- White Paper - Structural design with ArchiCAD, and its integration with structural software - Great buildings need great structure - The Role of Structure in Architectural Design A building s architectural design and its physical structure are closely interrelated: on the one hand, the architectural design of the building defines the structure; on the other hand, the structural design of a building reflects the overall architectural design. As structure became a visual and aesthetic part of the design in modern architecture, structures must be as light as possible while maintaining complete integrity. Also, the structure must be optimized for performance and price. ArchiCAD is Graphisoft's purpose-built virtual modeling solution that allows architects to create a 3D model of their design, effectively creating a Virtual Building. This White Paper details how ArchiCAD (AC) supports key aspects of structural design and the optimized workflow between the two disciplines. Architectural and structural design use the same Virtual Building model from the earliest sketches through to CNC machine production of building elements, using the appropriate software solution for every phase. Standards for structural design The standards set by authorities and developed over the course of decades are traditionally different for every material (RC, Steel, Wood etc.) in every country or region (e.g. DIN in Germany and Central Europe; BS in the UK; AISC in US). Lately, there has been a trend to unify these into a common standard - at least across regional economies, like the EU s Eurocode. Structural analysis and production ArchiCAD provides sophisticated design information along with the necessary level of model detail. This information can be directly imported and exported in the native format of the structural software or through IFC and used for structural analysis by specialized software. These import/export add-ons fully integrate structural design and analysis simulation programs that dramatically improve the simulation of whole-building approaches in design, planning, production and construction. This opens new doors for cost savings and structural optimization and performance. Using ArchiCAD with these tools provides great benefits to both architects and structural engineers. Because the structural analysis tool can directly access ArchiCAD Virtual Building models, feedback on the structural design of the building can be obtained at any time during the design process. And ongoing changes to the design do not result in laborious (and duplicated) reworking in both separate applications - manually adjusting the geometry of the building to keep up with the alterations - because the essence of a 3D model means that all data is up-to-date and immediately usable.
An example of the seamless workflow: 1. The architect creates a simple, model of the envisioned structure. In creating this model, the architect chooses the spans and the profile (H, L etc.) from ArchiCAD s Library of profiles or uses the slab, beam, column or wall tool to place all the load-bearing structures. This is how it will look like in ArchiCAD: 2. He exports this simple model directly into the chosen structural design application.
3. In the structural design application, the structural engineer designs the connections, analyzes the model and chooses the right profile sizes. 4. The structural engineer exports this detailed model back into AC without bolts or screws, but with the connecting plates. This is how it will look when imported back into ArchiCAD: 5. The architect can continue adding walls, windows and doors to this structure, because this representation is detailed enough for the architectural documentation drawings of the building. 6. The structural elements can be sent to production machines if there is a CNC output from the structural application. In the following pages, we outline the main features and benefits of the structural software tools mentioned above, and we'll give you a brief introduction to how they can be used together with ArchiCAD at a professional level.
Partner products Tekla Structures 12 Tekla Structures (former XSteel) by Tekla Corporation, Finland, is software for steel and reinforced concrete structural design, stress analysis and production. In Tekla Structures, the structure can be designed in 3D down to the last screw bolt and reinforcement, checked for collisions and sent as CAM files for production. The structural engineer can do stress analysis in a software called Staad-Pro, which is a separate module integrated into Tekla Structures. 3D Steel model in Tekla Structures There is a bidirectional IFC link between ArchiCAD and Tekla Structures for steel models and concrete structures. This allows you to export a basic 3D model geometry to Tekla Structures, design the structure including the necessary connections with the structural engineer, do the stress analysis using Staad-Pro, check the collisions, then send the complete model back to ArchiCAD without the screws and bolts (thus minimizing the file size). The file exchange occurs Steel detail in Tekla Structures 11.0 through IFC 2x2 or 2x3 files. The process start with a simple 3D conceptual model exported from
ArchiCAD, and end up with a detailed 3D model imported back to ArchiCAD. In this detailed model, all the joining profiles in this detailed model will be cut correctly in their respective angles together with the contour plates. Detailed steel model back in ArchiCAD After finalizing the design of the building, the 3D steel model can be sent directly from Tekla Structures as CNC data to cutting machines for production. Cutting steel from CNC data - For more details, see the Appendix -
ETABS v9 ETABS is software for steel and reinforced concrete structural design, stress analysis and production drawings. ETABS is highly specialized in seismic analysis too. There is an importexport link between ArchiCAD and ETABS via IFC 2x2 for steel and reinforced concrete models. This allows you to export basic 3D model geometry to ETABS, do the necessary structural analysis with a structural engineer, and send the complete model back to ArchiCAD indicating any necessary changes. 3D steel model in ETABS The file exchange is through an IFC 2x2 file and the API uses the standard AC11 steel profile library elements as well as the slab, column, beam and wall tools for load-bearing elements.
