Spectacular state-of- the-art building for Durham University
Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics is a spectacular new state-of- the-art building for Durham University, designed by the renowned international architect, Daniel Libeskind, of Studio Daniel Libeskind (SDL). The architect behind New York’s World Trade Center redevelopment and who produced the master plan for Ground Zero, New York.
SCH Site Services Ltd, working for Interserve Construction Ltd, successfully completed this project comprising 50 tonnes of complex steelwork, 360No. assemblies, split into nine individual loads. This project was certainly a challenge in all aspects of detailing, fabrication, erection and management.
Steelwork was detailed at various slopes ranging from 5 to17 degree variants to achieve the spectacular shape of the proposed building design. The typical design of the project consisted of UC152*152*30 column stubs at various lengths and projections, complete with a SHS150*150*5.0 member running along the top to provide adequate support and fixing surfaces for other parties such as SFS and glazing members. Each post was fixed through the existing concrete slab via 4No. fixings totaling in over 700No. holes, which needed to be pre-drilled by diamond drillers prior to installation of any steelwork.
Tekla Structures helped to overcome significant design challenges
A primary IFC, modelled by the project’s structural engineers, was a valuable starting point with a Revit export IFC model; however, it was then imported into Tekla – SCH Site Services Ltd’s chosen software for BIM and structural steel fabrication management. The use of Tekla Structures allowed detailers to overcome confidently, the significant challenges created by the building's complex geometry and innovative design.
Further challenges were also presented due to working within the confines of an extremely restricted site, limited crane positions and strict setting out tolerances.
Tekla BIMsight/ IFC/ 3D PDFs improves cross-discipline working
Interfaces between steel, cladding and curtain walling were complex and critically important to get right. This was accomplished successfully by sharing our Tekla Structures model via Tekla BIMsight, IFC models or 3D PDFs to all parties concerned, facilitating working together in an honest, collaborative and constructive way.
