Configuration of the generation of duct fittings

When users select the “Generate fittings” button, a new dialogue appears where the generation process of the duct ties can be configured:

• Delete existing fittings
  By selecting this option, any fittings that were placed before the generating process are deleted. The new fittings are generated in accordance with the dimensions of the spans they have to connect.
  
• Generate in all the floor plans

Intersections between ducts and columns

If there are any intersections between the columns of the BIM model and the ducts of the installation, the program will warn users with an error message.

Detection of windows of the BIM model during the automatic generation of radiators

In the 2017.e version, the “Generate thermal emitters” option has been implemented. If this button is selected, the program provides a radiator below each window, by default, thanks to the interpretation of the BIM model.

The radiators that are placed are not designed. It is not until users press the design button that the program will select the number of elements each radiator requires to cover the heating thermal load.

Description of the thermal parameters of the emitters

The definition of the thermal emitters has been simplified by substituting the “average temperature”, which was indicated up to now, with the entry and outlet temperatures.

Internal design temperature in the emitters

The thermal emitters adopt the internal design temperature of the precinct in which they are located. Users can block this temperature in the emitters.

Detection of doors and columns of the BIM model during the automatic generation of the radiant floor

As of previous versions, using the “Generate circuits” button, the program detects all the spaces for which a design heating temperature has been defined, and automatically generates the radiant floor circuit. As of this version (2017.e), the generating process interprets that the columns in the BIM model are obstacles and the doors are an entry point for the pipes of the radiant floor.

Remember, once the radiant floor has been generated, the installation must be designed so the program can calculate the area and power generated by each circuit.

Manifold flow meters

Users can use flow meters in the hydraulic balancing of the manifolds of the radiant floor; only balancing valves were available up to now.

Circuit-manifold connection pipes

The behaviour of the connection pipes of the radiant floor (from the circuit to the manifold) has been improved. Now, the thermal contribution in the precinct through which these pipes go through is accounted for and graphical representation problems have been solved.

As of the 2017.e version, users can open and analyse several StruBIM Analysis projects simultaneously.

The program menus have been reorganised. The options and buttons of the program have been groups into three menus or tabs: Geometry, Loads and Analysis:

• Geometry
  Contains the element introduction and editing options for elements, and properties of nodes, bars and shells.
• Loads
  Contains the load introduction and editing options.
• Analysis
  Allows users to consult and export results.

The program now calculates the dimensions of nodes during the import phase of a model. Trims at bars with the same size as the nodes, are assigned. By default, the trims at ends have an assigned stiffness zone factor equal to zero.

Users can define non-deformable zones in shells. When a non-deformable zone is introduced on a shell, there is the hypothesis that that part of the shell is infinitely rigid. Non-deformable zones can be used to simulate the size of nodes. When a local analytical model is generated from StruBIM Design, a non-deformable zone is placed at the support of each column, with the same size as the column.

Introduction

Implemented in the 2017.e version is the design of post-tensioned slabs. This improvement has been created to design the passive reinforcement of post-tensioned slabs, having calculated the forces in the post-tensioning tendons (adherent or non-adherent), and whose properties have been introduced by users.

Users can introduce the path of the tendons, their definition, their stressing loads and their losses (instantaneous and differed). The program generates two post-tensioned load patterns (one with the instantaneous loss and another with the total loss) in which the deviation loads, due to the path of the tendons are introduced. The program also creates three loadcases, two equivalent to the previously mentioned load patterns, and one hyperstatic loadcase with the total loss.

Due to the path of the tendon, forces are produced acting towards the inside of its curvature. The program automatically generates these loads for each tendon. These loads will affect the floor slabs when the local model of that floor plan is analysed. The discretisation of the floor slab during the local analysis is carried out using triangular finite elements which are adjusted to the path of the tendons.

The post-tensioning effect is taken into account when calculating the reinforcement areas required in the slab. When a tendon crosses a critical punching shear perimeter, its effect is taken into account.

