Tekla Software in practice:

tokyo sky tree

OBAYASHI CORPORATION, Japan
A testament to the
versatility of BIM
a Tokyo Sky Tree will be the world’s tallest free-standing tower
for digital terrestrial broadcasting. It will be 634 meters high,
and its construction is scheduled to be completed in December
2011. Japanese traditional sense of beauty and state-of-the-art
engineering have been integrated to its design. The tower will
become a new landmark in Tokyo and create memorable views from
the Sumida river and nearby spots. Such views are expected to be
called a ”Landscape beyond Time and Space“.

s Footprint of the tower is the shape of an equilateral triangle. Three

legs at its base resemble the “KANAE”, a tripod kettle used for ceremonies
in ancient China. The tree legs’ design enhances structural stability
and, at the same time, minimizes the amount of structural members.
Triangular shape gradually changes to cylindrical while climbing to the
first observatory at 350 meters above ground. The tower will vary in
appearance depending on the angle or place from which it is seen. At
the center of the tower, there is a cylindrical shell made of reinforced
concrete that is 8 meters in diameter and used as a staircase. This shell is
like a central column surrounded by three kinds of steel truss elements:
tripod truss, lateral joint truss, and ring truss. The central column concept
has been modeled according to traditional Japanese towers, “five-
story pagoda temples”, and used as a new vibration-controlling system
that reduces the response shear force by 40% in the event of large
earthquakes. The largest pieces of the massive steel columns at the base
of the tower are 2.3 meters in diameter, 4 meters tall, and weigh as much
as 29 tons. The tower consists of over 30,000 tons of structural steel.
Selecting A 3D design system
s Erecting a 634-meter ultra high-rise structure has industry. Tekla Structures not only defines every
never been attempted in Japan before. No companies had required unit (from bolts to large assembly units)
real experience in building such tall structures; thus, the but also figures out all weights and the centers
construction of this tower posed a significant technical of their gravity positions automatically. Tekla
challenge to Obayashi. The structural steel columns of the BIM software enables the creation of a highly
tower are diagonally jointed at different angles, and their detailed model that makes it a suitable tool for
shapes differ from one another. Under these stringent the construction site. We will definitely continue
conditions, engineers were required to solve the kind researching this kind of utilization of BIM.”
of problems that they have never experienced in past
projects.
Considering the requirement of accurate construction
and preliminary clash detection, Obayashi decided to
deploy a 3D design system prior to starting this project.
After reviewing several programs for structural steel
design, they finally made a decision to adopt Tekla BIM
software. Besides, Tekla was in use by main fabricators
working on this project and had been applied to this kind
of special structures worldwide.
Tomoya Kaneko, Senior Research Engineer at
Obayashi, expresses his strong expectations of BIM. “What
general contractors utilize in the 3D models created
by fabricators is a new data flow in the construction

“What general contractors utilize in the 3D

models created by fabricators is a new data
flow in the construction industry.”
- Tomoya Kaneko, Senior Research Engineer at Obayashi Corporation
Production design, construction planning
and management
s The 3D building information model provided a reliable representation of the actual
building, and therefore it was used for the owner and design supervisors to check the
feasibility of the design rationale and to clarify construction planning.
The model incorporated not only the construction geometry of the complex main
structure but also the smaller pieces used for work in high places, such as maintenance
scaffolding and ladders. Model simulation ensured safety during construction, and it was
used for finalizing proper positions and shapes of all elements. Temporary pieces and steel
members holding equipment, such as the lighting and broadcasting systems utilized in
subsidiary work, were also included in this model. Obayashi was able to smoothly receive an
approval for the final design in an early stage of the project by describing all the joints based
on its detailed model. Model simulation also made it easier to understand the geometry
of the tower and the procedure to erect the structural steel in each construction phase.
Furthermore, the model was useful not only for sharing information between the project’s
participants but also to explain the project to the community and residents near the tower.

The model contains even the

smallest pieces in detail,
e.g. maintenance scaffolding
and ladders.

