A Novel Approach of Structural Modeling, Analysis and Optimization of Bearing Parts in Free-Formed Arc-Like Geometry Reconstructed from 4D Sketches

Abstract

Sketching is often used as the main approach in design of free-formed structures in very early stages of planning. Chosen materials for bearing and non-bearing parts and results of structural analysis can decisively affect the shape and form of planned geometry. The structural modelling, following finite element (FE) analysis and structural design can be very time-consuming due to still weakly regulated building information modelling (BIM) data exchange of free-formed structures. This paper describes a novel approach of structural modelling, analysis, and multi-objective optimization (MOO) of bearing elements of free-formed geometry sketched within a developed 4D semantic, mixed reality application MRSketch. The shapes of individual elements are computed from the recovered curve network and comprising boundary curves, aiming for smooth transitions and less deviation to the sketched strokes. The focus of this paper lays on the test case in which a free-form voluminous arc-like structure (similar to BUGA pavilion) has been thoroughly sketched in MRSketch. The computed geometry of the above-mentioned form is used for the structural analysis and MOO, whereby 3 different material and structure types are studied: monolithic concrete shell, plywood timber panels, and steel framework. The MOO process takes place with the goal of minimizing used material masses and deflection of the structure. The ultimate and serviceability limit state´s (ULS and SLS) criteria acc. to Eurocodes represent MOO-constraints. Lastly, a large-scale estimate of the CO2 balance of the 3 above-mentioned construction´s variants is compiled and compared.