## Giant potential

The idea to create the Building Structural Design tool came to life about one and a half years ago following Arcadis’ strategy to excel in the design of industrial buildings. Due to the increased request for constructions such as gigafactories, warehouses, and data centers quickly being erected all around us, Arcadis saw giant potential in the development of an application for the automation of structural building designs. 

<div style="padding:78.78% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/818358326?h=91e992e7ad&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4 (2)"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

</br>

## Go global!

Since technologies in different regions are essentially not much different from one another, and the knowledge about structural engineering is also similar, Arcadis decided to approach this development on a global scale. Thus, an application was created that can be used by all Arcadis regions worldwide. “Thanks to our active group of stakeholders and end users all over the world, we have been able to make the application accessible to everyone working in the realm of structural engineering within Arcadis,” says Michael van Telgen, Design Automation Specialist at Arcadis. “Structural engineers and consultants in different Arcadis regions are picking up the tooling and applying it to their work.”

## Preliminary and conceptual design

Built specifically for structural engineers and consultants, the Building Structural Design tool is intended for usage in the conceptual and preliminary stages of a design and focuses mainly on aspects like cost and sustainability. The purpose is to help engineers quickly create a design using input from the architect about a building’s dimensions. According to Igor Pecanac, Specialist Engineer at Arcadis: “Most of our work lies within the conceptual and preliminary stages of a design, so those are the areas we want to focus on. These are also the areas where most commercial tooling is lacking.” 

In the app, engineers can enter basic information about the building dimensions and sustainability requirements and try different grid options to automatically calculate required element sizes for, for example, columns, beams, and floors. Depending on their region, engineers can choose the correct design code before proceeding to determine loads and choose material types. Pecanac adds: “The app automatically generates the structure for you. This would normally be done by a structural engineer themselves. Instead, the app does this in just 4 seconds.”

![BSD tool frame design.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/BSD_tool_frame_design_c6dff359cc.png)

*Building Structural Design tool: Frame design*

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![BSD tool elements design.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/BSD_tool_elements_design_841c64990d.png)

*Building Structural Design tool: Elements design*

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## Sustainability and resources

 Using the tool, engineers and consultants can now design buildings and analyze them in 90 to 100% less time than before. This has an enormous impact on productivity, as engineers can now look at anywhere from 100 to 500 variants of a design whereas this number was previously only 2 to 3. The tool also allows engineers to make better and more well-informed decisions regarding costs and sustainability. This allows for more informed discussions with clients about their different options, helping them make balanced choices that lead to the most optimal cost-to-CO2 emission ratio. 

“Clients are requesting more information in less time, and engineers need to take more factors into account in the design process,” says Pecanac, “which is only possible if you have tools like this to your avail. The impact on productivity is simply enormous.”

![BSD tool calculation report.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/BSD_tool_calculation_report_069eafb274.png)

*Building Structural Design tool: Calculation report*

</br>

## Tool suite

The Building Structural Design tool is actually not one application, but a suite of multiple different apps on the VIKTOR platform, such as for the calculation of foundations, floors, and wind loads. The Building Structural Design tool is at the heart of it all with a focus on creating a general building design. The other apps can be used to further expand upon and specify information regarding the different elements inside a building. “We purposely separated these design choices from the main application,” says Pecanac. “We don’t want to overwhelm people by presenting 100 options to use at once.”

## The future of (structural) engineering

The Building Structural Design tool is just one of many developments Arcadis has been working on on the VIKTOR platform. In 2021, they started the development of their first app for the design of underwater concrete floors. By now, this tool has been used on several large projects, such as the design of the underpass and aqueduct in the N247 highway in the Netherlands. 
It is clear that automation software can be used in all kinds of engineering disciplines to increase productivity, and specifically in the field of structural engineering. “If you don’t do anything with automation in this area, you risk losing to your competitors,” says van Telgen. “New technologies like VIKTOR help democratize, standardize, and reuse a lot of knowledge to increase efficiency, productivity, and overall quality of work.”


Engineering & Design

Buildings & Real Estate

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Leading design, engineering, and management consulting firm Arcadis develops its own structural engineering tools to increase productivity and sustainability and save resources. Read more on VIKTOR.ai!