Same 3D model in ArchiCAD
SAP2000 v10 SAP2000 is a software product for steel and reinforced concrete structural design, stress analysis and production drawings specialized for the design of large structures such as bridges. Currently there is an import-export link between ArchiCAD and SAP2000 via IFC 2x2. This allows you to import the 3D bridge model geometry into AC11 from SAP2000, and insert it into the architectural or urban environment. 3D bridge model in SAP2000 v10 3D bridge model in ArchiCAD through IFC 2x2 from SAP2000 v10
CBS Pro 20.0 CBS Pro is an easy-to use, yet powerful software tool for modeling multi-story structures in concrete and other materials. Using the object-oriented approach, CBS Pro allows the user to very quickly build up a structural model using components such as beams, columns, walls, floors and openings. In this way, structures of almost any geometry can be defined quickly and easily. CBS Pro has an intelligent bi-directional import-export connection with ArchiCAD 11, via IFC 2x2, allowing changes to be applied to the structural (load-bearing) parts of the model while leaving the others intact. The imported model can be optimized as a structural model, on which you can perform stress analysis. Further structural parts can be added, such as foundations, and these are marked as new structures when imported back to ArchiCAD 11. 3D Foundations of a model designed in CBS Pro imported and highlighted in green in ArchiCAD, through IFC 2x2. Architect: paastudio, California NHS Building.
FEM Design 7.0 FEM-Design 7.0 is structural design software based on the Finite Element Method. It gives solutions for static, dynamic (eigenfrequencies, stability and seismic) analysis, steel and reinforcement design of 2D and 3D structural problems (slabs, walls, frames, 3D buildings, etc.). The program offers a reinforcement editor module too. FEM-Design has integrated drawing and editing tools, but besides them it has excellent data connection with ArchiCAD (6.5 and higher versions). The program can import 3D structural models and elements (slabs, beams, columns and walls) defined by ArchiCAD. Therefore, with FEM-Design you can run complete analysis and design calculations for architectural models created in ArchiCAD. After importing the model, you can add material and design parameters, loads and load combinations, and start the calculations. The structural engineer can analyze complete buildings in 3D Structure module or slabs by stories in Plate module and by 12 national codes. Several types of supports and loads can be applied. After analysis and design calculations, the engineer can make documentations (figures and tables) with numeric values (e.g. maximum displacement for the maximum of load combinations), texts and dimensions. 3D model of slab with deflections Top view of slab with moment distribution
AxisVM 8 AxisVM has been successfully used as the structural analysis and design software for many ArchiCAD-designed projects. AxisVM is a highly productivity finite element analysis software used by civil engineers in 22 countries. Due to its extensive analysis capabilities and robust graphic CAD user interface, the 3D structural building model combines the most complete visual and report details available. AxisVM has proved successful in the design of projects ranging from world-class international airports to design of steel microwave towers; from mega-shopping malls to school gymnasiums; from showrooms and theaters to municipal water tanks, and even underground structures. It performs linear and non-linear static, vibration, buckling and seismic analysis of 2D and 3D complex structures. Enables use of an unlimited number of finite elements that can freely be combined in a model. Users can import-export ArchiCAD models via IFC 2x2. Engineers can edit the model using the simple toolbar, dialog boxes and menu functions and commands available in the Visual Modeling environment. The AxisVM's user interface provides graphic, numerical and tabular results which can be saved, printed or combined into user-defined reports, which are dynamically saved as the engineer makes changes. AxisVM allows the engineer to model an entire structure or to separately model layers or floors, or components such as walls, plates, slabs, columns or beams with any combination of concrete, steel, wood, aluminum or user defined special materials. Users can work in a 2D or 3D environment, working on separate parts or the total building as they may need. The engineer can quickly make verification of designs, review optimization possibilities or pose complex What-if? questions. Model import from ArchiCAD to AxisVM via the IFC 2x2
