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DRAWINGS ONLY FOR FABRICATION
Steel fabricator Eiffage Construction Metallique contracted BDS Vircon to detail out the stainless steel mullions along with the glulam timber beams, glazing fixing plates, main frame and locating base frames.

"This was a unique BIM project, as the only actual drawings produced were those for the fabrication of parts and assemblies. All other information was provided between each project party from the 3D modelling process," said Ian Belcher, UK Manager of BDS Vircon.

"Our knowledge of how to get the most out of Tekla software, along with a client willing to work with us in providing the right information to all parties involved, was what made the project a success."

Gehry Partners delivered 3D requirements via Digital Project to Eifage for the structural design, then from this data the exchange files were issued to BDS for importing into Tekla for BIM collaboration and detailing.

INFORMATION FOR AUTOMATION FROM THE MODEL
"The nature and intent of the project meant that the 3D interfacing between software tools had to be the only way forward," says Belcher. Even with the supply of intricate drawings for fabrication they had to be supplemented with electronic files and 3D data exchange files. On top of the CAM files for part fabrication via automated machines, BDS supplied 3D drawing files to aid setting out and quality-controlling the node points.

The multiple curved glass surfaces of each sail meant that the stainless steel mullion supports had to follow these curves and transoms spacer beams with varied end plate rotations. Eiffage were able to automate the fabrication of these members with the aid of Tekla and BDS, as the required information could be created from the model to drive these machines.

MAINTAINING TOLERANCES FROM THE MODEL
BDS Vircon imported the Digital Project data into Tekla via the industry standard IFC format for all items, along with the drawing files for the centreline of all curved items. These files also indicated the change in radius of each member, with a point at the start, middle and end of the radius, which they were able to replicate in the Tekla model and onto fabrication drawings. Rolling drawings were dimensioned accordingly, but BDS also supplied CAM files for the rolling process.

In addition to the normal CAM and 2D information, BDS supplied 3D drawings of all node blocks, so that the surveying equipment could be utilised in maintaining tolerances required for the project during fabrication. Files were also supplied for the glulam manufacturer for use in the shaping and drilling of the timber beams.

"The only items that did not come directly from the Tekla model happened to be the twisted or corkscrewed glulam beams which were supplied directly from the Digital Projects software," Belcher explains.

The museum's structural core consists of a series of solid volumes called icebergs, which support the floating glass canopies covering the entire building. Structurally, the icebergs were designed as concrete and steel frameworks. The façade is covered with ca. 16,000 ceramic tiles. Every single element has a unique geometry in order to follow the smooth lines and various facets of the façade.

Over 2,000 aluminium wall panels were designed and fabricated in order to obtain a support structure for the ceramic tiles. Each of these panels follows exactly the outside geometry of the façade surface and contains stiffening elements located underneath every joint between the ceramic tiles. The panels are connected to the steel or concrete structure by means of specifically designed spacers.

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