How Arcadis develops next gen structural engineering tools with VIKTOR

1. What is parametric design, and how is it evolving
2. Collaborative parametric design: working together for better results
3. How to make tools available to others
4. Active collaboration on parametric design tools
5. Parametric design in a billion-euro project
6. What collaborative parametric design means for you



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Parametric design is a design approach that uses flexible models that can be adjusted and solved quickly. The goal is to see the effect of specific choices on your design by just changing the input variables. 

The benefits are:

- **Flexibility:** Parametric design allows you to react quickly to changes at a low cost. Always generate the best solution for your project no matter the time pressure.

- **Better decisions:** Automatically calculate thousands of different solutions, get deep insight, and mitigate risks. Make better decisions and provide more added value to clients.

- **Digital Assets:** Create models and data that are reusable in new projects. Improve them over time, building up digital capital

This white paper is for engineers, architects, project leaders, and innovation and business managers. You will learn how collaborative parametric design in the cloud helps organizations get better results with real study cases such as a billion-euro infrastructure project.
 
Additionally, we talk about how you can transform Python, Dynamo and Grasshopper scripts into user-friendly web apps and significantly impact your organization performance. 

Learn how collaborative parametric design models allow you to work together for better solutions.

Download the white paper and get INSPIRED

This white paper is for engineers, project leaders, and innovation and business managers that want to learn more about what collaborative parametric design can mean for them. Discover more about this new way of working in which stakeholders collaborate to find the best solution for a project.

The Future of Parametric Design is COLLABORATION

The tool is easy to use, with a low threshold, and can work with the corporation's own available data (SHAERE) and the nationally recognized calculation method (NTA8800). Additionally, it provides insight into the plans' insulation standards, in relation to the Standard and Target Values, which are increasingly crucial for industry representative [AEDES](https://aedes.nl/verduurzaming/standaard-en-streefwaarden), such as in the updated sustainability benchmark.

## Route to CO2 neutrality

Originating from the AEDES Roadmap in 2017, W/E advisors performed a calculation of scenarios for the route to CO2 neutrality with the Alliance at the inventory level. As a result, the need arose to bring the strategic plans to the tactical level, from coarse to fine. To address this issue, W/E consultants created the VariantComparator to provide an accessible estimate of the measures that are effective for specific complexes. Currently, the tool is widely used by an increasing number of parties.

## Chain partners take initiative

The chain partners often initiate the use of VariantComparator. Previous experience gained from using this tool for the Alliantie and within the partnership "De Vernieuwde Stad" led [Logchies](https://www.logchies.nl/) to organize the same collaboration with W/E for and with Stadgenoot. As Dick Schotvanger of Logchies says, "The Variant Comparator helps the program team to concretize plans and make well-founded choices. Based on Vabi data, we gain insight within one to two minutes into the extent to which the improvement steps have an impact on the CO2 reduction of the client's property." 

A similar collaboration has arisen with [Wits Noord B.V.](https://www.wits.nl/wits-bedrijf/wits-noord), a maintenance partner at the Elkien corporation, among others. They proactively support corporations with whom they are maintenance and implementation partners on sustainability details. The VariantComparator is also a suitable tool from this perspective.
If you require additional information about the VariantComparator, please contact our advisor [Boudewijn Elsinga](https://www.w-e.nl/medewerker/boudewijn-elsinga/).


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 This tool enables a complex comparison of the impact of various measures on CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and investment costs. 

Web app helps select optimal energy packages for housing stock

VariantComparator assists in selecting optimal energy packages for housing stock

## Get the white paper

**INDEX**

1. Construction companies and digital transformation
2. Technology trends for a different approach
3. Technology trends in the construction industry
4. A new technology trend for the construction industry
5. Low code for the construction industry
6. The VIKTOR platform
7. What does it cost?
8. How to start
9. What's next?

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What are the current trends in digital transformation and how do they affect the engineering and construction industry? 

This white paper is for every engineer, manager, director, or anyone else that wants to learn more about (new) technology trends that help boost digital transformation in engineering and construction, such as BIM, parametric or generative design, and low-code and no-code. 

