Underground mining environments are notoriously challenging for surveyors, with low light, damp conditions, uneven rock faces, and narrow passages. Traditional scanners often struggled to capture precise data that could be geo-referenced confidently. The XGRIDS Lixel L2 Pro changed that dynamic.
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BIM field technology brings digital models directly to construction sites, giving crews real-time access to the latest project data. With tools like Trimble Connect and mobile workflows, teams reduce errors, improve collaboration and boost productivity by bridging the gap between office design and on-site execution.
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The choice between traditional and digital construction layout can make or break a project. While manual methods like theodolites have stood the test of time, they demand more labour, take longer to set up, and leave more room for costly errors. By contrast, digital tools such as robotic total stations and Trimble’s automated layout systems deliver faster, more precise results with smaller crews. This blog explores the key differences between traditional vs digital construction layout and shows why contractors are turning to technology to stay competitive.
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Digital construction layout tools are transforming site workflows with faster setups, fewer errors, and improved efficiency. By combining digital blueprints, robotic total stations, and layout automation, these tools empower teams to complete layouts quickly, stay accurate, and keep projects on track from office to field.
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Explore the advantages of 3D scanning in construction — from capturing real-world conditions with LiDAR and point clouds to improving planning, safety and project delivery.
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Xgrids is BuildingPoint SA’s new range of affordable handheld 3D and LiDAR scanners. Designed for speed, accuracy, and ease of use, the LixelKitty K1 and L2 Pro models make site scanning simpler for professionals across architecture, construction, and infrastructure. Whether you’re scanning tight interior spaces or large outdoor areas, Xgrids delivers reliable data capture without the complexity or cost of traditional equipment.
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Discover how cutting-edge construction technology solutions like BIM, 3D modeling, robotics, and cloud-based tools are revolutionising project delivery. From enhanced accuracy and safety to real-time collaboration and data-driven insights, this guide explores the innovations transforming the way we build.
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The latest Tekla 2025 updates bring exciting advancements across Structures, PowerFab and Structural Designer. Trimble continues to push the boundaries of construction technology by improving automation, workflow integration and collaboration for professionals working in structural design, detailing, fabrication and project delivery.
Whether you are an engineer working on complex concrete and steel structures, a detailer producing fabrication drawings or a fabricator managing production schedules, the 2025 release is built to enhance how you work with greater accuracy and control.
Tekla Structures is a leading 3D building information modelling (BIM) solution designed for structural engineers, steel and concrete detailers, fabricators and project managers. It allows users to create highly detailed, information-rich models that support the entire lifecycle of a structure, from early design to fabrication and erection.
Tekla Structures is widely trusted for managing large-scale projects, particularly when high levels of precision and coordination are required across teams and disciplines.
The Tekla Structures 2025 release focuses on intelligent automation, improved interoperability and time-saving features that reduce manual tasks.
A major innovation in this release is the ability to generate fabrication drawings using artificial intelligence. The AI references a collection of finalised drawings from previous projects stored in the cloud, learning from past decisions to automatically generate accurate, consistent documentation.
Smart Create has been improved to intelligently select the most appropriate drawing template or settings file based on the part or assembly. Whether you are working on a single part, a cast unit or an assembly, Tekla helps speed up your drawing process while maintaining accuracy.
You can now view proposed part and assembly numbers before confirming changes. This gives you more control over drawing and fabrication workflows and reduces costly errors caused by misnumbered components.
New support for STEP and IGES formats makes it easier to export fabrication-ready data. This includes accurate bend and arc data for steel components such as handrails and curved profiles, allowing seamless integration with automated manufacturing systems.
With improved integration between Tekla Structures and Tekla PowerFab, users can now push data packages from modelling to fabrication with a single click. Material specifications, project status updates and submittals stay in sync, making collaboration between detailing and fabrication teams faster and more reliable.
