Hadley Steel Framing were tasked as a subcontractor to Wates Construction to provide the steel frame for the entirety of the 300 bedroom student accommodation for Teesside University, to be ready for the 2020/2021 academic year.
Using our panelised cold rolled framing system, we fabricated walls, beams, columns and stairs offsite to enable efficient and safe construction by minimizing installation time on site.
What made the project successful?
Using IFC models from the architect, foundation engineer and M&E provider, we were able to combine the models of every discipline in Tekla Structures to ensure there were no clashes. This greatly aided us in our off-site production as we were confident that there would have to be no need for alterations on site, allowing us to meet our tight build schedule. Early collaboration with the M&E provider was especially crucial, as the huge amount of potential clashes between our light gauge steel frame and the buildings services were avoided through model collaboration, months before the install of the structure was due to start on site.
What benefits did utilizing BIM and Tekla software bring to the project?
Using our custom macros and components in Tekla Structures, we were able to generate our model in a short amount of time, and allowed us to make changes quickly. We were also able to export CAM data and DSTV files to enable fast production for both hot rolled and cold rolled material.
Using Trimble Connect, the on-site installation team were able to augment the construction drawings by viewing the building in 3D to fully understand how each element fits together.
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The project in numbers
- The development provides 300 rooms over 8286 square meters.
- To manufacture 42,000 parts, only 884 part drawings were generated due to our emphasis on repetition and CAM automation.
- 2231 assemblies were created off site, including cold rolled panels and stair flights.
- Over 100,000 bolts were used, most of which were used off site