Floor slabs containing tendons will be checked and will be designed as post-tensioned slabs in accordance with the ACI 318-14, ACI 318-11 and ACI 318-08 codes.

Generation of loadcases and combinations

In the dialogue box that appears when generating a local model, users can select to automatically generate post-tensioned load patterns. By activating this option, the post-tensioned load patterns, loadcases and combination groups are generated.

• Load patterns
  PT Transfer with the instantaneous losses and PT Final with the total losses (instantaneous plus differed) in which the deviation loads produced by the path of the tendons will be introduced.
  
• Loadcases
  Three loadcases are created, one equivalent to each of the previously mentioned loadcases and a third hyperstatic loadcase with the total loss.
  
• Combination groups
  Four combination groups are created: PT Flexural strength (Ultimate), PT Service (Initial), PT Service (Normal) and PT Service (Long term). Each post-tensioned state will be assigned one of these combination groups.

Implemented tools

• Flexure lines
  The intersections, on plan, of the flexure lines with the paths of the tendons represent the points where the tendon curves to reach its maximum elevation.
  
  Flexure lines can be introduced between two points and on reference lines.
  
• Tendon introduction
  There are several tendon introduction options: Introduction of a single tendon, introduction of concentrated tendons and introduction of distributed tendons. The difference between these options lies in the way the number of tendons that have to be introduced are defined.
  
  • One tendon
    One tendon is introduced between two points.
  
  
  • Concentrated tendons
    El usuario indica la separación entre los tendones y el número de ellos o el ancho de banda.
  
  
  • Distributed tendons
    Users indicate the spacing between tendons. Once the dialogue box has been accepted, the path of the tendons is defined graphically, and the strip width along which they are to be placed.
    
  With each of these options, users can define:
  
  • Section
    Number of strands, their cross-sectional area and their type (adherent or non-adherent).
    
  • Tendon material
    
  • Load
    Transfer load pattern, final load pattern, stressing load and end at which the stress is being applied.
    
  • Stressing loss
    Three options appear to define the stressing loss:
    
    • Stressing force percentage
    • Specified value
    • Detailed analysis, based on the friction coefficient due to the curvature, friction coefficient due to accidental deviation, spacer penetration, loss due to elastic shortening of the concrete, loss due to creep of the concrete, loss due to concrete shrinkage and loss due to steel relaxation.
      
      
      
      
      
      

• Tendon schedule
  
  The different properties of the tendons can be edited in the tendon schedule (previously defined during the introduction), as well as the elevations.
  
  
  By editing the diagram, users can modify the path of the tendons on the elevation view of the slab. There are several types of elevations that can be assigned to each tendon span:
  
  
  • Linear
  • Parabola
  • Reverse parabola
  • Harped one point parabola
  • Harped two point parabola
  • Partial parabola - left
  • Partial parabola - right
  • Partial rev. parabola - left
  • Partial rev. parabola - right
    
    
    
    
    
• Representation tools
  The tendon groups (concentrated or distributed) can be represented as being grouped or ungrouped. There are label management tools, in case users choose to represent the tendons as grouped. These tools allow user to add, edit, move, and delete labels as well as select the visible tendon of the group.
  
  
  
• View options
  From the Draw menu, users can access the View options, where several options have been added to view prestressed related elements.

Results output

Different reports are generated indicating the properties, elevation geometry and checks of the tendons.

The program also generates floor plans with the tendon distribution and dimensions selected by users in the drawing configuration. Users can also include the Properties table, the elevation properties table and elevation curves table.

Introduction

Local analytical models of the floor plans can now be generated, edited and analysed, with the 2017.e version. The local models allow for a floor of the global model to be analysed independently from the rest of the floors, improving the flexibility during the structural analysis. The design of the structural elements of the floors can be carried out with the forces of one model or another.

