A structural engineer will create what is essentially a stick model for the steel frame of a building. That’s good enough for most of the analysis. But for the detailing, the geometry of each member is needed. An I-beam needs to look like an I-beam, in other words. Zoom in, however, and the structural steel members, even if precisely modeled, will be seen as floating in space, with gaps where there should be connectors.
What if you could pluck the proper connectors from a library, have them orient themselves automatically, and see them snap into place with the proper hardware? That would complete the picture.
This is not just a dream at Trimble. The company, known for its pinpoint accuracy and measuring equipment used worldwide by surveyors, has spent years quietly amassing what may be the biggest library of building component content that exists today. Thirty-one million pieces of content, to be exact. These aren’t just 3D models for incorporating into designs, but intelligent parts that tie to a network of information, including physical specifications, pricing and more.
We did not know there were that many different parts in the construction universe and felt compelled to ask if Trimble was taking credit for each length of rivet and screw. We sought out James Reis, business area director, for the answer to that question and others.
The Constructible Concept
Trimble is keenly aware of the current revolution occurring in the architecture, engineering and…