Precast detailing can involve a range of design issues. This design process has to take into account the entire range of casting, construction and assembly issues in the plan. Modelling greatly improves the efficiency of this process. The use of CAD design elements in modelling and the invaluable 3D detailing techniques allow excellent quality control down to component level at this very important stage of planning. Precasting situations and design requirements can involve a lot of time and money, so it’s a good idea to have reliable, full spectrum 3d modeling software.

Precast detailing issues

Precast detailing is best described as the pre-fabrication planning stage. This is one of the most technical of all design areas, because it can involve everything from stress loadings to component design and assembly. This is actually part of a multilevel planning process, and everything has to be done properly.

The process of precast detailing requires planning of each design element in a plan down to component level. Construction industry technology is currently pushing the horizons of CAD planning capabilities, as new designs and new design elements require more and more detail. The new construction technology is adding degrees of complexity to this process, hence the need for exceptionally good design capabilities.

Problems, ideas and precast solutions

The quality of detailing is extremely important in terms of the fabrication process. Mistakes at this level can be expensive. A single component out of alignment or with the wrong dimensions is a real potential problem. A plan error can effectively waste an entire production run of components.

Professional designers and CAD drafters use 3D modelling and advanced CAD systems like the benchmark Tekla range of construction design software to make sure there aren’t any errors. The software allows full detailing of components at all levels, and most importantly produces a full data report to ensure accuracy. Every single element in a construction project like a big building can be checked, right down to individual welds. This is invaluable in the construction process, because every part of the plan can be evaluated.

Modelling and crosschecking detailing

Modelling and crosschecking are basic quality controls on CAD designs. This process is also invaluable for essential management functions.

The 3D modelling process allows comprehensive crosschecking of:

• Compliance with contract specifications
• Materials and material quality specifications
• Component and fabrication issues
• Design element issues with steel detailing

In precast detailing, these are absolutely essential checks which must be conducted to ensure quality before fabrication and to ensure design integrity. For construction management, it’s like having a built-in auditor available on call for every facet of a construction plan.

Collaborative design and drafting ideas

Collaborative 3D modelling software has become the standard architect software around the world. For precast detailing in particular, which is the high-density dataload management area, the ability to work collaboratively on precast solutions is critical. These quality controls are priceless to designers and drafters. Crosschecking is applied to the design process by design teams in collaboration working systematically on plans.

Pacific Computing is the exclusive distributor in Aust and NZ of Tekla Structures 3D modelling construction software for structural detailing and drafting. For more information and to view our range of products, visit Construction Software.