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Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) for Mass Timber Construction
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... The benefits from BIM have been reported by industry and scientific literature as well as in the chapters this book. The synergies between BIM and DfMA are the research subject of numerous articles, with focus mainly on the fabrication and construction phases of production (Staub-French et al., 2018). That is notably obvious with the recent DfMA building achievements in Europe as well as South-East Asia. ...
... In this case, the designer has the freedom to modify them within the defined constraints, and combine them, but the potential for creating non-manufacturable or non-valid solutions remains high. Examples of this method can be structural steel and mass-timber (Staub-French et al., 2018). ...
... On a much larger scale, in action research on the Brock Commons mass-timber 12-storey project, Staub-French et al. (2018) studied the use of product libraries and their incorporation into the product models at design stages. The authors concluded that the direct link between the design model and fabrication machine has the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for a design review and enable a continuous flow of information to CNC machines. ...
... With improving automation technologies and mounting successful cases, the use of design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) has been growing in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) sector (Bao et al., 2022;Langston and Zhang, 2021;McFarlane and Stehle, 2014). While the governments of many countries introduced pilot schemes to encourage the use of DfMA, the private sector is catching up with the pace (Alfieri et al., 2020;Bakhshi et al., 2022;Staub-French et al., 2018). ...
... It may simply mean harnessing design rationalisation, materials optimisation, just-in-time delivery or logistics planning in order to achieve high rates of productivity onsite. (RIBA, 2021: p. 7) Different construction projects engage DfMA in different scopes and extents, and the degree of granularity is defined by the requirements and scope of the project itself (Alfieri et al., 2020;Bao et al., 2022;Staub-French et al., 2018;Tik et al., 2019). Accordingly, the literature has identified that 'DfMA comprises a continuum of various technologies and methodologies that promote offsite fabrication from prefabricated components to fully integrated assemblies across the structural, architectural and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) disciplines' (BCA, 2020;Wuni and Shen, 2021). ...
The substantial efforts made in implementing DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) in construction developments thus far have been scattered. Past research has focused on the operational practice of volumetric and non-volumetric assembly, component manufacture and sub-assembly and modular building. This paper seeks to cover a comprehensive review with case studies to explore how DfMA can be leveraged in the design and delivery of school buildings. Three case studies were conducted to demonstrate how DfMA methods were applied in actual projects identifying the challenges and issues confronted. The adopted techniques and involved challenges in school building projects were identified along with the capability and risk profiles that come with the opportunities to lead DfMA projects. Reengineering as an aspect to engage in DfMA-led construction developments, and how this may impact current services of a construction firm were evaluated. The results reveal effective partnership models to establish a sustainable business model for DfMA school buildings followed by a project feedback collection model. The partnership models developed provide guidance to establish relationships to achieve the maximum potential of DfMA in school projects. The project feedback collection model promotes better circulation of lessons learned for the advancement in future projects.
... Current design processes in architecture do not fully integrate, resulting in gaps (Terzidis, 2006;Carpo, 2017). To address this issue, several models have been developed; file to factory, digital chain, design to fabrication (Larsen and Schindler, 2008;Sheil, 2009;Sass, 2007;Zadeh et al. 2018). Generally, the proposed models increase the efficiency by reducing the production time and cost (Emmatty and Sarmah, 2012). ...
Inspired by nature, this paper presents an example of a bottom-up part-based design approach. Design can be more similar to biological construction than engineering, focusing on parts and a series of actions generating a final result from these parts. Based on this principle, the paper introduces a generative method that uses a genetic algorithm (GA) from an earlier stage. It creates a part-based design paradigm informed by the initial given geometry, performance, function, and assembly logic. The part-based system is structured to include several 2D pieces to create 3D parts, and these parts to create a whole, an object. The paper utilises this system to generate a stool. The fitness function of the GA includes structural stability, top surface area, leg space, and part-to-part distance. The paper presents the structural calculations of the example stool model.
... Existing research highlights that engaging downstream experts during the design process, such as builders, manufacturers, and field trades, is particularly feasible for projects involving prefabricated elements [3,41,81]. However, this engagement requires the implementation of appropriate collaborative project delivery methods [41,82] and the establishment of collaborative infrastructure, particularly through BIM platforms [41,83,84]. The importance of collaborative construction practices was further emphasized in all four external projects introduced in the previous section. ...