Discover how web applications can help you find the best solution fast, get the best insights, capture knowledge into assets, and make work more joyful! 






Learn about trends in digital transformation and how they affect the engineering and construction industry.

Download the White Paper and get INSPIRED

This white paper is for every engineer, manager, director, or anyone else that wants to learn more about (new) technology trends that help boost digital transformation in engineering and construction, such as BIM, parametric or generative design, and low-code and no-code. 

Digital Transformation: Engineering and Construction Industry

## Connectivity

When Alexandre’s team found VIKTOR, they already had a specific use case in mind: the automation of crane foundation design calculations. A quite simple but exhaustive and repetitive process: large amounts of data are required that must all be processed through multiple third-party software packages, such as Excel and Autodesk Robot. Ideally, they were searching for a way to connect everything, without developing the infrastructure themselves. Alexandre: “VIKTOR is the only product we know of that allows us to do exactly that.” 

<div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/805460142?h=35f0fa1693&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="VINCI - Crane foundation app"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

</br>

## Design automation

At VINCI Construction in France, they have dozens of engineers that work on designing up to 225 cranes in France every year. Because the design calculations are very similar but specific for every crane each time, this task is very well suited for automation. 

Alexandre expects VINCI will be able to use the application on around 70% of their crane foundation designs. The other 30% are more unique cases because of, for example, their location or the characteristics of the soil.

> “If we succeed in automating 200 crane foundations per year, we can avoid roughly 300 days of work.” – Alexandre Cousin, Head of Generative design at VINCI Construction in France.

![3D_view of crane](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/3_D_view_of_crane_08f97e338b.png)
*3D view of a crane foundation geometry in VIKTOR*

</br>


## Tools for efficiency

According to Alexandre, the goal is for all VINCI Construction teams in France to start using the application to save time and increase efficiency. Consequently, teams will have more time to devote to other technical matters. 

Alexandre: “Although essential, crane foundations are not the most exciting part of an engineer’s job. Our app shows how automating a small process ultimately makes a specific task so much easier and more efficient.”

![3D_view_reinforcement.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/3_D_view_reinforcement_81a80f41c5.png)
*3D view of final crane foundation reinforcement design in VIKTOR*

</br>

![formwork_plan.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/formwork_plan_431078d5ce.png)
*And the accompanying formwork plan*

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## Enabling instead of replacing

“As engineers, we must be efficient every day. That is why it is important to provide the right tools for our teams that contribute to this cause,” says Alexandre. To some engineers, the thought of their work being automated might feel like a thread. However, increasingly more people are starting to see this differently. It’s not about replacing the engineer – they are the brains of the project, after all – but about enabling them to do their work better and faster. 

Alexandre envisions a future in which all these small but exhaustive parts of a job are automated to make time for more interesting and complex challenges: “In 20 years, every engineer will know Python, and every engineering team will be developing their own tools. That’s what is needed to keep up with high demands, whilst also making repetitive work less boring. Automate what can be automated, so there is more time to engineer the awesome!”

## Why VIKTOR? 

Even though crane foundation design is a well-mastered process, it requires a lot of time due to safety reasons. 

Alexandre: “We don’t want a crane falling over. With VIKTOR, we can calculate large amounts of data through integrations with multiple third-party software packages in an instance. The results are then also immediately checked for errors to ensure safety. VIKTOR is the only product that allows us to connect everything like this. We can develop anything we want on the platform.”

> “For me, this type of technology is the future for engineering teams.”

## What’s next?

As Alexandre mentioned before, it’s automating the small parts which ultimately makes the work of an engineer a lot easier. At VINCI, they have many projects that, for example, include repetitive calculations in Excel. Alexandre: “We can start by making these Excel sheets more exciting and user-friendly by turning them into an app.”

“But first, we want to make more people within VINCI aware of these benefits and have other teams developing tools with VIKTOR as well.” Luckily, this seems to be going quite well so far: four other VINCI departments have shown interest in picking up development with VIKTOR, and one of these is already rounding up their first tests now! 


