Optimizing Precast Design & Detailing With BIM Technology

In the past, designers have depended on 2-D physical drawings of building structures to convert the concepts in their minds into actionable plans. The arrival of the digital era has meant that various types of businesses now rely on technology. BIM or Building Information Modeling has empowered designers to represent their designs and plans in 3-D, something that was previously not possible.

In precast concrete modeling, BIM serves to combine different packages of software from varied sources without making designers keep switching to 2-D drawings to check if everything tallies. BIM also facilitates the smooth exchange of data among various disciplines working on a project.

So it’s clear that BIM is being leveraged not merely for designing front-end related 3-D models but back end as well. You can create and store information in BIM and make it available on other data-powered solutions. Through this, it not only facilitates design work but also helps in quality control, storage, production planning, shipment, manufacturing as well as tracking challenges on site.

At the design phase

Precast concrete modeling occurring at the design phase generates models that give estimates to get quotes for projects. Precasters are provided with drawings by the client and architects. They analyze the needs, design layouts, and work together with several other disciplines working on a project.

During the estimation phase, BIM is leveraged to generate initial layouts and drawings, together with panels, beams, slabs, columns, etc. for the project in question. The software works by bringing in automation regarding the volume of concrete needed and giving details regarding the project’s complexity level (for instance, load-bearing external walls, prestressed beams), to make accurate estimations of the resources and manpower costs.

You will be able to generate the final designs quickly, as BIM automatically offers structural calculations. Design automation is one of the primary advantages of using BIM technology. You would just need to instruct the software about what rules you want to be applied and it proceeds to accordingly automate the rest of the entire design.

Dominant back-end advantages

Precasters usually employ BIM to generate project models and final drawings for manufacturing needs and not just for the clients. Consequently, it is beneficial in terms of amplified productivity, precise quantity data and eliminating errors both in the production phase at the plant as well as in the erection phase at the site. You can model and track various categories of precast elements and projects all through the BIM software system to enhance internal and external workflows and productivity, allowing everyone involved in the project to benefit tremendously.

For each project each precast structural element is unique and this is why precasters need the data of each piece meticulously stored within BIM software. This helps in cutting costs of shipping and facilitates the process of storing and pouring items accurately.

There is a shift occurring in the construction industry and an increasing number of AEC companies are opting to use BIM for precast concrete modeling, structural 3D modeling service, rebar detailing services and much more.