Model export from AxisVM to ArchiCAD via the IFC 2x2 Show cases Concert hall Hotel Office building
Appendix Tekla Structures 12 Value proposition The strength of Tekla Structures is its seamless workflow, from the design through to stress analysis and collision detection right up to the CNC cutting machines which use the same 3D geometry as ArchiCAD. Therefore the value propositions are: Complete steel detailing in 3D, with contour plates, bolts and screws using pre- or user-defined steel details. Collision detection for the whole model before finalizing the detailing. Analysis in Staad-Pro. The complete, automatic production of the steel profiles through CNC data for cutting machines - avoiding human error. Main features Powerful modeling including all materials Steel detailing of connections Collision detection Engineering and Production drawings CNC output to cutting machines www.tekla.com/user_nf/default.asp?root_id=3611&ala_id=13854&apu=0&mode=readdoc&r=13854&site=1 ArchiCAD compatibility: ArchiCAD 11 IFC 2x2 and 2x3 export/import Download the manual from: /support/archicad/downloads/ac-ts PC and MacOS platform Target market Companies that perform steel detailing, design and manufacturing, as well as architectural firms who would like to exchange 3D data with these firms. Relevant countries Worldwide Contact Company: TEKLA Address: Metsänpojankuja 1, 02130 Espoo, FINLAND Website: www.tekla.com
ETABS v9 Value proposition The strong point of ETABS is its intelligent model handling, from the design stage through stress analysis and detailing, using the same 3D geometry as ArchiCAD. Therefore the value propositions are: The support of US, Canadian and EURO Standards in stress analysis from the early design phase to control the stress performance of the building. Dynamic, linear and non-linear analysis options also specialized for earthquakes. Animated display of deformed shapes, mode shapes, stress contours and time-history results. Main features Stress analysis All kinds of seismic analysis Fully interactive steel and concrete frame member design for many American, Canadian and European design codes Production drawings http://www.csiberkeley.com/etabs_features/general.htm ArchiCAD compatibility: ArchiCAD 11 IFC 2x2 import/export Download the manual: /support/archicad/downloads/ac-etabs MacOS and PC platforms Target market Firms (of any size) doing structural analysis and construction documentation of reinforced concrete, especially calculations in earthquake zones. Relevant countries Worldwide Contact Company: CSi Address 1995 University Ave. suite 540, Berkeley, CA, 94704 USA Tel: +1 510 845 2177 Fax: +1 510 845 4096 Website: www.csiberkeley.com
SAP2000 v10 Value proposition The strong point of SAP2000 is its intelligent model handling of large structures, from the design stage through stress analysis and detailing, using the same 3D geometry as ArchiCAD. Therefore the value propositions are: Design of large cable structures, such as bridges, from templates. Deformation cable-supported bridge analysis and pushover analysis. Automated bridge live-load analysis. Main features Stress analysis Object-based physical member modeling allows working with large members that do not need to be broken up at each joint Animated display of deformed shapes, mode shapes, stress contours and time history results http://www.csiberkeley.com/sap2000_features/first_topic.htm ArchiCAD compatibility: ArchiCAD 11 IFC 2x2 import/export Download the manual from: /support/archicad/downloads/ac-sap2000 MacOS and PC platform Target market Firms which perform structural analysis and construction documentation for large cable structures, such as bridges Relevant countries Worldwide Contact Company: CSi Address 1995 University Ave. suite 540, Berkeley, CA, 94704 USA Tel: +1 510 845 2177 Fax: +1 510 845 4096 Website: www.csiberkeley.com
