Precast concrete industry 4.0:An industry on the move

Figure: Autodesk

Not only buildings, but also design, construction and assembly workflows become transparent by BIM and digital process chains

Figure: Autodesk

Figure: Building Smart

Efficient collaboration is based on a central BIM data model, merging all disciplines

Figure: Building Smart

Figure: Graphisoft

Integrated design: the automated creation of plans and visualizations is just one of many advantages provided by BIM

Figure: Graphisoft

Figure: Nemetschek Engineering/Precast Software Engineering

The many advantages of BIM also include evaluations – of a stacking list here – being updated automatically whenever changes are made

Figure: Nemetschek Engineering/Precast Software Engineering

Figure: Dicad

As well as visualizations and collision detections within a construction trade ...

Figure: Dicad

Figure: RIB Software

… or on a cross-disciplinary level help avoid errors and subsequent costs in advance

Figure: RIB Software

Figure: Tekla

Using a cloud, BIM models are available everywhere at any time, if required, and allow working together in virtual teams

Figure: Tekla

Figure: Dicad/Fuchs Dorsten

Error rates in production and assembly can be minimized if the BIM model is designed as a three-dimensional model right down to the last detail

Figure: Dicad/Fuchs Dorsten

Figure: Dlubal Software

It is possible to optimize 3D designs in structural terms with the aid of the finite-element method, minimizing the need of material, reinforcement and formwork

Figure: Dlubal Software

Figure: Vollert

Digital process chains with consistent data structures create the prerequisite for more flexibility even in product manufacture

Figure: Vollert

Shuttering robots, for example, produce two-dimensional BIM precast elements featuring virtually any contour requested

Figure: Vollert

Figure: Ceapoint

The scheduled construction process can be visualized and simulated if the fourth dimension of “time” is added to BIM

Figure: Ceapoint

Figure: Autodesk

How many assembly cranes are needed? Will there be access to all critical areas of the construction site? Will the truck be able to get round the curve? 5D BIM is in the position to give answers to these and other questions in advance

Figure: Autodesk

The construction sector is still waiting for the fourth industrial revolution. BIM would allow the user to plan and manufacture precast concrete elements in a manner which is otherwise only usual in vehicle construction and mechanical engineering.

Whereas digital process chains from design via planning and development through to manufacturing have already become a standard process in other sectors, the construction industry is clearly lagging behind. Among other things, this is due to the still existing discontinuity of media, the different database and a lack of communication among the parties involved in the project. Architects, design professionals and production plants are working at the same project in parallel, however using different tools which are not compatible. As a result, virtually every planning partner needs to re-enter...