KRAFT Engineering

KRAFT Engineering provides PRINCE2© certified Project Management, BIM consultancy and 3D/CAD-model development, from initial concept evaluations to final construction.

The major part our projects are within Civil engineering, building construction, road, railway and other infrastructure development. KRAFT Engineering has established a standardized BIM framework, which is utilized in combination with Lean project management strategy. This work process enables the full capabilities of Virtual Design Construction (VDC), Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Cloud based project collaboration.

When the BIM-framework and digital management strategy is implemented as the main governing tool for the project, time and cost savings in the area 25-40%, compared to traditional construction management, is often seen as the result.

BIM- and 3D-model as governing platform for Project Management
In order to take full advantage of the time- and cost saving potential offered by VDC, BIM and 3D-modelling, the framework to support these work processes should be established at earliest possible stage as governing platform for project management. Establishment of 3D- concept model for the initial project evaluations, and further establishment of BIM-model early in the planning phase , enables the possibility to review, test and evaluate various design solutions, with real time 3D-visualization, before final design decisions are made.

Implementation of VDC-methodology and BIM 3D-model, makes it possible to identify potential construction challenges, check for discipline integration conflicts and test possible solutions in the digital environment. The BIM-model also serves as a main platform and source of information for other project management processes; i.e. purchase planning, calculations and reports for bill of materials, surface areas, volumes, mass estimates, project progress and overall costs.

The BIM-model is the main source for information related to a building and may hence serve as the main platform for project communication and information sharing. The virtual model is continuously updated in parallel with the actual construction. After the building process is completed this 3D-model serves as main source of information for future operation and maintenance.

Case studies and examples from some of our ongoing projects:

Victory Square, Prague

The project includes concept development (3D-model), evaluations and review of design solutions for converting a busy intersection into an improved area utilization with better traffic flow and establishment of  parks and green areas.

The new concept solution provides significantly improved traffic flow, better utilization of available areas, in combination with integration of new parks and green zones for cultural activities. The developed concept model includes a roundabout, covered with a disk shaped elevated park and recreational area, pavilion and associated infrastructure.

Concept evaluations and dynamic design evaluation with BIM and 3D-model

In order to maintain efficient traffic flow in the directions where  congestion often occurs today, a tunnel under the roundabout has been included in the concept model. The park areas on ground level is connected to the existing networks of walkways and bicycle trails.  The upper park disk, above the roundabout, has access from four broad stairs, in addition to elevators integrated in the support columns next to the stairs. The upper level park disk area has a pavilion with a restaurant and a surrounding concert area.

The 3D-model which is developed for the project provides an efficient platform for design review, evaluations and adjustments.  The digital platform and 3D-model also makes it possible to test and compare a large set of possible design solutions throughout the concept review process.

The concept model is also integrated and aligned with geo-data from GIS-database with a digital model for the surrounding location. This model integration, with dynamic 3D-visualization, provides the possibility of “virtual walk-through inspections”. Within the digital model all levels and concept solutions may be reviewed  from different 3D-perspectives, and adjusted to fulfill all functional- and design requirements.

Sun conditions, ligthing and shadow has further been included in the model, and after running dynamic simulations, the positioning and shape of the buildings and infrastructure, has been adjusted and optimized.

Additional functional requirements and changes in the construction requirements may easily be adopted and integrated in the virtual model. Hence potential challenges and design issues may be reviewed and solved before finalized BIM engineering and construction.

KRAFT Engineering Design – Concept solution and 3D-modeling for floating offshore wind power

The project scope covers concept development, hydro dynamic simulations and 3D-model development for a robust platform structure for floating offshore wind power.

The construction solution is customized for heavy turbine load (12 MW), and rough sea state operation in the Noth Sea.

The concept model and structure engineering for the floating offshore turbine has been continuously developed during several years and continuously improved throughout this period. During the next project stage a service platform module will be added, together with systems for dynamic ballast control and automatic pendulum stabilization. The increased bouncy provided by the service platform will further also enable support for heavier high power turbines.

KRAFT Engineering has received several requests for BIM-manuals. In particular many entrepreneurs, engineers and architects have asked for a standardized BIM work methodology, with step by step procedures, concept presentations and Lean approach for holistic implementation of BIM and virtual 3D-models for construction management.

KRAFT Engineering has therefor now started the work with editing a new standard BIM-manual. In the new manual we target to summarize the most essential concepts, “best practice”  work approach, BIM-standards and recommended procedures for effective implementation of digital construction management with BIM and available VDC-technology.

More information regarding the ongoing work with the new “BIM-manual for Architects and Engineers – The step by step introduction to digital engineering”, is available here.

More information regarding ongoing and completed projects, is available for project members and sponsors in Virtual Workspace (password required for login).

Contact KRAFT Engineering BIM support: bim@kraftengineering.no