As construction professionals continue to endure volatile times, technology and the automations they enable are positively impacting project site performance, and improving financial outcomes whether the build is industrial, commercial or residential.
The ICO Tech Drops newsletter offers insights into multiple construction technologies relevant to individual roles within the building value chain to deepen the understanding of the “why” and “what’s in it for me” elements of the tech available on your jobs today.
ICO Tech Drops addresses each role within the construction value chain from trade partner, to building developer to not only grow the awareness of available technologies, but more importantly to include the the context of the digital enablements specific job roles use in the day to day work.
This is YOUR newsletter so YOU can optimize the digital enablements that will support your bids, submittals, change orders, payrolls, estimates, reports, site safety, schedules, communications and more.
Technology coverage includes :
- Software
- Drones
- Robotics
- 3D Printing
- Predictive analytics
- Artificial intelligence
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Sensors
- Digital twinning
- Wireless Monitoring
- Augmented Reality
CAD and BIM – What’s the Dif?
CAD vs BIM – Explained
CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design and is a way to digitally create 2D drawings and 3D models of real-world products before they’re ever manufactured and produced.
Building information modelling (BIM) on the other hand, enables both a process and database of building digital inputs, CAD models, and multiple types of technology involved with the generation and management of digital representations for physical and functional characteristics of real places. Building information models (BIMs) are essentially computer files that can be extracted, exchanged and networked throughout the lifecycle of the build to support decision-making by architects, engineers, contractors, field crews, and developers regarding the built assets they foster into existence. CAD models although important represent only the very first level of BIM (Level 0) by their digital representation of either 2D or 3D drawings.
BIM is much more than CAD 2D or 3D models; it is an independent design methodology and database of potential digital inputs from contracts to measurements, role assignments, and cost values integrated within the BIM model which can include CAD drawings. BIMs aim is to make everyone involved on the construction project enabled to work more collaboratively, bringing multiple aspects of the building design into one database. The beauty of “building” this database is to allow project personnel (with the right permissions) to be working from the same model, and to contribute to model revisions as the realities of constructing the real structure come to life.
BIM not only covers the design of the building but also includes other essential aspects of building design, including electrical wiring, plumbing and other services. This allows a more realistic digital representation of the final building vision which is one of the most significant benefits of BIM to developers, and owner representatives.
CAD is Level 0 of 4 levels of BIM
CAD and BIM, are two very different applications. CAD deals with the process of digitally designing floor plans and digital physical models primarily, while BIM can be used to implement these elements but also other project documents including contracts, and associated costs that are essential to getting a structure built.
Let’s delve into CAD!
CAD – WHO USES IT?
ARCHITECTS, DRAFTSMEN & DESIGNERS
CAD is typically used for designing and engineering complex projects, to include multiple precision parts and components.
CAD utilizes both 2D drawings and 3D models. The construction industry has benefitted greatly from 3D modelling, including designs and simulations. Architects can experiment with their designs and identify issues before they arise during construction. A 3D model can keep all departments on the same page in terms of sizing, dimensions, materials, etc. Using 3D rendering in construction also allows developers and project owners to “experience” a project vision before it is built in reality. With 3D modelling, virtual walkthroughs are possible to demonstrate multiple facets of the building model which of course can help the developers who pay the architects, engineers, and designers to bring their visions to fruition. Switching from paper to software, professional construction designers use CAD to create very detailed and accurate measurements, spot design flaws, and conduct advanced analysis on designs that they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.
Additionally CAD enables contractors to better visualize the building, and all the parts that go into it, from the steel beams to the tiniest of screws. This puts an incredibly accurate blueprint of the building at their fingertips, allowing the flexibility to make change decisions on the fly and make sure you’re not missing anything as the project progresses.
CAD software lets you access your plans from the cloud, so you can pull it up in an instant on your phone to communicate changes back and forth between your on and off-site management.
