Analysis and Design of a Steel Frame Structure Using Computer Applications Coursework2 Brief

Coursework Brief

Analysis and design of a steel frame structure using computer applications (adapted from IStructE CM exam 2011); parametric design of the structure.

Requirements:

• A new theatre and arts complex is to be built in the city centre, see Figures 1a and,b. The theatre is to be located on the ground level with practice facilities, office space and eating facilities above.
• A clear space must be provided within the performance area of the theatre, bounded by gridlines 1 and 3 and gridlines B and C. No permanent structure may be provided in this space. At either end of the theatre space, there is a service zone where there are no structural restrictions.
• Above the theatre is an internal/external dining space at elevation +6.0m. The architect has specified that the only structural elements permissible on grid line 2 between gridlines B and C are slender columns. No bracing or walls are permitted.
• A double-storey rehearsal studio is at elevation +10.5m. The area available for rehearsal shall be maximised by limiting columns to a minimum. Two floors of offices are located above the rehearsal space, where there are no specific restrictions on structure.
• The architect wants to allow as much light as possible into the building on Gridline 2 and has stipulated that more than 70% of the elevation shall be glazed between gridlines B and C.

                                                                                         Figure 1a: 3d view of the theatre building

                                           Figure 1b: Plan view and south elevation view of the building (L value is in the table at the end of the brief)

Imposed loading:

• Roof 1.5 kn/m2
• Ground floor 10.0 kn/m2
• Elevated floors 5.0 kn/m2

Loadings include an allowance for partitions, finishes, services and ceilings.

Ground conditions – The site is level, and the single borehole at the centre of the building is representative of the whole site.

Groundwater was found at -4.0 m in Borehole 1

• Ground – 3.0m Made ground
• 3.0 m – 8.0 m Stiff clay. C = 80 kn/m2 Ø=0
• Below 8.0 m Rock. Allowable bearing pressure = 800 kN/m2

Omit from consideration: lift and stair shafts, wind loading.

PART 1 :

1) Modelling and Design:

• Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating how a truss structure may be used for the proposed building. Indicate the functional framing and load transfer. Give a reason for proposing that solution.
• Create in Revit a structural model of the building, showing columns, primary and secondary beams, trusses, floors and foundations. (You are not required to model or design the stair and lift structure.) Show your building clearly in plan, elevation, section, detail and 3d views. In the views, show dimensions, tags and textual annotations. Use approximate formulae to size your structural elements.

2) Structural Analysis and Design:

• Analyse the structure in the Robot Structural Analysis program (bending moment, shear force and axial force diagrams in typical beams and columns) and check results by hand calculation. Check forces in truss members by hand calculations. Present the results and their comparison.
• Carry out the design verification of steel framing and columns in Robot and select appropriate sizes (all elements should pass).
• Size the foundations based on the load take-down and ground conditions.

PART 2 :

3) Parametric Design

a) Parametric Structure using Grasshopper: Use Grasshopper to make the structure parametric. You should be able to control the following via a slider:

• Truss height and the number of divisions
• Level 0 to 1 inter-storey height

To demonstrate a clear understanding of the parametric model, you must explain and show the algorithm behind each visual coding section, as shown in class. This includes annotating key parts of your Grasshopper script to clarify the logic, inputs, and dependencies. Your explanation should highlight how different components interact and how parameter adjustments affect the structure.

Failure to provide a clear explanation and simply showing pictures of Grasshopper components or groups of components without explanation will result in a zero mark.

b) Python and Embodied Carbon Calculator: This section requires incorporating Python coding using the Grasshopper scripting component into an embodied carbon calculator you will use to estimate your building's carbon emissions. You can use Python coding alone or a combination of Grasshopper visual scripting and Python coding. However, a functional Python algorithm must be included in your tool.

Using your tool, you should be able to demonstrate, using text and annotated pictures, how changing the material or the depth of one of the structural elements (for example, the truss) will affect the carbon efficiency of your structure.

Points are awarded for clarity of presentation using annotated sections and detailed explanation of adopted algorithms, creativity in implementing the tool, coding efficiency and knowledge of sustainability parameters that can affect your structure’s environmental impact.

4) Structural Optimisation

a) Creative rooftop structure: Your client wishes to create a roof terrace on the top floor with a partly covered rooftop café area. The cafe's number of fenestrations should be maximised, and its structure must be aesthetically pleasing and made up of complex geometry. You are encouraged to take inspiration from existing structures and note in the report where you have taken that inspiration from.
Include an annotated hand sketch of your proposed design in the report. Your sketch must clearly illustrate the following:

• The extent of the building roof supporting the new rooftop structure.
• The positioning of the proposed rooftop structure with the existing building.
• The rooftop structure is supported by the building structure below, with key structural connections identified.

b)Rooftop Rhino model: Using a combination of visual programming and scripting, create a Rhino model (using Grasshopper) of the roof structure, which is architecturally pleasing and structurally complex. The rooftop café structure does not need to be shown in the main Rhino file, but you can create a brand-new file for this geometry, provided its structure fits the building footprint provided, and the footprint is shown. You are encouraged to complete this task using the methods demonstrated in class.