The Evolving Role of Structural Engineering
Traditionally, structural engineering was perceived as a discipline primarily concerned with safety and functionality. While this remains true, structural engineers must guarantee a minimum safety margin for uncontrollable factors such as earthquakes, wind loads, explosions, and fires.
At the same time, modern structural engineering must meet the needs of contemporary architecture, where structures are breaking free from conventional design constraints through bespoke geometries and novel materials. Engineers are also required to meet tight deadlines, often faster than before.
The Need for Technological Transformation
The days of relying on semi-empirical solutions are over. Engineers now navigate uncharted territories, working on complex projects that demand efficiency in cost, time, and carbon emissions. To meet these demands, structural engineering workflows are undergoing a radical transformation, driven by new technologies that are shaping the profession’s future.
The Role of Building Information Modelling (BIM)
At the heart of this transformation is Building Information Modelling (BIM), a collaborative process that revolves around a 3D model of a structure. Modern engineering projects require rapid design iterations across multiple disciplines, necessitating seamless data exchange and synchronization with a global 3D model.
To facilitate this, IDEA StatiCa created Checkbot, a free tool that connects with global analysis software to extract model parts, analysis results, and combinations for seamless sharing with the design team. Engineers can then:
- Group and design connections in IDEA StatiCa Connection.
- Assess the strength and stability of steel members in IDEA StatiCa Member.
- Update the Checkbot model whenever changes occur in the global analysis model without losing previous definitions
The Power of Parametric Modelling
To enable rapid design iterations for complex geometries in connection design, parametric modelling was implemented in IDEA StatiCa Connection. This computational design approach uses parameters and rules to define a structure’s geometry and properties dynamically. Instead of manually drafting static models, engineers create rule-based template models that automatically adjust when input parameters change.
The Benefits of Parametric Modelling
- Speed & Efficiency: Changes to dimensions, loads, or materials automatically update the model.
- Standardisation: Models enforce company standards and industry specifications, including guidance from organizations such as the SCI.
- Cloud Collaboration: Engineers can distribute parametric template models through the Connection Library technology, ensuring seamless access across teams.
Optimising Structural Designs
Parametric models lay the groundwork for design optimisation. Optimising a design requires multiple calculation iterations, with different parameter sets selected from a valid range of values. Each solution is evaluated based on metrics such as cost, resistance, and weight, depending on the project’s objectives.
This intensive process can be automated using APIs and simple scripts in programming languages like Python and C#. Engineers can drive parametric model creation and retrieve calculation results efficiently, streamlining the necessary checks for each project.