The use of parametric models in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has made it possible to create complex and creative building designs. However, this design complexity creates major constructability issues, especially in projects that incorporate prefabricated façade panels. Computational design methods can solve some of these issues; however, such methods do not necessarily include the systematic approach to integrating domain knowledge, which results in inefficiencies in the design and construction processes. This paper introduces how constructability knowledge can be incorporated into computational design process using feature-based modeling (FBM). An ethnographic case study of a high-rise building with complex façade design is presented in this paper. The research identifies the critical geometric constraints that affect constructability and introduces a new three-level taxonomy (Micro, Meso, Macro) for classifying these constraints. The suggested taxonomy is then applied to inform developing a conceptual knowledge-based computational design approach that enables incorporating the insights of domain experts into the design process. Moreover, the research provides a range of external examples to validate the proposed taxonomy. The findings demonstrate the potential of FBM to streamline the design and fabrication of prefabricated façade panels, improving constructability without compromising architectural intent. This study provides a structured methodology that can be applied to enhance design efficiency and reduce construction risks in similar projects.
... Computeraided design (CAD) and parametric design software are utilized in the modeling stage, along with visual programming tools [118]. Nevertheless, it has been noted in some studies that mass timber projects incur higher costs due to additional documentation and procedures required by authorities, coupled with a lack of familiarity with the systems, which is discouraging owners and developers from using mass timber as is evidenced by [119]. Moreover, one of the main challenges in the development/implementation of construction robotics is the need for precise and explicit information as input for robots to reliably perform assigned tasks. ...
This research raises questions about the possibilities and options of using the BIM methodology associated with software for the wood design and construction of structure modeling along an asset’s cycle life. Likewise, several academic and research initiatives are reviewed. In this sense, this paper aims to establish an appropriate link between two agendas that the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, academia, and governments normally handle separately. By conducting several literature reviews (book, journals, and congresses) and extensive software tests (BIM software: Revit v2023, Archicad v27, Tekla, and wood plug-ins: AGACAD, Archiframe, Timber Framing 2015, WoodStud Frame, etc.), the state-of-the-art was assessed in both fields, and several cases linking BIM and wood are shown in detail and discussed. Various theoretical samples are modelled and shown, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and stage are explained. On the other hand, although wood construction has been most common for hundreds of years, this is not the case of BIM software developments associated with this materiality. Furthermore, since the appearance of materials such as steel and reinforced concrete, all software developments have focused on these materials, leaving aside the possibility of developing applications for use in wood projects. According to that previously discussed, it can be concluded that BIM for wood has been used more frequently in academia, that both fields have several common processes, and, in many cases, that only a few BIM-wood tools have been used, thus disregarding the high potential and high level of benefits that result with the application of these methodologies for the complete building life cycle (design, construction, and operation).
... Sheryl Staub-French, et al. [27] 2018 BIM can provide an integrated collaborative environment to facilitate and enable seamless information exchange for DfMA of masstimber construction ...
Prefabricated structures have garnered attention in bridge construction owing to their advantages in quality control, cost-effectiveness, and ability to save time. However, assembling prefabricated structures often leads to critical errors that are only discovered during the actual assembly on the construction site. These errors arise from the absence of an effective preassembly verification method, compounded by the inherent fabrication deviation of the different suppliers of prefabricated components. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a novel approach involving the integration of the design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) principles and parametric building information modeling (BIM) to develop a preassembly analysis system (PAS). The DfMA methodology enables a seamless information exchange throughout the design-fabrication-assembly process and facilitates a comprehensive analysis of the assemblability of prefabricated structures based on design and fabrication deviation data. Data-driven BIM modeling is leveraged to incorporate the DfMA requirements into the BIM model through customized data templates and user-defined parameters. The PAS is validated through a case study focused on a prefabricated bridge, wherein the potential assembly errors of girders and coupling of decks and girders are examined based on the accumulated fabrication deviation of the connection parts, such as shear pockets and shear connectors. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the PAS in identifying and mitigating assembly errors. Ultimately, this study presents a crucial step toward automated assembly-aware fabrication and lays the foundation for the integration of DfMA and parametric BIM, which enables an enhanced information exchange and reduces onsite assembly errors during prefabricated bridge construction.
... Computer-aided design (CAD) and parametric design software are utilized in the modeling stage, along with visual programming tools [108]. Nevertheless, it has been noted in some studies that mass timber projects incur higher costs due to additional documentation and procedures required by authorities, coupled with a lack of familiarity with the systems, which is discouraging owners and developers from using mass timber as is evidenced by [109]. Moreover, one of the main challenges in the development/implementation of construction robotics is the need for precise and explicit information as input for robots to reliably perform assigned tasks. ...