CAD Enablements
- 2D and 3D presentations
Not all CAD programs allow you to model your layouts in 3D. - Smart tools
Can include shape and dimension manipulation, design configuration, alignments, accuracy, and precision checks, and more. Know what you want to see. - Pre-set Models and Templates
CAD software can also offer preset models for your layouts and designs. Libraries can include standard machine components, sheet metal punch and forming tools, as well as other pre-built models - Simulation Tools
These tools allow you to test your designs before you can start building them to make ensure everything is in working order
Careers in CAD
Career Opportunities: Drafters, Designers and Managers
The versatility of computer-aided design programs makes them ideal for a number of purposes, but one of their most frequent uses is in the field of drafting. Drafters take data, specifications and sketches provided by architects, engineers, and building specialists, to produce drawings that serve as a visual and technical guideline for the manufacture of products. Drafters’ drawings are used in the production of everything from vehicles, machinery and electronic devices to large-scale structures including buildings, highways, and water systems.
CAD TEC SPECS
CAD SYSTEM SHOULD-HAVES
- Accessibility and storage – Server on premises, cloud, and shared
- Should have both 2D and 3D modelling capability
- Polyhedral Modelling – Very important, especially when applying building information modelling (BIM) principles
- Able to enable quick modifications and revisions
- Have analytical tools e.g. to troubleshoot loads and stresses
- Precision capability allowing for minuscule measurements
- Performance and design efficiencies e.g. contain reusable templates
- Checking operations – 3D modellers should equip users to identify issues e.g. duplications or redundant geometries, etc.
- Querying capability – distance queries, clash detection, closure, ray-fire as well as volume, area, and mass property queries
What is Polyhedral Modelling?
The polyhedral model (also called the polytope method) is a mathematical framework for programs that perform large numbers of operations — too large to be explicitly enumerated — thereby requiring compact representation
CAD Tech Vendors
To name a few…
- Solidworks
- Autocad
- Sketchup
- Solid Edge
- Tekla
- Vectorworks
ASSESS YOUR NEEDS FIRST…
Requirements Gathering 101
- List roles/responsibilities who will utilize the technology
- Prioritize major outcomes relevant to your projects
- Document additional systems, equipment & external roles impacted by this potential technology implementation
ICO Software Evaluation Systemâ„¢
ICO Technology Selection Systemâ„¢
HEARD IN THE INDUSTRY!
A MEDIEVAL GOTHIC MONASTERY BUILT USING CAD
Just because you’re a monk doesn’t mean you can’t use CAD. The Carmelite monks of Wyoming are building a grandiose Gothic Monastery, and it’s awe inspiring how they are managing to build it. The Carmelite monks needed a new, larger monastery to house their growing numbers, and found a parcel of land near Meeteetse Creek in Wyoming. The design of their new Gothic monastery was outsourced to an architectural firm. Gothic architecture is characterized by key architectural elements such as pointed arches, large stained glass windows, rib vaults, flying buttresses, pinnacles and spires, elaborate entry portals, and ornate decoration.
After some research, the monks settled on using Kansas Silverdale limestone for the monastery. Cutting and carving the elaborate stone pieces required for such a project, within time and cost constraints, could only be achieved using CNC machines. Hand carving was ruled out as it was a very slow process, would cost a whole lot more, and it wouldn’t be easy to find the artisans for the job. So when it came to shortlisting vendors for the vast amount of stone cutting and carving required for construction, the monks found themselves alarmed at how prohibitively expensive it would turn out to be. Since stone carving and installation were the most expensive items for the overall project, the monks decided to tackle that job themselves. This meant learning the whole CNC stone-carving workflow, all about stone cutting machinery, operating CNC machines, CAD modelling, CAM programming, stone masonry and construction techniques. Planning for the project started in 2010. In 2013, they purchased their first CNC machine from Prussiani Engineering, who specialize in stone cutting machines, integrated with stone cutting CAD/CAM software from Pegasus CAD-CAM. Prussiani also provided support to the monks as they embarked on their CNC journey. After spending time learning all the skills and some trial-and-error later, actual construction on the project started in 2014 and continues till date. Their early days were not without a few disasters.
SOURCE: https://hackaday.com/2023/01/13/a-medieval-gothic-monastery-built-using-cad-cam/
Next Issue – BIM – Deep Dive
