Pioneering in precast concrete

Courtesy of 3D drawing software

At Harton in Zeewolde, almost everything is digitized. The relatively young company has been producing precast concrete walls for a wide variety of projects since 2016, making grateful use of Allplan Precast's versatile software. An interview with Managing Director Robert-Jan Dekker about the vision and ambitions, including the plans for a completely robotized factory.

Harton is a subsidiary of the Hardeman Group. "We started producing precast concrete walls in 2016 for our sister company Allure Bouw, which specializes in luxury villa construction," says Dekker. "Because we were able to build the factory from a blank sheet, we immediately committed to automation and digitization. So we don't work with 'flat' drawings, but everything is done in 3D and preferably still in reprocessed IFC files to be able to directly control production."

Like Allure Construction, Harton also uses Allplan Precast software. "Years ago, the construction company thoroughly researched the best and most efficient software for building with precast concrete. The conclusion was clear, that was Allplan Precast," says Dekker. "Reason for us to go with the same software package. And it must be said: the software fits our needs and far-reaching digitalization perfectly. So we try to encourage our clients as much as possible to deliver the drawing work in 3D IFC files. From there, we produce digital reinforcement drawings that we forward to our reinforcement supplier. There the file is uploaded into the netting machine so that a numbered reinforcement mesh is produced fully automatically."

The 3D IFC file in Allplan Precast also forms the basis for controlling production at Harton. "We work with fixed tilt tables and a digital plotter that 'marks off' every contour and part on the steel tilt table. Then the formwork frames and pouring provisions are applied, as well as the reinforcement nets (with corresponding number) and the frames. Finally, the element is filled with self-compacting concrete. A day later, the tilting table goes up and we hoist the element onto the in-house developed carriage system," Dekker explains. "The 3D model approved by our client is transferred one-to-one to the plotter. So nothing can actually go wrong anymore." And so Harton annually produces many walls for a wide variety of projects, from the walls for luxury villas to the shells for an entire vacation park.

Incidentally, Dekker is very satisfied with the support from Allplan Precast. "The contact is very pleasant. If we run into something, they respond adequately and the software experts come up with a solution. They are just as progressive as we are." Because progressive you might call Harton after all. "There is still a lot of great stuff to come," Dekker reveals. "Recently, we have successfully tested prefabricating ready-made finished concrete walls, including insulation and stone strips. We have purchased two robots for this. And, of course, this too will all be drawn in Allplan Precast. We also have plans to build a completely new factory. The plot has already been purchased. Within one and a half to two years we expect to be operational and to be able to increase capacity substantially."