Print your next building

Kiar Olson — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:00:48 +0000

Smet Construction embraces the inevitable changes in construction technology

It’s only a matter of time. While there is currently not a Green Bay building contractor utilizing 3D printing methods, that will likely change in coming years. Smet Construction Services, Inc. understands that continuing advances in construction technology such as LSAM (Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing) technology are bound to impact the construction industry everywhere.
At the heart of LSAM is concrete extrusion technology, a method of producing physical objects layer by layer from a computer-aided machine guided by digital 3D models. A specially formulated concrete mix allows the process to be fast and the structure to be strong and energy efficient.
Perhaps the most powerful impact of this technology will be for the 1.2 billion people who live without adequate shelter in the world. Already there are plans to build 10,000 homes in El Salvador at a cost of about $4,000 per home.

Benefits of 3D construction technology

Speed— Small homes can already be printed in 48 hours with openings left for doors and windows, and electrical and plumbing infrastructure. Less time means less cost.
Less waste— Precise design and fabrication allows greater efficiency in use of materials for extrusion. Utilizing local and recycled materials can provide additional savings.
Accuracy and Precision— Digital modeling ensures that sizes and dimensions are precise and will eliminate time needed for modifying in the field.
Structural Strength— Digitally engineered structural design provides durability and strength.
Energy Efficiency— Specially formulated concrete provides optimum insulating values.

But how will construction in northeastern Wisconsin most likely be affected by LSAM?
“Already we are seeing the advent of automated milling and the prefabrication of framed components for construction projects. Extrusion construction technology will simply add another process into the equation,” says Scott Smet, President and CEO of Smet Construction Services, Inc. “It may be that rather than replacing traditional construction, 3D printing will be used to make specific components off-site and on-site.”
Certainly, education and training will need to keep pace with new construction technology. Tomorrow’s architects and engineers will need to master 3D digital programming skills. Likewise, carpenters and skilled laborers will need to learn to co-work with automated technology.
Smet says that while his company will always embrace technology, it will continue to rely most heavily on its greatest commodity: talented people. “Automated construction technology may provide greater efficiency, but you will always need skilled people for successful projects.”

About Smet Construction Services, Inc.

Smet Construction Services, Inc. is a third-generation building contractor specializing in adapting the design-build and construction management project delivery methods. They work to form a unique partnership with their customers in designing and building their industrial, commercial or specialized construction projects.
For more information, contact a member of our business development team at (920) 532-3828 or visit smet.com.
Greg Runnoe at (920) 619-1129 grunnoe@smet.com
Mark Schumacher at (920) 660-5016 mschumacher@smet.com

Before you build, sign on the dotted line

Kiar Olson — Tue, 08 May 2018 14:00:03 +0000

Vital benefits of a PCSA with your Green Bay building contractor

Whether you are renovating, expanding, or constructing a new building having a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) with your general contractor may be the very best way to get the very best results. Talking to a Green Bay building contractor like Smet Construction Services, Inc. will help you determine if it is right for you.
“There are numerous benefits gained in a pre-construction agreement,” says Scott Smet, president and CEO of Smet Construction Services, Inc. “The primary benefit is that it allows the customer to leverage the depth of the knowledge and experience of a building contractor before making critical facility decisions that will impact their business for many years.”

Key advantages of entering into a PCSA with your Green Bay building contractor

Design Development– By evaluating the unique aspects of your business a PCSA greatly enhances the accuracy of programming efficiencies for operations, production and administration personnel. Options for company growth are an inherent part of this design analysis. A PCSA will provide you with clear project objectives and a clear project scope.
Site Analysis– A proper site analysis provides the customer with an evaluation of existing conditions, logistics, utilities and related permit requirements. This reduces risk and ensures that your site provides the best long-term facility solution.
Budget Accuracy/Cost Analysis– A pre-construction services agreement allows the customer and your Green Bay building contractor to define the most significant considerations for facility needs in order to develop a budget with a high level of cost certainty. Too often construction plans are generated that are not mindful of critical budgets, or worse yet, hasty planning leading to expensive change orders after construction begins.
ScheduleEfficiency– A PCSA can streamline the planning process and consolidate the deployment of commercial construction services. Working with a qualified design-builder like Smet provides expertise from a single source of responsibility who understands critical milestones, including the ability to place orders for long lead time items.

There is no boilerplate PCSA. Smet will tailor an agreement that addresses your most significant considerations for cost, feasibility, productivity, scheduling and anticipated growth. This agreement can take many shapes. Smet is a Green Bay building contractor who will sit down with you to draft an agreement that will make you more educated, comfortable and successful.

Green Bay Building Contractor – Smet Construction

Print your next building

Smet Construction embraces the inevitable changes in construction technology

Benefits of 3D construction technology

About Smet Construction Services, Inc.

Before you build, sign on the dotted line

Vital benefits of a PCSA with your Green Bay building contractor

Key advantages of entering into a PCSA with your Green Bay building contractor

About Smet Construction Services, Inc.