Benefits of Structural 3D modeling in Industrial structure design
Richard Botham
quality of industrial facilities. With proper 3D models engineers can
effectively address the complexity and delivery schedules for projects
while incorporating mechanical and structural systems.
The major challenge for the designer of industrial structures is the
coordination of structural design with the manufacturing process due
to changes that may occur during design development. Due to demanding
design and construction schedules, engineers often initiate structural
design early in the project when the manufacturing process is still
primary. This may lead to an incompetent design and costly errors at
the time of construction.
With 3D modeling the engineer can clearly visualize relation between
equipment and structural members in 3D. For most assignments
construction documents are drawn as 2D plans and elevations which pose
a challenge for the designer to understand the design and possible
interference among members.
For example an industrial facility may house a series of boiler
vessels and storage tanks attached to a material handling system. The
mechanical engineers would start by drawing the primary equipment
sizes based on the system capacity along with descriptions of access
needs. At this point the mechanical engineers may provide primary
layout drawings to the structural engineers who will then prepare a
rough layout to start structure design. Since the size of the vessels
may still change during the timeline of project, the exact mounting
locations might be unknown until later in the project or the location
and size of the vessels may change as designers develop the process
details. The structural engineer may offer approximate sizes of beams
and columns but then need to modify them frequently depending on the
occurrence of changes and more details become available.
As a design and communication tool, the 3D model allows seamless
coordination and smooth communication flow among the architect,
structural engineer and mechanical engineer. Since the 3D model can be
shared across various disciplines and platforms each change is visible
to all which in turn reduce errors and cost.
For any queries related to 3D structural modeling and design services
feel free to contact us. Visit us at http://www.outsourcestructuraldesign.com/3D-modeling.php