Final Major Milestone

3rdIConstruct

Final video..

Final timber model in CryEngine3

Final concrete model in CryEngine3

Objectives

Project 'Situation Engine' is a visual expose, informative and communication tool that will enable clients, industry and trade professionals a perspective view in analysing stages of construction in a real time environment using CryEngine3.

To showcase the possibilities of the software, the team decided to model two buildings with different construction types, methods and stages. It could be used as a communication tool for clients/ trade professionals for comparing building materials, structure and type. This detailed simulation gives the audience a clear and precise understanding of construction elements, stages, techniques and materials used on site.

Contribution

My role within the group was to focus on construction methods, members, stages and all issues involved with a construction site in sydney. I coordinated with the guys modelling and calculated construction members as well as 
complying with standards. I calculated construction elements, spans and techniques and researched construction stages and the guys divided up the two models into groups according to their construction phases. I also had access to a few builders in the eastern suburbs and they clarified issues and gave relevant feedback.
As well as assuming this project was a 'real life project', this made the assignment more challenging but more rewarding. Whilst considering the site factors including location and geographical issues as well as legislation including local council, Waverley Council and their planning instruments including the Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plans. Which I have also learnt to analyse and interpret appropriate information needed to plan and design a building.
- construction, codes, presentation organisation and layout, helping with exporting towards the end of the project, meeting minutes & organising under our project leader Nikko etc.


Individual milestone

My major milestone for this assignment included gaining knowledge about and within the construction industry, learning on-site information as well as being able to interpret and gain knowledge using the Building Code and the Australian Standards. This project was one of the most relevant assignments i have found. 
-construction, Australian standards & National Construction code


Feedback

Our team has a varied, highly proficient skillset and each member is assigned a different role within the group.  We have a clear understanding of what we contributed to the group in order to achieve our goals of the project as well as our individual major milestones. Group Work is hard to coordinate with everyone and meet our deadlines but overall I think the team worked well and created a great perspective view into the construction industry using CryEngine3.

Final 1000 word text

3rdIConstruct

Project 'Situation Engine' is a visual expose, informative and communication tool that will enable clients, industry and trade professionals a perspective view in analysing stages of construction in a real time environment using CryEngine3. 

The project will produce two 3D models, recreated from the Revit Architecture Sample model that will comply with the Australian Standards and the National Construction Code. The models will be showcased using the CryEngine3 program in real time displaying a live construction site. The project will emphasize different construction methods, various construction stages, different materials, tools and equipment that would likely be used on our site in Sydney.

The overall result will allow clients to better understand and experience the stages within the engine. Our team has a varied, highly proficient skillset and each member is assigned a different role within the group.  We have a clear understanding of what we need to do in order to achieve our goals of the project as well as our individual major milestones.

Objectives

To showcase the possibilities of the software, the team decided to model two buildings with different construction types, methods and stages. It could be used as a communication tool for clients/ trade professionals for comparing building materials, structure and type. This detailed simulation gives the audience a clear and precise understanding of construction elements, stages, techniques and materials used on site.

The site

The main aim of the assignment was to create a ‘real life’ project, as if it was going to be planned, designed and built. The project is a clear representation of a site in the eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Dover heights. The assumed site will help us determine and calculate accurate results when planning and designing our buildings. This has allowed us to analyse the planning instruments including the Local Environment Plan and the Development Control Plan, which has restricted our designs. The location of the site has determined building elements and member sizes as per wind loads and geographical issues. The two different construction methods will be showcased on the one site.

Scope of works

The aim of the project was to deliver a simulation where construction, the site layout, and the technical process of construction will be delivered to the client or anyone else, enabling a greater knowledge and appreciation of how a building comes together on site. In order to do this we had to strategically plan and assign roles and tasks depending on our skill-sets.

Firstly we took ‘The Sample Model’ was modelled in Revit Architecture. We modified it to comply with Australian standards and codes and adjusted design faults that were picked up by the team as well as the local builders giving us feedback. This model kept all original construction materials to be consistent with the original Revit Sample Model. As we want to show what is possible with a model that everyone who has access to from Revit.

We also designed and modelled another building with a timber frame construction type using the same grid, set out and relevant levels used in the sample model in BIM.  We designed this model with construction members typically used in Sydney. We followed specifications and standards from local suppliers. Our design is then placed through Sketchup then into CryEngine3. We have also used 3ds Max to model complex geometries for the project.

The construction of the models was researched and analysed using the National Construction code and Australian Standards, feedback from Builders in Sydney and researching construction reports and precedents in the industry.  We have also analysed safety requirements and all standards for a construction site and modelled this into CryEngine including fencing, site facilities, signage and access routes.

