Timber Construction: Site Logistics Considerations
Comprehensive Site Logistics Guide for Timber/CLT Design in Dietrich's Software
1. Transportation Constraints
Your design must address how materials will physically get to the site:
Maximum element dimensions: Design panel sizes that can be legally transported
Implementation in Dietrich's: Set maximum panel dimension constraints in your project settings to prevent creating elements that exceed transport limits
Use the Material Lists function to flag oversized elements that may require special permits
Extract maximum panel dimensions from element lists and add 300mm buffer for transport fixtures
Route planning: Ensure large CLT panels and glulam beams can navigate the actual route
Implementation in Dietrich's: Export critical element dimensions to verify against known route constraints
Use sorting functions in Material Lists to identify your largest/heaviest elements for special transport planning
Generate transport-specific reports showing dimensions, weights, and quantities for logistics planning
Weight distribution: Consider not just total weight but distribution on the transport vehicle
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use center of gravity calculations in the software to optimize panel loading
Export element weights to transportation planning software to ensure axle loads remain compliant
2. Handling and Crane Requirements
The physical handling of timber elements affects design decisions:
Crane capacity and reach: Different installation methods require different crane specifications
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use the material lists to determine exact panel weights for crane selection
Compare 150-ton cranes for horizontal floor installation vs. 100-ton with bracing for vertical installation
Use the 3D model to verify crane reach requirements at critical points
Lifting points and rigging: Design must accommodate proper handling
Implementation in Dietrich's: Add lifting point components using D-CAM that properly transfer loads
Export center of gravity calculations from the model to determine optimal lifting point locations
Use SmartTags to apply standard lifting hardware to all similar panels
Panel stiffness during lifting: Thin panels may deflect excessively during lifting
Implementation in Dietrich's: Model temporary stiffening elements using Logic Blocks
Run structural calculations to verify panel integrity during lifting operations
3. Installation Strategy Impact on Design
Your choice of installation approach affects many design decisions:
Horizontal vs. vertical installation:
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use the Assembly Order module to plan sequence-specific connection details
Model temporary bracing in D-CAM with proper dimensions (glulam braces at 1:6 slope, min. 50mm thick)
Include bracing connection details with appropriate anchor plates with 20mm adjustment slots
Tolerance management:
Implementation in Dietrich's: Design slip joints at critical points (every 3 floors for vertical installation)
Model and document tolerance accumulation (±1.5mm per story) in wall connections
Use the Logic Blocks feature to apply standardized tolerance-accommodating connections
Weather protection: Unprotected CLT edges can swell if exposed too long
Implementation in Dietrich's: Add weatherproofing components to the model using D-CAM
Add protection notes to drawings using the labeling system
Include edge protection components in material lists and MOS organization
4. Site Conditions and Sequencing
Physical site constraints influence design decisions:
Laydown area planning: Site storage often limits panel sizing and delivery sequencing
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use Assembly Order module to optimize delivery sequence
Color-code elements in the 3D model by installation phase
Generate phase-specific loading plans with the Load Planning module
Just-in-time delivery coordination: Balance factory efficiency against site readiness
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use the Load Planning module to organize transport loads
Allow 3-5 day buffers in the schedule for potential rework of unfinished panels
Document contingency plans with Dietrich's comprehensive material lists
Trade coordination: Penetrations and embedments must be pre-planned
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use the 3D model to identify and document all MEP penetrations
Include coordination notes in wall/floor element drawings specifying pre-manufactured openings
Use Dietrich's clash detection to identify conflicts between structure and building services
5. Moisture Management During Transport and Construction
Weather protection systems: Plan for protecting elements during construction
Implementation in Dietrich's: Model temporary protection elements using the appropriate MOS groups
Document moisture-sensitive areas in the model with specific notes
Export element lists with material properties to assess weather sensitivity
Moisture monitoring protocols: Track moisture content from factory to installation
Implementation in Dietrich's: Document baseline moisture content in material parameters
Add moisture measurement locations to element drawings using the labeling system
Temporary drainage details: Prevent water accumulation during construction
Implementation in Dietrich's: Model temporary drainage components in D-CAM
Use roof design module functions to create temporary drainage slopes
6. Site Access and Equipment Planning
Multi-crane coordination: Complex projects may require multiple lifting zones
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use the 3D Viewer to visualize and plan crane positions
Export models to site planning software for detailed crane reach analysis
Divide the building into lifting zones using the Element organization features
Access for finishing work: Plan for scaffolding and lift equipment
Implementation in Dietrich's: Model major scaffold attachment points in D-CAM
Use the Working Plane feature to plan and document scaffold layouts
Verify connection accessibility in 3D before finalizing details
Delivery truck staging: Plan adequate space for delivery vehicles
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use the Load Planning module to document truck requirements
Sequence deliveries in the Assembly Order module to match site constraints
7. Labor and Quality Control
Specialized installer requirements: Timber systems often need specialized crews
Implementation in Dietrich's: Create detailed installation drawing sets for specific crews
Use the labeling system to clearly identify specialized connection types
Export 3D views to support installer training
Quality verification systems: Document as-built conditions
Implementation in Dietrich's: Create QC checksheets that match wall/floor numbering
Export models to support reality capture verification
Include moisture testing point locations in drawings
Panel identification: Ensure panels are installed in correct locations
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use the position in Assembly Order to generate clear panel labels
Include orientation indicators in all panel drawings
Export structured data for QR code generation linked to installation instructions
8. Waste Management and Environmental Controls
Material efficiency: Optimize panel use to minimize waste
Implementation in Dietrich's: Use the nesting features to maximize material efficiency
Target 70-85% material yield depending on complexity
Design with standard panel dimensions to improve yield
Weather-dependent operations: Plan for temperature and humidity constraints
Implementation in Dietrich's: Document temperature-sensitive elements with appropriate notes
Include environmental requirements in assembly documentation
Use Object Info fields to track weather sensitivity of materials
Dust and noise control: Comply with site environmental constraints
Implementation in Dietrich's: Minimize on-site cutting by designing for precision manufacturing
Document required on-site modifications with appropriate controls
Use Single Beam Info to indicate factory vs. field operations
Final Recommendation for Dietrich's Implementation
The key to successful site logistics is integration across Dietrich's modules:
Start by defining logistics constraints in project settings before detailed design begins
Use the Assembly Order module to plan the construction sequence from the beginning
Implement the Load Planning module to optimize transportation
Leverage D-CAM for modeling temporary works and protection elements
Utilize Dietrich's comprehensive material lists and sorting capabilities for logistics planning
Export data to specialized tools for crane planning and transport optimization
By systematically addressing these site logistics considerations within your Dietrich's workflow, you'll create timber structures that are optimized for efficient, safe, and high-quality construction while minimizing cost overruns and delays.
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