Innovative Construction Methodologies:.
Accuracy in pre engineered interfaces.The level of the bespoke design in traditional projects makes it difficult to properly design every interface, leading to variability between interfaces on-site and the need for ad hoc changes.
However, trades at different points in the process don’t necessarily have access to the early decision-making rationale, so there can be unanticipated consequences of these forced ad hoc changes.. For example, façade installers have reported that they spent 40% of their time undertaking site surveys and using shims and packers to fill in the gaps between their manufactured unitised systems and traditionally built superstructures.This example is particularly pertinent given the crucial role façades play in fire stopping and compartmentation..If the BSA onus is on ensuring the design doesn’t change from specification to delivery, then the exactness of the design and the tolerances is crucial..
The higher degree of accuracy and innovation in platform components ensures that what was designed and modelled is much more likely to be what is installed on site, with no need for site based problem-solving/adaptions vs. what has been designed and tested..Platform components create superstructures, which, while a relatively small proportion of the cost, are critical in maximising the accuracy of the installation.
The superstructure is highly dimensionally accurate, with fixings designed in to enable high levels of accuracy in the complementary elements that attach to it.
This accuracy reduces the need for tolerance between interfaces, which is where issues often occur.And there are other benefits, such as the ability to minimise tolerances.
In our work with Crossrail we designed to zero tolerance with very good success.This unlocks vast potential in terms of manufacturing a better quality of building - structures which are more air- and weather-tight, energy efficient and overall better performing.
Further, standardisation allows us to do a better job of integrating our mechanical and electrical engineering systems, which then has the knock-on effect of reducing the overall volume of a building by 30-40%.As the building gets smaller, so does the air handling plant.