On Integrated CAD Approach to Design of Building Structures

摘要

Structural design of a tall building involves several rather complex processes, or design activities,including data capture and modeling, conceptual design, structural analysis, structural detailing, andpreparation of design documents. Although each of these process has been assisted by computer andCAD software tools, application of such tools are generally isolated from each other with no directdata connections. That is to say, data transfer among various design processes is usually done bymanual means (paper drawings), which is both tedious and error prone. In this paper, an integratedCAD environment is emphasized under which direct data capture and structural modeling, designautomation and structural optimization can be exercised to achieve a cost-effective design solutionfor a building structure. Discussions on several topics within the framework of CAD applications, i.e.,system integration, direct data capture and structural modeling, building product modeling, structuraloptimization, and automated design checks are given. Also included in the paper are examples todemonstrate the utility of the proposed design approach under an integrated CAD framework.