7000-seat amphitheater and a smaller specialized performance space. Clever use of GRC panels meant the fluid design envisaged by architect Zaha Hadid was successfully interpreted, resulting in the addition of a cultural venue of the highest standards for the city of Rabat in Morocco.

The main envelope system for the Grand Théâtre project is based on an opaque glass-fiber-reinforced concrete (GRC) rainscreen cladding, fixed to the primary structure, which is a mix of reinforced concrete and steel. The main driving parameter for the design of the GRC system was the required 60-year life-span of the envelope system. This required the use of monolithic GRC panels, up to 4 × 2m in size, which did not require the conventional steel backing frame to be cast-in underneath the panel.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis for cladding pressures was undertaken and subsequently validated by a series of wind tunnel tests. This analysis allowed the use of realistic values for wind loads, which drive stress and deflection analysis of the panels while taking into account the effects of the geometry of the building.

Structural calculations for each component were undertaken for each project-specific configuration using finite element modelling and scripting to automate the structural analysis process for all panels. The design of the adjustable steel fixing bracket was conceived so that only one fixing type was used across the whole project, which would minimize cost.

Physical tests were designed to validate a single design for the connection between GRC panels and steel fixings, which could be used safely across the entire project.

This spectacular building produced at a very reasonable cost is an exemplar of how early stage deep analysis and thorough testing before the tender stage delivers a guaranteed result. It was important in this project to ensure that local fabricators and contractors were deployed.  Digital simulation of all processes resolved any potential problems prior to physical work commencing and 3D printed GRC panels were thoroughly tested to validate computational analysis.

Flexible Decision Making

By considering and studying everything in advance of physical work it is possible to understand the true implications of project choices and decisions. Digitizing projects enables flexibility because general properties can be analyzed in relation to fine details. This means that decisions over materials can be made with a full understanding of their cost, aesthetics and construction technique implications.

Working this way means material parameters can be better understood and designers can go beyond simply claiming that a certain component or finish is better. They can prove it in terms of material or fabrication cost in addition to visual considerations.

Using digital models to explain building techniques to contractors and work with them to develop and optimise strategies can be done at an early stage to improve outcomes.

Adding these types of services to the production of buildings is new for many contractors but those that that we work with discover that the application of engineering design becomes their ‘service element’ and allows them to present fully validated solutions to their customers. This in turn lets them win more contracts in the confidence that they can be fulfilled on time and to budget.

Code

Computer code is the shorthand that delivers the robust instructions that solve complex engineering problems. Computer code also provides the living user manual to operate the building for decades to come.  Every design, test and action related to a building’s genesis, construction and maintenance is captured. This record becomes available to anyone who needs to engage with the project.

One use of this data at the Grand Theatre de Rabat involved using a Total Station to pinpoint component locations and their fixing points with a laser. The coordinates were fed to the Total Station from the optimised engineering design and, by following this simple guide, costly mistakes and misalignments totally avoided.

Across the globe in Australia the advanced structure that forms the facade of, Botanica, an innovatively conceptualized residential block in northern Queensland could have been made from either steel of concrete. By simulating the design and fabrication of both options the cost was calculated with a high degree of precision and concrete was selected. In the past, this decision would have put more emphasis on material cost but because every aspect was considered in advance the true cost was revealed. This strategy assesses and addresses risks in new ways that seek to define all parameters so that risk can more easily be understood, calculated and managed and costs and schedules guaranteed.

Accelerating Productivity

Deploying these techniques means that amazing buildings can be delivered at ordinary prices. Designs can evolve smoothly to suit all parties and various design options considered and proven.

An example of this is the KCTV Tower in Istanbul where early stage investment in design engineering has paid a massive dividend at the current building stage. All the big decisions have been made and the building is progressing as predicted with pre-made components that are exact representations of their digital equivalents. This is very different to many projects where late stage changes contribute to dysfunctionality and defects.

Top ten tips for smooth building delivery:

  1. Invest in early stage problem solving to avoid late stage issues
  2. Use engineering as a service that seamlessly joins construction disciplines
  3. Break down the barriers between thinking and doing
  4. Apply rigor to design and management processes – keep looking for what’s been missed
  5. Use data to introduce flexibility into decision making
  6. Take problem solving back to first principles – conformity is dangerous
  7. Connect contractors and fabricators with designers and clients through shared data
  8. Deploy technology that allows everyone to understand their project role and responsibility
  9. Think about production machinery at the earliest stages of the project
  10. Improve processes through learning

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About Newtecnic:

Newtecnic is an international world leader in the engineering design of complex highly ambitious construction projects and advanced building envelope systems. The company is an engineering design house that undertakes the engineering design of building structures, façades, and MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing) installations in partnership with leading international developers, architects and contractors. Founded in 2003, Newtecnic’s design professionals team is completely and solely dedicated to the design and engineering of structures, façades and MEP. In partnership with the Engineering Departments of Cambridge University, and UCLA in Los Angeles, Newtecnic’s R&D team analyses, develops, tests, validates and specifies new building technologies and methods. Newtecnic has offices in the USA, UK and Saudi Arabia. The company is owned, directed and managed by long-established and experienced engineers. Newtecnic holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification with the British Standards Institution (BSI)

For further information: http://www.newtecnic.com/

 

Building with Numbers

Wednesday, June 13th, 2018

How the construction industry is reducing cost, risk and waste – with math

Andrew Watts, CEO of international building engineers, Newtecnic, looks at new research and practices that deliver construction industry innovation from concept to fabrication and operation.

