DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION AWARD TO “CONTINENTAL” FACTORY
Production complex of the German industrial giant “Continental” rising in Kaunas has been awarded for the use of advanced building information modelling (BIM) technologies in design and construction. It came to light on the 26th April when the results of the competition “Lithuanian BIM projects” were announced during construction exhibition “RESTA”. Sixteen strongest projects were selected for the competition including the “Continental” automotive electronics component factory that became the leader in the category of production buildings.
UAB “Baltic Engineers” is taking care of the design preparation and construction management of the plant – the company which was one of the first in Lithuania to started to use BIM tools in the whole process of project implementation. According to the manager of the company Darius Kvedaras, this project successfully integrated BIM capabilities from the concept to the construction site. “We make sure that Engineers, Contractors and Supervisors no longer have to carry stacks of paper on the construction site. Spatial model of building and design documentation are available on mobile devices by pointing the touchpad at the point of interest in the building, which allows to see the elements that have to be installed”, – says D. Kvedaras.
In addition to AR (Augmented Reality) technology, UAB “Baltic Engineers” has also implemented “digital twin” in conducting integrated services of EPCM (Engineering Procurement Construction Management) in “Continental” project. It is a virtual model that represents the real state of the structure at a particular stage of work. Construction is constantly scanned with 3D scanner and the accumulated cloud of points is transformed into three-dimensional model, which allows to walk around on computer screen as well as to take measurements or leave comments. Special scanning not only facilitates the quality control of construction works is easier, but also further maintenance of building – it allows the operator to check at any time where and how the hidden engineering systems were installed.
“We have worked with different industrialists in as many as four FEZ zones, where more and more modern production buildings are being constructed recently. “Continental” project stands out among them both in terms of investment size and extremely high quality requirements. Advanced design and construction methods implemented here are likely to set a good example not only for industry, but for the entire construction sector in Lithuania”, – says the head of UAB “Baltic Engineers”.
It is expected to be not the last evaluation of this project. “Continental” aims to become the first factory in Lithuania to receive high “gold” sustainability certificate of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for design and construction work. The complex will also have to meet the highest reliability standards pursuant to “FM Global” requirements. Equipment automated under “Pramone 4.0” requirements can be also used in modern, high-tech factory and highly accurate microclimate will be maintained in production areas with the help of complex systems of ventilation units and large air volumes.
The competition “Lietuvos BIM projektai” arranged by public institution “Skaitmenine statyba” for the fourth consecutive year is aimed at evaluating the construction market leaders that apply modern building information modeling technologies. According to organizers, the projects submitted for the competition were evaluated given the use of BIM for design solutions, granting sustainability and “green” construction, as well as the use of information of innovative projects and application of standards and methodologies in projects. The winners of competition were announced in eight categories, the list of all nominees are available at: https://skaitmeninestatyba2019.lt/event/pristatymai/
