Kerkstra Precast is a leading precast producer in the US that fabricates both architectural and structural precast. They recently moved from 2D AutoCAD to BIM and have seen impactful business outcomes already. They use EDGE^R software, provided by PTAC Consulting Engineers, an Autodesk Industry Partner which is built on top of Revit. What is unique about the EDGE^R solution is that it is BIM-based so that precast producers can coordinate their design with the architects and engineers while automating the production deliverables, all on the same platform. One significant benefit is seeing a reduction in errors that might happen in production or on the jobsite. “By coordinating the fabrication model in 3D, we are able to reduce errors or RFIs to almost none.” says Chad Van Kampen P.E., Project Manager at Kerkstra Precast. For one project where they had over 2000 structural and MEP embeds, scattered throughout 752 different panel types, they had no coordination issues, as the 3D model was used to run clash checks and it was even displayed on the job site, on wide screens, in lieu of drawings. “The impact of this results in reducing risk to the construction schedule or cost which ultimately improves client satisfaction“, Mr. Van Kampen says.
They are now exploring the use of BIM earlier in the project to allow for almost real-time cost tracking with product and material take-offs, which helps Kerkstra better understand and portray cost impacts of design changes or options. “BIM opens up opportunities to win more projects and better understand our clients’ expectations.” It takes a cultural shift however to adopt BIM. For example, Kerkstra is now using Autodesk Revit to optimize the formwork to reduce waste and speed up production, but that wasn’t the norm. They are also starting to explore model data from Revit, via Unitechnik format files, to drive the water-soluble bed plotter. This eliminates the number of times when production bed personnel have to look at traditional documents and allows them to focus on the production process more intently. Furthermore, the use of this technology in the factory reduces errors and helps achieve a better overall quality while reducing the effort for the workforce. “These capabilities are new and so it takes a shift in mindset to think about how we can best utilize them to reduce waste and deliver more value to our clients.”
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