We calculated construction elements, spans and techniques. We have researched construction stages and have divided up the two models into groups of construction phases. The individual members have been grouped and will be exported to CryEngine. These groups will display in CryEngine as well as text explaining each stage and construction member in a clear and simple format. The final interactive environment will explore how the different building designs and their construction being displayed using the emerging 
technologies as an informative tool.

Features and benefits

The overall result will allow clients to better understand and experience the stages within a construction site and process. It can allow clients and allow trades professionals to manage construction phases, effectively reducing cost, time, and waste management as well as comparing construction costs, materials, structure and design before any construction phases commence. 

As BIM has helped the industry in planning and designing, this engine is one step forward using BIM and could help support integrated project delivery. To create a more integrated and interactive approach that can be shared with all applicants involved in the project before construction stages commence. This idea can implement planning strategies to optimise project results.

Additionally, it can be used as teaching and learning tool for new or existing tradespeople entering the field. The engine could enable a learning test to build or setup a construction site and building.

Presentation

Final presentation Tuesday11th June 2013

Week 13:

Draft Presentation Layout

1. 3rdiConstruct (Nikko)

2. The Team and Roles (Nikko)

3. The Brief (Nikko)

4. Situation Engine is a.. (Nikko)

‘Situation Engine’ is a 

- visual expose

- informative and communication tool that will enable clients, industry and trade professionals to communicate visually and easily through the engine.

- perspective view in analyzing stages of construction in a real time environment using CryEngine3.

5. The Site (Dan)

The project is a clear representation of a construction site in Dover Heights, Sydney, Australia. The assumed site helped determine accurate results

- design restrictions by local authority

- calculate structural members, loads, spans etc. as per location 

- research and gather feedback from local builders of construction methods and standards used in the area of sydney.

6. Two models one site (Dan)

We have decided to model 2 different models with different construction methods and design.

7. Why? (Dan)

To compare and showcase different construction methods and types. This gives the audience a clear and precise understanding of construction elements, stages, techniques and materials used on site.

8. Whilst following.. (Dan)

We are designing and modelling whilst following the National Construction Code, all Australian Standards, Work Health and safety requirements and state and local legislation including the LEP - Local Environment Plan DCP - Development Control Plans

9. CryEngine3 (Tim)

The models are then placed into CryEngine3...

What happens when you jump into crysis?

how does the user interact with the space?

10. Objective (Matt)

-Produce a detailed environment

-Develop two models enriched with different construction details and types

- Deliver a simulation showing construction techniques and processes relevant to a particular site. 

- This information will be delivered to the client or anyone else, enabling a greater knowledge and appreciation of the stages of how a building comes together on site.

11. Applications (Matt)

BIM to CryEngine -The applications used through this project include the BIM software revit architecture as well as 3ds max, sketchup, Cryengine3.

The original sample model was modelled in Revit Architecture. We have also used Sketchup and 3ds max to modify the building and to design the second timber structure.

They are then transferred into CryEngine...

12. Result (Deme)

-enriched knowledge

-effective management

-training aid

The overall result will allow clients to better understand and experience the stages within the engine, and allow trades professionals to manage construction phases, effectively reducing cost, time, and waste management. Additionally, it can be used as training environments for new or existing tradespeople entering the field.

13. Construction Stages (Salli)

We have decided to divide both model up into stages in order of construction. We have grouped the elements 

14. Possibilities (Salli)

teaching and learning tool for students within the industry

communication tool for clients/ trade professionals for comparing building materials, structure and type. 

compare and showcase different construction types and methods. Allowing cost comparison, effective project management and organisation of a project and reducing time reducing waste

can help support the planning and designing of buildings. To create a more integrated and ineractive approach that can be shared with all apllicants involved in the project.

Week 12: Final Construction Order

I have researched and elaborated in detail the correct construction order of the building elements and processes of the two different construction models. I have asked a few builders in the area of the order of some elements I was unsure about. I have highlighted any issues i am unsure about in the model. This will then be given to the modelling guys to clarify and sort out layers.

Timber Model

1.     Site Clearing

2.     Excavation of the rear slope

-       Excavate flat working site

-       Excavate sloping site at a 30 degree batter (no shoring required)

-       Excavate footings for retaining wall (Strip and pad footings)

3.     Construct formwork if needed (depending on ground type, we will assume no)

4.     Concrete preparation

-       Place waterproof membrane

-       Place reinforcement supports (Chairs)

-       Place reinforcement (bars and cages made up for the strip and pad footings, all to structural engineers details.)

5.     Pour Concrete for Strip and pad footings

6.     Place minimum 100 DIA sub soil drain with geo-fabric sleeve and surround with aggregate. Connect to storm water system (AG line needs to be below the ground level of FSL if there is a slab on the low side of the retaining wall.)

