Description
A challenge faced in rebar construction was that many RFIs (requests for information) with architects emerged only during the construction phase. Limited early discussion with specialty contractors delayed issue resolution, leading to additional data creation and rework that increased rebar construction costs by over 6%. To resolve the problem, architects, engineers, and constructors adopted a collaborative workflow from design using Autodesk Forma to support a shared data environment. Rebar data was standardized for manufacturing, and automated placement was enabled by combining structural and rebar data during design. At the end, the early design-phase collaboration reduced construction inquiries by about 90%, nearly eliminated rework, and cut data preparation effort by around 90% through automation.
Key Learnings
- Learn how early design helps define shared data, roles, standards, and tools so designers, engineers, and contractors can collaborate.
- Learn how to apply key methods during design that can help prevent or mitigate constructability issues.
- Learn about a BIM data standardization approach for concrete structures and rebar placement.
- Learn how to identify the data requirements for automated rebar placement and integrate them into design and construction workflows.