As a family run engineering consultancy, Andun recently started reflecting on the different experiences of the new engineers in our training programmes compared to the different generations currently working within the business.
Since Andun was founded 26 years ago, there have been changes in almost every aspect of the civil engineering industry. Technology has fuelled rapid changes in the way temporary works design projects are created, tested, modelled and communicated.
It has been our ability as a company to stay ahead of these changes that have built our reputation for delivering high quality, efficient and innovative temporary works designs.
Temporary Works Design Changes
Andun has always utilised CAD software platforms, however over the years these have become more powerful and flexible. Drawings can be generated, sent for review and modified from the engineer’s workstation.
Currently Andun utilise a range of software solutions to produce temporary works designs, this includes Revit, Autocad, Solidworks, 3Ds max, Navisoarks and Microstation. It is now common place for us to model temporary works in 3d in spatially correct positions in a format that can be shared directly with clients. This technology was simply not available when our company was founded.
This includes BIM for the phasing of temporary works and demolition projects as well as 3D modelling/printing. Which is used to demonstrate designs and model their efficacy within the required parameters.
Andun have a 3D printer that can be used to generate scale models of designs or even entire structures as part of the design and analysis process. This has been successfully used to convince stakeholders in live projects of the efficacy of innovative lifting gear solutions.
Communication
Email, smartphones and the cloud now make people, designs and knowledge available at a click of a button. This is a far cry from the early days where drawings had to be plotted, folded, and posted to clients. This allows a far more rapid turnaround of design packages. This is particularly important with temporary works design schemes where last minute changes/adaption is common place.
Plant
Construction equipment and plant has evolved and Andun has adapted its designs to move with the drive for larger more efficient plant.
20 years ago 500-tonne cranes were fairly rare in UK construction, whereas they are now fairly commonplace. Similarly long reach excavators have grown dramatically over the past 20 years, putting all but the tallest structure within their reach. This brings with it additional complications from a temporary works design perspective as we now have to design for machines weighing 200 tonnes plus.
We are always learning and investing in the next temporary works design changes that will allow us to stay ahead.