This research raises questions about the possibilities and options of using BIM methodology for wood design and construction associated with software for structure modeling along the asset's cycle life. Likewise, several academic and research initiatives are reviewed. In this sense, this paper aims to establish an appropriate link between two agendas that the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, academia, and governments normally handle separately. By conducting several literature reviews (book, journals, and congresses) and extensive software tests (BIM software: Revit, Archicad, Tekla, and Wood plug-ins: AGACAD, Archiframe, Timber Framing 2015, WoodStud Frame, etc.), the state-of-the-art was assessed in both fields, several cases linking BIM and wood are shown in detail and discussed, various theoretical samples are modelled and shown, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and stage are explained. On the other hand, although wood construction has been the most common for hundreds of years, this is not the case of BIM Modeling software developments associated with this materiality. Furthermore, since the appearance of materials such as steel and reinforced concrete, all software developments have focused on these materials, leaving aside the possibility of developing applications for use in wood projects. According to previously discussed, it can be concluded that BIM for Wood has been used more frequently in academia and that both fields have several common processes and, in many cases, only a few BIM-wood tools have been used. Thus, disregarding the high potential and high level of benefits that results with the application of these methodologies for the complete building life cycle (design, construction, and operation).
... DfMA is a design philosophy that facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the entire production process by combining the two important concepts of prefabrication, Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) [24,25]. Hence, addressing the incompetencies of traditional approaches to facilitate manufacturing, transporting and assembly requirements in offsite construction, DfMA eliminates waste, inefficiencies and risks with highly efficient designs allowing to delivery of outstanding construction projects with higher sustainability and productivity [26]. ...
The coordination and design conflicts have continuously challenged the popularity of modular construction. To overcome these issues and achieve sustainability, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) integration for modular construction have gained global attention. Hence, this study aims to explore the global perspective on DfMA-BIM integration to identify the challenges to its adoption in the construction industry. Applying a qualitative approach, a comparative analysis of existing international modular construction/DfMA guidelines and frameworks, followed by interviews, was conducted to identify the construction industry's current perceptions of the DfMA-BIM approach and challenges in its application. The research reveals that the current DfMA-BIM guidelines and frameworks mainly focus on DFM processes, while DFA is given relatively less attention and follows a similar process to the traditional construction method. Consequently, the insufficient explanations of connecting the DfMA process with BIM tasks throughout a project lifecycle makes it challenging for design and construction professionals to implement the DfMA-BIM integrated approach. Additionally, the interviewees stressed six main challenges of DfMA and BIM integration, which include the shift in the working environment, lack of communication and collaboration, issues in supply chain integration, lack of attention for DFA, lack of skills and knowledge and higher initial cost. Finally, these research findings will contribute to developing a comprehensive procedural guideline for DfMA-BIM implementation and encourage adoption.
... The keywords co-occurrence network shows that BIM shares an extensive technological body of research with OSC. In these studies, BIM is often used in Design for X (DfX) [88,89], especially in Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) [90][91][92]. Indeed, these design processes are supported by the standardization and collaborative technological workflows provided by BIM tools. ...
The architectural engineering and construction (AEC) industry is undergoing a digital transformation that progressively improves its performance, productivity, and competitiveness. This digital shift is accelerated through building information modeling (BIM) which facilitates technological integrations. BIM has significantly contributed to digitizing design and management activities. However, it has not yet sufficiently demonstrated its interoperability with digital manufacturing processes, such as robotic manufacturing (RM). It is from this perspective that this work will review the current literature's stance on the technological interoperability of BIM and RM tools through the systematic literature review (SLR) method. This literature review aims to identify research avenues to operationalize RM through BIM tools in construction. The study conducted in this research is progressive; it builds on the identified research gaps and investigates potential research avenues to be undertaken. The results revealed that computational design (CD) could serve as a bridge between BIM and RM. They also revealed that RM is operationalizable in off-site construction (OSC) through BIM and CD.
