The Best BIM Solutions for Structural Engineering

Creation of the Analysis Model via AutoConverter

Collaboration between Architects and Structural Engineers is of paramount importance to streamline workflows. Relevant information needs to be accessible to both disciplines and clear responsibilities defined. To optimize the creation of detailed engineering models, intelligent recognition of all the relevant components is necessary – providing Engineers with more time to explore design options.

Our AutoConverter functionality provides an easily accessible, web based, set of tools enabling Structural Engineers to effectively and reliably develop structural analytical models from 3D geometric models that are generated in the design process by Architects and/or Engineers. In just seven simple steps, Structural Engineers can derive a custom model for structural analysis directly from the existing architectural 3D model data, fully Open BIM compatible, before importing into the actual structural analysis and design software. 

This approach enhances confidence in the analytical model, ensures seamless integration between models, and saves considerable time by eliminating the need for re-modeling. The resulting analysis model can be seamlessly integrated into SCIA or exported in SAF format, ensuring high flexibility and compatibility.

UPDATE ANALYSIS MODEL

This feature of the AutoConverter allows changes to the structure model to be transferred directly and easily to the analysis model. After saving a new revision of the base model, a simple comparison of both versions helps identify the changes. These changes can then be transferred to the analysis model in just six steps.

In the process, the loads in the model are automatically adjusted. The updated model can then be directly imported into SCIA and recalculated – without manual adjustment of the loads.

COMPARING ANALYSIS MODEL REVISIONS

With the AutoConverter, revisions and different model versions of the analysis model can be compared. Changes are automatically detected, and project participants can be informed directly via email to ensure smooth model-based communication and collaboration.

Structural Analysis and Design in SCIA

Precise modeling in a trusted structural analysis tool is a basic requirement, but it is not always easy to achieve this from a general 3D geometric model. Without accuracy in the analysis environment, then it is not possible to ensure accurate designs, and trapping errors can be a time-consuming effort. With SCIA Engineer, structural analysis, taking into account multi-material components, can be carried out efficiently and accurately, including complex seismic analyses.

SCIA Engineer has a powerful integrated reinforced concrete design module which is capable of considering both creep and shrinkage as well as the second order effects.

After completing the analysis and design, the results can be exported in a number of formats including ASF and used as the basis for reinforcement detailing in ALLPLAN. This lays the foundation for error-free and cost-effective planning.

Reinforcement Design and Planning with ALLPLAN

The structural analysis and code-based design are one part of the detailed execution planning process. With ALLPLAN, reinforcement design and planning is simple and efficient. The direct integration of code-based design (for a wide range of regions worldwide) results creates an optimized workflow within the engineering team and streamlines the process to achieve a highly detailed model for communication with wider project teams.

Part of the process for streamlining the creation of detailed reinforcement within the 3D ALLPLAN model involves an alignment with the design modules within SCIA.  A color-coded display in ALLPLAN ensures that it is immediately clear whether the reinforcement meets the requirements, informing the user of the status at all times.

Thanks to fully 3D-based reinforcement design and planning, all the reinforcement plans that are necessary can be directly derived from the model.