Generation

To generate a local model, select the “Generate” icon. There are several possible situations that affect the generation process:

• Generation of local analytical models in projects without an associated BIM model
  This type of project has been created without the help of an IFC or XML file from the start, or it has been created using an IFC or XML file but the link with the BIM model has not been kept. In these cases, when users click on “Generate” a panel appears where the type of external fixity to be assigned to columns can be selected, as well as the discretisation size for slabs and walls.
  
  The floor plans of this type of projects generate an analytical model composed of floor slabs, beams, columns and walls defined on plan. Neither loads, loadcases, nor combinations are generated. Columns and beams generate bars, and slabs and walls generate finite element shells.
  
• Generation of local analytical models in projects with an associated BIM model
  This type of project has been created based on an XML or IFC file. Regardless of whether a global analytical model has been defined or not, the floor plans of this type of project generate an analytical model based on the BIM model of the floor.
  
  If a global analytical model exists (imported using an XML file or from a results file exported from StruBIM Analysis), the model that is generated will contain a group of loadcases and load patterns equivalent to those of the global model and one or more combination groups of these loadcases. Loads, displacements and fixities are generated in accordance with the type of model that is selected by users amongst the following:
  
  • Only with floor loads
    In this case, a model is generated with the beams and slabs defined on the floor plan and the spans of columns and walls that reach that floor. The wall spans that stat at that floor generate a beam with the same section as the wall. Regarding loads, the loads defined in the corresponding floor of the global analytical model are generated.
    Floor loads and elements starting on the floor
    In this case, a model is generated with the beams and slabs defined on the floor and the column and wall spans that reach that floor. The wall spans that start on that floor generate a beam with the same section as the wall. Regarding the loads, the program generates the loads defined in the corresponding floor of the global analytical model and the loads reaching the floor from elements on higher floors which bear their loads on that floor.
    Floor loads, elements starting on the floor and displacements of the supports
    In this case a model is generated with the beams and slabs defined on plan. The spans of the columns below generate a support, which is fixed or pinned depending on what users select. Regarding loads, the program generates the loads defined in the floor in the global analytical model, the loads reaching the floor from elements on higher floors which bear on that floor, and the displacements of the columns of the global model by loadcase such as displacements prescribed at the supports, as well as the corresponding loadcases and load patterns.
  
  If the global analytical model is not available, the model that is generated will be that of the first case, but without any information of the global model. In all cases, non-deformable zones at the top of columns will be generated as will the necessary trims at column and beam ends due to the dimensions of the nodes.

Editing

To edit a local model, the “Edit” button must be selected. The editing process of the model is carried out using an interface similar to that of StruBIM Analysis, where users can edit the discretisation size of the shells, fixity coefficients, stiffness factors, mechanical properties of the bars, acting loads...

Updating

The local analytical model can be updated in two ways:

• Using the “Update” option in the floor plans tab
  In this case, this option transfers the thickness of the slabs, beam sections and materials from both elements to the analytical model. For elements whose properties are not the same, StruBIM Design displays a warning sign.
  
• When the global BIM model is updated
  In this case, the local analytical models of the floor plans that have been defined, are updated. If only the forces of the global model are updated, StruBIM Design will update the loadscases, load patterns, loads and displacements of the local analytical model.

Management of the local model for the comparison and design of elements

Once the local analytical model has been generated for a floor plan, the forces of the model will be used, by default, to design and check all the elements contained in the plan. Using the “Edit” option from the floor plans list, users can indicate they wish to use the global analytical model again for all the elements of the plan.

Floor slabs are always designed and checked using the local analytical model defined for the floor plan. When there are floor plans with a local analytical model, StruBIM Design allows users to indicate, for beams and punching shear zones, whether the local or global analytical model is to be used.

Results consultation

The results from the analysis of the local model can be viewed in the Deformed shaped and contour maps window, and from the Slab forces and Beam forces windows.

• It is possible to alternate between the view of the forces of the global model and the local model. As well as the forces, the displacements and stresses can be consulted.