The Olympic Gangneung Ice Arena: Beautiful sports structure built with Tekla BIM technology by Trimble

Trimble, a global leader of construction, 3D and BIM technologies, announced that its BIM software, Tekla Structures, was applied to the design of Gangneung Ice Arena, one of main stadiums of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. The innovative technology of 3D modeling-based Tekla Structures played a crucial role in minimizing errors in the entire process from designing complex steel structures to the fabrication and installation, and completing construction within a short period of time.

Gangneung Ice Arena, opened in December 2016, has two underground levels and four stories above ground with gross area of 32,424㎡ and 12,000 seats. This is where two popular ice events 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games - figure skating and short track speed skating - took place. On the 1st floor above ground and the 2nd basement level, there are two ice rinks of 30mx60m each. Mixed Zone where players and reporters meet after games, boasts of the largest spectator seating among ice arenas of the 2018 Olympic Games.

The exterior of Gangneung Ice Arena has been evaluated to having beauty of figure skating and dynamics of short track in harmony. Since the arena needs a large open space, its roof gets it form from complicated pipe trusses. The fabrication and construction of this steel pipe truss was performed by Dongbu Steel. The steelmaker utilized Trimble’s Tekla Structures Trimble for detailed design of the complicated pipe truss structure, creating digital simulation of steel structure.

Dongbu Steel could construct without errors thanks to pre-review before steel fabrication and construction based on rich information derived from detailed 3D BIM design data in the Tekla Structures model. In particular, the steel fabricator could raise the level of completion of complex steel structures and numerous joints in the actual construction site by making use of design data provided with LOD (Level of Development) 400. Together with this, related departments and those involved in the project could enhance efficiency of fabrication and construction by collaborating using the 3D model and adjusting workflow.

Byoung-ho Doh, Senior Manager of Dongbu Steel said “Tekla structures makes it possible to review meticulously prior to steel fabrication and construction based on rich information.” He also added, “We are planning for construction simulation in the scheduled future project by utilizing Trimble’s excellent technology. In addition, we are looking forward to the development of solution that can manage entire project process spanning from digital simulation of steel structures to safety management and maintenance as well as development of 3D modeling related industries.”

Wan-soon Park of Trimble Korea said “It is very meaningful that Trimble’s 3D BIM technologies were applied to the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, which are drawing attention from around the world.” He explained, “You can create a detailed and constructible 3D model with Tekla Structures no matter how complicated a steel structure is. Tekla Structures is a software solution that manages detailing tasks in the most productive manner and realizes benefits of 3D models throughout the construction process. I hope that this will serve as an opportunity to raise awareness about BIM solution in the local construction market. Trimble plans to provide powerful and easy-to-use software and solutions in order to meet diverse demands of customers.”