According to Elon Musk, artificial intelligence (AI) is on the brink of surpassing human intellect as early as next year. Is there truth to his prediction? The potential for a “Gutenberg moment” in technology looms large, promising a seismic shift in innovation. Yet, even if this transformation unfolds more gradually over the coming decade, one thing is certain: it will demand colossal energy resources to fuel AI’s appetite for cloud computing.
Henry Lederman mentioned in Tradesafe Article
Henry Lederman mentioned in Tradesafe® article.
Connections are the Heart of Steel
As we enter into 2024, I wanted to reflect on what I’ve learned over my past year joining the Qnect team. I’m amazed at the growing interest in early connected models and other related trends like AI and sustainability and how that is shaping our company’s direction. As I see customers adopting Qnect to deliver more efficient and sustainable steel structures, steel connections remain at the heart of the process. As Allan Paull, Senior VP with AECOM Tishman said at NASCC 2022 “If I can connect the steel early, the rest of the project follows.” Working through how the steel connects is so critical to mitigating risk on the project, not just the steel but the other trades that depend upon the frame getting erected. I bet we can all agree, thinking through the connections is a key to efficient steel delivery. Working with a team that understands connection design but also detailing and constructability is crucial and is a testament to the success our customers are seeing. I wanted to share some of the advances we’ve made in 2023 and what is coming down the pike in 2024.
Every Bolt Counts: The Ripple Effect of Conserving Every Pound of Steel
As the steel sector searches for sustainable solutions in the carbon heavy construction industry, it is crucial not to overlook the power of conservation and efficiency. Decisions made early in the design process, using quality data, have a major impact on a building’s carbon footprint. In fact, when we use early data to our advantage, steel becomes a much more sustainable building material.
Using Early Connected Models to Create a Precise Bills of Materials
In the fast-paced world of construction, efficiency and accuracy are key to success. Construction Managers are always on the lookout for innovative tools and methods to streamline their processes, reduce costs, and secure more competitive bids. One such game-changing approach is the use of Early Connected Steel Models, which involve modeling and connection engineering during the design phase. In this blog, we'll explore how these models not only cut down on bids but also enable Construction Managers to provide precise Bills of Materials (BoMs) for bidding purposes. This was a hot topic for many Construction Managers at CMAA last week.
Rationalization and RFIs: Silent Players in Excess Carbon
Over the past year, I’ve heard from engineers that their clients are now asking how they are reducing embodied carbon in their designs. Back in the fall I shared some strategies for how to do this (AECBytes, Dec 2022). However, with so many approaches that engineers can take, it may feel overwhelming knowing where to start. Many engineers are now asking the question: What are the most impactful actions I can take to reduce embodied carbon? One engineer said to me, “If I design the structure efficiently to the building code, am I not already doing everything I can?”
Approaching a Crossroad with Early Connected Models
As we enter the summer season, many of you are planning your school breaks and getaways. With it also being half way through the year, I wanted to reflect on current market conditions in construction and the continued urgency to reduce project uncertainty.
Qnect in MSC Need for Speed Special Segment
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Connecting for Optimization by Jef Sharp in MSC
"LAST MONTH, I wrote about how early connected models can help steel fabricators. This month, let’s expand the discussion to include the myriad ways that early connected models help the steel industry as a whole.
At Qnect, we call early connected model delivery projects “ISD” for integrated steel delivery. There are many advantages to integrating the connection engineering, detailing, and optimization of the model before the bidding process begins (which I’ll explore in a second). Using these benefits makes steel less expensive and faster than other building materials—and also more sustainable."
Early Integration by Jef Sharp in MSC
Learn the 5 Ways Integrated Steel Delivery (ISD) is Beneficial to Fabricators in this month's issue of Modern Steel Construction. Check out Early Integration written by Qnect CEO Jef Sharp.
"[with ISD] the 3D model is fully connected early, with the connections engineered, detailed, and optimized often before the fabricator is awarded the job." - Jef Sharp, CEO of Qnect, LLC.
Dowco to Integrate Qnect Software into Detailing Process
AMHERST, Mass. — "As North America’s first Tekla Structures user we at Dowco had developed a myriad of tools, technologies and best practices around Tekla/Trimble software, but none offering the advantages that Qnect can,” says Ewen Dobbie, Dowco Consultants CEO.
Qnection of the Week: Green Coffee Building
This week's Qnection is an extended shear plate connection from the Green Coffee Building project, engineered by Francisco J. Herrera G.
