Currently, after designers create the concept design (including testing related to the engineering), things get handed over to the contractors to de-risk the program, make changes, and make the design work for them.
Bryden Wood’s efforts to develop P-DfMA processes and strategies utilising platform construction and manufacturing approaches have helped to facilitate an understanding of the ways we might achieve our desired goals.. P-DfMA and The Ministry of Justice.Bryden Wood’s previous work with the first iterations of platform construction for the Ministry of Justice formed an early step on the P-DfMA path.
Trudi Sully was involved with the effort to bring manufacturing into that process as part of her work with the MTC.She notes that the MOJ programme was a great kickstarter and remains a valuable reference point..When comparing construction’s journey to the evolution of other sectors, such as aerospace and automotive, we find clear examples of the progression that’s possible when shifting from a bespoke and artisan product, to a focus on standardised processes, mass production and mass customisation.
Although the construction industry often objects to such comparisons on the basis of being different, the fact is there are tremendous similarities.In reality, we have much to learn from the other sectors who have progressed successfully down this path ahead of us.. Sully recalls that work on the MOJ project included a certain amount of culture shock, and says there was a chasm that needed bridging in order to bring together the fantastic capabilities of both the manufacturing and construction industries.
Now that this new model of working is finally becoming a reality, we need to push forward, focusing our efforts on proving the benefits, propagating the methodology, and enabling it to spread across the sector.
In order to fully drive the change we’re seeking, we need to start delivering real projects.Recently, Bryden Wood has collaborated with Tata Steel and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) on the FASTtruss project for automated design and fabrication of steel truss assemblies, for medium-to-large-span buildings.
A truss is an assembly, typically made from timber or steel, which forms part of the structural frame of a building.The aim of this project was to produce an automated design tool for a structural building system comprised of a small number of truss assemblies, that could then be mass produced in an automated factory..
The truss system design is an automated, digital workflow which takes client requirements including geometrical constraints and preferred materials, and uses iterative parametric 3D modelling to develop individual truss designs.Structural optimisation and validation are included as part of this process to ensure that the truss meets the required specification.