Use of a single computer model for architectural, geotechnical,
civil, structural, mechanical and electrical and rail systems
design, construct-ion planning and fabrication delivered a 10% cost
saving.
The single model, eliminated the traditional duplication of effort
by different design disciplines. It removed design inconsistencies.
It enabled structural and services clashes to be detected. And it
improved buildability by giving constructors a 3D model to work
from, while fabricators were able to download design data
directly to computer-controlled manufacturing equipment.
The terminal basement structure, composed of steel composite beams
and columns, allows flexibility, enabling BAA to reconfigure and
alter use of the building in future. Structural components,
including steel reinforcement cages and slab mats, are of
standardised dimensions, which enabled extensive use to be made of
off-site prefabrication, improving quality and speed of
construction.