The construction of a 53 m, 18 story mass timber high-rise on the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia poses significant challenges in its design, approval, procurement and construction. As a way to facilitate the project delivery process, the project team called upon extensive use of virtual design and construction (VDC) and building information modelling (BIM) that are supported through a 3rd party VDC service provider. One of the key uses of BIM and VDC in the project is extensive design for pre-fabrication and assembly of mass timber elements and envelope panels as well as mechanical elements. The processes, techniques and tools used to support design for pre-fabrication and assembly on the UBC Tall Wood Building project are presented in this paper. The challenges and lessons learned in the deployment and use of these tools and processes and their impact on project delivery are also discussed. Lastly, the trade-offs and design considerations that support design for pre-fabrication and assembly are examined. Initial findings indicate that the design for pre-fabrication and assembly process is a highly involved and collaborative process which requires the presence of key decision makers up front in the project delivery process. They also indicate that the involvement of a 3rd party BIM and VDC modeller, using highly sophisticated digital tools, is necessary to ensure proper information flow and capture relating to the elements being designed for pre-fabrication and assembly. Ultimately, in the context of mass timber high-rise construction, where competitive advantage over other approaches resides in speed and quality of execution, aesthetic and sustainability concerns notwithstanding, designing for pre-fabrication and assembly is key in ensuring the projectäó»s economic viability.
Construction, as the process of constructing a building, has diverse range of available software tools which have been developed to support modelling operations, tasks, and processes in the construction industry. 3D visualization as a modelling tool has been widely used to improve modular and off-site construction activities; it allows for seamless information sharing and collaboration among project stakeholders, and also provides opportunities for improvements suggested by the project team. This paper presents a framework for modelling the off-site modular construction of housing at the Kent Homes manufacturing facility through 3D/4D visualization. A case study is represented to illustrate the potential for production improvement.
In vielen Industriebereichen hat die Digitalisierung bereits die Produktivität und Qualität steigern können. Durch die zunehmende Digitalisierung im Kontext von Industrie 4.0 und der aktuell steigenden Verbreitung des Building Information Modeling (BIM) in der Bauwirtschaft sowie den stetig wachsenden technischen Möglichkeiten, insbesondere der Rechenleistung und der Speicherkapazität, wird auch die Bauausführung im Stahlbau zunehmend beeinflusst. Ziel dieses Aufsatzes ist es, einen Impuls zu geben für eine disziplinübergreifende Diskussion über den Einfluss der Digitalisierung in der Stahlbauausführung, insbesondere hinsichtlich Kommunikation und Kooperation. Basierend auf den verschiedenen Formen der Zusammenarbeit werden generelle Anforderungen an Kommunikation und Kooperation innerhalb ausgewählter Stahlbauprozesse wie auch darin involvierten Rollen vorgestellt. Anhand eines von den Autoren erstellten wissensorientierten Kommunikationsmodells wird in angemessener Kürze dargestellt, in welcher Art und Weise die Kommunikation als auch die Informations‐ bzw. Wissensgenerierung und ‐organisation durch die Digitalisierung beeinflusst sein kann. Daneben werden ebenso Kommunikations‐ bzw. Interaktionsmuster mit/von/durch Maschinen thematisiert, welche in Zukunft eine immer höhere Relevanz erhalten werden. Schließlich werden Empfehlungen gegeben für die digitale Transformation im Unternehmen.
La Seine Musicale is the latest project by architects Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines. Opened to the public in April 2017, this cluster of rehearsal and representation spaces sits on the Île Seguin a few kilometers to the west from the center of Paris, in place of the former Renault industrial plants. On behalf of the timber contractor Hess Timber along with the structural engineer SJB Kempter Fitze, Design-to-Production was responsible for the digital planning of the entire timber structure covering the main auditorium at the very tip of the island. Shigeru Ban’s signature hexagram pattern covering the egg-shaped auditorium consists of 15 horizontal ring beams interconnected by 84 Diagonals (42 in clockwise and 42 in counterclockwise direction). The entire structure fits into a bounding box of 70 m length, 45 m width and 27 m height. The beams have an average cross section of 320 × 350 mm and are subdivided into 1300 individual segments. All beams sit on the same layer and interpenetrate at crossings. The façade on top of the beam structure is composed of triangular and (almost) planar hexagonal glass panels. The interface between the curved timber structure and the straight glass edges is achieved by another 3300 CNC-fabricated timber parts. The focus of this paper is on the principle of design for manufacture and assembly, the solutions specifically developed for this project and the way workshop pre-assembly and on-site constraints have been integrated into the parametric modelling process of a complex timber structure such as the Seine Musicale auditorium.