Infrastructure & Construction

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VINCI uses VIKTOR to automate the calculation of over 200 crane foundation designs yearly. Read more.

How VINCI yearly saves 300 days calculating crane foundation designs

It all began with a pilot for a possible first application, on the VIKTOR platform, back in 2021 for underwater concrete floors. This application turned out to be the first of many more to come. Soon, other tools for designing submersible tunnels, noise barriers, underpasses, and more followed. Without comprehensive programming experience, people at Arcadis started developing tools for themselves and their colleagues. Because Arcadis is an international company that works in many countries the aim is to use tooling on platforms all over the world. The VIKTOR platform is one way to realize this.

In this article, we will discuss the first developed tool which by now has been used on several projects. One of those cases is a large underpass and aqueduct in the N247 highway in Broek en Waterland, commissioned by Province of North-Holland. 


![Blog_Arcadis_Rotonde](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Blog_Arcadis_Rotonde_3d11885327.png)

*© Arcadis Architecten (Tom Kramer) commissioned by Province of North-Holland.*

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## Semi to total automation

Why realizing this tool on the VIKTOR platform? For the design of underwater concrete floors, Arcadis always used to work with validated Excel sheets and off-shelf programs to perform calculations. To gather all necessary data to fill such a sheet, a lot of coordination between different divisions is required. This takes up quite a lot of time and is ultimately only good for the calculation of a specific design in one specific situation. That's why Arcadis started looking for a better way to automate this, by adding an extra dimension to the calculations that allowed them to quickly play around with parameters in search for the (cost) optimal   design which fulfills the requirements and is cost effective. 

## From under water concrete to construction pit

So, that's what they did by building a VIKTOR application around the validated Excel sheet. Now they were able to try different input parameters and swiftly asses how these parameters affect their design. To take it a step further, they also decided to link other processes into the application. Through an integration with Deltares’ D-Sheetpiling and D-Foundations, it became possible to automatically calculate tensile piles and sheet piles as part of the design. Additionally, a module was built to upload CPTs, enabling automated analysis of soil layers. Gradually, their tool for under water concrete floors got transformed into an application to calculate the entire construction pit. The application was finalized by adding a cost estimate based upon the generated design.

> “The tool was first created for under water concrete calculations but in the end, it became a total construction pit design-tool. We can now fully calculate the underwater concrete, the pile foundations, and the sheet piles of the construction pit itself.” – Mark van Esseveld, Project Manager at Arcadis

By extracting information from D-Sheetpiling to an Excel file, the tool can read all interaction forces that are transferred from one object to another. The pile reactions are extracted from Excel and sent to D-Foundations, where they're processed and returned as graphical visualizations in the tool's results section. Following the brute force tactic, this process is repeated numerous of times to generate many different design options. 

> “As an engineer, you use a lot of programs; for concrete constructions, sheet pile constructions, and geotechnical constructions. These often need to interact with each other. It’s great if you are somehow able to automate this. VIKTOR is a great way to enable these programs to communicate with each other and take out a lot of error-prone parts.” – Peter Konijnenbelt, Senior Designer at Arcadis

![App1.jpg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/App1_7180d95812.jpg)

*Excavation results from D-Sheetpiling*

</br>

![App2.jpg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/App2_94ab4f1d34.jpg)

*Optimal pile tip levels from D-Foundations*

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## Optimal design based on costs

Usually, costs are determined based on the calculated construction. For this tool, however, a cost component was added; the construction is automatically calculated but at the same time also optimized based on cost parameters, like the amount of steel and installation costs. In the end, each design gets matched with a price tag based on the input parameters. Then, either Arcadis or a client can choose a design based on price per square meter construction pit, as can be seen in the image below.


![App4.jpg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/App4_61703132b4.jpg)

*Presentation of the optimization results via a parallel coordinates plot*

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![App5.jpg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/App5_b83d2e2694.jpg)

*Alternative representation of the optimization results via a contour plot*

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> “We can basically say: “We can provide the client a full and transparent insight in a valid design spectrum given a preset range for several parameters”. Based upon this insight, a preferred design (e.g. cost/preferred dimensions) can be selected. Thus, the basis for the design of a construction pit can be determined for any given № of cross sections” – Mark van Esseveld, Project Manager at Arcadis   

## The most significant benefit

Regarding the question about the most significant benefit of their tool, Arcadis agrees on the improved work-efficiency. Mark: “… and with that we can offer good work for a good price, which is a big advantage for our client. We can consider the design spectrum in higher detail in less time, which means we can do more at the same cost whilst the design is being optimized simultaneously”.

