|
Despite liability issues, A/E/C
teams are benefiting from sharing their 3D models
By Michael Bordenaro
For Idaho Place, NBBJ and Seattle structural
engineer Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire (SWMB) agreed to
a trial sharing of computer models standardized on Triforma
3D modeling software from Bentley. According to Carl Tully,
NBBJ project architect, NBBJ allowed its 12-member team two
weeks of software training. The firm used the schematic design
phase to gain familiarity with the 2D version of the software
and to draw much of the building by hand in order to develop
a 3D understanding of the project in a traditional manner.
“The modeling aspect turned out to be relatively easy
to learn,” says Tully. “The challenge of organizing
the different section cuts, elevations, plans, and details
required more consideration than with a 2D CAD drawing set.”
Ron Klemenic, SWMB president, states
that the original desire of sharing files on a real-time basis
was not feasible and, instead, nightly updates were exchanged
between dedicated servers connected by a T1 line. The 3D modeling
exercise paid off, according to Tully, who reports that junior
designers were able to cut sections, spot conflicts, and raise
significant design issues earlier in the design process and
at a much higher level than is typically expected.
 |
 |
|
A helical staircase at Amjen’s
corporate headquarters in Seattle was manufactured from
structural steel based on a computer model by NBBJ,
which shared reference data with the engineer and the
steel fabricator. The fabricator created its own model
to guide computer-controlled marking and cutting equipment.
Renderings: Courtesy KPFF Consulting
Engineers
|
Tully himself was able to spot a major
issue when he reviewed the structural-steel 3D model overlaid
with the concrete parking deck. “A discrepancy in alignment
of the structural systems was detected and resolved in design
development, which might not have been addressed until the
construction documents phase,” Tully says.
NBBJ was also able to extract data from
the 3D computer model to guide a laser cutter, which created
pieces for a physical model. Additionally, NBBJ was able to
have the Triforma 3D structural model overlaid with a mechanical
system 3D modeling program from Design Master Software. “Because
this was a new process for us, we did not save time in the
design phase or require fewer staff to complete the project,”
Tully says. “What we gained was more focused time on
significant design work, because we were constantly working
with a very real visual representation of the project and
couldn’t ‘fake’ any details.”
|
Video
