Software Platform for the Integration of Design Code Checks into Building

Information Modelling

Zuzana HEKRDLOVÁ Peter Van TENDELOO Iveta GEORGIEVA

Product Development Engineer Software Development Team Manager Product Engineer
Nemetschek Scia SRO Nemetschek Scia NV Nemetschek Scia NV
Prague, Czech Republic Herk-de-Stad, Belgium Herk-de-Stad, Belgium
z.hekrdlova@scia.cz p.v.tendeloo@scia.be i.georgieva@ scia.be

Jean-Pierre RAMMANT
CEO
Nemetschek Scia NV
Herk-de-Stad, Belgium
jp.rammant@scia.be

Summary
Due to the great freedom in contemporary structural design, conventional design techniques cannot
be applied to all spatial compositions and new materials. Widely available CAE software often tries
to automate more common check methods found in (inter)national norms, but does not provide
universal solutions. The complexity of modern structures, while economical and aesthetically
appealing, requires that the engineer often write his/her own checks or perform manual calculations.
Scia Design Forms (SDF) is a new software technology that enables the easy, on-the-fly writing of
customised engineering algorithms and design checks by means of simplified programming. The
application uses a C#-based, object-oriented scripting language, and is furnished with an intuitive
UI, a full set of mathematical and logical operators, possibilities to include text and graphical
descriptions, tables, charts and extensive reports. Built-in toolboxes with engineering formulae and
libraries help the user-developer create standalone solutions that can be reused, shared, sold
commercially, and linked to CAE software where advanced GUI and 3D visualisation possibilities
can be used while pre- and post-processing. This paper presents the SDF tool and illustrates its use
by means of practical examples of structural design and detailing.
Keywords: Design software, Building Information Modelling, Structural standards, Design checks

1. Introduction
Practical engineering work is rapidly being integrated into the Building Information Modelling
(BIM) workflow. The stages of conceptual design, detailing, execution and maintenance are
consolidated to ensure better communication between the different specialists and responsible
parties. To handle the large amount of data, engineers and contractors need to employ powerful
CAE and CAD software in their everyday work. SDF is a software platform that aims to fill in the
gap created by the use of sophisticated 3D models and the need to still perform design checks
according to the appropriate structural standards or technical publications.
SDF is built around the concept that the user can simply type all necessary formulas, build the
report layout, test the resulting outcome in the appropriate range of variables, comment and
generate the report, and thus provide a fully automated solution for the considered engineering
problem. SDF aims to replace spreadsheets, while providing dynamic graphics, semi-automated
reporting and handling of named variables, units, translations and intellectual property protection.
At this moment, files created in SDF can be used stand-alone or be linked to Scia Engineer (CAE
software for the modelling, analysis, design and detailing of 3D structures), where these serve as
plug-in checks. To perform a check, SDF acquires referenced data from the CAE 3D model (cross-
section, materials, FEM results, etc.), performs the calculation in the background, and sends the
report back to the CAE program, where results can be displayed and the check output can be
appended to the project documentation. A detailed review of SDF functionalities is given in [1].
2. The SDF open platform
SDF allows user-developers:
• to write their own computational algorithms and checks (i.e. Design Forms);
• to distribute these checks to end-users as commercial tools for specialized engineering tasks;
• to link customised checks to Scia Engineer as plug-ins though an interactive API.
The open architecture of SDF makes it possible to continually add new functionalities, following
the Rapid Application Development (RAD) model. The RAD method ensures that the various needs
of user-developers and end-users of SDF can be fulfilled quickly.
2.1 The concept of a ‘Design Form’
The collection of defined input variables, formulas, calculation report and report layouts is exported
as a so-called ‘Design Form.’ Each Design Form can be a standalone or CAE-linked tool that
contains a particular engineering method. The initial assumptions on which the calculations in the
Form are based may be described freely in the report by means of text and graphical descriptions.
2.2 Programming tools
Calculations in SDF are defined by means of simplified script; coding rules are based on the C#
programming language. One does not need to delve into programming, as scripting rules in SDF are
made highly intuitive and require little to no programming experience. More advanced scripts based
on C# can handle multidimensional arrays, user-defined functions, classes and conditions. Another
useful feature in SDF is the advanced handling of equations. Formulas can simply be typed in SDF;
these are executed and displayed, including the numerical substitutions and the calculated outcome.
Assistive tools are provided to help the user-developer organise the source code, localise errors in
the script, purge unused variables and define visual settings and translation strings. Automated tests
ensure the consistency of the calculation algorithm in modified versions of the Design Form.
2.3 Engineering tools
C#-based features alone are not sufficient to meet the needs of civil engineers in their everyday
work. Therefore, SDF supports units (metric and imperial) for variables and handles unit
conversions internally; it enables the creation of dynamic drawings and the printing of graphs, as
well as the translation of reports to multiple languages. These additional features complement the
open-platform concept and eliminate the need to tackle such engineering issues while programming.
Keyboard shortcuts are provided to easily switch between Latin and Greek characters, as well as
between normal font and sub- and superscripts.
Libraries are supported, where common engineering data can be stored in tabulated form. SDF
contains a number of built-in libraries – standard European and North American steel cross-sections,
materials (steel grades, concrete and timber classes), bolts, concrete sections with reinforcement etc.
New libraries can be added in XML format. A library editor is provided so that the user does not
have to use the XML syntax. Libraries are easily accessed through the source code by means of
IntelliSense (drop-down lists) which guides the user through the tree-like structure of a library.
In addition to C# commands, custom engineering functions can be built in as supplementary
commands in the scripting language. Such functions usually describe common, well-described
engineering concepts, e.g. cross-section classification in steel design, constitutive laws for concrete,
etc. Fig. 1 shows a function for cross-section classification, whose arguments are the cross-section
instance (taken from a library), the loaded state (bending or compression) and the maximum stress.
2.4 Project documentation
The SDF architecture clearly separates the calculation algorithm (defined in the script) from the
formatting of reports. Each item in a report is a visual component, whose visibility, font, size and
location can be set through similar GUI options as in MS Word ©. This makes it possible to create
various calculation report styles (layouts) within the same Design Form – e.g. different levels of
detail can be adopted in a number of report styles to serve the various needs of different end-users.
a)