CBS Pro v20 Value proposition The strong point of CBS Pro is its ability to build up a structural model using components such as beams, columns, walls, floors and openings - similar to the AC tools - and its integration with other software developed by the same group. Therefore the value propositions are: Easy to learn UI for the design and analysis of reinforced concrete structures. Integration with RCAD (reinforcement), Robot Millennium (dynamics) and ESOP (cost estimation). Using full-finite elements, analysis is completed invisibly inside CBS Pro. Main features structural modeling producing detailed reinforced concrete drawings of beams, columns, foundations carrying out dynamic and seismic calculations producing Bills of Quantities http://www.robobat.com/n/en/267 ArchiCAD compatibility: ArchiCAD 11 IFC 2x2 import/export Download the manual: /support/archicad/downloads/ac-cbspro MacOS and PC platform Target market Firms (of any size), which perform design and quantity takeoffs for all types of structures. Relevant countries Worldwide Contact Company: RoboBAT Address 2, rue Lavoisier, Zirst de Montbonnot, 38334 - St Ismier Cedex France Tel: +33 4 76 41 80 82 Fax: +33 4 76 41 97 03 Website: www.robobat.com
FEM Design 7.0 Value proposition The strongest point of FEM Design is its user friendly working environment to design structures (e.g. stress and stability analysis, reinforcement and steel design, etc.) using the same 3D model geometry as ArchiCAD. Therefore the value propositions are: Besides its integrated CAD tools, FEM Design filters the 3D ArchiCAD database and helps you select the appropriate real-life structural building model from the early design phase to control the stress performance, displacement and other static and dynamic characters of the building. An enhanced graphical feedback of analysis and design results show the behavior of the structure for given loads and effects. The finite element (FE) method used for stress analysis is one of the smartest and fastest methods in the world. Target market Firms (of any size) doing structural analysis and construction documentation of reinforced concrete and steel. Main features Simple processing of most applications Integrated CAD tools for drawing and editing, and Wizard for quick and easy model input Data connection via FDX (ArchiCAD) or DXF, DWG links Static and dynamic analysis of 2D and 3D structural problems Reinforcement and steel design, reinforcement editor also available Professional FE method of automatic optimal mesh generation for any geometry Several types of loads and supports, manual or automatic load combinations by codes Results presented graphically, as lists or by animation Open GL for fast and powerful graphical presentation of input geometry and results http://www.fem-design.com ArchiCAD compatibility Direct ArchiCAD (6.5 or higher version) export to FEM Design (only on PC platform) Download the manual from: /support/archicad/downloads/ac-femdesign Relevant countries Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, England, Portugal, Estonia and Italy Contact Company: StruSoft AB Address: Övägen 1, SE-200 61, Limhamn Sweden Tel: +46 40 36 16 60 Fax: +46 40 36 16 65 Website: www.strusoft.com
AxisVM 8 Value proposition The major strength of AxisVM is its intuitive user interface that lets structural and civil engineers model simple structural elements or total buildings with any combination of materials, loads, and conditions. The value propositions are: Easy to learn and use graphical user interface Fast and accurate finite element method Long history of analysis of ArchiCAD designed projects Main features Visual Modeling with unlimited number of finite elements Extensive section and material libraries, and the ability for users to input new type of materials or cross-sections Performs linear and non-linear static, vibration, buckling, and seismic analysis Automatic meshing, meshing refinements and user-defined meshing Unlimited load definitions, load cases and combinations Reinforced concrete and steel design Built in standards: Eurocode, DIN, SIA and other country codes Integrated Report Generator with dynamically updated results File export to IFC, DXF, DSTV, RTF, ASCII, WMF, JPG http://www.axisvm.com/info.htm ArchiCAD compatibility: ArchiCAD 11 IFC 2x2 import-export Download the manual: /support/archicad/downloads/ac-axisvm MacOS and PC platform Target market Six configurations of the software are available, covering even the most specific needs of small to large firms. Relevant countries AxisVM is used by engineers in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia, Greece, Sudan, Egypt, Spain, Finland, UK, Brazil, Uruguay, Belgium, Latvia, Croatia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Kenya Contact: ghoback@axisvm.com (Greg Hoback) Company: Inter-CAD Kft. Address: Károly krt. 9/606, Budapest, H-1075 Hungary Tel: +36 1.322.9072 Fax: +36 1.322.6668 Website: www.axisvm.com