Geometry and Parametric modeling in the Conceptual Design of Bridges

Abstract

<p>Parametric techniques are developing as an agile tool in both civil engineering and architectural design. What is especially powerful is the ability of these softwares to relate and iterate through multiple options with minimal effort. The tools that combine a parametric definition of the bridge with a 3D graphic and a FEM model gives the designer the opportunity to analyse instantaneously, the effect in the variation of the variable parameters in terms of visual appearance as well as structural behaviour simultaneously. Therefore parametric design is a valuable tool in the conceptual design phase where the geometric decisions made are the most structurally and architecturally impactful.</p>

A parametric design process model for box culverts

“…According to Romo et al (2015), the typical structural engineering workflow shown in Figure 2 first requires the development of a concept for the structural system. Predetermined standards within an organisation (i.e.…”

“…culvert design coefficient tables) (Reynolds et al 2007) are often used to develop the conceptual structural system. Depending on the preferred structural analysis tool, a 3D finite element analysis (FEA) model can be generated to visualise the preliminary design geometry for correctness (Romo et al 2015). Moreover, the preference of FEA tools is based on the ability to produce accurate and realistic analysis results, which may lead to a more economical design.…”

“…Once the preliminary structural system is concluded, the design can thereafter be optimised and communicated through structural construction drawings (Romo et al 2015). Communication of the design intent requires a geometric model to be produced and coordinated with the other disciplines (Solnosky 2017).…”

“…Despite the apparent benefits associated with intelligent BIM tools, several challenges are highlighted in the existing literature. Since the early design information received from the civil and geotechnical engineers (Nicholson 2014) Despite the importance of a good preliminary design, limited time is often allocated to the early design phase (Romo et al 2015). For instance, the additional time required to amend and re-analyse an analysis model following receipt of undesired results might not be allocated to the project budget (Romo et al 2015).…”

“…The introduction of building information modelling (BIM) and parametric design methods has improved the implementation of processes in the traditional structural engineering workflow. Structural engineering processes previously completed in sequential and isolated steps (Bhusar & Akhare 2014;Romo et al 2015) can now be automated through BIM parametric design (Gilkinson et al 2015;Kalkan et al 2018). Surveys conducted by Hamidavi et al (2020) have revealed that more than 60% of structural engineers in the United Kingdom (UK) who are professionally accredited with the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) believe in the potential of automation to resolve the challenges faced in structural engineering.…”