Thursday, October 29, 2009

Building Information Models (BIM) for Sustainable Building Designs

As building information modeling (BIM) matures into the promise of its potential of easing interoperability, saving time, and reducing mistakes, so, too, does sustainable design grow in popularity, sophistication, and importance.

I think that many of us are looking to sustainable design as a natural fit because of the possibility of inventorying data using measurable outcomes for lifecycle costs or building energy performance. There are people working really hard to get good work out there, but it’s been slow.

I think the more communication that can happen on BIM system, the better. There are a lot of urgent issues surrounding BIM, but this is one of the most urgent. There’s so much data and research involved in achieving any of those goals and clearly BIM would be a way that we could track and predict for design. That is extremely data heavy, and that’s where we need the capacity of the building information models.

For some practitioners, having BIM built in is fine and that’s mainly what they need, but for other people trying to get to more complex buildings or in very specialized situations, there are reasons that they would want to break it off or use something different. Then, too, people just have their personal preferences of interface with what they like. Ideally, I think it’d be both embedded and interoperable because there are some people who are more advanced who like to tweak the script and know what they want, and there are other people that just want the basic general analysis.

So philosophically one could argue that everyone should work with the software they’re most comfortable with and the most important thing is that the database remains consistent and consistently readable. You’re just using a different set of tools within the same program. They’re both viable options, but I really don’t know what’s best. We’re in such early stages right now that we have a little bit of everything going on, but the problem is not ideal and the add-on programs are not talking to each other that well, so it’s a bit of a mess.

BIM software has specific tools that are starting to become really helpful. For example it has a nice interactive tool for window orientation and overhang, and it gives you some basic values and quick calculations to offset things like window sizes change. Small things like that begin to help the designers and generally build up the awareness of the energy usage.

For any queries related to BIM sustainable design please more info email us at info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com

Visit us at http://www.outsourcestructuraldrafting.com/bim-4d-modeling.php for more information.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Looking for Effective Roof Truss Dimensions? Read more...

Roof-truss solutions, residential or commercial, require accurate roof truss dimensions that meet or exceed wind, weight-loading and deflection criteria. A roof truss can make complex roofs easier to construct offering a comprehensive system of girders, ceilings, bearing walls and intersecting trusses. The system removes beams and posts and facilitates clear-span floor plans. Precision roof truss calculation and dimensions can save time and cost while employing efficient roofing system for home or industrial structure.

OSD offers affordable roof truss design support services such as:

  • Complete analysis of wood, metal, timber or concrete tile roofing
  • Roof truss dimensions as per the fabrication standards
  • Economy of materials, as roof trusses can use up to 40% less material than a conventional made-on-site roof
  • Reduced labor costs on site, due to the amount of prefabrication
  • Quick erection of the roof structure, enabling other trades to commence quickly
  • Space saving on site, with no need for timber storage or carpentry work areas.

Due to the commercial limits of available truss sections, limitations for height and length, and manufacturing restrictions of the pressing machinery, there are limitations on the physical dimensions of the trusses. We would suggest that you consult one of our expert designers as early as possible regarding the design of your roof. Our designers will work closely with your architect to reach the ideal solution.

Whatever your project, from the simplest home roofing systems to complex residential or commercial projects, we can save cost and meet your construction deadlines. We discuss all the factors (including aesthetic, functional and load considerations) with your architect and roof truss engineer before providing accurate dimensions and analysis for your project.

Save upto 60% of your costs by outsourcing roof truss design analysis & calculation related requirements to us today!

info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com - email us to get an instant quote.

Visit us at http://www.outsourcestructuraldrafting.com/services.php for more information.

Source: EZPress.info

Benefit of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Structural Engineering

Traditionally structural processes begin with the architectural document set, be it paper or CAD-based. The structural engineering team interprets the architectural design to create an overall structural design and then create specialized analytical models, using different software applications for the multiple type of structural analysis required for the project, gravity, dynamic and wind analysis. In parallel, the structural drafters create yet another representation of the building in the construction process – creating multiple drawings of the same information.

This traditional workflow results in multiple models that are not coordinated, requiring manual efforts to keep them in sync. Opportunities for errors abound. For instance, one of the analysis program prompts a change to a structural column, but the structural drafter misses the change, so the analytical representation does not match with the physical representation. The documentation falls out of sync. The other analytical models become outdated, the downstream analyses are compromised, and the validity of the design suffers.