b)

Fig. 1: Cross-section classification using a built-in function

3. Integrating custom design checks in the BIM workflow

A powerful feature of SDF is the ability to use Design Forms as plug-ins for the 3D CAE software
Scia Engineer (SE). Each user can define relationships between a SDF Form and SE, in this way
expanding the number of checks supported in SE. User-defined checks in Forms are executed,
visualised and reported in the same way in-house checks in SE are. SDF Forms are already used as
the SE hard-coded solution for concrete design according to the Brazilian standard – all design
checks are executed entirely in SDF as proof of concept for the open platform.
The link between SE and SDF is based on an interactive Application Programming Interface (API).
For each entity in a 3D model (e.g. a beam, node, slab), the relevant input data (e.g. cross-sections
and materials, buckling data, internal forces, loads, etc.), are sent directly through a TCP/IP
communication to SDF, where the calculation is executed. This ensures the swift transfer of data.
Results and report layouts are sent back to SE – these can be displayed in SE and be added to the
project documentation. Comment [PT1]: After reading further
I noticed this paragraph is already
mentioned in the SEN SDF link. So perhaps
4. Examples here it should be replaced by some more
general BIM info from SEN
A number of Design Forms are supplied with the SDF installation package. Form solutions are
prepared for specific engineering problems in the fields of steel, concrete, timber, masonry Something like a typical SEN picture
structures and foundations. As most of these Forms concern design according to the EUROCODES, showing the CAD model and calculation
model together with a property window
a special functionality has been foreseen in SDF for handling National Annex data. A combo-box in (indicating that nothing is just a line but has
each Design Form is used to switch between country-specific parameter sets and formulas. a whole set of properties linked to it). Geert
might have some info here.
In addition, SDF has already been used to provide a number of stand-alone and 3D CAE integrated
solutions for the design of: In fact, that part can be put first in this
chapter 3. to indicate to the reader what
• steel connections (according to EN 1993-1-8:2005 and to AISC 360-10); BIM in SEN is and then it's followed by
• composite beams (according to EN 1994-1-1:2004); that first paragraph describing how SDF
extends this.
• steel elements against fatigue failure (according to EN 1993-1-9:2005);
• pad foundations, concrete section design, etc. The paragraph marked here in red is
perfectly formulated, so I would use that
one under chapter 5. instead of some parts
4.1 Design of connections according to EN 1993-1-8 which are written there now (but which in
fact are the same)
Rules for the analysis and design of connections in steel structures are provided in the European
standard “Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures - Part 1-8: Design of joints” [2]. The rules for
design and detailing published therein are implemented in two Design Forms that address (1)
moment rigid connections with (extended) end-plates, and (2) shear connections with a header plate.
These tools provide a flexible, consistent design algorithm for steel connections between I-sections,
with arbitrary bolt placement and number of bolt-rows. The design is based on the component
method and checks are provided for bolts, welds, end- or header plate, and column/beam parts
under the relevant load effects. The generated report documentation also includes 2D drawings of
the connection, based on the defined end-user input and obtained results (as shown in Fig. 2).
A comparison between Fig. 2 b) and d) demonstrates the possibility to adopt different styles in the
making of drawings, which remains true for the creation of other items in SDF reports, such as text,
graphs, tables, etc.
a) c)

