The 2D to 3D Shift

Within a short span of time the industry has noticed various innovations in terms of technology, a major shift seen from 2D to 3D detailing of PEB buildings.

PEBs have hit the construction market in a major way and the key factors that act as the catalyst in the remarkable growth of the industry are quick construction, quality construction, aesthetics excellence, architectural versatility and low maintenance cost to develop Infrastructure. Nowadays, PEB are being preferred for diverse applications from a normal warehouse to complex multi-storey structures. Informing about how PEB is transforming the construction industry Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Managing Director, Richa Industries Ltd said, “Within a short span of time the industry has noticed various innovations in terms of technology, a major shift seen from 2D to 3D detailing of PEB buildings. Also nowadays 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) modelling is most emerging technology which is used by all major PEB companies. Once design is done BIM software like Tekla is used for modelling. All the problem areas associated with industry are well handled using these technologies. It is faster as compared with 2D detailing.”

Also, since the inception of PEB in India, the awareness of PEB has immensely heightened. The usage of PEB has grown manifolds and it is successfully being applied for various applications. From warehouse to shopping complex, sports clubs, schools or colleges, aircraft hangers, multi-level car parking, multi-level cold storage, rail over bridge, metro stations, and manufacturing units etc are some of the most prevalent applications where PEB technology is being used extensively. After entering into Industrial and commercial sectors PEB will be popular in residential sectors also in due course of time.
“Steel is extensively used in high rise buildings and the government is also promoting steel construction over RCC construction for infrastructure development,” he adds.

Emerging technology is 3D BIM
Discussing on the breakthrough technology Dr. Gupta says, “PEB industry in India is well equipped and using most modern technologies in the world and geared up to play much wider role. These days most emerging technology is 3D BIM (Building information modelling). For the modelling of complex buildings/structures, TEKLA is proved to be very helpful for PEB players.”

There are multiple benefits of 3D BIM model once it is ready. It is much easy to bring in changes. Complex shapes like in airport buildings are handled with much ease. Misalignment at projects sites are avoided as there is no gap between detailing, fabrication and erection. In recent years new developments in BIM software’s have opened gates for PEB industry to embrace these new technologies.

Introduced E-TAB software
Richa Industries always focus on new innovations and technologies and is extensively using BIM software since long. The company has recently introduced E-TAB software and is designing all multi-storey steel buildings by using this software. In addition, E-TAB helps to manage 3D base modelling and also analysing and visualising the multi-storey buildings, the unique feature of instinctive drawing command allows the rapid and accurate generation of elevation framing drawings also.

“Our design expertise can be seen in Lucknow Metro Depot also, where roof is curved puff panel designed and installed accurately. This project was honoured by Tekla BIM award,” briefs Dr. Gupta.

Making a ‘smart’ construction landscape
Dr. Gupta believes that the construction industry has already seen lots of transformations. If we talk about PEB, it was earlier restricted to industrial and warehousing sector and then picked up commercial sectors and now gradually entering into residential sector also, This a phase where concept of going vertical rather than horizontal are widely accepted in India.

He points out, “Safety is the major concern for all type of buildings and especially for high rise buildings, such latest design software like E- TAB and BIM help to achieve smart infrastructure with all standard applicable design code and tools to ensure safety and sustainability of high rise steel buildings.”

These technologies will play very vital role in developing concept of smart cities also and PEB or steel structure will also be the major role player and efficient contributor for developing and achieving the dream of smart cities.

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