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FUSION CONSTRUCTION](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fusion-construction/) ) : Company specializing in metal structures and locksmithing.
The Carapace project is being carried out at Château Prieuré Marquet, a 15th-century Carthusian monastery north of Bordeaux, not far from Saint Emilion. The project involves insulating the cellars from the outside, while adding an artistic touch to the Château, whose owner is a fervent art lover.
A "shell" composed of three distinct structures
A first steel frame building frames the existing winery, and has two functions: to insulate and seal the winery, and to support the entire framework forming the shell.
A second structure made up of gantries and beams provides support for the superstructure and gives a glimpse of the shell.
A tubular superstructure will give the final shape to the multiple facets, which will be clad with iridescent sandwich panels.
A complex superstructure to design
One of the most delicate points was the roof node, which, surrounded by 8 facets, accommodates nine load-bearing bars. As this assembly could not be supported directly by the structure, Fusion Construction had to create a stiffened, suspended shaft to which the bar attachments were welded.
This technical nature meant that the structure had to be rigorously assembled. Each facet assembly locks its three nodes in all directions. A precise assembly sequence had to be put in place to allow complete assembly of the structure.
BIM for complete modeling of structures
The Carapace project is a three-dimensional structure that had to be studied in 3D, given the multitude of plans involved. The paper format was difficult to implement on this project.
Tekla Structures and Tekla BIMsight software were used to synthesize the project with the main contractor and the various trades. Tekla BIMsight software was also used by the erection teams to help them locate the bars and confirm their positions.
The project in figures
Total cost: €126,000
Height: 7 metres
Dimensions: 23 metres X 15 metres
Weight: 30 tons
Number of facets: 37 u
Number of finite elements: 1.45 km of hollow tubes
Number of bolts: 3686 u
