Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Design.
The benefits of FRAMECAD
Cold Formed Steel Construction
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“
Good buildings come from good
people, and all problems are solved
by good design.
Stephen Gardiner,
Architect, Teacher, Writer.
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Introduction.
As a professional in the building industry, and engineering is enabled. This reduces
you know that construction is a balancing the reliance on highly skilled, expensive
act, particularly when it comes to engineering resource, speeds up the
translating architectural intent into safe, specification and compliance process and
compliant, constructible buildings, and optimises the building design.
when time and mistakes cost money.
The results? More accurate, lower cost,
With the increasing global demand for faster-to construct, quality buildings. And
high quality, quick-to-construct buildings, the opportunity to create highly scalable
traditional methods of construction construction businesses that generate far
are becoming obsolete as new, faster, faster ROI than traditional methods.
technology-enabled building processes tick
all the boxes. In this guide we explore the concept of
design-led construction, and specifically,
So it stands to reason that modern methods how the CFS construction process varies
of construction, such as Cold Formed Steel compared to traditional methods. As
(CFS) construction, are proving to meet FRAMECAD is leading the way with
the needs of the industry. Why? Because innovative software in CFS design and
software enabled, design-led methods construction, we explain the specific
shift the skill of construction up-stream, benefits of the FRAMECAD design and
producing more accurate designs that need engineering process, and the advantages
less skilled labour at the construction end of using FRAMECAD software over other
of the process. industry alternatives.
Cold Formed Steel or CFS is also known as Light Gauge Steel or LGS.
CFS buildings are designed using specialist computer aided design and
engineering software and manufactured by rolling or pressing steel into semifinished
or finished goods at an ambient temperature.
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CHAPTER 1
What is design-led
construction?
CHAPTER 2
Benefits of FRAMECAD’s
CFS design-led
construction process.
CHAPTER 3
About FRAMECAD’s
CFS Software.
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CHAPTER 1
construction?
building components with a high degree of
accuracy. This approach reduces the input
required from engineers and the need for
skilled construction labour, which in turn,
significantly reduces on-site errors and
material wastage.
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How does design-led construction
differ from traditional methods?
With traditional construction methods, much of the decision-making
happens on site, relying on the skill of the builder on the job. Using a
design-led construction process, the skill moves upstream; decision-
making responsibilities are transferred to the designers, and are no
longer the domain of on-site labourers.
Therefore, the size and skill of the on-site construction labour force
needed for design-led methods is much less than with traditional
building methods.
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A comparison between traditional construction Traditional methods Design-led methods such as CFS
methods and CFS design-led construction.
Architectural packages e.g. CAD design Designs can either be created in CAD and imported
the building as a concept with no practical or drafted in the engineering software itself. [Time
and integrated engineered data on how to and cost decrease]
put the building together to make it safe,
Design compliant and liveable.
Phase
Project owner then works with an engineer, Design software with advanced engineering
who translates the architectural drawings capabilities like FRAMECAD Structure software
into an engineered plan and a buildable can be used to perform automated engineering
detailed design, which can then be calculations and reports on building components.
submitted for building authority approval. Code compliance calculations occur in real-time,
Specification [Time and cost increase] allowing for immediate design correction without
Phase the need for engineer input.
If issues identified, then project owner must Engineered plans unlikely to be rejected. If
rework designs and engineered plans and changes are requested, they can quickly be made
resubmit. [Time and cost increase] in real time without costly delays. [Time and cost
decrease].
Engineer
sign off
The engineered design is then reviewed by Engineered design unlikely to be rejected by local
the local authority, who provides approval authority. [Time and cost decrease]
that the design meets the building code
requirements and that all the calculations are
Local adequate for constructing with the selected
COST
Depending on the method, other third party The software produces a detailed set of workshop
software may generate a material take off and assembly drawings that allow for easy
sheet but not workshop drawings, making fabrication and erection which cuts down on errors
the fabrication and erection more complex and rework. [Time and cost decrease]
Workshop and longer. [Time and cost increase]
drawings
Most traditional applications do not generate The software generates a complete BOM
a complete BOM. This is done independently report plus a detailed design file that orders the
Bill of using separate software. [Time and cost production of the components so that the build
materials increase] can be completed in the most efficient manner
(BOM) possible. [Time and cost decrease]
Traditional methods such as timber, concrete Depending on the construction method, design
and brick construction have limited or no off- software will integrate with manufacturing, to
site manufacturing component, leaving the produce building components (e.g. frames and
production and assembly of components to trusses) to the BOM, optimising the material use
the skilled on-site labour force. with virtually zero waste.
