Use of softwares in construction is very common but using specialised software tools like Tekla BIM for engineering and construction industry is giving edge to Indian firms.

Precast technology is a proven construction technology with many leading developers in the Middle East, Europe and the US having executed multiple projects leveraging the same. Besides speeding up the construction process, it also enhances the quality of final construction output and is a fast emerging alternative to the traditional construction practices.

Tekla India, a prominent technology firm providing Building Information Modelling (BIM) software for engineering and construction industry, announced a strategic alignment with Precast India Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (PIIPL), a leading precast company in India. Coming together these two industry leaders is of great importance for the Indian construction industry, as it seeks to move towards more advanced building methods, like precast concrete construction.

BIM
In order to avoid the delays in delivery, shortage of labour and boost product quality, developers and builders are fast adopting precast technology, as it allows for quality delivery at a faster pace and results in significant cost advantage for them. Precast construction enables developers to save up to 60 per cent time compared to projects using cast in situ construction methods. In other words, if traditional construction methods take one year to complete a project, the precast construction takes just about 4-5 months to complete a project of a similar scale. Tekla Structures makes it so easy to work on third-party applications and in parallel, its information-rich 3D BIM technology helps to augment project quality and delivery by reducing errors and improving reliability. It further enables to seamlessly generate construction deliverable documentation from the same 3D project model. Tekla?s technologies such as the open BIM tools are focused on optimising collaboration and smooth information flow between the software solutions so that managing construction of buildings becomes easier and smarter. Model for preconstruction: Quickly create accurate 3D model of job; Plan to pour: Use the 3D model to get organised, estimate and efficiently prepare to pour. Accurate concrete pour models: Tekla offers a purpose-built solution for concrete construction. One can use it at any stage of the design and construction process and have easy to use tools to create concrete models that behave like real concrete. Knowing the quantities: With Tekla, one can generate accurate quantities faster. Because all information are created in 3D, it is easier to adapt to changes in design during the bidding phase.

Rebar without clashes: With Tekla, one can model and visualise large amounts of fully detailed rebar quickly and easily. Fast clash detection lets one find and resolve faults before fabrication. One can produce placing drawings and schedules and foresee and avoid difficulties in installation.

With BIM technology, one or more accurate virtual models of a building are constructed digitally. They support design through its phases, allowing better analysis and control than manual processes. When completed, these computer-generated models contain precise geometry and data needed to support the construction, fabrication, and procurement activities through which the building is realised.

Why use BIM?
There are many benefits of using BIM. Companies that utilise BIM like Skanska and Barton Malow, have reported benefits for scheduling, estimation and risk analysis, more collaborative processes and better facility management. BIM also provides an opportunity to try out solutions in advance before building the structure on site with a constructable model, the structure can be prototyped virtually. Project parties can understand and review the design more easily, which guarantees its accuracy and completeness, visualise and evaluate alternatives in terms of cost and other project parameters. BIM has gathered compliments for improved communication between project parties and generally better quality.

For a concrete contractor, an accurate 3D Tekla model delivers benefit at every stage of the construction process. Quantity assessment is fast and accurate, giving better estimates. It helps to save time and money and reduces site errors which is very important.

Projects completed using Tekla technology
Mumbai Airport Terminal 1B building: The modification was undertaken to expand the terminal and modify the existing facilities to optimise the requirements for the coming decades and provide world class facilities to passengers. This terminal building is a marvel of design, engineering, and technology.

Mumbai?s Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the busiest airport in India, and caters to cargo and passenger flights. Pratibha Pipes & Structural Ltd and its associates used Tekla Structures software to model this complex framework, thus ensuring highly effective detailing and optimised fabrication of this exceptional structure.

Tekla Structures used for modelling and detailing of the entire structure. The main feature of the project was its shape, the shape of the rafter. Tekla Structures made it simple and easy to complete the project within specified time. It took around 15 days for the detailers to fix the geometry of the rafter as per the requirement of architect and client. "Placing the purlin on curvature of the main rafter and all welded connections was made easy with Tekla Structures to give aesthetic look to this massive structures, " says Ajay Kulkarni of then Pratibha Pipes & Structural (PPSL). He added, "Detailing of the model using Tekla Structures software made fabrication and erection easier and helped us fix our erection methodology for the structure."

Rabale Railway Station: Located in the planned city of Navi Mumbai, it is an extension to the Mumbai suburban rail network. The station is a cutting edge unique master-piece of architectural design. The station has futuristic design, form, and use of materials is enough to turn heads and make one pause in wonder. Tekla Structures 3D BIM technology was used by Techflow Engineers to model and detail such complex structures.

Tekla BIM
Tekla provides a BIM software environment that can be shared by contractors, structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, as well as concrete detailers and manufacturers. The highly detailed as-built 3D models created, combined and distributed with Tekla software enable the highest level of constructability and production control. Centralising building information into the model allows for more collaborative and integrated project management and delivery. This translates into increased productivity and elimination of waste, thus making construction and buildings more sustainable.

PIIPL
Precast India Infrastructures is a joint initiative between Bhate Raje Construction Company and Panchshil Developers. The company was founded in 2010 with a production facility in Wade Bolhai, on the outskirts of Pune.

Tekla
Tekla drives the evolution of digital information models to provide greater competitive advantage to the construction, infrastructure and energy industries. Established in 1966, Tekla has customers in over 100 countries, offices in over 20 countries, and a global partner network. Tekla Building & Construction is part of Trimble Buildings, a group focused on technology solutions that improve collaboration, efficiency and accuracy across the Design-Build-Operate (DBO) lifecycle of construction.