Delivering a steel fabrication that precisely matches the plans provided by the designer won’t necessarily lead to a successful project – or one that’s delivered on time and within budget.
Yet delivering exactly what the plans ask for is what most steel fabrication projects are set up to achieve. And substantial project variances seem to be both the norm and the expectation.
So what’s missing? In a word it’s integration. Or, in two words it’s Intelligent Integration.
Late Changes Are Expensive Changes
The biggest problem with the standard ‘build to order’ approach is that technical problems, clashes and oversights become apparent only when it’s costly and time-consuming to fix them – often not until the installation team discovers that something doesn’t fit.
This isn’t how it needs to be. Project owners have the option to work differently.
The design approach used at FTE detects clashes and eliminates errors early in the process. It uses detailed 3D modelling supported by our in-house expertise in steelwork detailing and fabrication, alongside geotechnical analysis, foundations, retaining structures, access requirements and temporary works.
A Quantifiable Benefit
Are the benefits of a different approach quantifiable? Yes they are.
FTE compared steel fabrication projects delivered in the standard way and those delivered using our FTE Intelligent Integration approach. Typical project cost variances of around 50% shrank to less than 5% with intelligent integration applied across the entire process from design to delivery.
The analysis just looked at cost. There’s inevitably also a time penalty when designs have to be changed and components reworked late in the process.
More Accuracy, Fewer Disconnects
The process starts with combined site inspection and specialist survey. These combined inspections improve accuracy, remove disconnects and often reduce the number of possessions needed.
The aim is to create designs that are easier to install and maintain. This flows into a two-stage BIM Level 2 design process that ensures buildability and ensures the structure can be fabricated easily and cost-effectively.
Having specialist expertise in-house is the most foolproof way to link all the project elements together seamlessly. The benefits of doing this aren’t theoretical – they’re very much practical and real.
If you like to explore better ways to deliver steel fabrication projects with greater certainty and control, head over to our information hub.
Or contact: info@fourtees.co.uk