Where Arcadis first needed two colleagues – a designer and geotechnical engineer – to work on a project, it's now possible for one colleague to calculate the entire construction pit in much less time. Only some basic Geotechnical and structural knowledge is required here. Of course, specialists are involved to check the calculated results, but less time is needed because steps are automated. All steps of the process are integrated in one system with multiple colleagues, meaning all in- and output is programmed and runs smoothly. Intermediate steps are taken out of the equation (i.e. transfer of data), saving time and reducing chance of errors.

> “The user-friendliness in the design process through which the designer or geotechnical engineer is guided makes it a lot easier for them to do their job.” – Mark van Esseveld, Project Manager at Arcadis

## Tools for non-experts

With a broad range of features, the construction pit tool is widely used within Arcadis. For example, by both the Construction and Geotechnics divisions, who use the tool to specify project details. And when it comes to pricing, the Costs division gets involved too. Thanks to the user-friendly and intuitive interface, using the tool is no problem for non-experts.

> “The VIKTOR platform is very user-friendly for colleagues who are less committed to programming, scripting, coding, all that stuff. They simply use the tools and are assisted in an intuitive manner. This characterizes itself through a good process flow that guides users through the design steps. Another big benefit is the calculation output being depicted and visualized very clear and efficiently. The calculations speed also rises significantly, the quality increases, and generation of calculation reports becomes easier.” – Mark van Esseveld, Project Manager at Arcadis

## Organization-wide development

Besides the divisions that already worked with the tool, other parts of the organization are affected by it as well. For example, a lot of code is currently available from all the projects colleagues at Arcadis have been working on, which can be reutilized to build new applications in the future. 

> “We are composing a beautiful code library that makes it more profitable to create apps for specific projects later on.” – Peter Konijnenbelt, Senior Designer at Arcadis

An example of such a spin-off application is the construction pit tool used in the Buildings   and Water division, inspired by the construction pit tool from this article. Where the original tool was created for tunnels and underpasses, this one is used for buildings. All by simply altering some parts of the code!



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Arcadis builds user-friendly web apps with VIKTOR to automate and optimize engineering processes.

Arcadis accelerates digital transformation with VIKTOR

<div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/729200500?h=713005f874&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="Geonius: Ground Settlement Monitoring Application"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

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Select 'fullscreen' in the downright corner for a better view of the application. 

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## Automatic Ground Settlement Monitoring registration and validation in the Cloud

With [Geonius](https://www.geonius.nl/)' Ground Settlement Monitoring application, you can easily solve these difficulties and save time registering and interpreting data. The application offers central registration and storage and easy sharing of data (for all of a client’s projects). Additionally, the app has several validation methods that can be used to see if a settlement monitoring device is disturbed, and if so, even automatically compensates for the skew.


</br>

### Centralized registration

With the Ground Settlement Monitoring application, all monitoring locations and measurement data are centrally registered to provide the correct real-time information to anyone who needs it (for example, to prove the achieved end-settlement). With the app, users can easily access data both online through the browser, as well as through PDF reports. The application provides a map with an overview of all the ground settlement monitoring equipment. All data can be sent to the system at the push of a button, where the validation automatically takes place and potential new monitoring instruments are also automatically created. Additionally, a PDF report of all monitoring instruments can be made to view the history of all monitoring data in a dossier. 


![Zakbaakregistratie - zakbaken op de kaart](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Zakbaakregistratie_zakbaken_op_de_kaart_7c54aae365.png)

*Overview of all monitoring location on the map*

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![Zakbaakregistratie - zettingsmetingen](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Zakbaakregistratie_zettingsmetingen_fa1d757c09.png)

*Overview of all settlement measurements*

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### Automatic validation

Measurements are validated within the application to automatically recognize errors, such as a ground settlement monitoring instrument that has been run over, or rising ground level profiles. Users can determine the threshold for the validation themselves. Results of the validation can be viewed in both an overview list and on the map. 

