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2021-08-26

BIM in Structural Engineering: A Study of Interoperability Between BIM Platform and FEM Software on Structural Modelling, Analysis and Design

Building Information Modelling (BIM) shows exceptional advantages and potentials in the field of structural engineering as well. These potentials, e.g., productivity, coordination, visualization, documentation, and waste reduction, cannot be achieved without an appropriate mechanism to ensure the smooth transfer of data from the BIM platform to structural analysis or Finite Element Modelling (FEM) software. Challenges in data transfer or interoperability to be among the key factors hindering the full participation of structural engineers in BIM workflow.

Author

Muniru Nyei

GT 000445 | BIM in Structural Engineering: A Study of Interoperability Between BIM Platform and FEA Software on Structural Modeling, Analysis, and Design

BIM in Structural Engineering: A Study of Interoperability Between BIM Platform and FEA Software on Structural Modeling, Analysis, and Design

This thesis seeks to examine the possibilities of conversion from the Revit BIM platform to FEM software by exchanging a central Revit model, supplemented by appropriate load-bearing data, with commonly used FEM programs like RFEM and others. We first reviewed in detail the use of BIM in structural engineering, focusing on the impacts on structural design and workflow, key benefits, and some challenges during use. The three main levels of interoperability between BIM and FEM software are then defined and theoretically researched and explained in detail. These interoperability levels are direct native file exchange (exchange between the same commercial software providers), direct link or bi-directional data exchange, and IFC (Industry Foundation Class). Two case studies are conducted to support the conclusions of this thesis. This study found that the exchange of data via this interface is well synchronized and efficient. The efficiency of the interface in terms of structural engineering BIM workflow is proven with a high degree of reliability.

Concrete Structure of Building | Model A

The results of this thesis provide relevant information on the interoperability of BIM in structural engineering. In addition, the study confirms the results of previous studies showing that interoperability (most especially direct link interoperability level) is the most effective means of communicating data between the Revit BIM platform and structural engineering software.

Concrete Structure of Building | Model B

Links

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Downloads

Complete Master Thesis

8.21 MB

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Events

2024-04-24

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to FEM

2024-04-25

Stiffening Design in RFEM 6 Using Building Model

Webinar

Stiffening Design in RFEM 6 Using Building Model

2024-04-25

AISC 360-22 Steel Connection Design in RFEM 6

Webinar

AISC 360-22 Steel Connection Design in RFEM 6 (USA)

2024-04-30

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Timber Design

2024-05-02

Construction Stages in Membrane Structures with RFEM 6

Webinar

Construction Stages in Membrane Structures with RFEM 6

2024-05-08

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Reinforced Concrete Design

2024-05-09

$Cross-Section Modeling and \n Stress Analysis in RSECTION 1$

Webinar

Cross-Section Modeling and Stress Analysis in RSECTION 1

2024-05-15

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Steel Design

2024-05-16

Consideration of Construction Stages in RFEM 6

Webinar

Consideration of Construction Stages in RFEM 6

2024-05-23

Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dlubal Support Team

Webinar

Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dlubal Support Team | May 2024

2024-05-29

$Steel Structures in RFEM 6 \n Part 1: Modeling, Load Input$

Webinar

Modeling and Design of Steel Structures in RFEM 6 | Part 1: Modeling, Load Input

2024-06-06

$Steel Structures in RFEM 6 \n Part 2: Combinations, Design, Documentation$

Webinar

Modeling and Design of Steel Structures in RFEM 6 | Part 2: Combinations, Design, Documentation

Videos

Knowledge Base

KB 001264 | 2018 NDS Timber Column Design in RFEM 6

Length: 00:00:00 min

General

Collapse Simulation | RFEM 6 | Blender #Shorts

Length: 00:00:55 min

General

Two years at Dlubal | Short documentary by Ismail Hmidet

Length: 00:00:00 min

General

RFEM 6 Interfaces to Rhino & Grasshopper 💡

Length: 00:00:00 min

General

Nonlinear Structural Analysis - Dlubal Solutions

Length: 00:00:39 min

General

Stress Analysis - Dlubal Solutions

Length: 00:00:30 min

General

Nonlinear Buckling Analysis - Dlubal Solutions

Length: 00:00:24 min

General

Warping Torsion Analysis - Dlubal Solutions

Length: 00:00:32 min

General

Dynamic Analysis - Dlubal Solutions

Length: 00:00:36 min

Playlist

Models to Download

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Concrete Structure of Building | Model A

