Welcome to the 1st Tectonix Steel Newsletter

We are excited to share with you, on a quarterly basis, what we are doing to better serve our customers.

In this issue we would like to provide some background on the history of Tectonix Steel, and talk about the latest trends in structural steel detailing. We would also like to share what we learned at this years Tekla "Xsteel " conference and tell you about the growth we have experienced since the inception of our company.

Corporate Background

We are an established detailing firm that can handle virtually any size job. We average 55 detailing jobs each year. Last year our projects ranged from 3 tons to 2,000 tons of steel. We have 15 qualified detailers with up to 25 years experience in the steel industry.

Detailing Trends

A huge buzzword in the construction industry today is Building Information Model or BIM. It is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle using 3D, real-time, modeling software to decrease wasted time and resources in building design and construction.

Using BIM during the construction process can save contractors time and money. Communication with contractors using integrated 3D building models also allows increased clarity. In the steel industry the Design Team and Construction Team works together to add information to the Building Information Model and greatly reduces the occurrences of costly errors.

Olympic Stadium

The 2008 Olympic Stadium in Beijing or otherwise known as the Birds Nest,was modeled using Tekla Structures 3D modeling software. Complex buildings like the Birds Nest can be accurately modeled with Tekla making radius steel members far less challenging than in the past.

Tekla Structures User Conference

Tectonix Steel is continually sharpening its skills by learning more about the latest industry trends and standards to enhance the construction process. The Tekla user meeting in August was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We learned how Tekla integrates with Trimble surveying technology and Vela Systems software in a design build project streamlining the project workflow. Using Trimbles surveying software and GPS, Tekla can send the building layout points to the GPS unit on site. This technology ensures accurate and simplified layout for concrete forms, footers and anchor bolts. Tracking and Change Management of steel on large projects is simplified with Vela Systems software. Instead of bar-coding, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is used to track steel. Vela talks to Tekla using tablet pcs from the field. If a change is needed in the field it can be clearly communicated through the software and tagged in the Model by scanning the RFID tag or simply selecting the steel in the model located on the tablet pc. A Tekla detailer can easily see in the model which steel member needs attention. This is a new process being used on high profile projects and being coined as Field BIM.

Tectonix Steel Growth

As of this summer Tectonix is happy to welcome our new office in Orem, UT. We currently have 15 detailers combined with our AZ and UT locations. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) we collaborate on the same projects as though we are all in the same office.

We thank our fabricators for our growth and continued success. We appreciate our relationships and look to end the year 2008 with greater accomplishments.