7.     Build block retaining wall (which will tie in with reinforcing bars set into the strip footings

-       Place reinforcement

-       Pour concrete

8.     Place waterproof membrane onto the retaining block wall

9.     Backfill with Course granular fill

10.   Bolt Post Anchor to the pad footings by the bottom plate.

-       Drill bolt holes

-       Clean holes

-       Fill holes with epoxy (One bolt secured with epoxy can hold 15 tonne each bolt)

-       Place Rod into hole with epoxy

-       Place nut and washer, tighten and grind excess rods to top of nut

11.  Fix Timber Posts to Anchor with bolt connections

12.  Fix Post cap to timber post

13.  Fix timber bearers to timber post

14.   Fix timber floor joists to bearer

15.  Fix timber floor sheeting to floor joists

16.  Ground Wall Timber Construction (Load-bearing and non load bearing)

includes the following members:

Timber

-       Bottom plate

-       Common studs

-       Nogging

-       Top wall plate

For Window Openings

-       Bottom plate

-       Jamb stud

-       Jack stud

-       Sill trimmer

-       Lintel

-       Ledger

-       Jack stud

-       Top plate

For Door Opening

-       Stud

-       Head

-       Jambs

-       Jack stud

-       Top plate

Masonry

-       Block work Fireplace

17.  First Floor timber construction

-       Bearers

-       Floor Joists

-       Timber Flooring

18.  Timber Frame Staircase

-       Timber Tread

-       Timber stringer

19.  Steel Support Structure

-       Timber Columns??

-       Steel C-Channel Beams

20.  First Floor Wall Construction

-       Bottom plate

-       Common studs

-       Nogging

-       Top wall plate

For Window Openings

-       Bottom plate

-       Jamb stud

-       Jack stud

-       Sill trimmer

-       Lintel

-       Ledger

-       Jack stud

-       Top plate

For Door Opening

-       Stud

-       Head

-       Jambs

-       Jack stud

-       Top plate

21.  Ceiling Joists or exposed beams??

22.  Roof Timber Construction

-       Beam

-       Rafter

-       Insulation

-       Metal sheet roofing

23.  Insert Metal frame windows and doors

24.  Fix Insulation and Gyprock to Exterior walls

25.  Fix insulation and Gyprock to interior walls

26.  Place floor finishes

-       Carpet

-       Tiles in wet areas

27.  Finishes

-     Doors

-       Skirting

-       Architraves

-       Cabinetry

-       Paint

28.   Fix Steel and glass railings as necessary

29.  Fixings

-       Electrical (Plugs, switches etc.)

-       Plumbing (Taps etc.)

30.  Final coats of Paint

   

Concrete Model

31.  Site Clearing

32.  Excavation of site

-       Excavate to U/S of slab level (The cut will be the extent of the building footprint)

-       Excavate trenches to the U/S of the strip footings

-       Excavate at the TOP of the strip footing level a 30 degree batter (this will ensure no shoring is needed)

33.  Construct formwork if needed.

34.  Concrete preparation for the strip footings

-       Place waterproof membrane

-       Place reinforcement supports (Chairs)

-       Place reinforcement (bars and cages made up for the strip and pad footings, all to structural engineers details.)

35.  Pour Concrete for Strip footings

36.  Construct formwork for concrete support foundations (Continuous Concrete Pier)

37.  Concrete preparation for the concrete piers

-       Place waterproof membrane

-       Place reinforcement supports (Chairs)

-       Place reinforcement (bars and cages made up for the strip and pad footings, all to structural engineers details.)

38.  Pour concrete for concrete piers

39.  Place sub soil strip drain with geo-fabric sleeve and surround with aggregate. Connect to storm water system (AG line needs to be below NGL.)

40.  Construct formwork for reinforced concrete slab

41.  Concrete preparation for reinforced concrete slab

-       Place waterproof membrane

-       Place reinforcement supports (Chairs)

-       Place reinforcement (bars and cages made up for the strip and pad footings, all to structural engineers details.)

-       Place all plumbing and electrical fittings that are fixed through the slab

42.  Pour Concrete slab

43.  Construct formwork for cast in place concrete walls

44.  Concrete preparation for cast in place walls (up to U/S of First Floor Window)

-       Place waterproof membrane

-       Place reinforcement supports (Chairs)

-       Place reinforcement (bars and cages made up for the strip and pad footings, all to structural engineers details.)