![Zakbaakregistratie - validatieresultaten metingen](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Zakbaakregistratie_validatieresultaten_metingen_8aaff17ec7.png)

*Overview of the measurement validation results*

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### Report functionality

The application has a built-in report functionality that automatically creates graphs per ground settlement monitoring instrument. The graphs are interactive, meaning users can zoom in and out to view the behavior of the monitoring instruments in detail. Additionally, users can determine the start date of the graphs themselves. 

All graphs and tables can be accessed through the browser and exported to PDF to be used in reports and presentations – both per monitoring instruments and for entire projects.


![Zakbaakregistratie - rapportage](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Zakbaakregistratie_rapportage_170a6474ac.png)

*PDF report of results*

## Subscription

Interested in the application? Use [this form](https://m.viktor.ai/gsm-app-request-subscription) to sign up for a subscription.

Currently, we offer two subscription types:

- Regular (via Geonius): €150 per month
- VIKTOR customers (via the App Store): €75 per month

If you want to know more about the application or have any other questions, contact Jordy Brouwers (j.brouwers@geonius.nl) or Quinten van Moerbeke (q.vanmoerbeke@geonius.nl).

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Use this web app to centrally register and validate ground settlement monitoring data. 

Central registration and validation of ground settlement monitoring data with web app

Original source: [Land+Water](https://mocs698.sharepoint.com/sites/Marketing/Gedeelde%20documenten/Marketing/Land%20+%20Water_%20Artikel%20module%20damwandconstructies%20%20ism%20Viktor.pdf), nr 3 – March 2020. K. Nijs / R. Reurings.

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Companies in construction and infra are experiencing a turbulent transformation to higher levels of digitalization. The reason for this being that this sector is lagging behind quite significantly compared to other industries. Just like in other sectors, digital transformation is happening on all kinds of aspects and throughout all phases of a project. This means that digital transformation is a relevant topic from tender and engineering to execution and maintenance.
 
Voorbij Funderingstechniek noticed the potential of this transformation in their industry and decided to act upon it. How? By using VIKTOR to automate and optimize part of their processes to be able to generate the best designs fast!

## Process analysis determines potential

For the first step towards building their own app, Voorbij Funderingstechniek started with a process analysis. The goal of this analysis is to gain insight into the impact of automation on business processes and what this means for the current processes. 

This sparked some opportunities. Currently, a sheet pile calculation is still an intensive and iterative process. To come up with a first design, a significant number of variables needs to be considered, such as the layout of the soil, the desired excavation depth, environmental influences, loads, and desired construction phase. This results in one or more normative sections with corresponding starting points. 

After the first design, every small change requires a new model and a new calculation. That means that all files need to be copied and everywhere one parameter, such as the type of sheet pile, the length, or the drainage, needs to be changed manually. In a typical design process, the second design also does not meet all requirements yet. The process of copying and adjusting keeps repeating itself, for every defined section, multiple times. This is exactly where digitization makes a difference; by automating repetitive tasks a lot of time can be won. 

Another complication is that for projects with multiple sheet piles often a ‘normative’ design is used for all sheet piles. Here, a sheet pile is designed as well as possible (within the stated time) and duplicated to all other sheet piles.

![Blog_smart_application_contributes_sustainable_future_construction](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Voorbij_areal_a17012b79f.jpg)


## Cost reduction

By automating the design process, a lot more design iterations can be performed, resulting in cost reduction with regards to materials used and time savings for engineering. Risk of errors becomes close to zero as well because processes are automatically copied, pasted, and adjusted. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, automating processes gives engineers more time to apply their specialist knowledge on more challenging projects to create a real added value. 

With their process analysis, Voorbij identified a couple of opportunities that function as input: 

- Repeatedly copying models
- Inserting variables
- Getting results per section

With a custom application on the VIKTOR platform, these processes can be automated and linked to different steps, such as analyzing CPTs, calculating designs in calculation software, and iterating until the results are sufficient. 