Temporary pieces and steel members to hold equipment, such as the lighting and the broadcasting systems
that are utilized in subsidiary work, are included in this model.
Finding and preventing “INVISIBLE” risks
s In general, drawings have been the main
communication tool among fabricators, design
supervisors and construction managers. However, the
Tokyo Sky Tree project chose the building information
model as an information sharing platform. The model
played a major role in terms of boosting collaboration
efficiently, visualizing the plan, engineering inspections,
and construction planning.
From the initial stage of the project, a regular
meeting of the design supervisors (Nikken Sekkei), the
construction managers (Obayashi), and the fabricators
was held every week, and they reviewed the progress
based on the model. If there were concerns, all of the
participants could understand the concerns at the same
level and then work together to resolve them using a
procedure based on the model.
Maintenance scaffolding and ladders
Landing nearby the first observatory
In-ground walled piles
Various information combined into one model offers the
advantage of being able to spot potential problems more
easily. Matters that can not be checked on the engineering
drawings can be found in the model. The model can be an
indispensable tool to share and integrate information at
every stage for high-quality construction of highly complex,
large-scale projects like the Tokyo Sky Tree. BIM, in this
case, promoted a smooth project flow and allowed Obayashi
to visualize the construction plans and to eliminate
problems by simulation as well as to prevent conditions
that could have caused extra work and work delays.
When corrections were carried out by the fabricators
after the weekly meeting, the model data was converted
to files for viewing on the World Wide Web. Then the data
was sent by e-mail to the planning supervisors at Nikken
Sekkei and Obayashi. The corrections were then confirmed
by both parties. Simulating possible changes by sharing
modeled information enabled the constructors at the site
and the fabricators to respond quickly to them. The model
was also used by the administration and the procurement
departments, collaborating partners and by an onsite office
within Obayashi to explain the processes. The Tekla model
with added date information was used to check erection of
the tower at the site.
”Tekla Structures arranges all parts attached to the
tower in a 3D model. The model was repeatedly used for
simulation of clash detection, for example, which eliminates
the need for corrections at the site and enables the tower
to be constructed without defects or problems,” says
Yoshikuni Nagano, Manager for Construction at Obayashi,
on the benefits of introducing BIM to the project.
Using Tekla Structures at the onsite office
Use of BIM data in Construction Accuracy Control
s Moving up from the foot to the top of the tower, base
geometry changes its shape from triangular to circular.
The structural steel columns have therefore been arranged
diagonally at different angles. Complicated structures
like this tower make it extremely difficult to measure
accurately or make alignments during construction.
As a solution to this issue, Obayashi introduced a
system that utilizes information from a 3D model and a
3D-laser measurement device. This system was used to
Interface of “Coordinate Recalculation Program”
developed with the Tekla Open API™
construction simulation by dynamic clash detection
s A highly accurate 3D model was used for construction
simulation. The top 165 meter section of the tower is
called “Gain Tower,” and it consists of antennas used
for digital terrestrial broadcasting. Obayashi made the
decision to build and erect the Gain Tower inside the
Tokyo Sky Tree.
The assembly started from the top of the Gain Tower,
and steel columns were added in sequence underneath.
The narrow hollow space inside the tower did not allow
the columns to stand up. As a result, inclined columns
analyze the variance between design values in the model
and measurement values of the coordinates derived from
target stickers attached to the top of the steel tubes. This
way correct values could be recalculated instantly. Linking
the data extracted from the model to the control system
in this manner enabled structural steel to be erected
smoothly and accurately.
The places in which the 3D-laser measurement
device can be placed, are limited. As a result, attachment
positions may have to be slightly adjusted on the surface
of columns at the site so that the laser accurately hits the
target stickers. In this case, the coordinated positions of
the target stickers could be determined by “Coordinate
Recalculation Program” developed with the Tekla Open
API™ by Kaneko. Recalculated information was updated
to the accuracy management system, and the program
was handed over to the person in charge at the site.
“The Coordinate Recalculation Program greatly
contributed to the tower being erected in schedule,” says
Nagano. “I think accuracy management control with Tekla
Structures, combined with the data from the 3D-laser
measuring device, is an indispensable tool for erecting
complex structures. We will actively utilize this method in
our future projects,” continues Tatsuhito Tamura, Deputy
General Manager of BIM Development and Administration
Department at Obayashi.
were set on a movable carriage and then moved into the
hollow space in a horizontal position. 2D drawings did not
offer accurate enough inclination information necessary
to carry the columns into the tower. 3D model simulation,
however, enabled the team to verify the interference in
a narrow, hollow space. Trouble-free construction was
accomplished by repeated simulations with millimeter
accuracy. By simulating construction, it was possible to cut
the 3D model into cross-section views at different depths
and angles just like in CT (computed tomographic) scans.
Ground assembly of Gain Tower in the hollow space inside the
Tokyo Sky Tree
s The first observatory of the tower is mortar-shaped were complex to place. Thus, it was necessary to perform
and hangs over its base towards the sky. The bottom of a dynamic simulation to find out whether installing
the observatory hangs horizontally from the body of the the panel unit would interfere with the surrounding
tower. At the beginning, the panel units of eaves soffits, steelwork. This validation process was deployed on actual
covering the bottom of the observatory, were planned to construction, and it allowed the tower to be erected
be assembled and installed manually by workers using safely and smoothly.
conventional scaffolding. However, safety concerns were
raised, considering that the operation would have to take
place at over 300 meters from the ground.
After considerable discussion, the panel unit and a
slider were lifted up and then slid out between the steel
frames that were under the observatory. With this method
there was very little clearance between steel frames and
preassembled panel units. In addition, maintenance parts,
such as scaffolding, inclined columns and diagonal tubes,