CAD applications such as Revit, AutoCAD and Tekla allow engineers and designers to create a single building model combining a physical representation of the building which is fully associated with an analytical presentation. The building model is used for the complete production of construction documents and can be used for different types of analysis.

The physical representation denotes the physical layout of the structure in the building – beams, columns, walls, footings, etc. It also drives construction documentation. As the physical representation develops, the analytical representation is created automatically, containing the necessary data needed for third-party analysis applications. The analytical representation is an abstract 3D digital model used for structural analysis.

In building information modeling every view, drawing sheet and schedule is direct representation of the same underlying database. Users can explore different structural systems and alternate design options from within the same model. As the design team makes changes to the building structure, the parametric change technology within Revit Structure automatically coordinates the changes across all other representations of the project. As a result, the design model, design options, and documentation stay coordinated, consistent and complete.

For any queries related to applying Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Structural Engineering email us at info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com

Visit us at http://www.outsourcestructuraldrafting.com/bim-4d-modeling.php for more information.

Source: Articlesnatch.com

Benefit from Revit Structure/AutoCAD for Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Structural engineering companies using Revit Structure software can effectively manage their design and documentation with the architect – controlling digital representations from multiple design sources, especially AutoCAD and AutoCAD Architecture software. With the wide acceptance of AutoCAD and over 300,000 users across the world, structural drafters/engineers will find several opportunities to utilize Revit Structure to collaborate with architects using the intelligent building objects (in DWG format)from AutoCAD Architecture.

One critical part of a structural engineer’s job to share design data and information with the rest of design team together with the architect. To fulfill this requirement, Revit Structure provides a variety of collaboration modes such as:

1> Exporting/Importing standard CAD files (such as DWG, DGN, DXF)

2> Linking of files to/from AutoCAD Architecture

3> Linking completely to an existing Revit Architecture building model

The most obvious starting point for any structural engineer is 2D CAD files provided by the architect. Any CAD software/system that supports DWG, DGN, DXF formats can work efficiently with Revit Structure. Revit structure allows engineer to link and import DWG, DGN, DXF files directly into Revit Structure. If the 2D CAD file is linked while being imported, it stays within Revit Structure as a set and can be refreshed if the architect provides an updated version. Imported geometry can be converted directly to generate new structural members. Revit Structure has the ability to export these same 2D CAD formats – not only because this is the format often needed to pass on to the rest of the design team, but also some contractors demand the delivery of digital documentation in these formats. Revit structure can provide DWG deliverables just as AutoCAD software can, creating layered and well-organized DWG files using any industry standard the engineer wants.

Revit Structure and AutoCAD Architecture have remarkably solid integration, allowing additional benefits to structural and architectural firms using these systems together. Usually the structural engineer will begin the design process using the 2D CAD files and if required can also import the AutoCAD architectural model straight into Revit Structure, using the architect’s model for design reference. And for better co-ordination with architects and rest of the team, Revit Structure exports structural members as intelligent building objects resident to AutoCAD Architecture. So a full structural model can be shared directly with the architect using AutoCAD Architecture – allowing the architect to examine structural design inside the architectural model and test for possible clash with architectural components directly inside AutoCAD Architecture.

The use of building information model (BIM) provides structural companies a complete modeling environment for evaluation and documentation – so that structural design and documentation are always coordinated, uniform and all-inclusive. Sharing the structural details of building information model with architects further coordinates the building design and documentation – a wining combination for all stake-holders participating in the building design and construction process.

For any queries related to Revit Structure and AutoCAD BIM related queries email us at info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com

Visit us at http://www.outsourcestructuraldrafting.com/2d-structural-drafting.php for more information.

Source: ArticleBase.com

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Affordable Drafting Services for Steel, Timber & Concrete Structures

OSD Engineering services focus on providing accurate, time-bound and affordable CAD Drafting and detailing services for Steel, Timber and Concrete and Prefabricated structures. Our team of skilled draughts men & civil engineering professionals can convert your hand-drawn sketches/scribbles, existing paper drawings and design data into a set of complete structural details in CAD and related design information.

We carry out a detailed study the structure including structural symbols, dimensioning, design, and aspect drawing of steel and other structures. Structural drafting services can be beneficial for structure plans, design development, architectural services, construction documents and thus helping you to save costs of your project costs. Our services include both CAD tools and at times specially built hardware that assist architects and engineers in the building & construction industry internationally.

