Full-featured – Versatile – Easy to learn
CCADPrecast is one of the world’s leading applications for 3D precast concrete design. Its comprehensive feature set, high level of automation, and ease of use ensure that our customers always benefit from a design process that minimizes costs and effort while delivering results of the highest quality. Virtually every CAD user worldwide works with or has worked with AutoCAD, which drastically reduces training requirements compared to other programs and also has a positive impact on data exchange with external resources, as this data is very likely to be submitted in an AutoCAD data format such as DWG or DXF. This data can be processed directly by CCAD Precast and does not need to be converted or even redrawn first. Stay up to date with market standards using CCAD Precast and don’t become a slave to another software solution.
Various modules are available for CCAD Precast, which can be flexibly installed to meet individual needs. Specifically, the following modules are available:
– Solid wall, sandwich wall, double wall, thermal wall (collectively referred to as CCADWall)
– Solid slab, hollow-core slab, precast slab, Pi slab (collectively referred to as CCAD slab)
– Structural members, facades (collectively referred to as CCADGCP)
– straight staircases, spiral staircases, custom staircases, stairwells (collectively referred to as CCADStair)
CCAD-Wall is the base module for processing precast walls in the IDAT software solution. Within this base module, additional modules are available for various types of precast walls. Currently, IDAT offers its customers four different wall modules for processing solid walls, double walls, sandwich walls, and thermal walls. Depending on the precast concrete plant’s product portfolio, these modules can be used individually or in combination.
Entering the walls has already been simplified and automated as much as possible. The basic parameters of the building to be processed can be defined via internal floor management. If a 2D template (DWG or DXF) is available, it can be used directly for input. Internal functions recognize as you enter whether it is an external or internal wall and automatically set the necessary parameters. The walls can be freely designed geometrically, and the effort required to enter openings, built-in parts or architectural details is reduced to a minimum.
For example, if you want to create additional reinforcement on opening edges, the program can be configured so that the subsequent changes are automatically adjusted. This means that if the opening is subsequently moved, the associated edge reinforcement will also be moved. If the size of the opening is subsequently changed, the reinforcement is automatically adapted to the new dimensions.
The next step in wall processing is fully automatic wall elementation. The base walls of the building model are broken down into wall elements fully automatically based on the specifications from the project data. The program automatically takes basic rules into account (such as division in wall joints if possible and no division in the area of openings and built-in parts). Furthermore, all wall connections are created and the basic reinforcement of the wall is inserted. For this purpose, openings and built-in parts are of course cut out.
Subsequent changes are very easy to make at any stage of planning and are automatically incorporated into all existing plans. The production and installation plans as well as, if necessary, the generation of machine data for the CAD/CAM interface are fully automated. If requested, the relevant billing data can also be generated and made available in a separate database.
Especially with thermal walls, there are special details when creating and managing the insulation and shell connections. Here, IDAT offers a full range of functionality, which already includes the latest trends such as the Kappema system (which is also used in the production of double walls). A number of state-of-the-art production systems for thermal walls, which not only produce the actual prefabricated part but also the insulation fully automatically, are operated with the IDAT wall module.
CCAD-Decke is the base module for analyzing precast concrete slabs in the IDAT software solution. Within this base module, additional modules are available for various types of precast slabs. Currently, IDAT offers its customers five different slab modules for designing solid slabs, precast slabs, ribbed slabs, hollow-core slabs, and Pi-slabs. These modules can be used individually or in combination, depending on the precast concrete plant’s product portfolio.
The input of the ceilings has already been simplified and automated as much as possible. The basic parameters of the building to be processed can be defined via internal floor management. If a 2D template (DWG or DXF) is available, you can also use it directly for input.
First the user must define the ceiling field. He can do this either by drawing a closed polyline along the outer edges of the ceiling field and later converting this into a ceiling field. Or it uses the internal room detection, which automatically detects the room if there are walls on the corresponding floor.
The type-specific settings for the ceiling can now be set via a special dialog. The required reinforcement is also selected for this purpose, provided it has not already been calculated and inserted from one of the implemented statics applications. Edge supports are automatically set by the program based on the specifications from the project data. If necessary, the same applies to any iron projections or bending shapes on the ceiling edges.
The ceiling field is then elementized based on specifications from the project data (e.g. min. and max. ceiling width). The program automatically takes into account any existing ceiling openings and, if desired, generates appropriate replacement reinforcement. Of course, in this case, the basic reinforcement of the ceiling is cut out accordingly. Manual ceiling elementization is also available.
