The shift to interactive virtual 3D models for structural steel shop drawings is a groundbreaking trend in the industry. Providing these models, which can be accessed by anyone with a desktop computer or smartphone, greatly enhances how teams interact with the design. The ability to rotate, spin, zoom, and toggle individual elements like beams or columns on and off allows users to gain a much more intuitive understanding of how all the components fit together.
This approach offers several distinct advantages:
- Better Visualization: 3D models make it much easier for stakeholders—whether they’re architects, engineers, contractors, or even clients—to visualize how the design will come to life. It’s far more effective than traditional 2D drawings, especially when it comes to understanding complex spatial relationships and geometry.
- Increased Collaboration: Since these 3D models can be accessed by anyone involved in the project, it fosters improved collaboration. Teams can work more efficiently, identify potential issues sooner, and discuss solutions in real-time. It’s like having the ability to walk through the project before it’s even built.
- On-Demand Access: With the ability to operate the 3D model from smartphones or desktops, team members no longer need to be on-site or rely on physical drawings. This flexibility is especially helpful when teams are spread across different locations or if there are urgent questions that need to be addressed quickly.
- Clash Detection and Coordination: Interactive models allow teams to quickly identify any clashes or conflicts between structural elements, mechanical systems, and other building components. By interacting with the model, they can easily isolate problematic areas and resolve issues before construction begins, preventing costly rework.
- Streamlined Approval Process: When everyone is able to interact with the same 3D model, it can speed up the approval process. Stakeholders can review the model from different angles and perspectives, providing valuable feedback that can be incorporated before moving to the next stage.
How it works
The process of creating and utilizing interactive 3D models from traditional 2D drawings has become much more accessible thanks to advancements in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. Here’s how this latest technology typically works:
- Integration with CAD Software: Leading CAD software now offers the option to generate virtual 3D models directly from the 2D structural steel drawings. These models reflect the design exactly as it appears in the 2D plans, ensuring accuracy and consistency. The 3D model essentially serves as a digital twin of the real-world structure.
- Generation of 3D Model: Once the 2D design is complete, the CAD software can automatically generate a 3D model based on the inputted dimensions and specifications. This 3D model is essentially an enhanced version of the original drawing, providing a much richer and more interactive view of the project.
- Exporting to PDF or IFC Files:
- The 3D model can be exported as a PDF file, which is highly accessible. These 3D PDFs can be opened using free software like Adobe Acrobat Reader or Bluebeam Revu, which most stakeholders are likely to have already installed on their computers or devices. This makes sharing and collaborating on the model much easier without the need for expensive or specialized software.
- Alternatively, the model can be exported as an IFC file (Industry Foundation Classes), which is compatible with programs like Revit. This allows for even deeper integration with other BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools and workflows, facilitating coordination between different trades, including architecture, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems, and structural elements.
- Interactivity: Once the model is shared as a 3D PDF or IFC file, users can interact with it by rotating, zooming, and toggling different components (like beams, columns, and connections). This level of interactivity allows stakeholders to explore the model from all angles and understand how individual parts fit together in a 3D space, much more effectively than static 2D drawings.
- Collaboration and Coordination: With easy-to-use tools like 3D PDFs, multiple team members (including contractors, engineers, architects, and fabricators) can access the same model at any time, providing valuable feedback and identifying potential clashes or issues before they arise on site. This can lead to improved coordination and faster decision-making.
- Reduced Miscommunication: By allowing everyone to interact with the 3D model, there’s less room for misinterpretation of the design. Whether it’s a structural component or an issue with placement, it becomes much easier to spot problems early and collaborate on viable solutions.
Video 1 above shows the 3D model opened with a free Adobe software. The model rotates by moving mouse in the desired direction while holding the left mouse button. The layers like steel beams or columns can be turned on or off in the left toolkit.
Video 2 below shows 3D model from the same project but this time for concreter and rebar placement for footings and slab. IDRAWPRO provides shop drawings for all construction trades with available 3D model.
We can see the same operation including rotating, zooming, hiding different elements like steel beams, masonry walls etc.
Video 3 above shows another 3D model from different project. This 3D model is generated from the floor joists shop drawings. We can see the same operations including rotating, zooming, hiding different elements like steel beams, masonry walls etc.
It is important to mention that the 3D model reflects the 2D shop drawings exactly, with all dimensions, sizes, scale and material types. Thus, providing a very useful tool for clash detection and resolution.
Making the construction more efficient.
This workflow simplifies the transition from 2D to 3D design and makes the construction process more transparent, efficient, and collaborative. Plus, using widely accessible software like Adobe Acrobat Reader and Bluebeam Revu makes this technology cost-effective for all team members to use without requiring specialized tools.
As the industry continues to embrace digital tools, this 3D model integration is likely to become standard practice, driving even more innovation and smoother workflows.
Read also: Structural steel detailing done right trims time and cost of construction.
IDRAWPRO provides the following structural shop drawings with the included interactive 3D model; Structural Steel, Rebars, Joists, Ornamental Steel, Railings, Stairs, Fences
Visit our website IDRAWPRO.COM for more information and to order our services.