Inserting the panel unit of eaves soffits under

the bottom of the first observatory

Inserting the panel unit of eaves soffits Docking simulation by using 3D model

After cutting a cross section of the panel unit of eaves soffits on a 2D model with
Tekla Structures View Clip Tool, a dynamic simulation of eventual interference
between the eaves soffits’ panels and the surrounding steelwork is shown.

BIM boosts
the role of fabricator
s Information needed for structural steel production can
be completely integrated in a building information model.
“We spent many hours setting rules for the transportation
and construction of joint seams and branch joints because
they were absolutely vital for constructing the tower,”
explains Atsuhisa Yokota, Chief of the Design Section at
Komaihaltec. As a result of the lifting capacity provided
by Obayashi and the production efficiency of each plant, a
production plan was created in the 3D environment.
Being able to work by trial and error on a 3D model
helps design supervisors and construction managers to test
the degree of difficulty in production, and it allows parts
and materials to be divided by each joint. With the wealth
of information that the Tekla model provided, they could
test the structural steel members and materials to satisfy
“Having all parties involved in
the discussion by showing the
model from any aspect of the
project is the most effective
way to resolve problems.”
- Atsuhisa Yokota, Chief of the Design Section
at Komaihaltec
Katsuo Tsukamoto, Deputy General Manager at Komaihaltec (left)
Atsuhisa Yokota, Chief of the Design Section at Komaihaltec (right)
the lifting capacity. Tekla Structures’ features of monitoring
the gross weights for each divided joint unit and the center
of gravity positions played a vital role in this planning.
Cooperation among many fabricators was essential
in order to produce the vast number of structural steel
members required to build the tower, including large
steel columns that were 2.3 meters in diameter. The
fabricators along with Komaihaltec were among the best
in the business at erecting steel structures and promoting
projects. First, a 3D model that faithfully reproduced the
structure was created with Tekla Structures. Then standard
drawings and other important information generated
from the 3D model were shared among the fabricators.
Constructability of a large steel structure like this,
particularly the steel used near the bottom of the tower,
depends heavily on the production facility conditions of
each fabricator. Therefore, structural steel was tested at
each of these companies using the standard drawings
generated from the 3D model, and then a production plan
was drawn. The production plans from each company were
then shared and the quality of the plans was checked with
Obayashi and Nikken Sekkei. Detailed information on the
structures verified by each company was finally compiled
to Tekla Structures which then checked consistency with
production and structural work of other fabricators.
“It is essential to centralize as much information as
possible to the 3D model. For more complicated structures,
such as this one in particular, having all parties involved in
the discussion by showing the model from any aspect of
the project is the most effective way to resolve problems,”
says Yokota. Interference by materials and elements other
than structural steel, including eaves, exterior walls and
equipment, was a serious issue in areas located at more
than 300 meters from the ground, such as the observatory.
Therefore, the 3D model played a major role in simulating
these points of concern.