At OSD we use our center competencies, rich experience and domain expertise to offer you superior structural drafting and detailing services in quicker turn around time and at less cost. Our drafters and detailers have wide-ranging area experience and skills to deliver structural drawings in compliance with industry standards and specific guidelines.

We use latest StruCAD, AutoCAD, Microstation, Tekla (X-steel), and Solidworks software to provide CAD conversion and drawings with high accuracy and services that will repeatedly exceed their prospect. Throughout all phases of your project life cycle - from concept to construction, we can supply key information and drawings to help meet your construction goals.

Save upto 60% of your costs by outsourcing Structural Drafting and Drawings related requirements to us today!

info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com - email us to get an instant quote.

Visit us at http://www.outsourcestructuraldrafting.com/2d-structural-drafting.php for more information.

Source: Pressreleasepoint.com

Steel Roof Truss Design, Truss Design Drawings Services

Engineered roof trusses are the most preferred choice of builders today and are far better than the old roof frames. The primary advantages of using pre-fabricated roof trusses are construction speed and cost savings. Each type of roof truss is designed to suit specific structural and aesthetic needs of a home or building. It is important to understand different types of roof truss designs when planning a new home to achieve better performance and aesthetics for your home’s roof.

OSD Engineering services focus on providing accurate, time-bound and affordable CAD detailing and Drawings services for Steel and Prefabricated roof trusses. Our team of skilled draughts men & structural engineering professionals can convert your hand-drawn sketches/scribbles, existing paper drawings and design data into a set of complete structural details in CAD and deliver editable, multi-layered drawings in DWG, DGN, DXF, etc format.

Detailed aesthetic, functional and load considerations are required while choosing the best roof truss design for a given roof shape, size and installation complexity. We discuss all of these factors with your architect and roof truss engineer before providing CAD drawings of roof trusses for any new home or major remodeling project.

Using advanced CAD technology (AutoCAD, Revit, StruCAD, Microstation) and 3D Imaging, we provide unique framing details and expressions in quicker turnaround time. Whatever truss type you need – we have the expertise and design software to bring it to life. Our truss design experts work with your exact loading specifications to consistently provide you with precision built, custom trusses, time and time again!

Save upto 60% of your costs by outsourcing Roof Truss Design and CAD Drawings related requirements to us today!

info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com - email us to get an instant quote.

Visit us at http://www.outsourcestructuraldrafting.com/services.php for more information.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Modern Structural Drafting Process and Structural CAD Drafting

Every building or industrial structure – be it a home, skyscraper or bridge - requires a set of design and drafting diagrams to demonstrate it in detail. Structures are meticulously designed by a team of structural engineers and structural draftsmen. The process of structural drafting serves as the link between contractor and structural engineers. Traditionally structural drafting involves hand drawing of design and blueprints, but with the invent of computer-aided design (CAD) systems, almost all design work is now carried out over computers. Modern structural draftsman use sophisticated CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, StruCADD to develop detailed designs and drawings from hand-drawn sketches.

Structural drafters assist the work of architects and civil engineers by preparing and providing necessary technical drawings. Applying regional building codes and industry standards, they carry out calculations, cost estimates and research prior to crafting designs. Structural drawings technically show the details of structures; state materials to be used and processes to be undertaken. Most structural drafters specialize in specific domains such as residential or commercial or by the type of material used like steel, concrete or wood.

The process of structural drafting typically involves study of drafts, instructions and information from the architect or engineer; drafting of layouts for the planned structure; checking and validation of structural drawings to conform to design data and specifications; preparation of construction documents, material and cost estimations. One has to make sure that safety and design standards are followed and drawings get approved from the local authorities for critical projects.

CAD tools generate practical geometric models of objects which can simulate and evaluate the effects and potential drawback of designs. CAD system organizes drawings electronically so that modifications, duplications and variations can be performed with ease. Although structural drafters use CAD to a great extent, it is still a computer tool. This means the structural drafter must have thorough knowledge of drafting skills and industry standards in addition to necessary CAD skills.

For any queries relate d to structural drafting and related drawings email us at info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com

Visit us at http://www.outsourcestructuraldrafting.com/2d-structural-drafting.php for more information.

Source: Articlesnatch.com