Subsequent changes are very easy to make at any stage of planning and are automatically incorporated into all existing plans. The production and installation plans as well as, if necessary, the generation of machine data for the CAD/CAM interface are fully automated. If requested, the relevant billing data can also be generated and made available in a separate database.
CCAD Stairs is the module for designing precast concrete stairs. It designs straight or spiral stairs, as well as complete stairwells in conjunction with the corresponding wall and ceiling modules. Stairs can be designed either individually or within a building model, taking into account connection requirements to landings, ceilings, walls, or beams.
Straight stairs
To begin with, you only need to enter basic data such as the width and height of the stairs. The program automatically creates a staircase suggestion, which is then processed directly and adapted to the required parameters (number of slopes, slope ratio, head/foot length and height, etc.). The result can be checked visually at any time in a 3D view window.
If the staircase is not free but is created with a connection to an existing ceiling or platform, then only the width of the staircase needs to be specified. The program determines the required height itself. In this case, the required connection details such as brackets including reinforcement can also be automatically generated in the ceiling/pedestal if desired.
Throughout the planning process, the program monitors compliance with certain parameters. So it is only possible to change the slope ratio within certain logical ranges.
Winding stairs
In addition to the stair width and height, the type (quarter spiral, half spiral or double spiral) must be specified here. Additionally, information about the leg lengths must be provided.
The stairs can be fully reinforced using predefined reinforcement types. There are three independent areas (base of stairs, flight of stairs and head of stairs) available. The program can also process three-dimensionally curved reinforcement positions (bars in the flight of spiral staircases).
Stairwells
A very practical function is available here: First, the number and height of the floors are defined using the project data. The program then automatically draws several views of the stairwell so that the planner gets a good overview. Now the platforms and stairs are placed one after the other in the stairwell. The normal stair input dialogs are available again for this. The program automatically monitors compliance with junction points between different flights of stairs and/or landings. For example, it can be ensured that the bottom edge of the stairs is at the same height as the bottom edge of the adjacent landing. Once the planning has been completed, the user can have production plans for the flights of stairs and installation plans for the stairwells generated fully automatically.
CCAD-GCP is the module for designing structural precast elements. This module enables the integrated design of precast concrete columns, beams, joists, and trusses. Another area covered by this module is geometrically complex facade elements. As with the other IDAT modules, this module offers the highest possible degree of automation, which significantly reduces design time.
Production of precast concrete columns including basic reinforcement:
This is done via a special input dialog. You can choose in advance whether a single column or several uniform columns should be created at the node points - using a column grid that has to be defined beforehand. Several options are available for the height of the supports. Either you enter the column height directly in the input dialog, or you select the column height to be the same height as the building. In the latter case, the program automatically calculates the building height from the heights of all floors in the building model. The third alternative comes into play if you want to assemble a column from several individual parts, broken up floor by floor. Here you can assemble the individual support parts vertically using appropriate predefined connection details.
Foundation connection:
There are several options to choose from:
Placement of beams or downstand beams
A dialog is used to define the shape, dimensions and basic reinforcement. Then just click on the two supports between which the component is to be created to create the beam including the support console. The program automatically calculates the required length of the bar. The query about the type and dimensions of the brackets occurs directly while entering the beam. The consoles are linked to the position of the beam; If the height of a bar changes, all associated consoles are automatically moved with it. The consoles are automatically reinforced with different types of reinforcement. The IDAT uniform principle also applies here: the dimensions of the reinforcement automatically adapt to the size of the console.
Placement of large precast trusses
You can select the desired truss type from a catalog (profile, reinforcement, etc.) and set free parameters. You then select the two support supports (similar to the beams) and the truss is created in the correct position and length. The type of connection between the truss and the support (with or without fork bearings) is selected and automatically taken into account by the program.
Subsequent changes are very easy to make at any stage of planning and are automatically reflected in all existing plans. The production and installation plans as well as, if necessary, the generation of machine data for the CAD/CAM interface are fully automated. If requested, the relevant billing data can also be generated and made available in a separate database.
The IDAT program creates the basic reinforcement for all prefabricated parts (walls, ceilings, stairs, columns and beams, etc.) fully automatically. The reinforcement types are defined in advance in catalogs with their As value. With the help of the connected statics applications, the required reinforcements are determined directly and the reinforcements in the element are indirectly redesigned to reflect the reinforcements relevant to the finished part.
The consistent 3D capability of the software is of course also valid for the reinforcement. All reinforcement positions are created and displayed in their correct position in an element. This is particularly important in connection with production automation such as rebar laying robots, iron bending and cutting machines and mesh welding systems. The 3-dimensional position of the reinforcements is required for the correct control of these machines.