Manufacture
Traditional methods require skilled on-site Depending on the method and building
labour (e.g. carpenters, concrete layers, brick components involved, pre-assembled components
layers), heavy lifting equipment, storage and can be transported to site (in some cases, on-site
expensive tools. [Time and cost increase] manufacturing can occur) and erection can occur
TIME
Assemble quickly and accurately using local, less-skilled
labour and basic tools. [Time and cost decrease]
Traditional Method Design Lead Interactions
Benefits of
CFS construction is a relatively new
construction method when compared to
traditional methods such as timber frame,
CFS design-led
drawn up for these traditional construction
processes, but today, CFS design has evolved
dramatically with the use of bespoke, cutting-
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DESIGN:
Flexibility and speed
In any construction project, the architect process, this process is sped up through
and project owner will engage in a the use of real time Computer-Aided
consultation process to get architectural Engineering design. Software with
drawings to a point where they can be advanced engineering capabilities
submitted to the building authority. They (FRAMECAD Structure software) performs
work with an engineer, who translates the automated engineering calculations as
architectural drawings into an engineered designs are created.
plan and a buildable detailed design,
which can then be submitted for building
authority engineering approval.
With FRAMECAD’s design-led construction
of construction such as CFS? design time and saving on costly engineering fees.
Find out by downloading our guide: How the need for the
rapid construction of quality buildings is defining the future of
FRAMECAD CFS software packages software. As the name suggests, FRAMECAD
construction: The case for building with Cold Formed Steel.
integrate with the preferred architectural is CAD-based, so the design-files created in
software already being used by design other CAD-based programmes are imported
teams. Alternatively, all frame and truss easily. Even if the software used by the
design can occur within the FRAMECAD architect isn’t CAD-based and isn’t initially
Download now Structure software itself. compatible with FRAMECAD Structure, the
FRAMECAD team will take steps to create
Revit, Chief Architect, AutoCAD – all of compatibility.
the big names in architectural software
are compatible with FRAMECAD
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ENGINEERING:
Real-time calculations reduce
costly engineer hours
Taking a design from the architectural design stage through pre-engineering and
the drafting stage to the engineering stage is where the special capabilities of
FRAMECAD’s CFS software become evident. This part of the process is often the
most time-consuming and expensive, thanks to frequent delays and revisions, but
FRAMECAD software significantly reduces delays and revisions. using qualified engineering resource. get a pass under the criteria in question.
Fast and easy to use, FRAMECAD The engineer’s expert eye is only required
When using FRAMECAD Structure, it’s easy to reconfigure designs Structure analyses loads, deflections and at a point where the user is already
if things change during the approval process. This keeps the cost of other forces, making it an easy process confident that the plans are up to the
to check for compliant engineering. necessary standard.
making changes low and ensures that projects comply with code –
FRAMECAD Structure will flag certain
without holding up the project timeline. elements of the design that do not fall
within the designated settings, and
prompts the user to change the design to
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MANUFACTURING:
Integrated software speeds Additionally, the flexibility provided by the FRAMECAD system
is particularly useful for builds of different sizes. For projects
up the process on a small site, frames and trusses can be produced off-site and
brought in. For those looking to decrease the cost of transport
Getting the manufacturing stage right During the CFS process, CFS machinery (both financial and environmental) or ensure the quickest possible
can be challenging in a traditional build and software work together to ensure build, frames and trusses can be produced directly on-site by local,
– BOMs may not be entirely accurate, that only what is needed is manufactured
unskilled labour and used for construction immediately.
wastage is common, and, depending – the design files ‘talk’ to the machinery
on materials, production can be slow. and tell it what is needed. This truly
With FRAMECAD’s CFS process, the efficient process is achieved though
manufacturing stage is fully integrated integrated software and hardware.
with the design and engineering
process, eliminating errors and speeding
up production.
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PRODUCTION:
Real-time data allows you to
make real-time business decisions
It features a variety of useful tools you to order what you need, before you
including an overview of production need it. MyFRAMECAD helps prevent
efficiency, active software licences delays and provides an easy channel
and renewal dates, customer support to get the support you need to fix any
capabilities, production calendars with unavoidable issues as they emerge.
reporting on production performance,
interactive design tools and more. With real-time data and comprehensive
Integrated with the entire FRAMECAD tools at your disposal, everyone from
system, it provides you with real- project owner to builder is able to make
time data at any point throughout the fully informed decisions in real time.
manufacturing process.
