Tekla Model Competition brings out iconic structures built on BIM

In fact, great landmarks are being built in the Gulf region despite the downturn in economics. Adopting the latest technology helps organizations achieve profitability that will carry them through challenging projects even during harder times.

Three-dimensional structural modeling is becoming a norm for tendering to speed processes and reduce costs as it is mandated by many owners and developers. Increasingly, developers, architects and contractors rely on BIM software solutions to manage the construction workflow and to streamline the delivery process of design, detailing, manufacturing, and construction organizations. Nearly 50 exemplary structural models were submitted to the Tekla Middle East Model Competition from UAE, KSA, Egypt, Iran, Qatar and Nigeria.

The models competed in the categories of Industrial, Commercial, Petrochemical, Residential and Offshore projects. Awarded projects include landmarks like New Doha Airport, Dubai Mall, Zamil Headquarters, BMW Showroom, and Atlantis Hotel. The Tekla Steel Platinum Award was given to William Hare for the model of Aldar headquarters.

"Importing and sharing 3D models in the Tekla BIM software environment has enabled effective and seamless transfer and sharing of complex geometry between Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Fabricators and other trades at a speed previously unthinkable," said Andy Gleaves, Regional Director at William Hare. "In the UAE we have an office dedicated to detailed engineering of complex and challenging steel structures and for that we only use Tekla Structures software."

Other awarded companies are:

Eversendai - Steel Gold Award for Capital Gate Tower.
Gulf Steel Industries - Steel Silver Award for Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park.
Galadari Engineering - Special Award for Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
http://www.mammutsteel.ae/ - BIM Award for efficient use on many projects.
Lamprell - Offshore Award for a transport barge model.
Ranco & Zamil - Precast Platinum Award for Olaya Center.
E-Construct - Precast Gold Award for the Residential Avenue of Dubai World Center.

"Tekla has introduced lots of new technological items in every version of Tekla Structures which are very vital to the current growth of the construction industry. At Eversendai we are using these items to the maximum and testing their limits in complex and challenging projects," said K. Saravanan, General Manager at Eversendai. "We appreciate the effort of Tekla in bringing in the BIM technology that will enhance an integral perspective on the projects to come."

Tahir Sharif, Director of Tekla Middle East, said:

"We are very proud of our Middle East clients; they have shown us how they are fully utilizing Tekla Structures in the most complicated structures."

"Our clients today are seeing even greater benefits from the use of Tekla's BIM application areas, such as model-based estimation, design co-ordination, clash checking, less RFIs, less change management, automatic production of drawings and reports, automatic monthly statements and so on. As clients start to develop the use to for example 4D scheduling and simulation, RFID, linking models to surveying equipment, and site management, they will not only receive increased benefits but will be positioning themselves ahead of their competitors in on-time project delivery, at reduced budget costs, and at the same time providing a much better quality product," he added.