The inventor of a Lego-style modelling kit designed to teach brickwork skills in construction colleges is planning to expand the system to allow it to model entire building projects.
Bimbrix is the brainchild of chartered surveyor Richard Winson, and is described as an “active learning” tool comprising 1:5 scale building components to teach technical skills, such as setting-out, centre-line calculations, space planning, and estimating and tendering.
The system launched last year and currently features standard facing bricks, “special bricks” and closers. However, a forthcoming expanded version of the system will also include timber trusses, roof tiles, and windows, allowing a scaled down version of a complete building to be made.
Winson told CM: “Bimbrix is already being used by a number of UK bricklaying colleges [including Highbury College in Hampshire and Chichester College in West Sussex], now we are trying to broaden its scope to make it a more useful tool for construction and architecture students to help them create a complete simulation of a building project.”
"Bimbrix is already being used by a number of UK bricklaying colleges. Now we are trying to broaden its scope to make it a more useful tool for construction and architecture students to help them create a complete simulation of a building project."
Richard Winson
The plan is to integrate the tool with 3D BIM models, including “4D” time planning and “5D” cost information, to help students understand BIM concepts and how digital data relates to real world construction.
“It will provide an introduction to what BIM is about and the benefits of using 3D rather than paper drawings,” said Winson. “For example, one exercise might involve students building using only 2D information, then comparing it to using a 3D model they can fully interrogate and zoom in on. The tool will also be useful to help students understand processes around value engineering, how to rationalise the design to make it more cost effective, how area and volume calculations work, and carry out estimating for quantities.”
Bimbrix is compatible with 3D printing techniques and bespoke components can be printed to complement any model. Other CAD/CAM/CNC techniques can be used to create 1:5 scale components.
Winson developed the tool after 25 years in the construction industry, pursuing a long-held ambition to help students follow in his footsteps. “I spent many years training to become a chartered builder, then a surveyor, and have always believed there was a more practical, effective approach to teaching the necessary skills,” he said.
The product is manufactured by Amey Plastics, a plastic injection moulding company in Hampshire, run by brothers Ken and Phil Scott, who helped plan and design Bimbrix. They also make equipment needed to produce the individual components.
“I had little knowledge of manufacturing and they guided me through the entire process from design and prototypes, through modifications and adjustments, to the finished product. It if it weren’t for their support and warm reception every time I went into the offices to discuss and work with them, I doubt Bimbrix would be here now,” Winson added.
Bimbrix is already in use as an “active learning” tool comprising 1:5 scale building components to teach technical skills