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CONSTRUCTION:
Simple construction reduces the
need for skilled labour, simplifies
logistics and virtually eliminates Improved logistics and lower costs
material wastage
When it comes to construction, size CFS frames and other materials can be
When it comes to construction, design-led CFS construction has several benefits over matters. With traditional methods, assembled either on or off-site, allowing
traditional construction methods. the more material you need, the more more accurate planning for ‘just in time’
storage space you typically require. And production. Even if there’s not space on-
you need to factor in complex logistics site for production, the speed at which
to get all the components to site at the frames can be produced ensures that large
right time. All of this has a direct effect storage spaces aren’t needed for a long
on the budget and impacts your bottom time, meaning efficiency of space and
line. With CFS construction, storage reduced warehousing costs.
Reduced skilled labour costs requirements are virtually eliminated and
logistics can be significantly reduced. And because CFS frames are light,
On a traditional building site, the required for a design-led CFS build is requirements for on-site cranes are
builder is the key decision maker and reduced from that of a traditional timber minimised or eliminated.
success relies largely on his/her skill. or block build. CFS is intrinsically light,
With a design-led construction process, without compromising on strength. A
decision-making is no longer the main frame built from traditional materials
responsibility of on-site labourers – may require multiple workers and lifting
instead, most of the building parameters equipment to carry and erect. When
and factors affecting the construction crafted from CFS it can typically be
process are taken into account during handled by just one or two workers. Minimised material costs and wastage
the design process. Little decision-
making regarding design is needed by And, with the FRAMECAD manufacturing With traditional building projects, FRAMECAD System determines how to
those on-site. system, each component is uniquely wastage is considered to be a normal produce all the materials needed with
labelled, meaning workers on-site part of the process – with many project the lowest possible amount of waste
This means that local labour can be used can easily put together framework at owners factoring in up to 20% of (usually less than 1% of materials),
without the need for extensive training. an unprecedented speed – with basic the cost of materials as wastage in communicating that information
Since CFS is designed to be used in all training. project tenders. For every 5 buildings throughout the process, from design to
kinds of locations across the world, this constructed that equates to 1 building manufacture.
can provide incredible opportunities for wasted!
developers and locals alike. And, any waste that is created is steel.
Additionally, the number of people With design-led CFS construction, the Steel is recyclable and in high demand –
amount of framing and the materials and is a far more environmentally friendly
BOM is created with a high degree of alternative to the site wastage created
accuracy for the project. The integrated by traditional methods. Specialists will
even pay to take steel away to recycle and
reuse it for other purposes.
With any construction method training and support is vital. However, unlike
traditional construction processes, CFS construction doesn’t require a
uniquely, highly skilled labour force. With the FRAMECAD System, training Through the MyFRAMECAD customer portal, support is accessible
and support is provided at every step in the design, manufacture and
at any time. Every member of your team can improve their
erection process to allow you to utilise the skills of your existing designers,
manufacturers and labourers. knowledge and have queries answered quickly by experts in the
system. Our worldwide team prides themselves on the level of
customer service and support that enables the design-led CFS
construction process to run smoothly and on time.
For those already familiar with AutoCAD or other CAD-based
programmes, FRAMECAD design and engineering software is
simple to understand and use.
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Benefits of the FRAMECAD
CFS System at a glance:
Speed Make the best use Compliance Material wastage ROI maximised
One of the biggest advantages of people made easy reduced In all aspects of construction,
of design-led CFS construction Taking a design-led approach to With CFS construction, Reducing waste has both maximising ROI is key. With
is the way in which it can construction revolutionises your compliance is no longer such financial and environmental CFS construction, time, human,
significantly speed up the approach to human resources, an immense pain point – CFS implications and CFS and material resources are
construction process. changing the roles and tasks systems like FRAMECAD make construction is extremely all reduced, improving ROI
• FRAMECAD Structure can typically that specific people undertake. the compliance process easy. effective in doing so. significantly.
