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  • Taylor Thomson Whitting

    UTS Science and Health Building

    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Project Summary

Project

The Science and Health Building is the fourth and final building of the AUD 154 million redevelopment project at the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) inner-city Broadway campus. Inspired by the organic form of a grove tree, the facility was designed by architects Durback Block Jaggers and BVN as a modern structure overlooking the new grass quadrangle. Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW) provided structural design for the post-tensioned floors and required interoperable software to ensure coordination of the structural design of the floors with the innovative, architectural building concept. 

Solution

TTW used RAM Concept as the principal application in the design of the post-tensioned floors. RAM Concept enabled TTW to design the first-floor transfer level to allow the upper floor space to be maximized while still providing a covered walkway and easy street access from the other side of the building. RAM Concept’s interoperability with CAD software facilitated collaboration so designers could easily capitalize on one another’s work to model the structural elements.

Outcome

RAM Concept automated analytical tasks, enabling design changes to be made quickly and efficiently, minimizing time spent on otherwise manual calculations. With its comprehensive 3D modeling and analysis capabilities, RAM Concept produced more precise designs, reducing material costs and waste. Using Bentley RAM software allowed TTW to optimize the tendon arrangements to comply with structural design code provisions.

Software

Using RAM Concept, designers could import CAD files to be used as background for modeling structural elements. The reinforcing and tendon arrangements could then be transferred back to CAD for inclusion in the drawing set facilitating collaboration between the engineering and drafting departments. With an integrated modeling approach, the teams ensured the structural design of the floor was coordinated and aligned with the architectural building design concept. The load history deflection feature in RAM Concept allowed TTW to assess the floors for deflections, considering concrete behavior over time to enhance structural integrity.

Outcome/Facts
  • TTW used RAM Concept to optimize and coordinate structural design of the post-tensioned floors with the innovative building concept for the new Science and Health facility at UTS.
  • The interoperability of RAM Concept allowed the designers to capitalize on each other’s work, streamlining workflows and minimizing duplication of efforts.
  • Using RAM Concept enabled TTW to automate analysis and design with more precision, facilitating quick and efficient design changes, saving materials, and reducing overall costs.
  • Working in a comprehensive, integrated modeling environment optimized collaboration to deliver a world-class academic facility, achieving a 6 Star Green Star Design rating certified by the Green Building Council of Australia.
Quote:

  • “RAM Concept’s ease of use and ability to model complicated floors for both post-tensioned and reinforced concrete is unparalleled.”

    Dean Genner Technical Director Taylor Thomson Whitting