Watkins Steel were contracted by JMac Constructions to supply and install structural steelwork for a grand architectural Arbour and Disc Structure for The Parklands, Gold Coast. The arbour sits at the heart of The Parklands acting as an impressive landscape feature, surrounded by multi-level apartments and recreational gardens.
With no two parts similar and few straight members our in-house drafting team had the complex task of turning the design drawings into something that could be manufactured and erected as well as communicated easily to the team of the shop floor.
Using our 3D Laser Scanning Technology we scanned the as-built site for 100% accurate measurement and clash detection. After overlaying the 3D Design Model into the 3D Point Cloud Model registered from the scan, we discovered that the adjacent building scaffold encroached on the site and clashed with the arbour. As we caught this before installation we were able to re-adjust the construction program, containing overall project costs and instilling confidence in our client.
FABRICATION
Using Tekla Structures Software for detailing we were able to efficiently turn the design drawings into something that could be manufactured and erected, as well as, communicated easily to the team in the workshop.
Tekla can interface with our Voortman CNC Machinery, which allows a seamless integrated process from the detailer’s console straight to the workshop cutting equipment. The workshop crew cut out the handling of the large and awkward shapes by running them through on an ‘infinite production line’. This minimised unproductive time whilst reducing the hazard of crane lifts and objects moving overhead. This method also meant the pieces were being trial fit as they were assembled then taken straight to the back of the truck to the painter’s yard.
The use of our 3D Laser Scanner proved to be an invaluable Quality Assurance (QA) tool. It allowed the crew to scan each piece after it was assembled so the detailer could overlay a virtual scale model of the assembled piece into the Tekla Model. This meant if any errors appeared, they were still well within control to repair or adjust with minimal hassle.
The rolling of the large pipe sections was undertaken by Melbourne company, Inductabend. Watkins Steel carried out QA by scanning the sections immediately after rolling. Once scanned, the 3D Point cloud was overlayed into our Tekla model and the model was adjusted to suit the members, rather than, adjusting the steel members to perfectly suit the existing design model.
INSTALLATION
Installation of the arbour was staged to coincide with the removal of the adjacent building scaffold. Set-out for installation was carried out in tandem with the 3D Laser Scanner and Robotic Total Station. Using the scanner, we were able to scan the HD Bolts after installation, then overlay it into the Tekla model. This allowed us to alter the length of the columns, orientation of the base plate, and the holes within the base plate where necessary.
The robotic total station was then paired with the scanner to provide a measure, a check and a subsequent layout for final installation. This ensured the arbour went together the first time.
