SketchUp for construction

I’ve been working on a construction detail for a deck and steps made out of Millboard, with a Plas Pro recycled plastic sub-structure, for a client whose brief has steered me towards a product which will weather predictably, be long lasting and resistant to mildew, algae etc. I use SketchUp for my designing and also for my construction drawings, and it helps me to get my head around the construction detailing if I actually ‘construct’ a virtual reality model of the feature using the appropriate dimensioned components, ie in this case posts, bearers, joists, deck boards, and special fascia boards and step nosings. By fitting these together in the model,  I gain a better understanding of the structure than if I simply draw up 2D sections and elevations. By saving different views in SU, I can then export to Layout (part of the SketchUp Pro package)as scaled plan view, section, as well as perspective, and then once in Layout I can add dimensions and annotation, save as a pdf and my construction drawing is ready to issue or print off.

Since I’m fairly new to specifying these particular materials, I wanted to run my detail past the guys at Millboard just to check they were happy with the dimensions, and I was able to quickly email a few screenshots of the model, like the example at the top, over to them. They confirmed that the detail was as it should be, and also commented on how good the SU model was at communicating the information. I am increasingly finding that 3D visualisations are a great help on site, with builders and landscapers relying as much on my ‘artist’s impressions’ (thanks guys!) as my scaled plans and sections. They are a quick and very clear way of understanding how features are put together, and I think being able to offer information in this format is a real bonus for a designer.

 

www.chameleongardens.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Votes: 0
E-mail me when people leave their comments –

You need to be a member of Landscape Juice Network to add comments!

Join Landscape Juice Network

Open forum activity

Edward baker replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"Thanks all.  I'll look into the ones you suggest, I've seen a billy goat one, wrist it was 500 ! Id be interested in the turf Tec one too, let me know if you have one "
2 hours ago
James Wright is now a member of Landscape Juice Network
6 hours ago
Graham Taylor replied to Tim Bucknall's discussion Moss and algae on hard surfaces
"Benzalconium Chloride is really the stuff to use    https://trade-chem.co.uk/bac50/bac50-benzalkonium-chloride/     1.5 litres in 15-20 litres of water treats roughly 100 square metres. Algoclear uses the same basic ingredients at a slightly lower…"
8 hours ago
Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd replied to Tim Bucknall's discussion Moss and algae on hard surfaces
"We use Algoclear Pro or Mac HiPower from Progreen. Both are 40% DDAC and very effective. Quick and easy to apply with a Dosatron unit but otherwise a knapsack sprayer can be used."
11 hours ago
Fusion Media posted a blog post
Cutting Edge Grounds Maintenance, a leading provider of grounds maintenance services, has selected MM40 from Mansfield Sand as its preferred choice of sand for sports pitch maintenance.Established by industry expert Joshua Blackburn in 2021, Cutting…
11 hours ago
Fusion Media posted a blog post
Ramsey Golf and Bowls Club in Cambridge, is experiencing remarkable improvements in turf health and playability thanks to the SISIS Maxislit.Head Greenkeeper Richard Shilling, who has dedicated 35 years to the club, highlights how this aerator is…
15 hours ago
Tim Bucknall posted a discussion
Does anyone have recommendations for products that actually work?  I find several of them work if conditions are perfect, but not otherwise.  We used to use Jeyes in the winter, but that's now practically washing up liquid.  Block Blitz from QVC is…
17 hours ago
Adam Woods replied to Adam Woods's discussion Fence post auger
"Hmm, thank you Pauk"
18 hours ago
Andy Harrold posted a discussion
DAX Industries Professional Remote Controlled Slope MowerLooking for a new competative edge for your business?This mower will devour Nettles, Brambles, Bracken, Small Whin and Gorse bushes and even small trees.Operates on tracks on slopes up to 45…
yesterday
Peter sellers replied to M Olsson's discussion First year for trading with zero prior experience
"Wise words, we have had an accountant from day 1. More essential than a mower !"
yesterday
Tim Wallach replied to M Olsson's discussion First year for trading with zero prior experience
"A suggestion/ question: have you considered an accountant for your tax return?  For the first few years I completed my own online form.  Then the anecdotes from my chimney sweep about the allowed expenses that can be identified by a tax person began…"
Tuesday
Peter sellers replied to M Olsson's discussion First year for trading with zero prior experience
"I get a feeling of deja vu reading your reply ! I started with a hatchback car and second hand mower for the same reason - more income, business kept growing and van became essential which became my only form of transport for a few years before…"
Tuesday
M Olsson replied to M Olsson's discussion First year for trading with zero prior experience
"Hi Peter,
At this stage I am not too sure, I just wanted an extra source of income and although I want a van, it is not practical from family or other job perspective. A van is likely off the cards right now but will need to buy a new vehicle next…"
Tuesday
Fusion Media posted a blog post
For Jeff Clark, maintaining his acre-and-a-half property in rural North Wales has become significantly easier thanks to the Avant 225 compact loader.Jeff, who has some woodland, and a main field to maintain, has found the perfect solution in this…
Tuesday
Honey Badger replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
"Hope this helps"
Tuesday
Honey Badger replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
""
Tuesday
More…

Spam

Has anyone else on the forum received spam emails from SEO companies addressed to LJN saying they can improve LJN's google ranking, they are not aimed at us and am puzzled why we are receiving this junk from these scum bags.

Read more…
0 Replies
Views: 10