In addition to the automatic creation of reinforcement, this can of course also be edited manually. In addition, free bending shapes or brackets can be drawn as a polyline in the precast concrete part and placed directly, specifying the diameter and distance.
The user also has a variety of parameterized functions for automatically generating and placing standard reinforcements. Examples of this are edge reinforcements and column or lintel reinforcements, which reduce the effort required to generate these reinforcements to a minimum.
All reinforcements behave completely associatively to the component geometry. The reinforcement automatically adapts to the geometry of the component at any time. This applies to simple reinforcements such as steel bars or meshes as well as, for example, to stirrups in a tapered beam. There, even the bracket heights are automatically adjusted to the geometry, as well as when geometry changes.
Another aspect of reinforcement that is also covered by the software (as far as this is of interest to a precast concrete factory) is the area of on-site reinforcement. This can also be created using parameterized functions.
A central function of the software is the fully automatic creation and plotting of plans for production and the construction site. Depending on the type of prefabricated part, various planned outputs are available. These can look different if you take into account the special information requirements of the respective finished parts.
In general, the following information is included as standard on a production plan:
The laying plan for the construction site is also generated fully automatically. The program determines the appropriate paper format based on the project size, the scale set and the plotter's available paper formats. The installation plan is then created according to the parameters set in the program configuration.
The following information is available:
The layout of the plans is configurable. You can also define the paper format in which the plans are created and whether they should be displayed in portrait or landscape format. If desired, the information from a production plan can also be distributed across several plans: e.g. element plan with the contour of the component, reinforcement plan and built-in component plan.
A big advantage of the basic AutoCAD Architecture software is the completely freely definable view configuration of the individual objects. In practice, this means that, for example, a wall element can be displayed and labeled completely differently in the different areas of the program (model area, production plan, installation plan, etc.). This in turn has the advantage for the user that he can influence the display of his objects completely freely.
What is crucial is that the object represents itself in all views and no copy is created. This means you can change the objects in every view and on every plan. Any change will then be made automatically on all other plans.
The software shows its great strengths in the area of subsequent changes. During development, particular attention was paid to ensuring that subsequent changes to the project could be carried out quickly, easily and safely.
Changes can be made equally in the model as well as in the plan area. If you move an opening in the model, this change is automatically made in the affected production plan and on the installation plan. But you can also make changes directly to the production plan or even to the installation plan. Here too, the automatic change follows immediately.
This functionality in this consequence is unprecedented.
A major problem in the production of prefabricated concrete parts is undetected collisions between reinforcements and/or built-in parts during planning. This particularly applies to automated systems with robots for laying reinforcement or for mesh welding systems.
Problems can also arise with the double wall - namely when the first shell is embedded in the second shell and there are electrical sockets at the position of the lattice girders in the opposite shell.
In order to deal with these problems before production, the software has integrated extensive collision checks. These check all integrated reinforcements and built-in parts to see whether there is a collision. If this is the case, the affected positions are marked in color and the user can eliminate the collision in the model or directly on the production plan.
Since the software fully supports BIM technology and all precast objects in a project are managed in one building model, the software can also perform cross-precast functions.
Here are some examples of how different prefabricated parts can be influenced:
Furthermore, collisions between the components are automatically detected and treated accordingly. Two examples:
All of these functions and checks actively ensure the avoidance of planning errors and a clear improvement in planning.
A major challenge in developing a CAD solution for precast concrete plants is the flexibility required to adapt the software to the different requirements of customers. The software must adapt to the work and not the other way around.
It is important to set the course right at the beginning of program development. The applications must still be easy and quick to adapt even after the thousandth customer. IDAT has found an excellent way to accomplish this task. It has been possible to significantly reduce the effort involved in personalizing and configuring new customers while at the same time supporting the customer's independence.
In contrast to other providers, IDAT promotes customer independence. You can save a lot of money by learning to make important configuration changes yourself.
You will quickly learn to appreciate this certain level of independence.
The term Building Information Modeling (BIM) stands for the simulation of a complete building planning using software. A virtual building model is created from which all the necessary data for the construction, operation and maintenance of the property can be derived. The big advantage of this type of planning is that changes or additions to the project are directly available to everyone involved and they can adapt their specialist planning accordingly. The wealth of information that can be contained in such a model is by no means limited to structural data for constructing the object. Data about the entire life cycle of an object such as operating costs etc. can also be displayed. RevitPrecastLink opens the door for precast concrete manufacturers to integrate the production level into a BIM process and, on the one hand, ensures that the user will continue to be involved in projects and tenders in the future (since the technical ability to participate in a BIM planning process is now often a prerequisite for awarding a contract) and, on the other hand, opens up completely new possibilities for project and quality monitoring.
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