-       Place all plumbing and electrical fittings that are fixed through the slab

45.  Pour Concrete Walls

46.  Place waterproof membrane onto the retaining concrete wall

47.  Backfill up to Natural Ground Level (Backfill layer needs to be compressed for every 200mm of soil)

48.  Construct formwork for First Floors Cast-in-place concrete walls

49.  Concrete preparation for cast in place walls (up to roof level)

-       Place waterproof membrane

-       Place reinforcement supports (Chairs)

-       Place reinforcement (bars and cages made up for the strip and pad footings, all to structural engineers details.)

-       Place all plumbing and electrical fittings that are fixed through the slab

50.   Erect Steel Support Structure

-       Timber Columns??

-       Steel C-Channel Beams

51.  Erect and secure chimney

52.   

53.  Pour Concrete Walls

54.  Roof Timber Construction

-       Beam

-       Rafter

-       Insulation

-       Metal sheet roofing

55.   Insert Metal frame windows and doors

- Waterproof around windows

56.  Construct Ground Floor Timber walls

- Insulation

- Gyprock

- Place All plumbing & electrical fitting through walls

57.  Construct First Floor Timber Floor

58.  Timber Frame Staircase

-       Timber Tread

-       Timber stringer

59.  First Floor Wall Construction

60.  Ceiling Joists or exposed beams??

61.  Place floor finishes

-       Carpet

-       Tiles in wet areas

62.  Finishes

-     Doors

-       Skirting

-       Architraves

-       Cabinetry

-       Paint

63.   Fix Steel and glass railings as necessary

64.  Fixings

-       Electrical (Plugs, switches etc.)

-       Plumbing (Taps etc.)

65.  Final coats of Paint

Progress

To do:

1. Research formwork for concrete model
2. Start modelling formwork backup

For the concrete model I was asked to research and model the formwork as a backup if the complex formwork did not export to Sketchup properly. As I have worked on site before I am familiar with formwork for slabs and beams but I have not witnessed a complete two storey building being Cast in place with concrete. I know one issue with formwork on large structures is that the concrete needs to be vibrated so all air is pushed out and concrete reaches all areas of the formed structure. This 2 storey building will need to be constructed in stages.

- Formwork design must comply with AS 3610 Formwork for concrete

RESEARCH

image01: meeting with concreter to discuss how you would go about forming the 2 storey house. The formwork consists of plywood sheeting fixed with horizontal and vertical timbers (4x3) as well as bracing on both sides of the structure.

image02: this is my initial drawing trying to clarify formwork infomation. I have drawn the plywood horizontally but needs to be vertical. Rod holes that are a feature on exposed concrete walls are only used for supporting formwork rods to strengthen formwork, nothing to do with structural elements of the concrete. (see image03-06)

1. Plywood

2. Bottom sill plate (4x3 100x50)

3.Verticals 

4. Bearers

image03: I took this shot at UNSW, at the new housing. They had nice finishes on the concrete and there was minimal air bubbles in the concrete

image04: The rod holes have been finished with cement for a clean finish as this wall is on clear display.

image05: This is in a carpark in Bondi Junction, the works are not as clean as the UNSW housing works. The plastic is still left in the holes but this is a carpark and details/ finishes do not have to be exact.

image06: This image was to show rough rod spacings.

image07: a standard plywood sheet is 1200x 1800/2400.  The bottom bearer needs to span along the entire wall (continuous). If a bearer stops at the plywood end there needs to be a double bearer fixed so there is stregth in the overlap. The bottom bearer is either a 4x3 or 4x2, all timber is fixed by concrete nails through a ramset gun. The following horizontal timbers are set at 300,400,600,600 etc. The vertical timbers are spread roughly at 4 by 1200, they are always place on ends.

image08: all plumbing, electrical, openings, windows need to be planned and complete before both sides of the walls is erected.

image09: I was very unsure how to form around a window but the concreters explained that the plywood will go completely past the window and on the inside will be a structure of plywood and timbers to ensure no concrete goes into the opening. The opening is strengthen with 100x50 timbers.

image10: i was also unsure how the formwork gets constructed near the skillion roof, whether it is staggered or flush at a angle. There is a major issue pouring concrete around the windows (highlighted) the concrete needs to be extensively vibrated to ensure all air bubbles are out. The house will need to be poured in two stages.

BIM MODELLING

image11: I have modelled one board with a bottom bearer and vertical timbers.

image12: The horizontal timbers are placed at the estimated spacings 300,400,600.

image13: I modelled the reinforcing mesh in which does not go through the window openings. I have also modelled the window plywood structure without the timber bracings.

image14: One side of formwork is erected, then the reinforcing then the other side of formwork is fixed and supported.

image15: The levels in which i have modelled the plywood up to. The first pour of concrete will be the ground floor. This will have to cure up to 7 days.

image16: Both sides erected around the reinforcing.

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