reduce engineering costs by up to
• Designers can be easily trained and • All commonly followed building codes • Waste can make up 20% of material • Engineering time and costs reduce,
80% per tonne and save up to 30%
are fully supported by FRAMECAD to are included instead of prebuilt into on a traditional construction project – while still ensuring a quality output,
on design, engineering, and resource
use the design process and software FRAMECAD Structure, with the ability the equivalent of wasting one building thanks to FRAMECAD Software’s
costs
• Highly specialised engineers aren’t to add other codes as necessary out of every five constructed capabilities
• The compliance process is sped up due
needed for significant portions of • Ensuring your project is designed to • With the FRAMECAD system, waste • Human resources are used more
to FRAMECAD Structure taking into
the process, cutting down on costly standard simply means choosing the is reduced to less than 1% of the efficiently, including the utilisation of
consideration local design standards
consultant resource correct code from a dropdown menu materials used, reducing costs and the unskilled, local labour
• Resource consent issues don’t hold
• As the decision-making is moved to and making sure you look out for any environmental impact • Every aspect is planned in advance,
up the process – any changes can be
the design stage, the design process flagged issues • Construction uses only what is needed resulting in the manufacture of only
integrated without having to start
is less reliant on having many highly • Engineers only need to be brought in – every part is used, and every frame what’s needed and reduced wastage
from scratch, saving engineering
skilled builders on-site after the team is confident that the is designed in the most efficient way costs
time and reducing the costs of using
• Local, unskilled labour can be used project is up to standard possible • Changes are integrated quickly at low
qualified engineering resource
to better effect – local labour forces • Engineering plans are unlikely to be • Because the unused materials cost, ensuring projects remain on time
• By following pre-determined shop can be easily trained to use the are steel, wastage can be sold to and under budget
rejected, but changes can be made
drawings and guiding markings on FRAMECAD System and to erect specialists to be melted down and
easily and quickly if needed, avoiding
frames and other materials, erection framing on-site, creating local job costly project delays. used elsewhere.
on-site is sped up considerably. opportunities and reducing human
resource costs.
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CHAPTER 3
About FRAMECAD’s
The true advantage of the FRAMECAD
System is speed and cost savings that can be
gained through the intelligent integration
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Fast
Typically doing over 25,000 calculations per square
metre of roof and walls in seconds; a task which
would take days, or potentially weeks, if done
manually
Accurate
Producing accurate calculations automatically,
eliminating errors that may occur during manual
calculations
Straightforward
Doing a lot of the hard work for you; non-engineering
designers can do more of the design work
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Optimises your design &
prepares them for manufacture
Enabling users to review the engineered design files
in order to improve manufacturing details and on-
site constructability. Producing a manufacturing file
that can be read by the CFS machine’s system. Once
a file has gone through FRAMECAD Detailer, it is
ready for manufacture
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It integrates perfectly
Designed to partner precisely with FRAMECAD
manufacturing equipment, a file will pass through
FRAMECAD Structure, then FRAMECAD Detailer,
then feed into FRAMECAD Factory 2 either via a
wireless connection, mobile data or through USB
Easy to use
Designed with ease of user ability in mind, simply enter
the dimensions and type of frame you require and
FRAMECAD Detailer will convert the information into
detailed framing production
Production ordering
Enables simple production order changes. Provides
valuable machine operation data and diagnostic
information accessible on MyFRAMECAD
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It stays up to date
By communicating directly with FRAMECAD Factory
2 on the machine, MyFRAMECAD keeps running
information regarding productivity, job status,
scheduling, tool count, and machine maintenance
Stays connected
Unless you’re in an extremely remote location with no
Wi-Fi, on mobile data you can access MyFRAMECAD (and it
can access your machine)
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Summary
We hope this guide has helped you understand the benefits
of CFS construction.
Leading the building industry
If you’re considering constructing your next project in CFS or are
by leading with design
interested in establishing a CFS business, we’d be happy to offer
you a consultation with one of our CFS experts.
Balancing the creation of high quality, safe buildings within budget and on time
with the high costs that come from the engineering process can be challenging,
particularly when changes need to be made to comply with local codes or specific
project requirements.
With intuitive software and real collaboration between the design, engineering,
and construction processes, FRAMECAD’s design-led CFS construction process
enables you to efficiently deliver projects. The challenge of finding skilled labour
is reduced, with local labour able to learn how the FRAMECAD System works
easily and quickly, significantly reducing manpower costs and benefiting the
communities in which you work.
www.framecad.com
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