TRANSFORMING THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS

Solutions

► Tekla Structures

► 3D laser scanning

Innovation with 3D Point Clouds Shores Extension

HOLMES CONSULTING Solutions“Accurately detailing all required steel enabled us to create a materials schedule, so our Tekla model gave us certainty of materials cost and time on site.” - Jeff Matthews, business manager for Holmes Consulting

CONTACTBuildingPoint Australia Pty LtdT 07 3851 8380E Tekla_Sales@BuildingPoint.com.auW BuildingPoint.com.au

TRANSFORMING THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS

LOCATION

Canterbury, New Zealand

overviewWhen big-box retailer The Warehouse wanted to expand its already-massive distribution centre in Rolleston, NZ, Holmes Consulting employed a truly innovative solution. The job demanded accurate measurement of the existing structure, plus 3D modelling of the planned expansion so the old and new structures could integrate smoothly. Holmes used 3D scanning data to generate point cloud models, then used the data to create a 3D model in Tekla BIM software.

The Warehouse’s South Island distribution centre was constructed as recently as 2002. However, following substantial business growth by the big, red retailer, the centre--already the size of six rugby fields--was deemed too small.

This prompted an expansion project to add 15 000 m2 of storage and distribution space, plus 2 000 m2 of extra container canopies, new racking and conveyor systems, and extra yard and parking areas.

The facility stores goods for distribution to The Warehouse’s 25 South Island stores, and every day it is occupied by two shifts of up to 75 workers each.

Throughout any construction project, the facility needs to remain fully productive-- demanding maximum efficiency from the construction process. Located just 20 km outside Christchurch in Rolleston, the distribution centre shook with the major earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks experienced in the area from September 2010 onwards. Before any expansion work could take place, a thorough forensic examination of the existing building was required to determine how the quakes had impacted the centre’s structure and position. And while Holmes Consulting held the original plans for the building, it was possible that the as-built distribution centre differed from the design as a natural result of the construction process.

EARTHQUAKES MAKE FOR AN UNCERTAIN START IN BUILDING EXTENSION

The Warehouse’s distribution centre in Rolleston, NZ, is the largest single level building in the South Island. On a 10-hectare property it includes a 33 000 m2 warehouse, a 1 100 m2 administration block, 900 m of conveyors, 6 500 m2 of asphalt perimeter roadways, and parking space.

PROJECT FACTS ► Forensic building assessment was fast and accurate.

► Costly delays and rework were avoided.

► A precise materials schedule accurately predicted material costs and time required on site.

► Advanced software streamlined construction workflows for efficiency and time and cost savings.

► The client received an accurate set of models for maintenance and future enhancements.

The Tekla software works with all materials, including steel and concrete, to create models for the most complex structures.

From the Tekla model, the Holmes team produced all documentation for the project, including general arrangement (GA) drawings for consent and full shop detailing. The enlarged views of complex areas necessary for GA drawings were easily created from the dense 3D data.

Tekla software generates a variety of file formats to support information flow between construction stakeholders. On the Warehouse project, an IFC file was exported to Autodesk Revit BIM software to produce all architectural documentation. For maximum workflow efficiency, Tekla models can be exported into Revit almost seamlessly.

The model also enabled Holmes to accurately detail all of the structure steel for the project. “Accurately detailing all required steel enabled us to create a materials schedule,” said Jeff. “So our Tekla model gave us certainty of materials cost and time on site.”

STARTING WITH A STRUCTURALLY SOUND BASE

As the original designers of the distribution centre, Holmes Consulting were the logical choice to plan the expansion. A NZ-based organisation of engineering experts, they could also apply their expertise in solving the seismic challenges endemic to NZ. Jeff Matthews, business manager for Holmes Consulting, was responsible for final sign-off of the project.

“First we needed to make sure the building was structurally sound and still positioned as indicated in our 2D models,” said Jeff. “So we contracted surveyors to scan the end frame of the building using 3D laser scanners.”