## Web-based

VIKTOR is a web-based platform for the development of online applications with Python. In Voorbij’s application, Python is used to program and guarantee professional and business knowledge, specifically by integrating all relevant data sources and software programs. 

With Voorbij’s VIKTOR app, data and analysis results are centralized and made available through a dashboard to all relevant (authorized) people. This ensures that everyone always has access to all insights and the correct up-to-date information.
 
To automate and later optimize sheet piles designs, the process first needs to be standardized in the application. To achieve standardization, the right ‘recipe’ needs to be discovered that always delivers a good result. Questions asked here are: “How do we process a CPT?” “How do we build the model and how do we process the results?”. Only after everyone agrees on this, automation can follow. 

![CC_Voorbij_sheet_piles](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/CC_Voorbij_sheet_piles_180f2cab82.png)

*Result output of the BASEFT Sheet Pile application*

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## Automation

The online application is designed as a central entry point of all variables. It creates the models itself, performs the calculations, and generates a summary of the results. 

If we follow this route, there is no need to perform any repetitive tasks. Do all sections roughly have the same excavation depth? Does the engineer want to iterate sheet pile lengths? In that case, the input only needs to be adjusted in one spot in the application to recalculate all the sections! Fast iterations like this, combined with the results gathered from multiple sections, generate lots of information that can be used to make connections between, for example, drainage and required sheet pile length. 

Automation is of course not restricted to inserting variables and generating models. Other processes, such as drainage, determining head heights (instead of manually inserting these in D-SheetPiling), and more, are automated as well. 

![CC_Voorbij_sheet_piles2](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/CC_Voorbij_sheet_piles2_b90017729c.png)

*Parameter input of the BASEFT Sheet Pile application*

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## Optimization 

Now that it is possible to automatically perform multiple sheet pile calculations, optimization can start. The most important question is: What is the goal of the optimization? Is this the cheapest, lowest CO2 emission? Or the easiest executable sheet pile? By specifically defining this goal, a couple of conditions will naturally follow. Based on these conditions, the application calculates the optimal design. This can be in either tens or even thousands of iterations. 

Let’s say that the cheapest sheet pile is your goal. In that case, the application works as follows: If the previous design is more than adequate and has a certain price, the next design can be repeated but for a shorter and lighter sheet pile with a lower price. If this design is no longer adequate, you can take a step back and make the sheet pile a bit heavier, but for a lower price than with the first design. This can be repeated until the optimum is found between price and requirements. 

In essence, digitization of the construction and infra sector should create a distinctiveness because the automation of repetitive work leaves engineers more time for the real and fun thinking. 

Automate the boring. Engineer the awesome! 

## Interested?

Are you interested in this development as well? Visit [www.voorbijfunderigstechniek.nl]( https://www.voorbijfunderingstechniek.nl/technieken/grondkerende-constructies/stalen-damwand) or contact Richard Reurings at r.reurings@voorbijft.nl for more information.


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VoorbijFT uses VIKTOR to automate and optimize part of their processes to be able to generate the best designs fast!

Optimal sheet pile design within reach

McDermott is a leading fully integrated global provider of engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry, operating in over 54 countries. They leverage a technology-driven approach to design and build infrastructure solutions to transport and transform oil and gas in a responsible manner.

Mina Ya-alimadad says, “We chose VIKTOR for our application development because of their focus on engineering. We speak the same language. VIKTOR immediately understood our business needs and the needs of our end-users – who are ultimately our engineers.”


## Deep Learning in the Process Industry

ReCo tool is based on a Deep Learning model for identifying mistakes in piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). P&IDs are detailed, and congested engineering drawings used in the process industry, some of which can consist of up to 100 pages. For safety, planning, and cost reasons, it is important to check and approve these drawings several times throughout a project. These checks are usually performed by highly experienced engineers and can take hours to complete.

Using Artificial Intelligence, McDermott has now automated this workflow, saving valuable engineering hours and reducing the risk of errors. Ya-alimadad says, “Process and piping engineers often perform a lot of manual work that we can easily avoid by using an application instead. Checks can take up to tens of hours per project. ReCo tool does the same in a few seconds, with a processing speed of 100 P&IDs in just 3 minutes.”

