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Tekla's Building Information Modeling Shapes Abu Dhabi's Paris Sorbonne University

Al Habtoor Murray and Roberts Joint Venture to Enable as-Built Validation of the Structures using Tekla 's solutions

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Tekla has announced that its Structures BIM (Building Information Modeling) software has been adopted for the Construction Management and delivery of Sorbonne University project on Site.

University Paris-Sorbonne and the government of Abu Dhabi signed an international agreement in 2006 to bring French-speaking higher education to the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The University has opened its doors within Phase I buildings in December 2009 and Phase II buildings and accommodation campus on Reem Island in the end of 2010.

"We have been working with Tekla since 2008, and by implementing BIM for Sorbonne University project, I would say we have secured the project time to complete prior to contract milestones." commented Ron Brinkman, Technical Manager at Murray and Roberts Contractors.

Tekla Structures software has been used to model some of the world's most recent iconic buildings. It allows for gravity-defying architectural designs to be created using three-dimensional modeling.

"Coordination between us, the main contractor, and the steel and façade subcontractors was a challenge that we overcame with the help of Tekla software. Changes to the as-built models from the design were communicated to the subcontractors to accommodate them into the steel and GRC fabrication process. By doing so, we avoided further conflicts and delays on site and sped up the installation process," added Brinkman.

Three-dimensional coordinates for each diagrid component are calculated using Tekla software that ensures seamless integration and assembly of the frame and supporting beams.

" Tekla solutions help craft even the most complicated designs, and Sorbonne University is yet another example of Tekla 's ability to help regional construction companies manage project cycle and reduce costs," commented Abdelrahman Muneer, Marketing Manager of Tekla ME

Other iconic structures in the UAE that have used diagrid and Tekla 's technologies include Capital Gate Tower and Aldar headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Other examples around the world include Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium, the Hearst Tower in New York and the Swiss Re (Gherkin) building in London, to name a few.

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About Tekla
Tekla 's model-based software products make customers' core processes more effective in building and construction and infrastructure management. Tekla Corporation has area offices and partner organizations worldwide. International operations account for nearly 85% of net sales. Founded in 1966, Tekla is one of the longest operating software companies in Finland. More information at www.tekla.com

Tekla Structures
Tekla 's technology creates new business opportunities for the construction industry. The most advanced building information modeling (BIM) solution on the market includes an accurate, dynamic and data-rich 3-dimensional environment. The highly detailed 'as-built' digital structural models generated with Tekla Structures software enable effective visualization and management of the project. Effectively integrating model and non-model-based software solutions allows using the building information model in collaborative workflows. Tekla Structures users can streamline the design, fabrication, and construction processes, ultimately ensuring the highest level of constructability in project delivery. Tekla Structures encompasses specialized configurations for structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, concrete detailers and manufacturers, and construction companies. More information at www.teklastructures.com

© Press Release 2010