BIM

Melia Smith & Jones have always embraced the latest computer aids and technologies to allow us to do what we do more effectively. We have a long history of modelling structural arrangements in 3-D, initially because of our involvement with water slide structures. This has led us into projects involving complex 3-D geometry such as:

• Setting out drawings for steel fabrication on the Singapore LRT system, which had guide beams needing to be bent in all three planes to suit super-elevation requirements; and

• Complex staircases with limited support to satisfy architectural demands such as those at Heathrow Terminal 5 and St Pancras.

We have therefore invested in BIM through the use of Revit, Civils 3D, Navisworks and 3-D AutoCAD giving the following benefits:

• Working models to produce project drawings

• Improved co-ordination

• Integration of models within design team

• Outline quantities available from model

• Visualisations of complex issues

We have developed our procedures for BIM level 2 adopting the standards and methods set out in BS EN ISO 19650.