Project Focus - Part 2 - Construction Stage Management (CSM)

We continue with our series of mini videos, this one introducing construction sequencing of the concrete frame within the finite element analysis environment.

Project Focus - Part 2 - Construction Stage Management (CSM) follows our previous Part 1 post where we introduced the Analytical Mode generation (AMG) within the Revit+SOFiSTiK workflow.

The challenging design included slabs of 250mm thick spanning upto 9.0m along the perimeter edge with perimeter edge cantilever balconies to further add to the complexity. With a very light facade and finishes, the temporary construction loads dictate the ultimate limit state (ULS) design. As the structure is 20 storey, the inclusion of 5 storey height perimeter screens needed to be included into the design of the slabs. This meant a design being required for two specific temporary load conditions during construciton in addition to the permanent loading the building will experience for most of it's life.

This meant we had to study the behaviour under construction of the load distribution and resulting forces in the structure and the temporary propping. Therefore we extended the construction sequencing to include the physical modelling of both the slab backpropping and also the perimeter screen propping which apply at different stages of the build

We created groupings for all the physical structure, temporary propping (both slabs and perimeter screens), along with all temporary construction loads reflecting the casting of slabs over and the climbing 5 storey height perimeter screens.

The video shows the full construction stage management of the build and captures the temporary and permanent loading throughout the life of the building. A non-linear material analysis of the same sequence was used to accurately capture the long term serviceability effects, deflections and cracking behaviour of the structure. There are over 200 construction stages in the model and over 50 creep and shinkage stages. This analysis run time was over 6hrs.

To conclude, this detailed piece of work was essential and a valuable excercise providing us confidence and certainty of the structure behaviour and ultimately to deliver refinement and value to our Clients.

Drop us a line if you are interested and want to learn more on this topic.

Project Focus - Part 1 - Analytical Model Generation (AMG)

Following our previous post that introduced our BIM workflow, we thought we'd share a little more information on how we implement this new workflow into our projects along with the benefits this brings internally and also our Clients. We start here with a Project Focus - Part 1 - Analytical Model Generation (AMG) on one of our latest projects just starting on site and take you through a quick journey.

We've said it already but it's worth reiterating again, that the BIM Integrated Structural Analysis approach is key to this. Modelling the physical to the analytical along with loading application, materials designation and section creation all native within within the Revit BIM platform is a huge benefit over the alternative reliance on cross platform linkage or conversion tools.

Over the last three years we've transitioned to 100% of our design projects being prepared on the Autodesk Revit BIM platform, leveraging the Revit+SOFiSTiK API for Analytical Model Generation, Analysis and Design. If you're a long time user of SOFiSTiK you may not have made this transition from the traditional SOFiPLUS environment yet. If not, you may be missing out!.

The 'Analytical Model Generator' (AMG) by SOFiSTiK AG forms part of this solution early in the process and is essential for developing an efficient analytical model form your physical model. This allows you to accurately replicate the physical model with an analytical counterpart.

Drop us a line if you are interested and want to learn more on this topic.

BIM - Integrated Structural Analysis - Our Approach

BIM Integrated Stuctural Analysis is the key. Over the three years we've transitioned to 100% of our design projects being prepared on the Autodesk Revit BIM platform, leveraging the SOFiSTiK Revit API for Analytical Model Generation, Analysis and Design.

The 'Analytical Model Generator' (AMG) forms part of this solution. This allows us to accurately replicate the physical model with an analytical counterpart.

With our close relationship with SOFiSTiK (our No.1 choice of analysis and design software for concrete frames) and a continuous loop of testing, feedback, further SOFiSTiK development of the API, the solution has come a long way over these short years (through 2020 to 2024 versions) and we can confidently address all our projects needs with this workflow now and into the future.