This large-scale development is one of the most significant educational infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history and the most prominent development since the university moved to Gilmorehill 105 years ago.
The eight storey building is a unique mix of concrete and steel frame. The 16,640m2 flagship development consists of 950 tonnes of steelwork and over 2,000 pieces of steel to create a conical shaped teaching nest that forms the centrepiece structure of Phase 1. In addition, BHC supplied, fabrication and installed 5,387m2 of metal decking and the associated Combisafe edge protection and safety netting.
The use of BIM and Tekla Structures meant that BHC could configure the best erection sequence for the complex structure. The use of Point Cloud Technology helped the BHC office to collaborate with the site and greatly improved information flow. Additionally, this was beneficial during the planning and erection of two 11 tonne bridges that joined the new learning hub with the existing Boyd Orr building. The site was scanned before erection, and the erection sequence was modelled to account for tight site constraints. This enabled possible pinch points to be discussed with the project manager and for a solution to be agreed ahead of the erection process and for the bridges to be successfully erected over a weekend.
The unparalleled accuracy of our BIM software ensures consistency from the 3D model, through to fabrication and then to delivery and erection onsite, by additionally using this software as an information collaboration tool, BHC could identify clashes between the existing structures, secondary steel and cladding. The James McCune Smith Learning Hub accommodates over 2,500 students and includes three lecture theatres and also includes technology-enhanced active learning spaces and flexible study spaces.