<div style="padding:75% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/820813377?h=53f8d28cd3&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="Reco Tool Promo Video"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

## User-friendly Machine Learning

The application is straightforward, with a simple and user-friendly interface. Ya-alimadad says, “The app is very simple in terms of the user interface. Most of the complicated work is done in the background.”

Engineers upload their P&ID files, and the app starts checking for common mistakes using an image recognition algorithm. If a mistake is identified, the engineer is notified and makes the final decision on whether it is actually an error and how to correct it. Ya-alimadad says, “This way, the app supports engineers in their work. For example, it also serves as a learning facility for junior engineers. The tool provides a downloadable reference manual of common mistakes that occur in P&IDs and indicates common mistakes and how to avoid them.”

![reco tool 3.jpg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/reco_tool_3_0788216061.jpg)

The ReCo tool was initially developed by a Controls and Instrumentation Engineer and an engineer with programming experience. Ya-alimadad says, “Most of our ideas come from our engineers. That is how it should be because they understand the struggles best.”

## AI for everyone

With offices in over 54 countries and 20 to 150 Process Engineers per Engineering office, the ReCo tool has a vast potential user base. Currently, the tool has been introduced in 9 of these offices so far.  To further test the tool and get everyone acquainted with the possibilities of AI for Process Engineering, McDermott hosted training and introductory sessions in all offices. According to Ya-alimadad, “One of our aims whilst introducing ReCo tool was to introduce AI to the engineering team and show them what can be achieved. We are aiming to educate people on AI and demonstrate its value.” Ultimately, a selected number of process engineers or drafters per project will use the tool to replace the hours spent checking P&IDs. 

“After the introduction of ReCo tool, we received a lot of positive feedback and our Engineering and Management teams are eagerly waiting for our next tool to be released," says Ya-alimadad. The McDermott AI team has one or more Domain Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) assigned per project. Throughout the development process, the AI project teams maintain close contact with the assigned SMEs to ensure that the project is progressing in the right direction. 

## McDermott’s AI team

McDermott's AI team is responsible for optimizing and standardizing processes. Typically, the AI team has engineers with some coding and general AI/ML knowledge and experience assigned to each project, ensuring that the connection between programming and engineering is maintained.

Currently, the AI team has several VIKTOR tools in the pipeline, specifically four. Ya-alimadad explains, "We have a few Machine Learning applications, such as another Deep Learning application that focuses on image and text recognition from P&IDs to identify symbols and text, associate the results and automate the generation of material take-offs."

The reason behind using VIKTOR for the development of all their apps is simple according to Ya-alimadad: "With VIKTOR, we can have all our apps in one place." Looking forward, McDermott's AI team continues to search internally for new ideas by collaborating closely with engineers. "By closely engaging with our engineers, we can find more opportunities in which Artificial Intelligence helps to bring value to the business," Ya-alimadad concludes.

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Engineering firm McDermott uses VIKTOR to develop AI-based solutions that automate repetitive tasks, resulting in valuable time savings for the engineering team.

McDermott leverages AI to save valuable engineering hours with user-friendly VIKTOR apps 

1. An introduction to Artificial Intelligence
2. Artificial Intelligence vs Machine Learning
3. AI and ML in organizations
4. Building a Machine Learning application
5. About VIKTOR

artificial intelligence AI machine learning ML engineering construction

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Have you ever wondered how you can use AI to automate engineering processes? This white paper is for all engineers, managers, or directors that want to know more about applying AI-methods, such as machine learning, in their organization. 

Find out more about the different types of AI and how you can use them to improve and automate (engineering) processes within your organization. You will also see some examples of real AI apps used by organizations in the industry and learn what it takes to build a machine learning application yourself. 

Keep scrolling to download the white paper.

Find how you can use AI automate engineering processes in your organization.

Have you ever wondered how you can use AI to automate engineering processes? This white paper is for all engineers, managers, or directors that want to know more about applying AI-methods, such as machine learning, in their organization. 

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