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118x

Concrete Structure of Building | Model B

3122x

197x

Steel Structure Column Base

171x

Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridge in Eichstätt, Germany

Model 004786 | Office Building with Integrated Visitors' Center and Parking Garage in Geiselbulach, Germany

326x

Office Building with Integrated Visitor Center and Parking Garage in Geiselbulach, Germany

GT 000474 | Comparison of Geometrical Nonlinear Analysis and Second-Order Theory for Steel Members in Torsion

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14x

Graduation Thesis 000474 | Comparison of GNA and SOT for Steel Members in Torsion

Model 004602 | I-Section Column to Beam Connection

626x

54x

Column to Beam Connection

610x

48x

Timber Column Base

686x

99x

Concrete Bridge

Knowledge Base Articles

KB 001848 | Timber Column Design as per the 2018 NDS Standard in RFEM 6

Using the Timber Design add-on, timber column design is possible according to the 2018 NDS standard ASD method. Accurately calculating timber member compressive capacity and adjustment factors is important for safety considerations and design. The following article will verify the maximum critical buckling strength calculated by the Timber Design add-on using step-by-step analytical equations as per the NDS 2018 standard including the compressive adjustment factors, adjusted compressive design value, and final design ratio.

RWIND 2 is a program for generating wind loads based on CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). The wind flow numerical simulation is generated around any building, including irregular or unique geometry types, to determine the wind loads on surfaces and members. RWIND 2 can be integrated with RFEM/RSTAB for the structural analysis and design or as a stand-alone application.

The Parametric FEM Toolbox is a Grasshopper plugin that is publicly available at https://www.food4rhino.com/app/parametric-fem-toolbox (© Diego APELLÁNIZ)

This article describes the development of the Parametric FEM Toolbox and some of the possible workflows with this new tool.

In order to create a surface model with failing supports close to reality, an option called "Failure if contact perpendicular to surfaces failed" is available in RFEM 5 for contact solids under "Contact Parallel to Surfaces".

Screenshots

BIM in Structural Engineering: A Study of Interoperability Between BIM Platform and FEA Software on Structural Modeling, Analysis, and Design

Concrete Structure of Building | Model A

Concrete Structure of Building | Model B

Masonry Design

Model of Bolted Column Base Point with Elastic Foundation in RFEM

Dialog Box "New Surface Set"

Model 004812 | Verification Example 0213 | 1

Finite Elements in Structural Engineering Practice

$Plate and Shell Modeling \n in RFEM – Part 2$

Plate and Shell Modeling in RFEM – Part 2 | Wed, Feb 26, 2020 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | CET

Product Features

Feature 002423 | Displaying Results in Solids

The results of solid stresses can be displayed as colored 3D points in the finite elements.

Improved Calculation Performance by Optimized Consideration of Nodal Degrees of Freedom in RFEM

The number of degrees of freedom in a node is no longer a global calculation parameter in RFEM (6 degrees of freedom for each mesh node in 3D models, 7 degrees of freedom for the warping torsion analysis). Thus, each node is generally considered with a different number of degrees of freedom, which leads to a variable number of equations in the calculation.

This modification speeds up the calculation, especially for models where a significant reduction of the system could be achieved (for example, trusses and membrane structures).

This section offers useful information about general structural analysis and design as well as Dlubal Software programs.

Infotainment

Display extended strains of members, surfaces, and solids (for example, the important principal strains, equivalent total strains, and so on) in the Project Navigator - Results in RFEM as well as in Table 4.0.

For example, you can display governing plastic strains when performing the plastic design of connections with surface elements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can I find my customer number in RFEM or RSTAB?

Is it possible to define member nonlinearities for beam members?
For example, can I define a member that absorbs all internal forces, except for the compressive axial forces?

How can I exchange data between RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 and Tekla Structures 2023?

I get a warning that a file created with RFEM, RSTAB, or RSECTION contains a virus or a Trojan horse. What should I do?

I design pipelines using the RF-PIPING Design add-on module. I have created a new prestress load case and loaded the piping with longitudinal displacement.
Is it possible to add this new load case to combinations that are generated automatically?

My Surface Book is recognized as a "Hyper V" virtual machine, so my local license does not work. What can I do?

Customer Projects