When was the last time you asked yourself how the work of your structural engineers could be improved? And what impact did their work have on the overall construction process?
Data accuracy and a smooth transition to building data modeling are the keys to better engineering production. With these critical elements in place, structural engineers can improve collaboration with project stakeholders - architects, fabricators and contractors - to execute an error-free construction project.
For most business leaders, whatever their industry, operational improvement is constantly on their minds. But decision-makers are often so focused on sales and the execution of existing projects that they don't devote enough time to the methodologies, processes and technology that can dramatically improve results.
This article explores how automated analysis can streamline dimensioning and boost structural engineering productivity, enabling companies to reorganize their internal operations. A truly constructible process - one that contributes to the digital transformation of construction - can start at the earliest stages of structural design. An open approach at this stage enables more reliable reuse of design intent data, faster exploration of options and quicker delivery of accurate data to clients and contractors.
Adopting a Building Information Modeling (BIM) process can start with the use of reliable software that automatically performs analysis and calculations. This is important information for making more informed decisions.
Once you have confidence in the initial data, you can use it to dimension and build with confidence. Early use of the data also makes it possible to create the various deliverables, including plans, at each stage of the construction process, and even a model that is a true digital twin of the final construction.
Genuine constructability eliminates inconsistencies in a construction project
In a traditional construction process, preconstruction and even site work often begin before engineering is 100% complete. This will probably always be the case, as clients want to move as quickly as possible. Time is money, so it's important to get construction underway quickly. Project specifications also change when material costs suddenly rise - as they did in 2022 - so it's essential to be flexible.
Structural engineering firms know all about this scenario, and it's doing them a world of harm!
It's common practice for design offices to work on a draft basis, when they receive fees for design work. However, in most construction projects, changes are inevitable. To remain profitable, therefore, a balance must be struck between the fees received and the time the designer devotes to carrying out the work. Re-calculating and re-designing takes time, immobilizes your engineers longer than expected and prevents them from moving on to the next project.
It's essential to be in control and equipped to manage and respond effectively to the customer, because you don't want to disappoint them.
Fortunately, there's an antidote to this scenario: the use of accurate data.
The terms "BIM" and "constructability" have been part of our industry lexicon for some time, but it's not always possible to achieve what they promise. People often think of constructability as the creation of a 3D model, but it's much more than that.
To create a truly constructible model, you need to include all available relevant data as an essential part of the process, right from the start. The only way to guarantee constructability is to work with accurate data from the earliest stages of the design process. In this way, constructability begins before the creation of a truly constructible model.
Fortunately, more and more analysis and dimensioning tools are already available, making the work of structural designers easier. Instead of using traditional methods and managing numerous spreadsheet updates, these BIM analysis and design software packages enable structural designers to work in a more automated, accurate and easily modifiable way. In many cases, the tools already enable the physical result to be simulated at this early stage.
Structural engineers can help optimize the entire construction process
In essence, creating plans and building a digital model follows the same process that structural engineers and detailers have been using for decades. The difference lies in the way BIM models can speed up the process, automatically recognize interdependencies between elements and easily recalculate when information changes. In other words, BIM gives you the precision, automation and speed that make the job easier, from design to on-site execution.
As a structural engineer, you can start calculating forces, lateral forces and other important data to ensure building reliability and meet construction standards. You can suggest elements and material options for safe and accurate construction, and even design different scenarios. This includes efficient costing and more sustainable construction options.
The whole design process is very data-rich, but most of the information is traditionally dispersed in different documents. The risk of losing or using incorrect information is high, as it is when the wrong tools are used!
It's also difficult to track and manage changes if documents are dispersed. By using accurate, automated and efficient methods from the earliest stages - such as design and analysis - you can ensure that data will be reliable for your work and that of other stakeholders. Reliable data means fewer requests for information, freeing you from the additional tasks that may arise.
Switch to a constructible process to have a real impact on the construction project
Implementing a truly constructible process goes beyond the structural engineer's impact on the design and analysis process. It allows you to optimize the way any part of a construction project develops. By using BIM software as early as possible, you can contribute to the creation of a buildable 3D model containing all the information needed to bring a project to fruition.
Thanks to the accuracy of data from the design and analysis phases, and the integration of information around a model, you can have a positive impact on the entire construction cycle - from optimizing the supply chain and off-site manufacturing to planning deliveries and identifying on-site conflicts before they become a problem.
In short, implementing a truly constructible process enables design offices to bring added value to their customers and contractors. Indeed, it allows a contractor to be sure not only that the offer is correct, but also that there will be no nasty surprises along the way.
Constructible data also enables smoother transfers and partnerships that bring added value to all. Efficiency and certainty are thus placed in the hands of those who run the greatest risk when things start to go wrong on the site.
Visit our Solutions pages to find out more and discover how we can help you take the next steps in the construction process.
