From lonely BIM to design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA): A learning curve for one SME

Mann Williams is a 30 strong practice of Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers based in Bath and Cardiff. It has a diverse workload ranging from new build university projects to the conservation of historic buildings. In late 2011, although in the depths of recession and competing against some suicidal fee bids engineers looked strategically at BIM. The initial model was developed in a four week period, with weekly contractor team review meetings to check progress and review details. This modeling process was relatively straight forward with a frozen, clear scheme design and a simple concrete structure. With the model populated with builders' work holes and drainage pop-ups, we completed the construction drawings from the model and traditional reinforcement detailing using AutoCAD. With the BIM model complete for Bath Spa University, the same team took on this project with an additional senior engineer for design and anal.