Advantages of digitized project processing

The advantages of digitized project processing according to the BIM method are obvious. Especially in the area of coordination between the people and companies involved, as well as in virtual control and simulation, BIM offers unprecedented options. Since each project participant delivers his information to a central location, the BIM model, it is directly available to everyone there for viewing and further processing. Every single component and every detail and also their effects on the construction project are visible in the BIM model and can be controlled accordingly. This is why this is also referred to as a "digital twin", because the virtual BIM model ideally corresponds one hundred percent to the later, real construction project. This not only offers advantages during the construction phase, but also later, for example, when subsequent structural changes are made, the virtual twin can be used at any time to check whether components hidden in the concrete (e.g. reinforcement) are affected.

No pain, no gain - start now into the digital future

Like almost all drastic changes, you don't get a digitized world without prior effort. Software has always been purely a tool that supported the user in doing their job. It was clearly delineated and easily manageable. In a digitized world this is different, there software takes over more and more work independently and the human being changes his responsibility here from the executing to the supervising organ. At first, this is contrary to human aspirations because people do not like to relinquish control, but software and machines do the work faster and more reliably than humans. In addition, the factor of human error is completely eliminated. For the decision-maker in a company, however, this factor is difficult to assess, because unlike a machine, where the advantages are directly visible and measurable, with software the advantages can only be presented theoretically in advance.

The basic prerequisite for active participation in construction projects using the BIM planning method is an appropriate software environment and the implementation of corresponding workflows both internally and externally. The software must be able to deliver and process BIM-compliant data. Reliable and secure interfaces are indispensable here. Nothing is more dangerous than an undetected loss of data in the course of a project. High priority must be given to this.

BIM work process for AAC and sand-lime brick producers with Idat-CCAD

With the Idat-CCAD program and a special interface developed by Idat, a highly automated, secure and integrated BIM work process can be realized for construction projects using autoclaved aerated concrete elements or sand-lime bricks. The basis for this is always a BIM model, from which the information for further processing in Idat-CCAD comes. The relevant components from the BIM model are transferred to the Idat-CCAD program. There, a highly automated and parameterized segmentation of the walls, ceilings and roofs into autoclaved aerated concrete elements or sand-lime bricks takes place, taking into account necessary parameters such as overlap lengths or joint thicknesses. The program follows predefined configuration settings, which can be used to adapt to project-specific and plant-specific parameters. A structural analysis is integrated in the autoclaved aerated concrete application, which automatically checks the elements for their structural conditions and generates the required reinforcement or corrects supports accordingly. After element placement and calculation, the program automatically generates shop drawings, installation plans and material lists. Data for automatic sawing can be generated in the sand-lime brick plant. The elements or bricks created in Idat-CCAD can be transferred back to the central model as IFC objects after planning and are available there for further processing. Data can be generated from Idat-CCAD that can be used to directly control machines such as masonry robots, saws or steel cutting and bending machines in the plant.

Paperless communication with the builder in real time

The cloud-based communication platform Idat-Precast360 enables secure and fast communication with the client. For example, the segmented building model including the production plans can be uploaded to a cloud platform for the release of the technical planning. There, with the help of a free viewer, the client can view both the model itself and the plans and, if necessary, approve or reject them. With the help of redlining, he can mark his comments and changes on the plans and reject them back to the factory for editing. After each upload, the addressee receives an e-mail informing him that something is available for him to edit on the cloud.

Integrated applications for production and delivery planning

In addition to the technical planning software Idat-CCAD, there are integrated solutions for the further process in production, delivery and on the construction site. For example, the Idat-Stacker program can be used for transport planning of wall or autoclaved aerated concrete elements. With Idat-Precast360, communication with the construction site can take place in real time. For example, a installation sequence for the elements can be communicated with the construction site. The team there can then call up the corresponding information and, if necessary, have it simulated graphically. Furthermore, a feedback of the installation status of each element can be sent from the construction site to the plant.

Shaping the way to the digital future

Idat GmbH has been a close partner of the autoclaved aerated concrete and sand-lime brick industry for more than 20 years. The company has been active in the precast concrete sector for more than 35 years and has been involved in the development and implementation of BIM processes in the pre-manufacturing industry in the construction sector from the very beginning. Idat is happy to share this long experience with the industry. The path to the digital future for autoclaved aerated concrete and sand-lime brick manufacturers does not have to be complicated or overly costly, as long as you know your individual requirements and accordingly choose the right tools. However, the topic is also too complex to plan and execute on the side. Idat GmbH is happy to help with the planning and implementation of BIM integration.