Structural Engineering Glossary: Key Definitions and Terms

Finite Element Method / Analysis (FEM/FEA) software

FEM (Finite Element Method) software is an advanced structural design software widely used by engineers and designers for conducting comprehensive structural stress analysis. This powerful tool allows for the meticulous simulation and analysis of structural behaviour under various conditions, making it indispensable in the field of structural engineering. FEM software excels in areas such as structural steel design, where precision and reliability are paramount. By breaking down complex structures into manageable finite elements, this software provides detailed insights into stress, deformation, and other critical parameters, facilitating optimized structural design. As a structural analysis software, FEM tools streamline the design process, enabling engineers to evaluate the feasibility and safety of their designs before physical prototypes are built. This not only saves time and resources but also enhances the overall efficiency and innovation in structural design projects. By incorporating FEM software into their workflow, professionals can ensure that their projects adhere to the highest standards of safety and performance, making it a cornerstone in the field of structural engineering and design.

What is Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is a critical discipline within civil engineering that focuses on the design, analysis, and construction of structures that support or resist loads. This field is essential in ensuring the safety, stability, and longevity of buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructures. Through the application of physics and mathematics, structural engineers analyze forces such as tension, compression, and shear to predict how structures will behave under various conditions, including regular use and extreme events like earthquakes and storms. The use of structural analysis is central to the work of structural engineers. This process involves determining the effects of loads on physical structures and their components. To facilitate these complex calculations, engineers utilize structural analysis software, a tool that allows for the simulation of physical forces and the testing of theoretical designs without the need for a physical prototype. In addition to analysis, structural design is another key aspect of structural engineering. This involves creating a structure that not only meets the required standards for safety and functionality but also adheres to aesthetic and budgetary considerations. The work of structural engineers, supported by structural analysis and design software, ensures that the structures around us are safe and reliable. As technology advances, these professionals continue to develop innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges, making structural engineering a cornerstone of modern construction and infrastructure development.

What is BIM?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a revolutionary digital technology that represents a paradigm shift in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. BIM goes beyond traditional 2D drafting methods, offering a 3D model-based process that gives professionals the tools and insights to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. At its core, BIM integrates detailed information for each component of a building, enabling a highly collaborative environment where all stakeholders can access and work with the same up-to-date information.

The application of BIM extends into various aspects of building design and construction, including structural analysis and structural design. By using BIM, engineers and architects can perform structural analysis with greater accuracy, as the software allows for the dynamic simulation of how buildings react to physical forces and stresses over time. This capability is enhanced by structural analysis software that is often integrated within the BIM framework, enabling the analysis of complex interactions within structures and the prediction of performance under various conditions.

Furthermore, BIM supports structural design by facilitating a more integrated approach to the planning and execution of projects. Structural design software within the BIM environment allows for the creation of detailed, intelligent models that can automatically adjust to changes, ensuring that all elements of the design are coordinated and accurate. This not only improves the efficiency of the design process but also reduces the risk of errors and discrepancies that can lead to costly delays and modifications during construction.

What are National Codes in FEM Software?

National codes in Finite Element Method (FEM) software represent the integration of country-specific building regulations and standards into structural analysis and design processes. These codes are essential for ensuring that structures meet local safety, durability, and performance requirements. FEM software, a cornerstone in the realm of structural engineering, incorporates these national codes to facilitate compliance and optimize the design and analysis of buildings and infrastructure.

Incorporating national codes into structural analysis software allows engineers to automatically apply relevant regulations during the simulation and evaluation of structural performance. This feature is crucial for assessing how structures withstand various loads and environmental stresses, ensuring all designs adhere to the highest safety standards set forth by local authorities.

Similarly, structural calculation software benefits from the inclusion of national codes by providing engineers with precise tools for evaluating structural components according to regional guidelines. This ensures that every calculation and decision contributes to the creation of compliant, safe, and efficient designs.

Moreover, structural design software that integrates national codes streamlines the design process, enabling professionals to seamlessly navigate complex regulatory landscapes. By embedding these codes, the software assists in developing designs that not only push the boundaries of architectural innovation but also align with local building practices and standards.

Materials

The materials, that make up a structure, play a fundamental role in the structural design as they influence and determine the safety, durability, and overall performance of structure. Therefore, it is very important, that the properties – such as strength, elasticity, and durability – of the most commonly used materials are implemented in structural analysis software.

Structural analysis software like Advance Design incorporates the properties for steel, concrete, wood, and masonry to name a few and uses them for structural design according to national codes.

The building materials also have a huge impact on overall cost of a structure as well as the sustainability of a construction. Advanced structural design software helps the engineer with this as well by regarding the internal and external costs – both in money and co2 – of a given material. The engineer can than see the financial and environmental impact of a structure.

Modelling

Modelling in Finite Element Method (FEM) software is a process that forms the cornerstone of structural analysis, design, and optimization. It involves creating detailed digital representations of physical structures to simulate and study their behaviour under various conditions. This critical step allows engineers and designers to analyze, predict, and enhance the performance of structures even before they are built, leveraging the power of structural design software.

In the realm of structural analysis software, FEM modelling is indispensable. By breaking down a structure into smaller, manageable elements, structural design software provides a deep understanding of stress distribution, deformation, and potential points of failure. This insight is crucial for ensuring the safety and durability of structures in the face of everyday loads and extraordinary events.

Structural calculation software benefits from FEM modelling by offering the tools needed for rigorous numerical analysis of various structural components. Through modelling, engineers can calculate the exact dimensions, materials, and reinforcements required to meet safety standards and performance goals. This level of precision helps in optimizing material usage, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations.

Members

Members in structural design software refer to the individual structural elements that constitute a part of the overall model within a simulation. These members, such as beams, columns, slabs, and trusses, are fundamental components analyzed in structural engineering projects. Furthermore, structural analysis software incorporates members as the building blocks of the design process. By defining and manipulating these elements, designers can create complex structural models, visualize design concepts, and iterate on solutions that meet both aesthetic and functional criteria. The software’s ability to analyze and refine the interaction between members leads to more innovative and efficient structural designs.

Meshing

Meshing in Finite Element Method (FEM) software is a critical process that transforms a complex structural model into a simplified grid or network, composed of elements and nodes. This step is pivotal in the realm of structural engineering, as it lays the foundation for accurate simulation and analysis within structural analysis software. By breaking down a model into smaller, manageable pieces, meshing enables engineers to precisely predict how structures will behave under various conditions, ensuring their designs are both safe and optimized for performance.

In the context of structural design software, meshing is essential for evaluating the physical properties of a structure, such as stress distribution, displacement, and vibration. The finer the mesh, the more detailed the simulation, allowing engineers to identify potential weaknesses and address them early in the design process. This level of detail supports the creation of structures that can withstand environmental pressures and last for generations.