Because industry players perceive it as increasing risk, the construction industry is notoriously resistant to change through technology adoption. The idea of following tried and tested solutions is almost universal because ‘if it worked before it will work again’.

This attitude has restricted industry progress producing waste of up to 50% on many projects. And, negative environmental impacts, caused by easily correctable inefficiencies persist as long as the building stands.

Riskier Business?

Industry players and stakeholders are mistaken in the belief that new methods and technologies present increased risk. In fact, the opposite is true because by using technology it is possible to reduce risk while creating more imaginatively conceived buildings at lower cost that use less energy, are more durable, look better and are interesting to inhabit. They also take less time to make and on completion appear effortless. This seemingly impossible list of advantages has been proven across the world where, in partnerships with developers, architects and engineers, collaboration over data reveals absolute truths about buildings.

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Empower Your Design Process with 3D Modeling

Monday, February 26th, 2018

Today, architects are challenged to meet compressed project schedules with tight budgets. Depending on your perspective, they are either fortunate or a bit cursed by the number of software products available to them as they face these challenges. With continual advances in technology, it can be intimidating to keep up with the latest developments and navigate what’s best for you and your team. How can architects adopt new workflows and meet those challenges — all without sacrificing their creative processes?

One of the most straightforward ways to improve your design process change is to incorporate 3D modeling. 3D modeling facilitates a streamlined design process while allowing designers to express their creative visions, rather than solely producing documentation. Because 3D workflows utilize intelligent, parametric objects, as well as expressive free-form modeling, they can be used for design exploration, as well as documentation.

Make the Most of 3D Modeling

Most of the 3D architectural models will consist of either solids, NURBS surfaces, NURBS curves, meshes, subdivision surfaces, and more. Not only is it important to support these different types of 3D, but its equally as important to have the ability to create one form of 3D model from another. This supports the design process and helps architects explore one form against the other to study different design schemes.

Unfortunately, many design and modeling software don’t offer all the different types of 3D objects that are required to efficiently represent an architectural project. To get the biggest return from your design software investment, it’s best to look for a program, like Vectorworks Architect, that provides a comprehensive solution by allowing all of these types in one single platform.

What can be accomplished with 3D modeling.

In Vectorworks, solids are accurately represented by the B-rep or boundary representation. Modifications on solids can be performed to create shells, edge fillets/chamfers, sections, additions, subtractions, and intersections, among others.

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Q+A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT CHIP CRAWFORD

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

Chip Crawford Forum StudioModern landscape architecture uses cues from nature to solve environmental challenges and create more sensitive design.

During 30 years in landscape architecture, Chip Crawford, FASLA, Senior Principal at Forum Studio, has witnessed the pendulum swing in landscape design.  No longer intent on leveling the earth and displacing nature in the path of development, modern landscape design integrates the existing natural environment to create better built solutions for the earth and those who use the space.

StoryTrack:  How do you begin to plan a development where there are existing natural systems?

Chip Crawford: We spend a lot of time analyzing what we call the genius of the place. What is it about the environment, about the circulation systems, the roadway systems, the soil types, the hydrology, the vegetation… that we can learn from as we begin to solve a problem on the site.

ST: Does that lead specifically into creating sustainable architecture?

CC: Landscape architecture is rooted in sustainability and doing what’s right for the planet in design and in materials.  Some of the most current thinking about materials is around sustainability but also performance. For example, we’ve paved parking lots and roads for years.  But now, people are realizing we can use permeable paving, which recharges the watershed and actually cleans the water.

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Q+A DESIGN BUILD EXPERT KIRK WARDEN

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

A principal at one of the most successful Design Build firms in the country discusses the integrated delivery model, the importance of collaboration and what keeps him up at night.

Kirk Warden Clayco

As Senior Vice President and Partner at Clayco, Kirk Warden has been instrumental in implementing the company’s integrated delivery model. This process encompasses architecture and design, engineering, technology, finance, real estate and construction, all under one umbrella. Warden recently sat down with StoryTrack CEO, Lori Dowd, explaining Clayco’s innovative approach.

StoryTrack:  How do you approach risk allocation in Design-Build construction?

Kirk Warden: It’s about getting the right people in the room at the right time so you know exactly what the risks are with a client’s project up front. It allows building owners to make much more educated decisions along the way. And it helps us identify exactly where the risks are and how to mitigate them before they become disasters.

ST: Give me an example of a recent design-build project.

KW: The owners of the St. Louis County Health project requested an integrated design-build delivery.  They needed a 90-thousand square-foot, two-story, LEED certified building–with a fixed price. So we used our collective talents, our integrated services, because we knew it was the right solution for them. The facility was for people not as privileged as many of us.  And most people think well you just give them a very basic and rudimentary building because it’s an institutional type use.  But we designed and built a facility that people are proud to walk into. It’s a jewel in the community. We spent four months working hand-in-hand with the customer before we even won the job. The project came in on-time and on-budget and far exceeded everyone’s expectations.

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