Thursday 18 November 2010
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Job Vacancy for Designer / Drafter Structure and Civil
Advertised: 10-11-10
Closing Date: 10-12-10.
Integrated Project Management Solutions Sdn Bhd
Designer / Drafter Structure and Civil
(Johor)
Requirements:
Required skill(s): AutoCad.Auto Desk 3D, PROCON, STAADPRO , ESTEEM
Required language(s): Bahasa Malaysia, English
At least 3 year(s) of working experience in 3D design environment (complex building & structural)
Preferably Senior Executives/Executives specializing in Designing/ Drafting - Civil/Construction/Structural or equivalent.
Energetic, creative, problem solver, respect others, able to work & coordinate with other design team
Full-Time positions available.
Interested applicants are invited to Apply Online with a detailed resume stating qualifications, experience, current / expected salary and enclose a recent passport-sized photograph(n.r) to:
Human Capital Department
INTEGRATED PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
N0 1225, Jalan Senai Utama 2
Taman Senai Utama
81400 Kulai Jaya, Johor
email add: ipms.hcd@gmail.com
Rabale Railway Station Pride of Navi Mumbai
Tekla Structures 3D BIM Technology made it possible to model and detail the complex structure of Rebail Railway Station at Navi Mumbai with accuracy and simplicity
Rabale railway station located in the planned city of Navi Mumbai, is an extension to the Mumbai Suburban Rail Network. This new project line was proposed to offer connectivity between Thane and Navi Mumbai. It covers an area of 18.5 kilometres between Thane and Vashi (Navi Mumbai). Rabale Station is a cutting edge unique master-piece of architectural design. The station does not ornate Victorian arches or cobble-stone pathways; its futuristic design, form, and use of materials are enough to turn heads and make one pause in wonder. Tekla Structures 3D BIM technology was used by Techflow Engineers to model and detail such complex structures.
Technical Features
Rabale Railway Station uses a combination of structural steel and acrylic sheets with specially designed joints between the materials to create the structure for the enclosure. The structure is made up of plate fabrication. The station uses daylight as the primarysource of lighting. The size and triangular-shape angles of skylight trusses play a vital role in the roof framing, which brings sunlight down to the central part of the platform throughout the day.
Trusses: Instead of putting trusses perpendicular to the tracks, they are running parallel to the platform. This made the architect to take long span trusses which avoid conjunction on platform for passengers. These trusses are running over three supports, which are 30 metres apart. The bottom of the truss is located 17 metres from the ground.
The triangular shape of the truss comprises bottom and top chord. The bottom chord of SHS 200x200x8 at 3.6 metres apart. The bottom chord is placed with face inclined. The top chord of the truss is a pipe with diameter 324x8 at height of 2.4 metres from the bottom chord. The diagonal members of SHS 100x100x6.3 run between both the chords.
This forms an irregular cutting edge. While detailing the part of each diagonal member, Techflow had to plot it on a graph sothat contractor can make a template from it. This could not be possible without Tekla Structures, says Techflow representative.
Columns: The unique ‘X’ shape columns add an aesthetic look to the structure, but this makes connections unconventional. These columns are made up of plate fabricated sections due to non availability of standard rolled section.
Canopy: Two plate fabricated canopies at entrance are made with the help of beams and girders. These are perpendicular to longitudinal trusses. Bottom chord of the canopy modeled with big plate girders in triangular shape. At junction HSS sections and plates connecting four rafters both top & bottom chords at canopy along the ridge.
Due to multiple members connected at one point in this structure, we typically detailed the connections as one assembly. This is possible only in Tekla Structures, says Techflow.
About Techflow
Techflow, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a major player in the structural steel detailing business in India and a local pioneer of utilizing advanced trade technology in engineering project execution. Techflow headquarters in Mumbai has expanded its presence to the USA and Canada by opening new offices. Founded in 1995, Techflow has become a leading global player in structural engineering consultancy within the 12 years of its operation. Techflow has 100 licenses of Tekla Structures software and is open to enquiries of any size of projects.
