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The use of wood as a structural material adds various benefits to roof design and is on the rise.
The key benefit for clients is a far more
intuitive understanding of their projects
than is possible by looking at a traditional
2D drawing. “Until now, we have used a 3D
model displayed on a computer screen to
boost our clients’ understanding of a
project. VR takes this a natural step further,
as it places you literally within the ‘as built’
project,” Howie explains.
AECOM now offers 3D models as standard
across all of its projects, even though this is
not, as yet, a contractual obligation in the
local construction industry. “While the
digital revolution is being driven largely by
the engineering, design and consulting
fraternity, with contractors perceived as
‘old school’ and being dragged along in
their wake, AECOM is working closely with a
number of contracting companies that have
expressed interest in latest innovations.
22
JAN - FEB 2019
CLADDING // CONCRETE // INSULATION // STEEL // THATCH // TIMBER // TRANSLUCENT // WATERPROOFING // COMPONENTS
“The successful uptake of such cutting-edge
technology by AECOM locally has even
resulted in the South African team making a
substantial contribution to the BIM
modelling for large international projects.
Not only do we have world-class engineers
in South Africa, but our level of BIM
knowledge and expertise is equally
exceptional at the top level, to the point
where we are receiving major international
recognition,” says Howie.
However, the uptick of adopting new
technologies and methodologies is
somewhat slow locally. “The roofing and
construction industry have come from a
very conservative background,” says JD
Botha of Biligom International – the
innovative business behind the patented
process of using moist eucalyptus to
produce structural timber.
Botha says it was very difficult for Biligom
to include a new structural timber
technology into the market. After a lot of
sweat and educating architects, engineers,
quantity surveyors and governmental
institutions, it must be said that we are now
picking the fruits, he notes.
Timber takes centre stage
Regarded by the timber industry as a sound
and well performing resource in
construction, the use of wood as a
structural material adds various benefits to
roof design and it is on the increase. Its
availability, sustainable traits and workable
nature turns timber into an efficient and
attractive raw material of choice.
Unlike steel and concrete, timber is a
renewable resource in abundance in South
Africa. He highlights that far more timber
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