b)

d)

e)

Fig. 2: Steel connection tools: a) component method, end-plate moment connection: beam flange
and web in compression; b) header-plate shear connection drawing; c) part of input dialog; d)
design of column at interface with header-plate; e) end-plate moment connection drawing.
 4.2 Design of composite beams according to EN 1994-1-1
General rules for the design of composite members are published in the European standard
“Eurocode 4: Design
ign of composite steel and concrete structures” [3]. This norm gives general
detailing rules and stipulates how the dimensions of the steel profiles,
profiles concrete slabs and
reinforcement should be determined in order to provide sufficient strength and stiffness.
For the case of a simply supported composite beam, a set of design rules is derived from [3] and
gathered into a standalone check algorithm. The Design Form takes input defined by the end-user
and performs all necessary calculations and checks for both construction and composite stages
stages.
Input that should be provided by the end-user
end user includes partial safety factors, critical ULS bending
moment and shear force, and SLS uniform load in in the stages of construction and maintenance;
geometry of steel sections, concrete slabs, profiled sheeting; material properties, shear buckling
coefficient according to EN 1993-1-5:2006;
1993 properties of reinforcement – material class, diameter
and placement of longitudinal and transverse reinforcement, concrete cover; other options related
to the method of calculation, the location of the beam relative to the floor (edge/internal beam),
angle of compression strut according to EN 1992-1-1
1992 §6.2.4(4), αcc coef
coefficient for long-term
unfavourable effects according to EN 1992-1-1,
1992 1, §3.1.6(1), etc.) and visualisation options.
options Comment [PT2]: This should be revised,
it's un-readable :D
a)
It's a big summ-upup of all inputs. I would
simplify it a bit and write it in different
sentences instead of a huge list.

b)

c)

Fig. 3: Composite beam design: a) printing of input data; b) tabulated summary of checks; c)
determination of neutral axis.
 4.3 Concrete section design according to EN 1992-1-1
1992
The Scia Concrete Section © (SCS) has been developed within the Scia Design Forms environment
and offers a solution that complies with the rules of EN 1992-1-1.
1992
b)

a)

c)
Fig. 4:: Scia Concrete Section: a) stress in concrete and reinforcement; b) input of reinforcement
reinforcement;
c)Interaction
Interaction diagrams for simultaneous action of N, My and Mz .
The tool performs ULS capacity checks for the N-My-Mz and Vy-Vz interaction, as well as checks
for ultimate stresses and strains in the N-My-Mz interaction. Stress limitation (for concrete as well
as reinforcing steel), crack width and deflection checks are provided at the SLS load level.
The SCS includes a superior user interface, in which an overview of the final results are at all times
visible next to end-user input. All results can be displayed in a numerical as well as a graphical
format, including dynamic pictures of interaction diagrams and stress / strain distributions (Fig. 4).
The tool is available in English, French, German, Dutch, Czech and Slovak, proving the concept of
multilingual support in SDF. Country-specific parameters according to the main EN 1992-1-1
standard have been implemented, including the corresponding National Annexes.