Tekla Structures
By enabling the creation of the most accurately detailed and data-rich structural models, Tekla provides the building and construction industry the best constructability on the market. Tekla Structures is premium-brand building information modeling (BIM) software that streamlines the delivery process of design, detailing, fabrication, and construction organizations. Its abilityto process extensive amounts of data enables the creation of accurately detailed and highly constructable 3D and 4D models that apply to every stage of design and construction and represent the “as-built” condition of a building. Tekla Structures effectively integrates into any best-of-breed software driven collaborative workflow, which is the key to minimizing errors and maximizing efficiency, resulting in high profitability and on-time project completion. Tekla Structures encompasses specialized configurations for structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, precast concrete detailers and manufacturers, as well as for construction management.
Rabale railway station located in the planned city of Navi Mumbai, is an extension to the Mumbai Suburban Rail Network. This new project line was proposed to offer connectivity between Thane and Navi Mumbai. It covers an area of 18.5 kilometres between Thane and Vashi (Navi Mumbai). Rabale Station is a cutting edge unique master-piece of architectural design. The station does not ornate Victorian arches or cobble-stone pathways; its futuristic design, form, and use of materials are enough to turn heads and make one pause in wonder. Tekla Structures 3D BIM technology was used by Techflow Engineers to model and detail such complex structures.
Technical Features
Rabale Railway Station uses a combination of structural steel and acrylic sheets with specially designed joints between the materials to create the structure for the enclosure. The structure is made up of plate fabrication. The station uses daylight as the primarysource of lighting. The size and triangular-shape angles of skylight trusses play a vital role in the roof framing, which brings sunlight down to the central part of the platform throughout the day.
Trusses: Instead of putting trusses perpendicular to the tracks, they are running parallel to the platform. This made the architect to take long span trusses which avoid conjunction on platform for passengers. These trusses are running over three supports, which are 30 metres apart. The bottom of the truss is located 17 metres from the ground.
The triangular shape of the truss comprises bottom and top chord. The bottom chord of SHS 200x200x8 at 3.6 metres apart. The bottom chord is placed with face inclined. The top chord of the truss is a pipe with diameter 324x8 at height of 2.4 metres from the bottom chord. The diagonal members of SHS 100x100x6.3 run between both the chords.
This forms an irregular cutting edge. While detailing the part of each diagonal member, Techflow had to plot it on a graph sothat contractor can make a template from it. This could not be possible without Tekla Structures, says Techflow representative.
Columns: The unique ‘X’ shape columns add an aesthetic look to the structure, but this makes connections unconventional. These columns are made up of plate fabricated sections due to non availability of standard rolled section.
Canopy: Two plate fabricated canopies at entrance are made with the help of beams and girders. These are perpendicular to longitudinal trusses. Bottom chord of the canopy modeled with big plate girders in triangular shape. At junction HSS sections and plates connecting four rafters both top & bottom chords at canopy along the ridge.
Due to multiple members connected at one point in this structure, we typically detailed the connections as one assembly. This is possible only in Tekla Structures, says Techflow.
About Techflow
Techflow, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a major player in the structural steel detailing business in India and a local pioneer of utilizing advanced trade technology in engineering project execution. Techflow headquarters in Mumbai has expanded its presence to the USA and Canada by opening new offices. Founded in 1995, Techflow has become a leading global player in structural engineering consultancy within the 12 years of its operation. Techflow has 100 licenses of Tekla Structures software and is open to enquiries of any size of projects.
Tekla Structures
By enabling the creation of the most accurately detailed and data-rich structural models, Tekla provides the building and construction industry the best constructability on the market. Tekla Structures is premium-brand building information modeling (BIM) software that streamlines the delivery process of design, detailing, fabrication, and construction organizations. Its abilityto process extensive amounts of data enables the creation of accurately detailed and highly constructable 3D and 4D models that apply to every stage of design and construction and represent the “as-built” condition of a building. Tekla Structures effectively integrates into any best-of-breed software driven collaborative workflow, which is the key to minimizing errors and maximizing efficiency, resulting in high profitability and on-time project completion. Tekla Structures encompasses specialized configurations for structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, precast concrete detailers and manufacturers, as well as for construction management.
Tuesday 16 November 2010
The New Era of BIM
How a relatively new process called Building Information Modeling (BIM) is influencing the design – and insurance – landscape.
Every now and then, a concept comes along that has the potential to transform an industry. Such is the case with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the field of architecture, design and construction.
