The construction industry aims today is to create various structures that can enhance the quality of human life; in ways that were previously unavailable to meet diverse user needs. These needs have increasingly decided that the buildings be massive and the shapes are more complex. Therefore, the fabrication drawings, shop drawings, and design of various complex elements, the manufacture of building components, and the construction technology at the site, needs advancements to meet these needs.
BIM modelling has been swiftly supplanting traditional construction models, like two-dimensional computer-aided design (2D CAD), Excel-based schedules, and paper-based documents. It can integrate design, construction, and manufacturing processes to improve the transparency, and interoperability (i.e., the ability of software and other components to work in conjunction), amongst stakeholders in construction projects.
What are BIM and Fabrication Drawings?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a method for generating and handling digitally described information about a construction project. Besides, for extended fabrication productivity, construction member manufacturers can utilise the data input from BIM objects to assist the fabrication process. These are parametric data that are not provided by conventional 2D-based fabrication methods.
Fabrication drawings include components & aspects including measurements, welding / bolting information, descriptions, manufacturing standards, etc.; and they aid to streamline the construction, fabrication, and other processes. These drawings serve as a guide for accurate execution of a project. Such detailed fabrication drawings also help to secure design permits and enhance the project’s profitability.
Types of Fabrication Drawings
1. Single part drawings that focus on the intricate details of the job. They include specific information for the cutting, weight, and dimensions of the crucial elements.
2. Assembly drawings provide information to the welders on how to combine all the components. They also incorporate data on finishes and a bill of materials.
3. General arrangement drawings are like master plans. They show how all the components fit together and include multiple drawing angles.
BIM Modelling for Fabrication Drawings
Fabrication drawings are essential for manufacturing, design evaluation and inspection of building components. Using BIM-based fabrication drawings, contractors, designers, engineers, and other stakeholders, can augment the performance of design, construction, and production of prefabricated components. BIM enables visualisation through the digitalisation.
A BIM-based structure for the automatic making of fabrication drawings integrates both graphical and non-graphical data from BIM models and other external data sources. Explicit algorithms are applied to automatically generate graphics on the drawing templates, as per the BIM geometric models. Similarly, title blocks of the drawing templates automatically fill in with corresponding non-graphical information. Complete fabrication drawings, along with a tabulated file, and with quintessential graphical data on similar elements, are then produced automatically.
Benefits of BIM-Based Digital Fabrication
· BIM-based practices promote the integration of design, manufacturing, and construction processes. It enables higher inclusiveness and integration for enhanced transparency, greater collaboration, and interoperability amongst stakeholders.
· BIM-based digital fabrication simplifies the procurement process and increases productivity at the same time. It empowers designers, builders, and builders to understand the requirements better.
· Digitised BIM modelling in fabrication improves work quality, collaboration, and enhances productivity holistically of the workflow. The digitalised prefabricated components optimise the use of resources and talent, which heightens work efficiency.
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