Structural design with ArchiCAD, and its integration with structural software

A building’s architectural design and its physical structure are closely interrelated: on the one hand, the architectural design of the building defines the structure; on the other hand, the structural design of a building reflects the overall architectural design. As structure became a visual and aesthetic part of the design in modern architecture, structures must be as light as possible while maintaining complete integrity. Also, the structure must be optimized for performance and price.

ArchiCAD® is Graphisoft's purpose-built virtual modeling solution that allows architects to create a 3D model of their design, effectively creating a Virtual Building ™. This White Paper details how ArchiCAD (AC) supports key aspects of structural design and the optimized workflow between the two disciplines. Architectural and structural design use the same Virtual Building model from the earliest sketches through to CNC machine production of building elements, using the appropriate software solution for every phase.

Standards for structural design
The standards set by authorities and developed over the course of decades are traditionally different for every material (RC, Steel, Wood etc.) in every country or region (e.g. DIN in Germany and Central Europe; BS in the UK; AISC in US). Lately, there has been a trend to unify these into a common standard - at least across regional economies, like the EU’s Eurocode.

Structural analysis and production
ArchiCAD provides sophisticated design information along with the necessary level of model detail. This information can be directly imported and exported in the native format of the structural software or through IFC and used for structural analysis by specialized software. These import/export Add-Ons fully integrate structural design and analysis simulation programs that dramatically improve the simulation of whole-building approaches in design, planning, production and construction. This opens new doors for cost savings and structural optimization and performance.

Using ArchiCAD with these tools provides great benefits to both architects and structural engineers. Because the structural analysis tool can directly access ArchiCAD Virtual Building models, feedback on the structural design of the building can be obtained at any time during the design process. And ongoing changes to the design do not result in laborious (and duplicated) reworking in both separate applications - manually adjusting the geometry of the building to keep up with the alterations - because the essence of a 3D model means that all data is up-to-date and immediately usable.

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