Improving the design and production data flow of a complex curvilinear geometric Glass Reinforced Concrete façade

Many architectural firms and precast companies find it difficult to design and produce complex-shaped surfaces. Most Spanish architects use 2D-based drawing information systems, which are inappropriate for irregular building skins, instead of using 3D or 6D software tools based on Building Information Modeling (BIM). Although there are software tools capable of paneling complex geometries, their complexity and cost are serious drawbacks when architects consider using them. This article shows the results from developing and using a new software tool to design and generate documents for the construction of a complex GRC facade. The main objective has been to simplify the design and document development processes for curvilinear facades. This new software has been optimized by learning from the experience and knowledge gained by architectural firms and prefabricated companies. This research concludes that this software will be useful for both architects and GRC plants, yet there is room for improvement.

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