A round-up of BIM and digital construction stories that you might have missed in the past seven days.
World’s largest 3D printer to make turbines
GE Renewable Energy has opened a new 3D printing research centre in Bergen, New York, with the world’s biggest 3D printer (see image above). It aims to build the capacity to print the lower sections of tall wind turbine towers right on wind farm sites, according to Global Construction Review.
The printer, from Danish manufacturer Cobod, is the size of a three-storey building and can print tower sections up to 20m high.
Richard Petrie
Richard Petrie, chief executive of buildingSMART International since March 2013, has died. According to buildingSMART UK & Ireland, his “work at an international level professionalised the organisation and helped bring the global AECO industry together using a common data language – a huge achievement. He not only took forward buildingSMART to become a serious player in digital construction but provided constant encouragement and help to many individuals.”
Petrie was also a member of the UK BIM Alliance’s strategic advisory group. His career includes stints as technical director of BAA and senior roles at Kvaerner Construction and Trafalgar House.
Just 23% of construction firms prepared for Building Safety Bill
Only a quarter (23%) of construction professionals think that they and their organisations are ready for the new Building Safety Bill currently passing through parliament. That’s according to a new survey conducted by Construction Management magazine, as the passing of the bill nears.
Another third of respondents said they know what they need to do in advance of the passing of the bill, but a substantial 43% said they were unsure how to prepare.
Procore partners with business finance app
The Capitalise business finance app has been added to Procore’s app marketplace. Capitalise gives small businesses and their advisers access to more than 100 lenders, helping them to spot risks to cash flow and monitor their credit profile.
Dates for your diary
Asset management training for BIM survey: help shape the CPD-accredited training needed for those in BIM to understand the requirements of asset management by completing this survey by 5pm on 29 April.
Digital Construction Awards: the shortlists for 11 of the 12 categories will be announced on 9 May.
Digital Construction Week: 18-19 May
Don’t miss out on BIM and digital construction news: sign up to receive the BIMplus newsletter.
