We have all been talking the prefabrication language for some time and in the areas of mechanical services, the simplicity of modularising risers and embedding services components is now dubbed the construction norm. That said, we often ignore the more obvious opportunities for construction prefabrication which, in most cases, are glaring at us.
Across the country, all Hansen Yuncken major projects are utilising some form of prefab and modularisation. It’s been trialled and tested on multiple projects of varying degrees and the benefits from a safety, program and value perceptive are invaluable. But, it was a light bulb moment sparked in a value engineering exercise at the commencement of the Flinders Medical Centre Project that led to our most recent venture and a chance to push the boundaries, not only internally, but across the local supply chain.
Commencing the $183m Flinders Medical Centre Project in 2015, we were not content with doing things the old way.
Although not originally prescribed by our client, we identified an opportunity to add greater value to the project, and in doing so, invested heavily in the development of BIM. Adding a sophisticated level of digital technology through comprehensive modelling and virtual build journeys, we were able to solve design issues and communicate methodologies far more efficiently. Coupled with that, the prefabrication journey was born.
As with most larger developments where old meets new, there is a need to get from A to B. On Flinders Medical Centre, bridge links are required to provide connectivity between the existing facility and the new Rehabilitation and Mental Health buildings. Via raised bridge walkways, they provide a patient and staff passage over the existing gully and waterway and into the new facilities.
Through the power of creative and collaborative minds, an alternative volumetric prefabricated construction methodology was brought to the table. It was cheaper, faster and much more environmentally sensitive as a construction solution. Soon after, a design solution was created with Architect Cheesman and Structural Engineer Aurecon.
A first for all involved, the design evolved to a series of steel framed and factory fabricated modular bridge segments, manufactured within the Tonsley Innovation Precinct by Modular Construction Contractor Specialised Solutions, transported to site as escorted wide loads and located into position via the onsite tower crane.
The process has opened the project team’s eyes up to alternative methodologies and the advantages that BIM technology can provide as a planning tool. The bridge links were 3D printed and used to develop cranage and lifting strategies, ensuring best practise engagement between the design and construction teams.
By taking the initiative to use BIM at FMC, the team had the confidence in the model to be able to identify and solve problems faster, making life easier for our project team, including our subcontractors, consultants and ultimately the client.
Read more about the Flinders Medical Centre Project