Detailing rebar lines in concrete is one of the
first steps in keeping a building upright and an activity I do daily. Detailing
becomes a challenge when 1) the complexity of the structure and 2) demand for a
comprehensive design increases. The linked article follows VK Architects and
Engineers through their advanced structural modelling workflow and as one can
see the results are impressive. Of most use to the structural engineering community
are the 2D views which track and specify the position and type of reinforcement
to be used and can be critical for certain types of building permits and construction
documents (depending on jurisdiction). The automatic creation of reinforcement
schedules is also welcomed. The other views provided by BIM software, while
perhaps not making it onto the final sheets, are of no less value. The ability
to visually distinguish reinforcement categories in 3D, plan or section allows
the designer to quickly orient themselves in regard to the scope of work. The
3D views especially capture the intricate layering of the rebar.
Designing foundation piles, while not strictly
part of my job, does hinge on the engineers’ ability to establish the geometry
and static forces of the pile. But thereafter this information goes to the pile
manufacture to actually design the pile dimensions necessary to resist said forces.
The reason the industry is structured like this, to the best of my
understanding, is because pile design, like other engineering disciplines,
requires very specific knowledge (and perhaps software) to complete. That
interface between engineering disciplines becomes crucial to avoiding extensive
pre/post-processing and rework. In the linked article’s example, the ability to
do calculations in Excel – where engineers are most likely most comfortable -
and then smoothly bring those changes back into the model can save a lot of
time and increase accuracy. Not a lot of deals in life can achieve both so please
raise a glass and toast BIM technology!
No comments:
Post a Comment