4.4 Design against fatigue failure according to EN 1993-1-9

A Design Form has been made for fatigue verifications of heavy gauge steel components according
to EN 1993-1-9:2005 [4]. Multiple points on a steel component may be checked for failure under a
design stress-range spectrum that includes up to four significant stress range amplitudes.
The algorithm assesses the fatigue life of the component (in years), and also carries out fatigue
verifications at an equivalent uniform stress range. The latter may be done both according to the
general method given in Annex A of [4], or using the simplified procedure in §6.2(1) of [4], which
requires additional data from technical literature for the i coefficients.
User inputs in this fatigue tool are:
• the direct and shear stresses & corresponding number of cycles that describe the load history;
• the steel grade;
• the detail category for direct and shear stress according to §8 of [4];
• other data such as safety coefficients, stress concentration factors kf, magnification factors
k1 for moments in trusses (if hollow section are being evaluated). Comment [PT3]: Compare this to the
summ-up used in Composite. This is much
The Design Form calculates the fatigue and cut-off limits for each point on the component and more clear (even if the last bullet is perhaps
evaluates whether fatigue verification is necessary. The fatigue life and damage per year are listed a bit too deep)
for each stress range and each point. The total damage per year and the design life on a component
level are calculated as a result of the simultaneous action of all stress ranges.
The fatigue verification for equivalent stress range with constant amplitude makes it possible to
evaluate fatigue resistance in terms of stress, rather than in the time domain (i.e. number of years
before failure). Checks are subsequently performed for normal and shear stress and the interaction
of these (Fig. 6).
a) b)

Fig. 5: Fatigue design: a) input stress range spectrum; b) unity check results

5. Form links to Scia Engineer

A powerful feature of SDF is the ability to use Design Forms as plug-ins for the 3D CAE software
Scia Engineer (SE). Each user can define relationships between a SDF Form and SE, in this way
expanding the number of checks supported in SE. User-defined checks in Forms are executed,
visualised and reported in the same way in-house checks in SE are. SDF Forms are already used as
the SE hard-coded solution for concrete design according to the Brazilian standard – all design
checks are executed entirely in SDF as proof of concept for the open platform. Comment [PT4]: This paragraph is
already listen on a previous page
The link between SE and SDF is based on an interactive API. For each entity in a 3D model (e.g. a
beam, node, slab) the relevant input data (e.g. cross-sections and materials, buckling data, internal
forces, loads, etc.), are sent directly through a TCP/IP communication to SDF, where the calculation
is executed. Results and report layouts are sent back to SE – these can be displayed in SE and be
added to the project documentation (see Fig. 6).

Fig. 6: Example of a plug-in check - linking Design Form to Scia Engineer

6. Conclusions
To address the growing importance of BIM in current construction practice, a developer’s platform
is created that enables the writing of customised design checks and other engineering calculations.
The platform is already being used to extend the portfolio of supported checks in 3D CAE software.
In this way, structural components with unusual special configuration or elements made from new
materials can be designed, employing knowledge from technical publications or scientific literature.
Scia Design Forms uses programming procedures and software architecture in the background,
while required user inputs are solely the formulas that describe the engineering problem. In addition
to that, graphical reports are generated, which are comprehensible, clear and illustrative. The
obtained Forms can be reused, shared, distributed within a company or sold commercially.

7. Bibliography

[1] Z. Hekrdlová, P. Van Tendeloo, I. Georgieva and J.-P. Rammant, “Engineering calculations in Scia Design Forms,”
in EUROSTEEL, 7th European Conference on steel and composite structures, Naples, Italy, 2014.
[2] European~committee~for~standardization, Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures - Part 1-8: Design of joints,
Brussels, Belgium, 2005.
[3] European~committee~for~standardization, Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and concrete structures - Part 1-
1: General rules and rules for buildings, Brussels, Belgium, 2004.
[4] European~committee~for~standardization, Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures - Part 1-9: Fatigue, Brussels,
Belgium, 2005.
[5] http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx.
To be added if enough space:

The straightforward approach to creating calculation reports in SDF ensures that the calculation
methods built into the Design Form remain transparent. The ability to provide at the same time a
detailed report of the calculation, and a summary with e.g. input variables and final result, is what
makes SDF unique. Design Forms translations are made in semi-automated string-per-string
fashion. A Form can be distributed in unlimited number of languages in the same file. The
calculation results, layouts, and conditions remain the same regardless of the displayed language.