黑洞社区

3D models are not just for architects.

The benefits of building m&e services 鈥渙n screen鈥� have been seen on a large scale in Amec鈥檚 work at the huge Heathrow Terminal 5 project.

The project team has used Navisworks modelling software to plan and schedule how the different trades interface on site. 鈥淭he model allows extensive use of 3D design and visualisation; this facilitated the development of an m&e module product range,鈥� explains George Adams, chief engineer at Amec鈥檚 黑洞社区 and Facilities Services division.

Use of the model has allowed Amec to manufacture 60% of m&e components for T5 off site. Perhaps the most dramatic example of m&e prefabrication ever seen in the UK, T5鈥檚 service chimneys (EMC, Feb 2006, p23-25) could only be developed using 3D modelling. 鈥淭he key drivers for the [chimney] modules are the time benefit and to give programme assurance,鈥� explains Adams. 鈥淭he business benefits from this far outweigh any capital savings.鈥�

A virtual reality film of the m&e services was created from the 3D model to help in planning the programme of works. It also gave site workers a clear idea of the process before beginning work. This was reinforced by trials at the prefabrication plants and visits to the manufacturing facilities by on-site personnel to iron out any issues before final installation.

The key benefits for the Amec design and build team were:

The key drivers for the chimney modules are the time benefit and to give programme assurance

• trialling on screen 鈥� this assists risk identification and reduction;
• team work 鈥� this enables all members of the delivery process to understand and contribute effectively;
• planning 鈥� this significantly informs the programming process through proper understanding of the interfaces and sequence;
• training 鈥� building the m&e services within the virtual environment allowed the on-site assembly teams and the off-site production teams to understand and familiarise themselves with the modules and their co-ordination and assembly into the overall project;
• all access and maintenance issues during and after assembly have to be assessed and approved.

The process for establishing an array of virtual 鈥減roducts鈥� for the T5 modularisation programme included the involvement of the supply chains in a form of a cluster management structure.

Amec has now developed a web-based tool for the management of its modularisation capability; this incorporates extensive use of virtual manufacturing.

The web tool allows a number of features to be put into an open communication format to allow all cluster members to review and participate in the delivery process. The team would look at:

• logistics management 鈥� scheduling;
• production management 鈥� production rates;
• design and detailing 鈥� information transfer;
• material requirements 鈥� equipment schedules;
• planning 鈥� use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for programme delivery.

Adams is in no doubt that the use of virtual manufacturing will grow in the industry as off-site solutions become more of a common feature in the way m&e services are delivered to projects.

鈥淰irtual processes in the future will provide opportunities for real-time, real dimensional integration between design, off-site production, site assembly, commissioning and operational training and maintenance,鈥� predicts Adams. You heard it hear first.