Presenting precast concrete components in three-dimensions

A new 3D PDF format

(Photo/Foto: W. Riemenschneider/Betonwerk Wismann)

Fig.1 3D PDF allows an uncomplicated, cross-platform presentation of three-dimensional objects.

(Photo/Foto: W. Riemenschneider/Betonwerk Wismann)

Fig. 2 Due to the enormous distribution of the Adobe Reader, the PDF format has long since took root as a standard in the precast concrete industry.

(Photo/Foto: Adobe)

Fig. 3 For paperless correcting or commenting of 2D drawings or documents, PDF has long since established itself.

(Photo/Foto: Adobe)

(Photo/Fotoo: Betonwerk Wismann/Adobe)

Fig. 4 3D objects can be turned or zoomed interactively so that precast components can be checked on any computer.

(Photo/Fotoo: Betonwerk Wismann/Adobe)

Fig. 5 Different versions for presentation and lighting are available.

Fig. 6 The PDF file of 3D models allows to insert comments,
determine dimensions, mark components, or define sections.

(Photo/Foto: Adobe/b17 architects)

Fig. 7 3D PDFs contain information about textures, colors,
dimensions, object data, sheets, etc.

(Photo/Foto: Adobe/b17 architects)

(Photo/Foto: Adobe)

Fig. 8 PDF as a “folder” for filing various project information such as drawings, calculations, file notes, construction schedules, charts, etc.

(Photo/Foto: Adobe)

(Photo/Foto: Betonwerk Wismann)

Fig. 9 Betonwerk Wismann, administration office and factory in Waltrop.

(Photo/Foto: Betonwerk Wismann)

Fig. 10 General Manager, Volker Steinhoff, relies on the PDF format in the areas acquisition, process planning, and production.

(Photo/Foto: Betonwerk Wismann)

The portable document format (PDF) is an important standard for communication and exchange of documents as well as drawings. Even more options are provided by the new 3D PDF format. In the meantime, this kind of representation has also been able to establish itself in the building and construction as well as precast concrete industry.

According to the information given by the provider, Adobe, more than half a billion users all over the world make use of the Adobe Reader, which can be freely downloaded, for displaying and printing of PDF files. Thus, virtually every computer has the Adobe Reader installed (or any other PDF viewer as Foxit Reader or Xpdf available free of charge). Hence the ideal conditions to exchange, view, communicate, and coordinate documents around the globe without any problems – and without the need of the software by which the document has been created.

Independent of the computer platform and without...