Often called the next phase of computer-aided design (CAD), BIM actually goes much further. It is a repository for digital, three-dimensional data – essentially one massive database and a catalogue of information holding everything to know about a certain project. It is an interactive process and methodology that uses technology to allow design professionals to fully visualize the components and structure of a building – and then the construction firms to actually build them according to the model.
While still gaining momentum, BIM is increasingly seen as a critical development in the way buildings are designed and built. “I think you will see it become the standard in the next three to five years,” says Alan Munn, Senior Partner with Zeidler Partnership Architects. “It is an important tool in the evolution of architecture and design.”
Although there is not a lot of hard data available in Canada regarding BIM since its introduction in 2004, one estimate by McGraw-Hill Construction shows that 50 per cent of the North American industry is now using some form of BIM.
While still gaining momentum, BIM is increasingly seen as a critical development in the way buildings are designed and built. “I think you will see it become the standard in the next three to five years,” says Alan Munn, Senior Partner with Zeidler Partnership Architects.
The Benefits of BIM
One key buzzword of BIM is “interoperability” or, more simply, the ability of software and tools in the design and construction process to “talk to each other.” The elements of design in any construction project are essentially embedded into BIM as data-rich, intelligent objects. These can be manipulated and moved around in a 3D visual format. This is clearly beneficial for the major elements of a building project: architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire protection.
BIM can also foster improved collaboration among the various participants in design and construction. John Singleton of the Vancouver-based law firm Singleton Urquhart says that “sharing digital drawings amongst the design consultants and builder and trades, brings the advantage of ironing out design problems at the onset of a project rather than in the midst of its construction or after its completion. It also reduces the potential for conflicts between the design and construction components of a project.”
The benefits of BIM can apply to both the front and back end of the design/construction process. For example, architects can visually show and alter a building in the process of being built in terms of walls and floors, while field engineers can check the construction process and note changes instantly via a laptop computer. BIM can also be used for accurately estimating interior work, such as drywall or carpet installation.
“One of the very attractive features of the BIM model is that it will enable fabricators to prepare more accurate shop drawings by being better able to understand the design concepts and limitations on other components of the building to which their products will be attached or incorporated,” explains Singleton. He concludes that it should, therefore, be less likely that claims will arise out of conflicts between shop drawings and the base drawings of a project.
According to Steve Panciuk, Vice-President, Architects and Engineers, ENCON, another clear advantage of BIM is in building maintenance. “Building owners will have a living, breathing model of their building. They will be able to manage things like life cycle maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems more efficiently and cost effectively,” he notes. “We are already seeing examples of that.”
For Caesar Ruest, BIM Solutions Executive with Autodesk, a software designer, the main benefit of BIM is increased efficiency in the form of fewer delays. Research suggests that almost one third of all money spent annually on infrastructure is actually spent on construction inefficiencies and delays.
“The design firm has a high degree of visualization, meaning a more accurate and predictable outcome throughout the building process,” Ruest explains. “There should be no ambiguity between the actual design and what people think should be done. This will reduce the design risk environment and result in far fewer requests for information.”
Potential Liability Exposures
“There will be claims related to the use of BIM as more architects and engineers turn to this as the standard for design and construction,” says Panciuk. “There will definitely be some ‘learning curve’ involved and it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where claims will come from, but likely areas of error would be centered around the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the BIM process.” He adds that claims will likely be for unexpected costs or extras on the project perhaps resulting from incorrect or inadequate data input as opposed to losses related to the BIM technology itself. Singleton agrees and cautions: “design consultants will have to ensure the information they input is complete, accurate and up-to-date.”
One challenge for BIM is the implied level of collaboration and co-operation amongst various parties in a building project, requiring the need for well-defined protocols and clear areas of responsibility. “This is an entirely new process for many design firms and applying that can be challenging,” says Ruest. “This will affect the workflow of the project.”
A concern related to BIM, expressed by lawyers, is the potential blurring of responsibilities amongst designers and contractors. According to Singleton, this collaboration comes with certain risks. “Those who have participated in a design decision run the risk of sharing responsibility for that decision with others. If a builder suggests changes to the design that are adopted in the final drawings produced under the seal of an architect or engineer, the designer will have effectively adopted the builder’s suggested change and with it responsibility for a non-functional product.”
