StructuralComponents 5.0
Super element based tool for early design collaboration applied to mid-rise buildings
B.L. Hohrath (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
J.G. Rots – Mentor
PCJ Hoogenboom – Graduation committee member
M Turrin – Graduation committee member
J Coenders – Graduation committee member
A Rolvink – Graduation committee member
R. Steenbergen – Graduation committee member
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Abstract
This paper presents the development of a feasibility analysis tool for the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry called StructuralComponents 5.0. It is the fifth paper in a series of developments starting with Breider (2008), which discussed modelling and analysing 2D tall buildings with an emphasis on quick generation and simple evaluation of designs. This paper expands the concept of bridging the gap between architectural modelling and structural engineering analysis tools used in the conceptual design process, by focusing on mid-rise buildings with three main characteristics. First, it implements a flexible modelling process to support architectural creativity during the conceptual design phase. The conceptual model is composed of building blocks that can be combined and parametrically adjusted to form a whole structure. Second, it helps the users understand the structural behaviour by visualising the force flow in near real-time. Instead of the conventional finite element method, the behaviour results of individual and combined building blocks (super elements) is computed using a symbolic differential equation method. Third, it includes feasibility checks and visualises them for both disciplines to improve understanding and encourage collaboration during the decision making process.