Nowadays, 3D design and construction tools support building expertise throughout the project life cycle for any building geometry which might be an impossible mission in the past. With the invention of the new 3D technology, Architects, Façade engineers and Façade contractors are well equipped with advanced design and construction software and technique to deal with the challenges of any building geometry, structural design, complicated detailing, fabrication, assembly, and installation.
To tackle complex building forms, Non-linear Integrated Design & Analysis (NIDA) facilitates both the design and construction process. It provides a direct analysis method for a system-based structural design instead of member-based design and considers both Frame & Member imperfections. As NIDA is also a computerized tool to provide an optimized design with consideration of construction details and sequences, the overall fabrication and site installation works can be simplified while the quality control is well managed.
In reviewing the shortcomings of the traditional welding method, it is difficult to maintain the three-dimensional glass façade structure without sacrificing the distortion from thermal expansion and craftsmanship of the exposed finishes. With the invention of the advanced technology “CNC cutting” which shapes all 3D joints, both the fabrication process and site installation are streamlined with predictable quality. By adopting this CNC technique, the overall 3D structure with tailored designed connections is further subdivided into modules for simple “bolt and nut” site installation. Construction speed, precision, and safety can be controlled simultaneously while the craftmanship can be approved by a very cost-effective technique.