And while the digital models will likely be valued by building managers for the vast amount of information they contain, Singleton reminds us that “design professionals should consider that their digital work products will be relied on by such managers for years to come, giving rise to greater exposure of the design team to claims for incomplete, inaccurate or out-of-date information.”
There are other potential areas of liability to consider, including, but not limited to, factual questions around the original source of design problems, unauthorized access to a design model, software compatibility/data translation issues, data ownership and/or continued responsibility for data models and data storage.
In the meantime, as insurance providers examine the effect of BIM on coverages and claims, it is still wise for design professionals to consult with their insurance broker to review their professional liability policies and terms. The first priority is to ensure they are maintaining adequate limits of professional liability insurance coverage appropriate for any project. This should take into account traditional factors such as the amount of coverage per claim and in the aggregate, manageable deductible levels and the ability to secure continuous liability coverage.
There is no question that BIM is here to stay. Brokers are well advised to carefully track exposures over the coming months and years, and share that knowledge with their clients so that they can make an informed decision on the purchase of professional liability coverage.
Every now and then, a concept comes along that has the potential to transform an industry. Such is the case with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the field of architecture, design and construction.
Often called the next phase of computer-aided design (CAD), BIM actually goes much further. It is a repository for digital, three-dimensional data – essentially one massive database and a catalogue of information holding everything to know about a certain project. It is an interactive process and methodology that uses technology to allow design professionals to fully visualize the components and structure of a building – and then the construction firms to actually build them according to the model.
While still gaining momentum, BIM is increasingly seen as a critical development in the way buildings are designed and built. “I think you will see it become the standard in the next three to five years,” says Alan Munn, Senior Partner with Zeidler Partnership Architects. “It is an important tool in the evolution of architecture and design.”
Although there is not a lot of hard data available in Canada regarding BIM since its introduction in 2004, one estimate by McGraw-Hill Construction shows that 50 per cent of the North American industry is now using some form of BIM.
While still gaining momentum, BIM is increasingly seen as a critical development in the way buildings are designed and built. “I think you will see it become the standard in the next three to five years,” says Alan Munn, Senior Partner with Zeidler Partnership Architects.
The Benefits of BIM
One key buzzword of BIM is “interoperability” or, more simply, the ability of software and tools in the design and construction process to “talk to each other.” The elements of design in any construction project are essentially embedded into BIM as data-rich, intelligent objects. These can be manipulated and moved around in a 3D visual format. This is clearly beneficial for the major elements of a building project: architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire protection.
BIM can also foster improved collaboration among the various participants in design and construction. John Singleton of the Vancouver-based law firm Singleton Urquhart says that “sharing digital drawings amongst the design consultants and builder and trades, brings the advantage of ironing out design problems at the onset of a project rather than in the midst of its construction or after its completion. It also reduces the potential for conflicts between the design and construction components of a project.”
The benefits of BIM can apply to both the front and back end of the design/construction process. For example, architects can visually show and alter a building in the process of being built in terms of walls and floors, while field engineers can check the construction process and note changes instantly via a laptop computer. BIM can also be used for accurately estimating interior work, such as drywall or carpet installation.
“One of the very attractive features of the BIM model is that it will enable fabricators to prepare more accurate shop drawings by being better able to understand the design concepts and limitations on other components of the building to which their products will be attached or incorporated,” explains Singleton. He concludes that it should, therefore, be less likely that claims will arise out of conflicts between shop drawings and the base drawings of a project.
According to Steve Panciuk, Vice-President, Architects and Engineers, ENCON, another clear advantage of BIM is in building maintenance. “Building owners will have a living, breathing model of their building. They will be able to manage things like life cycle maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems more efficiently and cost effectively,” he notes. “We are already seeing examples of that.”
For Caesar Ruest, BIM Solutions Executive with Autodesk, a software designer, the main benefit of BIM is increased efficiency in the form of fewer delays. Research suggests that almost one third of all money spent annually on infrastructure is actually spent on construction inefficiencies and delays.
“The design firm has a high degree of visualization, meaning a more accurate and predictable outcome throughout the building process,” Ruest explains. “There should be no ambiguity between the actual design and what people think should be done. This will reduce the design risk environment and result in far fewer requests for information.”
