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AVOID THE PITFALLS OF 2-DIMENSIONAL THINKING

3D reinforcement detailing

2D drawings can pose all sorts of problems when it comes to reinforcement detailing. With rebar details spread across multiple drawings, a clash between one rebar and another is often picked up only when the construction phase has started. It’s also harder to visualise a 3D space from a 2D drawing, meaning specification errors around rebar orders are that much harder to pick up. And with multiple drawings representing a space, coordinating all stakeholders so that each party can review them is harder to action. With 3D reinforcement detailing, many 2D drawing issues are circumvented. Solve Structural Design can provide that for you.

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About 3D reinforcement detailing

3D reinforcement detailing revolutionises construction by enhancing precision and efficiency at every stage.

 

During tender and pre-construction, 3D reinforcement detailing enables accurate rebar tonnage estimation within 3% of final quantities. It also allows early bar diameter ordering and optimised buildability planning.

 

During the design stage, it checks the feasibility of design intent, develops details through model exchange, and links drawings to live models for faster, clearer checks, while fostering early interactions with other trades to reduce conflicts.

 

When it comes to construction, the service can reduce on-site cutting and bending, minimise delays from drawing errors and clashes, and make rebar models accessible via tablets or phones. Additionally, augmented and mixed reality tools like tablets, HoloLens, and Site Vision provide interactive, real-time updates with colour-coded models showing rebar status. Altogether, it enhances clarity and communication.

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2D vs 3D

Comparing 3D reinforcement detailing with the traditional 2D approach reveals a significant leap forward in construction efficiency.

 

With 3D, early identification of design issues allows for proactive solutions, mitigating costly delays and on-site adjustments. Moreover, seamless collaboration across the entire team is facilitated by the accessibility of detailed models, enhancing communication and understanding among stakeholders.

 

Additionally, the availability of accurate Bill of Quantities (BOQ) directly from the model streamlines procurement processes, ensuring precise material orders and smoother project delivery schedules.

 

Altogether, the adoption of 3D detailing represents a profound advancement in construction methodology, fostering enhanced efficiency and project management practices.

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Common 2D problems avoided

The transition from 2D to 3D reinforcement detailing processes brings notable benefits, particularly in avoiding common pitfalls encountered with traditional 2D methods.

 

In 3D, clashes between elements are proactively identified and resolved during modelling, reducing the likelihood of costly delays and rework during construction. Additionally, the enhanced visualisation provided by 3D models aids in detecting and addressing buildability issues early on, improving overall project coordination and minimising errors. Contractors benefit from clearer insights into site requirements and sequencing, leading to smoother construction processes with reduced need for rework.

 

The 3D process offers increased efficiency, coordination, and accuracy, marking a significant advancement over traditional 2D detailing approaches.

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Our collaborative approach

We think a collaborative approach is the key to a project that meets every need and Trimble Connect is at the heart of that. It enables seamless collaboration among stakeholders in construction projects by providing comprehensive engagement for rebar fixers, contractors, engineers, and designers.

 

Its features include enhanced visualisation, centralised data storage, and colour-coded progress tracking. The platform streamlines workflow with to-do lists, enables model checking without licence constraints, and allows for early input and real-time communication for contractors and fixers. This ensures efficient project management, minimises delays, and enhances buildability through instant feedback and on-site access to project information.

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3D reinforcement detailing BIM model created by Solve Structural Design for a construction project
Rebar model clash reports

Solve accurately models existing reinforcement drawings/schedules to compile a comprehensive rebar buildability and clash check report. It identifies clashes between rebar and other elements such as cast-in items, temporary props, M&E pipes, etc., as well as buildability issues arising from site constraints and complex connection details. Additionally, it addresses site sequencing, accessibility issues, and concrete flow restrictions.

Preconstruction accurate rebar tonnage estimation

With our advanced 3D rebar modelling software, we can swiftly and precisely estimate rebar tonnage for clients, instilling confidence for project bids or fixed price contracts. Our process involves creating detailed 3D models of the entire building based on design specifications, with allowances for overlaps factored in. Past estimates have consistently landed within a 3% margin of the actual tonnage.

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Rebar BIM model from 2D drawings

The government mandates a level 2 BIM model for all elements of government-funded projects, including reinforcement bars. While 3D modeling is common for architectural, structural, and M&E elements, reinforcement detailing lags behind, mostly done in 2D. Our advanced software can convert existing 2D reinforcement drawings and bending schedules into a level 2 BIM model with attribute data. This allows for easy integration into the client's BIM model, saving time and costs by quickly identifying clashes and issues before on-site installation.

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For 3D reinforcement detailing services,

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