Our role
Including installation of the mechanical services within the Energy Centre and main building. Contractor design, manufacture and assembly of services gantries throughout the project. Design of bracketry systems for mechanical services on the project.
CHt provided detailed technical submissions for all items in the design specification and managed the overall project Digital Engineering/BIM model for Lead Lease and the client.
CHt also installed the following systems and equipment for the:
- Low temperature hot water heating systems
- Chilled water systems
- Gas systems
- Supply and Extract ventilation
- Air Conditioning
- Domestic Water services
- Foul Drainage above ground
- Rainwater drainage above ground
- Dry riser systems
- External services including gas and water
- Commissioning of Mechanical services installations
The challenge
Due to the complex nature of the building, the architect Foster & Partners created a 3D geometric model, which formed the basis of the building’s structure. CHt, in the role as project Digital Engineering coordination manager, undertook to combine all of the separate delivery discipline models. These included the structural, architectural and the contractor M&E services design models.
The complex structure posed a challenge for the design and installation of the mechanical services. Through the 3D model methodology, CHt was able to demonstrate the importance and value of our DfMA strategy in the safe installation of services and to meet the a challenging build program.
Our project team also had to ensure the installation of services within areas of the building where work openings were already pre-determined at the early design stages. This was due to penetrations passing through 500mm and 600mm fin walls.
Our approach
CHt required an experienced team of CAD engineers who already had experience of working together closely, and being able to liaise effectively with the project team. This was seen as an advantage due to the complexity of the structure.
Our approach involved the engineering of the complex areas as early as was possible and to introduce our modular strategy (DfMA) in areas where there was potential health and safety issues to be overcome.
The CHt-generated 3D Digital Engineering model was the most effective tool for explaining our approach to both the client, and the main contractor.
In the energy centre, we also detailed the installation process via a timeline output from the model.
The engineering behind our delivery
The engineering approach was initially to make sure that all elements of the model were contractor based, and not purely design based.
This was important due to the level of DfMA envisaged by CHt.
We also facilitated regular Digital Engineering model reviews, as well as issuing clash reports on the individual elements of the structure as well as the services.
The complex architectural and structural layout of the arena meant that the modular components had to be engineered to a very high level of accuracy. These were rigorously checked throughout the design modelling phases prior to going to manufacture.
Click the image to watch an animation of the SSE Hydro Arena.