Potential Liability Exposures
“There will be claims related to the use of BIM as more architects and engineers turn to this as the standard for design and construction,” says Panciuk. “There will definitely be some ‘learning curve’ involved and it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where claims will come from, but likely areas of error would be centered around the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the BIM process.” He adds that claims will likely be for unexpected costs or extras on the project perhaps resulting from incorrect or inadequate data input as opposed to losses related to the BIM technology itself. Singleton agrees and cautions: “design consultants will have to ensure the information they input is complete, accurate and up-to-date.”
One challenge for BIM is the implied level of collaboration and co-operation amongst various parties in a building project, requiring the need for well-defined protocols and clear areas of responsibility. “This is an entirely new process for many design firms and applying that can be challenging,” says Ruest. “This will affect the workflow of the project.”
A concern related to BIM, expressed by lawyers, is the potential blurring of responsibilities amongst designers and contractors. According to Singleton, this collaboration comes with certain risks. “Those who have participated in a design decision run the risk of sharing responsibility for that decision with others. If a builder suggests changes to the design that are adopted in the final drawings produced under the seal of an architect or engineer, the designer will have effectively adopted the builder’s suggested change and with it responsibility for a non-functional product.”
And while the digital models will likely be valued by building managers for the vast amount of information they contain, Singleton reminds us that “design professionals should consider that their digital work products will be relied on by such managers for years to come, giving rise to greater exposure of the design team to claims for incomplete, inaccurate or out-of-date information.”
There are other potential areas of liability to consider, including, but not limited to, factual questions around the original source of design problems, unauthorized access to a design model, software compatibility/data translation issues, data ownership and/or continued responsibility for data models and data storage.
In the meantime, as insurance providers examine the effect of BIM on coverages and claims, it is still wise for design professionals to consult with their insurance broker to review their professional liability policies and terms. The first priority is to ensure they are maintaining adequate limits of professional liability insurance coverage appropriate for any project. This should take into account traditional factors such as the amount of coverage per claim and in the aggregate, manageable deductible levels and the ability to secure continuous liability coverage.
There is no question that BIM is here to stay. Brokers are well advised to carefully track exposures over the coming months and years, and share that knowledge with their clients so that they can make an informed decision on the purchase of professional liability coverage.
Monday 15 November 2010
Design & Build Contracts
Design & Build Contracts
Main article: Design-build
Recently a different business model has become more popular. Many owners - particularly government agencies have let out contracts which are known as Design-Build contracts. In this type of contract, the construction team is known as the design-builder. They are responsible for taking a concept developed by the owner, completing the detailed design, and then pending the owner's approval on the design, they can proceed with construction. Virtual Design and Construction technology has enabled much of the ability of contractors to maintain tight construction time
There are two main advantages to using a design-build contract. First, the construction team is motivated to work with the design team to develop a design with constructability in mind. In that way it is possible for the team to creatively find ways to reduce construction costs without reducing the function of the final product. The owner can expect a reduced price due to the increased constructability of the design.
The other major advantage involves the schedule. Many projects are given out with an extremely tight time frame. By letting out the contract as a design-build contract, the contractor is established, and early mobilization and construction activities are able to proceed concurrently with the design. Under a traditional contract, construction cannot begin until after the design is finished, the project is bid and awarded, and the team can mobilize. This type of contract can take months off the finish date of a project.
Main article: Design-build
Recently a different business model has become more popular. Many owners - particularly government agencies have let out contracts which are known as Design-Build contracts. In this type of contract, the construction team is known as the design-builder. They are responsible for taking a concept developed by the owner, completing the detailed design, and then pending the owner's approval on the design, they can proceed with construction. Virtual Design and Construction technology has enabled much of the ability of contractors to maintain tight construction time
There are two main advantages to using a design-build contract. First, the construction team is motivated to work with the design team to develop a design with constructability in mind. In that way it is possible for the team to creatively find ways to reduce construction costs without reducing the function of the final product. The owner can expect a reduced price due to the increased constructability of the design.
The other major advantage involves the schedule. Many projects are given out with an extremely tight time frame. By letting out the contract as a design-build contract, the contractor is established, and early mobilization and construction activities are able to proceed concurrently with the design. Under a traditional contract, construction cannot begin until after the design is finished, the project is bid and awarded, and the team can mobilize. This type of contract can take months off the finish date of a project.
Tuesday 2 November 2010
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