en Herrn Univ.‐Prof. em. Dr.‐Ing. Herbert Schmidt zur Vollendung seines 80. Lebensjahres gewidmet
The construction industry is well known for falling behind in the implementation of information technologies. Many digital technologies are, however, applicable throughout the entire value chain, and the use of industrialized construction is rapidly increasing with a view to improving planning, design, construction, assembly, operation and maintenance. Different technologies have changed the engineering and construction processes drastically, and the rate at which change is taking place is generally agreed to be accelerating. This article presents four international case studies that exemplify the utilization of information modeling in bridge design projects. Information modeling is more than just a new technology – it is a new way of working which has the power to totally transform the design and construction industry.
Abstract
de Die Digitalisierung verwandelt den Bausektor über den gesamten Lebenszyklus von der Bemessung bis zum Betrieb und Wartung.
Die Nutzung moderner Informationstechnologien ist in der Bauindustrie weniger weit verbreitet als in anderen Industriezweigen. Viele digitale Technologien sind über die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette verfügbar und werden verstärkt verwendet, um Planung, Konstruktion, Ausführung, Überwachung und Instandhaltung stetig zu verbessern und zu vereinfachen. Verschiedene Technologien haben den Planungs‐ und Bauablauf drastisch verändert, wobei der Fortschritt immer schneller voranschreitet. Dieser Artikel stellt vier internationale Fallstudien vor, die exemplarisch die Verwendung von Building Information Modelling (BIM) am Beispiel von Brückenbauprojekten zeigen. BIM ist nicht nur eine neue Technologie – es ist eine komplett neue Art des Arbeitens, die die Planungs‐ und Ausführungsindustrie komplett verändern kann.
de Die Planung, Fertigung und Montage in Stahlbauunternehmen ist von der modernen IT‐Infrastruktur geprägt und bildet eine hoch integrierte Einheit. Die Anbindung an den gesamtheitlichen Lebenszyklus des Gebäudes ist im herkömmlichen, nach Leistungsphasen gegliederten Planungsablauf, nur begrenzt möglich. Mit Einführung der BIM‐Methode hat der Stahlbau die Chance, sich in die Prozesskette einzubinden und die vielfältigen vorhandenen Erfahrungen in der digitalen Planung und Fertigung auf die gesamte Prozesskette auszuweiten.
Abstract
en Digital planning and production – benefit for steel construction contractors.
Design and construction of steel structures is a highly integrated process, using modern IT infrastructure throughout the process. However, the participation in the life cycle of the building is limited, due to the segmented project procurement. With the implementation of the BIM Methodology, steel construction gets the chance to merge into the process, enhancing project optimization efforts and leading to a better overall project delivery.
This paper presents a case study of BIM implementation for Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). The project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Salford and Links FF&E, a design, manufacture and fit-out SME based in the UK. The project aims to implement BIM as a catalyst for a Lean transformation, streamlining process and operations. Initially, organisational process are reviewed, which is followed by implementing appropriate technologies to enable subsequent people and process transformation. The 30 month project is organized in 6 key stages. This paper presents findings from the first four stages that have been completed to date of 1. Establishing best practice knowledge in BIM; 2. Conducting a review and analysis of the organisation's current situation, 3. Developing a BIM-based collaborative strategy, and the fourth, which is currently progressing, 4. Pilot implementation of BIM collaborative strategy for DfMA. The remaining stages will conduct a project evaluation, before finally implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
Implementing Virtual Design and Construction using BIM outlines the team structure, software and production ecosystem needed for an effective Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) process through current real world case studies of projects both in development and under construction. It provides the reader with a better understanding of the successful implementation of VDC and Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the benefits to the project team throughout the design and construction process. For readers already familiar with VDC, the book will provide invaluable examples of best practices and real world solutions. Richly illustrated in color with actual VDC documentation, visualizations, and statistics, the reader is shown the real processes undertaken and outputs generated when working on high profile building information models. Online animations, interviews with practitioners, and downloadable templates, forms and files make this an interactive and highly engaging way to learn a crucial set of skills. While keeping up with current industry practice is a minimum requirement, this book goes further by helping you prepare for the next level of virtual design and construction. This is essential reading for project managers, construction managers, architects, design managers, and anybody with a role in BIM or virtual construction. © 2016 Lennart Andersson, Kyla Farrell, Oleg Moshkovich, and Cheryle Cranbourne. All rights reserved.