Welding, inspection, painting, and all other processes
were performed in utmost safety outside the tower
Dramatic improvement of
steel fabrication process
s “I have seen a great deal of specialized CAD software
being developed for fabricators over the years. With
Tekla Structures, the one feature that stood out for me
compared to other programs is its advanced 3D modeling
and immediate calculation of attribute information such
as center of gravity positioning. Many overseas fabricators
understood the benefit of Tekla Structures and adopted
it years ago. I believe that this fact is one of Tekla’s
strengths,” says Katsuo Tsukamoto, Deputy General
Manager at Komaihaltec.
“I have always believed that BIM can dramatically
improve the steel fabrication process. I would like to take
advantage of our experience with Tekla Structures to
streamline our production system with further utilization
of this software from now on,” says Tokio Shimizu,
Corporate Officer at Komaihaltec.
In the Tokyo Sky Tree project, model data from Tekla
Structures was also used to create roll patterns for the
steel pipe columns. This was done as follows: the data
output from the finished model, including the smallest
details, were exported to special software for roll pattern
fabrication using 3D DXF file format. The data for the joints
was then slightly calibrated, and finally the roll pattern
was output. “Other specialized CAD software for roll
patterning that I’ve used was not user-friendly and took a
long time to load data because of their model file size.”
“Modeling with Tekla Structures made it easy to create
even the smallest pieces. On top of this, it drastically
reduced the number of processes involved. Also, I think
that simulating interference adjustments using the
model can reduce the amount of data that needs to be
processed,” says Yokota. ”In the future, we are looking
into a direct link from Tekla Structures to NC machine
tools.”
Transport SImulation
s Komaihaltec was forced to make a transport plan
under various regulation limits, such as allowable load
limits for transport trucks, weight limits of bridges along
transport routes, and lifting capacities of tower cranes for
construction. Therefore, its engineers conducted a transport
simulation by using a 3D model. The Tekla model enabled
them to figure out the gross weight and center of gravity
positions of the main tubes which were welded onto the
branch joints including small pieces. These features also
helped them to find out the best stable position of steel
tubes for transportation. It was indispensable to be able to
create loading and packing drawings prior to creating shop
drawings at the initial phase and to simulate a detailed
transport procedure including selection of special-purpose
vehicles. A detailed simulation was done by comparing the
model to a list generated from Tekla Structures. The list
stated the final packing of the steel parts as well as their
weight parameters to see whether they fell within the
allowable load limit for trucks.
A detailed simulation was carried out in the initial
phase to check safety. The parameters of the construction
units were complicated and the steel tubes were very
heavy. If the load were off balance, it might cause a serious
accident. Performing welding, inspection, painting, and
all other processes under the safest final conditions also
effectively prevented roll-overs at the worksite.
Transport simulation of permissible size
Width
Length
Height
Obayashi and BIM
s In April 2010, Obayashi established its BIM
Development and Administration Department and its team
was appointed to play an active role in the promotion
of extensive use of BIM that incorporates building
information on architectural design, structural design and
MEP. Obayashi adopted a policy of “Implementing BIM
for applicable areas, not just for the design but also for
production stages”.
The campaign to adopt Tekla Structures for the Tokyo
Sky Tree project marked Obayashi’s first step to incorporate
BIM in the construction stage. Tamura explaines:
“Constructing Tokyo Sky Tree is quite a challenge. Without
a 3D model, we could not be able to complete this
project successfully. We now have first-hand experience
of the results of BIM through each work phase, and we
are convinced that it will be used again in our future
projects.” Obayashi believes that BIM projects will become
a mainstream of construction workflow, and they are
working on this new challenge.

“Without a 3D model, we could not

be able to complete this project
successfully. We now have first-
hand experience of the results of
BIM through each work phase, and
we are convinced that it will be used
again in our future projects.”
- Tatsuhito Tamura, Deputy General Manager of BIM
Development and Administration Department at
Obayashi Corporation

Tomoya Kaneko, Senior Research Engineer at Obayashi

Corporation (left) and Yoshikuni Nagano, Manager for
Construction at Obayashi Corporation (right).
 461 m as of September 11, 2010

Images courtesy of Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. and

Tobu Tower Sky Tree Co., Ltd.

Tokyo Sky Tree in short:

a Address: 1-chome, Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
a Site Area: approx. 36,900 m2
a Height: 634 m
a Facilities: Observatory (first observatory
2
at 350 m,
second observatory at 450 m), broadcasting facilities
a Scheduled completion: December 2011
a Owner: Tobu Tower Sky Tree Co., Ltd.
a Architect(s): Nikken Sekkei Ltd.
a Contractor: Obayashi Corporation
a Fabricators: Komaihaltec Inc., Kawada Industries, Inc.,
JFE Engineering Corporation, and others
Our ambition is to multiply your
potential to think and achieve big

W With an ambition to multiply customers’ potential to think and achieve big, Tekla provides a BIM
(Building Information Modeling) software environment that can be shared by contractors, structural
engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, as well as concrete detailers and manufacturers.
The highly detailed as-built 3D models created, combined and distributed with Tekla software enable the
highest level of constructability and production control.
Centralizing building information into the model allows for more collaborative and integrated project
management and delivery. This translates into increased productivity and elimination of waste, making
construction and buildings more sustainable.

T With its software, Tekla Corporation

drives the evolution of digital information
models and provides more and more
competitive advantage to the construction
and infrastructure industries. Tekla was
established in 1966, and today it has
customers in 100 countries, offices in 15
countries, and a global partner network.
Tekla software is used worldwide
to model all types of buildings. Visit
our website to learn more about Tekla
solutions and references for building and
construction.

www.tekla.com

Tobu Tower Sky Tree Co., Ltd. Nikken Sekkei Ltd. Obayashi Corporation Komaihaltec Inc.

www.tokyo-skytree.jp www.nikken.jp www.obayashi.co.jp www.komaihaltec.co.jp

Tekla is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Tekla Corporation in the United States and other countries.