Why rebar first modeling will save you more

With every construction project needing to find ways to drive costs down, one sure-fire way to optimise your entire value chain is to use rebar modelling software at, or just after, the design phase.

Early rebar modelling creates three key benefits that will improve your project (including costs and outcomes) from start to finish.

These small improvements at each stage can add up to savings of as much as 25% across the project. We explain how.

Early rebar tech creates clarity

Unfortunately, reinforcement designs don’t necessarily take into account ‘buildability’, or how the design can actually be built.

Buildability considerations include the size and type of bars, piece count, weight and placement of your reinforcement.

If you get that right, you improve your buildability.

By using rebar modeling technology and before ordering your rebar, you can clearly identify the reinforcement interfaces and the specific needs of the build, optimizing your supply, shipping, handling and fixing processes.

“It’s not unusual for there to be a gap in the process between design and build. You have someone looking at a design and making estimations about what is needed, without considering all the data, interfaces and or elements like the weight, diameter or shape needed for the steel. Errors are common and costly, particularly if you have to reorder more rebar or end up with more offcuts.”

“As structures get bigger, heavier and more complex, this issue is compounded, particularly in terms of the costs associated with not getting it right,” says Alan Jeffrey’s, ADDA Founder and CTO.

“Using rebar modeling at the design stage helps the project team understand the needs of the project across every point of the construction process, so the reinforcement genuinely fits the build. The modeling will prove the design can be effectively built before you get started.”

Rebar modeling ensures continuity

There are many factors that go into a construction project and elements that need to follow on seamlessly from each other. As rebar is the first commodity product that arrives on site at a project. Getting rebar right sets a project onto the right path, but getting it wrong can put a project on the back-foot from the outset.

“An informed decision is always better than a non-informed one. Early rebar modelling gives you the data and insights to make that informed decision.” says Jeffreys.

Early rebar modeling creates agility

In any construction project, there’s always going to be changes.

Using rebar modeling helps create flexibility in the project when those changes occur, as the knowledge and information is there to see how changes will impact overall buildability.

“The client is always going to change something, the designer is going to change something, the constructor is going to ask a question.”

“By having the right information, and everyone having access to the same information, you have the agility to deal with any changes and show whether changes will work before they make, saving project time and costs.”

“When managing complex builds that have many factors involved, that kind of agility is incredibly valuable.”

“Using 3D rebar software at the earliest phase of the project really will set you up for long-term success, reduce your risk and save you on many aspects of project costs, from materials to fabrication, to transport, handling and fixing.”

“It fills the gap between the original design, and making sure the build will work,” says Jeffreys.