Digital building
The future is digital. Innovative digital applications are also becoming increasingly common in many activities, including the building process.
Towards a clear overview
"The evolution from a classic 2D construction plan to a 3D Building Information Model (BIM) is in full swing," CAD Manager Floriaan De Cleyn says. “Combining all partial plans into a clear overview is quite a challenge. Fortunately for new construction projects we can rely on experienced modellers, but for smaller renovations or expansions we are still searching for the right work method. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that the use of 3D models offers us many advantages.” The construction of Fine Food Salads, our newest production site, was a first test project with 3D design and BIM.
Conflict detection and prevention
"We immediately designed both the shell and the sub elements - for example, sanitary facilities, electricity, sprinklers, etc. - in 3D. This allowed us to detect and resolve many conflicts between the different subsections even before the construction site was started," Mauro Hemeleers, 3D architectural draughtsman, clarifies.
"A few years ago, Fine Food Meat, a similar project, was designed entirely in 2D. Back then, we would notice mistakes only at the building site as they were not visible on the plans." Currently, a new distribution centre and an Okay store are planned to be drawn in 3D.
"During the design and construction of Fine Food Salads, we discovered that not everything that seems logical in 3D also works according to plan in real life. We will take those lessons to the next projects," Mauro concludes. The advantages of a full plan in 3D do not stop after the works have been completed. "For the management and maintenance afterwards, we also see a lot of potential in the 3D plans," Floriaan adds.
Virtual Reality
We also use digital applications in other areas. We search for technologies, software and companies that can help us develop our visualisation techniques and relevant in-house knowledge.
For example, we created a VR training course for technicians working in medium-voltage cabins. By copying such a cabin in VR, they can do part of their training in a safe environment. We also make 360° recordings of our stores. You can virtually walk through the corridors and technical areas of, for example, a Colruyt branch from behind your PC. This is convenient for our technicians, amongst others, who can prepare their store visits more efficiently.