OFFSITE EDUCATION Prior to installation the maximum cantilever was structurally tested for deflection under service load conditions with a feedback loop for the purposes of validating the analytical models. Integral to this application of research into practice was the involvement of student talent via Edinburgh Napier’s award winning programme for industry engagement, the Built Environment Exchange. With academic supervisory support, industry engagement and access to the latest in software technologies students were able to provide additional value to the delivery process as well as accelerate their careers by ascertaining new knowledge and practical skills. The artwork on the walls of the Trimble Technology lab at Edinburgh Napier University depicts these two projects and therefore represents what is achievable via the triangulation of digital technologies, academic research and industry driven innovation. The partnership is building upon this success and moving on to the next level via access to Trimble’s broad portfolio of building construction solutions support and ready access to Trimble’s industryleading solutions such as the Trimble® XR10 HoloLens with hardhat, Trimble mechanical total stations, a Trimble unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and a handheld scanner. Advanced software solutions include RealWorks® scanning software, Trimble Business Center, Tekla® Structures, Tekla Structural Designer, Tekla Tedds, Trimble Connect and the company’s popular 3D modelling software, SketchUp Pro. The timing of this phase of the partnership converges with industry 4.0 and the necessity to accelerate digitisation of the built environment and the whole life cycle of built assets. This goes beyond Building Information Modelling (BIM) moving towards an ecosystem of digital twins where the digital model is connected to the physical asset allowing on-going information enrichment. This has the potential to unlock the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and correspondingly machine learning, where systems learn from data rather than through explicit programming. Future adoption of such an approach will start to take hold in the construction and off-site timber sectors.
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3 Optimal performance utilising standardised systems and processes in order to meet client and context specific requirements necessitates a digitally enriched product family architecture that can be mass customised. The capabilities of the manufacturing process, ability of the supply chain to respond and requirements of the logistical processes require to be considered at the design stage. Automating the formation of these building components as part of a production flow process will further require enhanced utilisation of information and communication technology. ENU is exceptionally well-positioned to pioneer research, teaching and learning in this respect partnering with Trimble and industry with Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) support including access to the Innovation Factory whereby advanced manufacturing techniques can be trialled and tested prior to full production. This presents the opportunity to undertake data-driven manufacturing for product assessment with implementation into pilot project
applications including a feedback to the digital model for optimisation. Capturing this information and presenting it in an interactive and virtual environment has the capability to create an immersive learning experience with meaningful insight to the solutions being derived. The establishment of a Trimble Technology Lab at Edinburgh Napier University creates a focal point with access to the necessary tools and support to enable the digital transformation of the built environment by means of leveraging stakeholder engagement whilst mobilising the next generation of student talent. For more information visit: www.napier.ac.uk Images: 01-02. The Trimble Technology lab at ENU represents a triangulation of digital technologies, academic research and industry driven innovation. 03. The Carbon Dynamic factory-fabricated cross laminated timber (CLT) volumetric modules had technical connection challenges resolved utilising specialist software.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 | WWW.OFFSITEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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