The developer of CADS RC, which has captured a major share of the UK and US rebar detailing software sector, claims to be the only one of its kind in the Gulf to offer both reinforced concrete (RC) detailing services as well as software to the region.

“Computer and Design Services (CADS) is unique in offering an RC detailing service as well as CADS RC and RebarCAD detailing software to the Gulf’s construction industry,” says Ian Chambers, international sales and marketing director for CADS.
“The fact that CADS is also a global player with both offerings is testimony to its focus and determination to deliver high-quality software and services,” he adds.
Several million tonnes of rebar reinforcement is detailed per year by users of CADS RC and RebarCAD. The company has teams of RC detailers that are deployed across its principal markets in the UK, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, South Africa and India and which have grown to more than 300 expert detailing personnel.
“Working with the developer of CADS RC and RebarCAD offers customers enormous advantages over using other outsourced detailing operations,” he says. “For starters, you know that CADS understands the software, but we also have a fundamental understanding of RC detailing as a business process. Where a customer is using CADS RC or RebarCAD already, the combined support and service can ensure a seamless fit between their in-house and our outsourced detailing resources.”

Software
Having become a dominant force in UK and US rebar detailing – the latter equating to an over 60 per cent market share, CADS RC has received wide acceptance in regions such as the Gulf, South Africa, India and even further afield.
In the Gulf, the CADS RC detailing software is used extensively and has helped shape many of its iconic structures such as the Burj Dubai.
“Major local rebar fabricators such as Ascon, Al Ansari, Cicon, Alam Steel and Emirates Rebar have all recognised the wide acceptance of this global detailing product. Major contractors such as Al Futtaim Carillion, Aldar, CSHK and Shannon Trading and Contracting are also on a rapidly growing client list that are benefiting from CADS RC detailing expertise,” Chambers points out.
CADS RC has matured into a world-leading detailing tool, with a loyal community that has been built up over nearly two decades. The latest version of CADS RC features an improved working space and makes organising, categorising and formatting rebar data easier than ever before, Ian comments.
He elaborates: “Existing users have got used to the ability to create multiple drawings and schedules from a single, self-contained DWG file but now Version 9 offers enhanced capability that elevates it even further above basic AutoCAD and rival software.
“Users can also interact directly with the bar schedule to customise layouts. Formatting the schedule, reports templates and company standards is simple. Delivery of drawings and schedules can be achieved in various ways and revision management ensures all changes are tracked and marked automatically.”

Service
CADS has provided RC detailing services for several years using its own CADS RC and RebarCAD software. The service is underpinned by professional project management using project workspaces with secure online access.
“More than 1,000 international projects have been completed by the CADS detailing teams, who have expertise in both precast and in-situ RC detailing. With a capacity exceeding 20,000 tonnes of rebar per month, no project is too large or time critical,” he states.
In 2005, CADS established an office in Dubai, from which now a team of detailers, support and sales staff is allocated to coordinate the various projects across the Gulf region.
The office is fully equipped with CAD workstations, detailing software and a high-speed internet connection. It also provides software sales, demos, training and technical support to many local rebar fabricators and contractors.
The Gulf region and especially the UAE has become a major part of the CADS global operations, with prominent projects such as Jumeirah Beach Residences, Dubai Festival City and Dubai Mall already completed. In addition, The Lofts, Dubai Motor City and several spectacular projects in Abu Dhabi are currently well under way or nearing completion.
“Typical projects generate hundreds of drawings and cover everything from basements, transfer slabs, post-tensioned slab floors (including all pull-out strips and bursting reinforcement), in-situ and precast stairs, shear walls and cores. Hence, given their experience, the CADS detailers have grown into the best regional resource for fast and accurate completion of critical projects and are proving that they are flexible enough to meet any contractor’s stringent requirements,” Chambers says.
Further afield, CADS RC software and Detailing Service has been used for the new airport projects in Cyprus at Paphos and Larnaca, which are nearing completion and involve particularly long spans, along with seismic design requirements. As with many projects in the region, an on-site team was present to ensure the smooth co-ordination of all stages.
Anthony Ayiomamitis, technical director, Meinhardt (UK), which is providing full civil and structural design services for the developments, comments: “We have been very impressed with CADS performance. We will wholeheartedly recommend the software to any consultant or contractor who requires reinforced concrete documents of the highest standard to be delivered on time.”