NEWS

TECHNOLOGY

PDA is an innovative technology based company. We invest heavily in the latest computer software and hardware and are constantly striving to find new efficiencies.

Our team of modellers and detailers utilise advanced 3D solid modelling software supported by the latest computer hardware and high speed network infrastructure.

  • Tekla Structures v14.1 (formerly Xsteel)
  • Bentley Prostructures v8i (formally Prosteel)
  • AutoCAD 2010
    • Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2011

All software is maintained by subscription plans from the vendors ensuring we have access to the latest versions and priority support.

The use of 3D solid modelling software brings many benefits including:

  • Design Visualisation

    • The model can be rendered in 3D giving amazing lifelike visualisation of the design. Potential safety, erection, operational and maintenance issues can easily be identified and rectified before the project is built.

  • Optimised Collaboration

    • All project stakeholders (engineers, contractors, fabricators and owners) are able to clearly and reliably communicate the design intent resulting in fewer errors and less waste.

  • Interoperability between consultants

    • The ability to pass information between the design team members, steel detailers, fabricators and builders requires interoperability between the various CAD systems used by the team.

  • The 3D modelling software packages used by PDA are able to import and export a wide range of data formats including:

    • CIMsteel Integration Standards CIMSteel/2 (*.stp)
    • Steel Detailing Neutral File SDNF (*.sdf)
    • AutoCAD DWG (*.dwg)
    • Drawing Exchange Format DXF (*.dxf)
    • Microstation DGN (*.dgn)
    • DSTV Product Interface Steel Construction (*.stp, *.nc)
    • PXF Data Exchange Format (*.pxf)
    • Bentley STAAD.Pro (*.std)

  • Interference (Clash) Check

    • The model can be scanned for collisions between elements eliminating costly errors.
    • Early Access to Material Take-offs and Summaries.
    • Accurate material summaries can be produced with very little lead time enabling fabricators to pre-order steel supplies while the steel detailing process continues.

  • Early Access to Material Take-offs and Summaries

    • Accurate material summaries can be produced with very little lead time enabling fabricators to pre-order steel supplies while the steel detailing process continues.