Holmes Consulting has employed 3D scan data for over six years. Initially they captured the data to develop as-built models of historic or heritage buildings before strengthening work. Now they rely on 3D data for many diverse projects, including complex industrial buildings where no as-built information exists but alteration, extension, or strengthening is required. For the Warehouse project, Holmes contracted a local surveying company to perform the scans.

Following the as-built scan, the point cloud models generated showed definite movement--not a lot, but enough to create unpleasant surprises during construction and cause costly delays. “We integrated this critical information into the documentation right from the start,” said Jeff. “It meant we didn’t need to modify key connections on site during construction.”

Holmes used the 3D data to model all of the building’s structural steel (existing and new) in Tekla Structures, a building information modelling (BIM) software.

The 3D scan data of the as-built centre after processing.

TRANSFORMING THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS

“And by revealing how the

center differed from its original

design and placement, the

point cloud models prevented

costly delays and rework

once construction began.”

- Jeff Matthews, business manager for Holmes Consulting

A STREAMLINED CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE

Holmes Consultancy’s innovative use of 3D point clouds and exceptional results secured them Best Industrial Project at the 2016 Tekla Global BIM Awards. Their process realised efficiencies and savings on the Warehouse project from very early on. “Using point cloud analysis saved us an enormous amount of time because we didn’t have to convert our original 2D model to 3D,” said Jeff.

Overall, their work ensured a streamlined and precise construction sequence that allowed productivity at the distribution center to continue throughout the expansion.Their client, The Warehouse, now has updated drawings for the original structure, an accurate set of models for the new extension, and usable information for maintenance and future building extension. And Holmes engineers will be quick to utilise 3D scan data in future BIM projects.

Using point clouds to create a model in Tekla Structures was a first on the Warehouse project.

Joe White from Holmes Consulting receiving the Global BIM Award from Jarl Heino from Trimblet at the BIM Forum.

ABOUT HOLMES CONSULTING

► Holmes Consulting is a company of engineering experts with experience in thousands of great national and international projects ranging from huge new high-rise developments to timber tree house restaurants.

► Its approach is focused on treating each project, big or small, as an opportunity to improve standards and find new and better ways to get things done.

► Holmes is based in New Zealand with a strong global footprint.

www.holmesgroup.com

TRANSFORMING THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS

Together we are shaping a smarter future for construction

TEKLA SOFTWARE BY TRIMBLETrimble is a technology company with a vision of transforming the way the world works. Trimble’s construction offering ranges from total stations to advanced software, giving the industry tools to transform planning, design, construction and operation of buildings. The company also has products for trades like logistics and agriculture.

TRIMBLE BUILDINGSIn addition to Tekla, Trimble Buildings brands include names like SketchUp and Manhattan Software, targeting architects, engineers, fabricators, MEP contractors, general contractors and construction managers, and building owners. The software solutions promote constructible models and collaboration. Trimble Buildings offering blend groundbreaking innovations and practical features, helping the industry achieve transformative results.

Please note that some products are not available in all areas. © 2016, Trimble Solutions Corporation. All rights reserved. Tekla is a trademark of Trimble Solutions Corporation, and is registered in the United States, in the European Union and in other countries. For more information, see www.tekla.com/tekla-trademarks.

TEKLA SOLUTIONSTekla software is at the heart of the design and construction workflow, building on the free flow of information, constructible models and collaboration. It is the people who make the difference, while Tekla gives tools for realizing projects around the world from housing and bridges to factories and skyscrapers. Good communication and elimination of waste make the industry more sustainable and cost effective, improve your projects and in the end your customers’ happiness.

► Tekla Structures is the most developed Building Information Modeling software on the market. It makes accurate, constructible modeling of any structure possible.

► Tekla Structural Designer gives engineers the power to analyze and design buildings efficiently and profitably.

► Tekla Tedds automates repetitive structural calculations.

► Tekla BIMsight is a free professional tool for construction project collaboration allowing anyone combine models, check for clashes and share information.

► Tekla Field3D is an easy-to-use 3D tool for utilizing Building Information Models on mobile devices.

CONTACTBuildingPoint Australia Pty LtdT 07 3851 8380E Tekla_Sales@BuildingPoint.com.auW BuildingPoint.com.au