A preview feature in this release allows for live collaboration between Tekla Structures instances or between Tekla and Trimble Connect. Teams working across offices or time zones can now share and edit 3D models in real time, ensuring immediate feedback and coordinated decision-making.
Support for large point cloud files stored in Trimble’s Reality Capture platform has been enhanced. This makes it easier to align models with on-site conditions, improving field-to-office workflows and reducing rework caused by misalignment.
Tekla PowerFab is a dedicated steel fabrication management platform that helps fabricators manage everything from estimating and purchasing to inventory control, production tracking and delivery. By connecting data from the model to the shop floor, PowerFab keeps everyone aligned and informed throughout the project lifecycle.
The 2025 version introduces a powerful new web-based scheduling tool that allows users to plan weekly workloads by either hours or weight. The interface is visual and intuitive, giving fabricators more flexibility and control over how work is distributed on the shop floor.
When paired with the updated Tekla Structures connector, fabricators can receive updated packages directly from detailers. Changes in quantities, materials or part statuses automatically reflect in PowerFab, reducing the need for manual updates and keeping projects on track.
Enhanced visibility into material levels, production progress and job status helps avoid downtime and bottlenecks. With real-time insights available from a single interface, project managers can make faster, more informed decisions.
Tekla Structural Designer is a powerful tool for engineers who need to model, analyse and design both steel and concrete buildings. It allows the entire structural design process to be managed in one platform, from load analysis to code compliance and documentation.
It is especially valuable for engineers working on commercial or mixed-use buildings where precision, speed and interoperability are key.
The 2025 update brings smoother collaboration with Autodesk Revit and Trimble SketchUp. Models can now be shared and updated between platforms with greater accuracy, allowing engineers, architects and detailers to collaborate more effectively without versioning issues or data loss.
Tekla Structural Designer now includes support for the ASCE 7-22 load code and AISC 360-22 steel design code. These updates help engineers remain compliant with the latest North American standards and simplify the approval process for projects subject to these regulations.
Performance improvements have been made to load distribution tools, design calculations and documentation generation. Engineers can now complete designs more efficiently and with fewer manual steps, reducing overall turnaround time.
Tekla Tedds is a structural calculation software used by engineers to automate repetitive hand calculations and create transparent documentation. It supports a wide range of calculations including beam analysis, foundation sizing and load combinations.
Tedds 2025 now includes support for ASCE 7-22 and AISC 360-22 for North American users. This ensures designs meet the most recent safety and regulatory requirements.
The latest release includes refinements to several built-in templates. These make it easier to configure input variables and improve consistency across structural elements.
You can now more easily push calculation results from Tedds into Tekla Structures models as part of your documentation or approval workflows.
Tedds 2025 offers a cleaner interface with better navigation between calculation sheets making the user experience smoother and more productive.
Tekla Model Sharing is not new in 2025 but it remains a cornerstone of Tekla’s collaboration features. In this release the performance and reliability of model sharing have been improved even further.
True Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same Tekla model simultaneously without locking the file or creating conflict errors.
Offline Access: Teams can continue working without needing constant internet access. Changes are synced once users reconnect.
Data Security: Model Sharing uses encrypted communication for safe transfer of changes across teams.
The Tekla 2025 updates reflect a continued investment in building smarter, more connected digital construction tools. Whether your role is in structural design, detailing, fabrication or project coordination, these updates help to:
By streamlining critical processes and connecting stakeholders with shared data, Tekla 2025 supports a more efficient and future-ready approach to construction.
Looking to unlock the full potential of Tekla 2025?
Contact BuildingPoint SA to book a demo, receive expert advice or get support tailored to your project needs.
Not too long ago, 3D laser scanning was a specialized tool, reserved exclusively for the largest surveying firms and used on niche projects for the sole purpose of data collection.
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Reducing embodied carbon requires a shift in mindset – prioritizing material efficiency, opting for low-carbon alternatives and implementing advanced structural analysis tools to optimize designs.
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