Turner Construction Company Deploys Google SketchUp Pro™

NEW YORK, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Turner Construction Company is pleased to announce the deployment of SketchUp Pro™, Google's premium 3-Dimensional model authoring tool and platform. Turner is using SketchUp Pro™ as a part of its standard "digital toolbox" to provide Building Information Modeling (BIM) related services on projects across the United States and around the world.

Turner utilizes SketchUp Pro™ as a 3-D modeling tool due to its user-friendly interface and ability to rapidly produce lightweight geometries.  SketchUp is also able to easily scale up and down based on needs: for conceptual "what if" scenario cost estimating analyses, building systems constructability studies, or whole building and site models for sequencing and schedule analysis and work-in-place monitoring during construction.

James P. Barrett, National Director of Integrated Building Solutions at Turner Construction Company, describes the company's approach this way: "Turner has adopted a 'software agnostic' philosophy in the execution of our BIM-related activities so that we are not constrained by tradition or precedence within an industry that is rapidly changing. Instead, we bring a practicality and open mindedness to finding the best digital tool suited to the task at hand. The deployment of SketchUp Pro™ is emblematic of this approach, and we envision its use at all levels of the company from managers to field superintendents."

As an example, Turner staff working at the World Trade Center site in New York City, use SketchUp's efficient, flexible, even customizable modeling tools to enable the on-site BIM team to provide daily rapid 3D studies for project stakeholders. "Turner's SketchUp models provide information during the decision making process and support the overall management and control of the construction activities at the site," said Ben Ferrer, BIM Engineer for Turner Construction Company.

"Google SketchUp is pleased to work more closely with Turner," said Christopher Cronin of Google SketchUp. "We've been impressed with the many uses and new directions they've found for the additional features and functions of SketchUp Pro™. As a leader in the AEC industry we're excited to work with Turner to build on our shared vision of the 'democratization of information' through the wide-spread deployment of SketchUp Pro™."

About Turner Construction Company

Turner Construction Company is one of the leading builders in the U.S. and internationally integrating Building Information Modeling into their business by implementing this and other advanced technologies on more $30 billion of building projects. Turner is dedicated to staying ahead of and capitalizing on emerging technologies and innovative construction practices in order to deliver greater value to its clients. Founded in 1902, the firm is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, a publicly traded company and one of the world's leading international construction service providers. For more information, visit Turner's website at www.turnerconstruction.com.

About HOCHTIEF

HOCHTIEF is one of the leading international providers of construction-related services. With more than 70,000 employees and a sales volume of EUR 20.16 billion in FY 2010, the company is represented in all the world's major markets. The Group's service offering in the fields of development, construction, services, concessions and operation covers the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects, real estate and facilities. In the USA, the biggest construction market in the world, HOCHTIEF is the No. 1 general builder via its subsidiary Turner and, with Group company Flatiron, ranks among the most important players in the field of transportation infrastructure construction. With its subsidiary Leighton (HOCHTIEF share around 55 percent), the Group is market leader in Australia. Because of its engagement for sustainability, HOCHTIEF has been listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2006. Further information is available at www.hochtief.com/press.

SOURCE Turner Construction Company