PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF FEM/BIM SOFTWARES 1N STRUCTURAL PRACTICE.

16TH September, 2019

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF FINITE ELEMENT METHODS (F.E.M.) AND

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING SOFTWARES (B.I.M.) IN STRUCTURAL
ENGINEERING PRACTICE

1.0.INTRODUCTION
The practice of Structural Engineering has evolved drastically over the recent past
decades. The revolution in many ways can be attributed to the rapid developments in computing
technology, which occurred over the same period.
In the distant past, most of the ancient structures were believed to have been built based
on prior experience of what worked elsewhere as there are no records of structural analysis
methods adopted for those ancient buildings/structures. However, with improvement in the
understanding of structural behavior Structural engineers developed methods of resolving
structural problems one of such methods is the “Finite Element Method” a numerical method for
solving problems of engineering and mathematical physics, its development can be traced back
to the work by a. Hrennikoff and R. Courant in the early 1940s.
The Finite Element Method originated from variational methods of Mathematics and
theoretical Physics. In the Finite element Method the real structure is represented by an
approximate mathematical model with a finite degree of freedom, the physical structure is
idealized as an assemblage of many smaller units interconnected at a finite number of joints or
nodal points. This method can be used to obtain solutions for a wide range of one-two and three-
dimensional structural problems involving the use of ordinary or partial differential equations.
Commercial Finite Element software are widely available and for the majority of these
applications the displacement Finite Element method is used, where displacements are treated as
unknown variables to be solved by a series of algebraic equations.

Figure 1. (Finite Element Mesh)

Typically 2D surfaces like slabs are broken into elements of finite size which could either
be triangular or quadrilateral and connected at nodes thereby creating a mesh. Parameters and
Algebraic functions which describe the behavior of the elements are then used to generate a set
of algebraic equations to describe the displacements at each node which are then solved.

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Since the elements have finite sizes the solutions are based on approximations as results
are interpolated between node points, thus having smaller elements would result in a closer
approximate to the true solution. Hence the physical behavior of structures could be controlled
with high accuracy by Finite Element Analysis simulations.
Building Information Modelling the concept of Building Information Modelling has
existed since in the 1970’s. It is simply a way to represent the physical building model virtually
before building it in the real world.
Unlike 2-Dimensional drawings, whenever revisions are made in the model the changes
would have to be effected in the other views. However, with BIM models changes would be
automatically effected in all other corresponding views of the model.
Having a fully coordinated BIM model enables better collaboration among members of
the design team and gives a better understanding of the project thus maximizing efficiency of the
design and minimizing errors in the design and management of the entire construction process.
Integrating BIM and Finite Element Analysis allows complex monitoring of structural
design during the entire design process from the initial design even through the construction
lifecycle. Most BIM software’s available enable interoperability between the BIM and FEA
models.

1.1. ENGINEERING PRACTICE IN THE PAST

The main mode of communication in the construction industry is through drawings. In
the past professionals in the construction industry relied heavily on paper drawing even right
from the conceptual phase of most projects.
The design which usually originates from the Architect who comes up with the main idea
by sketching out the proposed concept on paper. This paper drawings would be sent to the
structural designer who at that time made use of tracing paper to develop the structural design
concepts. This mode of working was very time consuming, requiring a lot of effort and
manpower.

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Figure 2. (A typical Engineering design office a few decades ago)

1.2. LOCAL ENGINEERING PRACTICE IN CURRENT TIMES

In today’s engineering practice, particularly within Nigeria most design engineers and
Architects rely heavily on CAD software’s for drafting, while for the structural design, it's a mix
of employing manual hand calculation methods, spreadsheets and structural design software’s.
Most of these design software’s have embedded in their analysis engines reliable Finite Elements
solvers.
However the appreciation for Finite Elements Analysis, procedures as an integral part of
the design process has not yet gained a reasonable level of acceptance.

1.3.FINITE ELEMENT METHODS/BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING

THE WAY FORWARD
The BIM/FEM approach to design is the way forward, as stated earlier, most structural
design projects originates from the architect. This most times come in the form of CAD drawings
hence the engineer is tasked with creating a BIM model, in rare instances the architectural BIM
model is sent to the structural design engineer who will then work on the model by creating a
structural BIM model from the architectural model. Irrespective of the method adopted the
design process still has distinct stages.
However when imbibing BIM and FEM into the project the design process generally
follows the following steps.

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1.3.1. CONCEPTUAL MODELING

For most projects a lot of time is spent on the detailed design and construction
documentation, but the building’s general appearance and cost are largely fixed very early on.
Because the conceptual design is so crucial to the final building design, it would make sense to
have a consistent flow of digital building information from beginning to end.
The conceptual modeling tools and the detailed design tools are usually different. With
Building Information Modelling the Structural design engineer can directly link to the
Architectural design file using this same file to start their structural design. This ensures a better
understanding of design intent, easy tracking of changes and facilitating better coordination of
design.

Figure 3. (Structural Model Developed from Architectural BIM model)

In some instances the model is directly created in the FE software. The design engineer
creating such model has to have a thorough understanding of the Cartesian coordinate system as
with most of the software’s a grid system has to be developed. Structural elements are then
referenced from the grid created.

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Figure 4 (Structural Model Developed in FEM software showing grid layout).

1.3.2. INTERFERENCE CHECKING

Structural engineers using BIM can easily do interference checking with other members
of the design team. Clashes in the design model detected at this stage can be easily corrected
either by making corrections to the model or by alerting concerned members of the design team
to make corrections where necessary. For most BIM software’s an interference report is
generated which will indicate the exact location of the problem before structural analysis, it is
important to ensure that there is no interference before proceeding to the Structural Analysis
stage.
1.3.3. DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANALYTICAL MODEL
Traditionally, structural engineers interpret the architectural design to create an overall
structural design, then create specialized analytical models, using different software applications
for the multiple types of structural analyses required for a project, such as gravity, dynamic
(seismic), and wind. The engineer also creates a second representation of the building for
documentation purposes.
With this parallel process, opportunities for errors abound. As the structural engineer
develops the model using BIM, the software automatically creates an analytical representation
containing the necessary data needed for third-party analysis applications. The engineer adds
specific loads, material properties, and so on, and then runs the analysis.

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Figure 5. (Analytical Model from BIM Software)

Typical BIM software’s would not execute the structural analysis. However by means of
plugins, the structural design engineer can exchange information from the BIM software to his
preferred Structural Analysis Software package.
These plugins work by creating a file type of specific extension in the BIM software
which would then be imported into the structural design software.

Figure 6. (Plugin Mapping Materials from BIM software In preparation for Analysis
in FEM software).

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Typical File extensions for file exchange in BIM software’s are tabulated below.
BIM software
Revit Tekla Structures
Analysis Software: File Extension names that can be used for exchange.

CSC Orion .cxl .cxl

Tekla Structural .cxl .cxl
Designer
Etabs .EXR, .CIS/STEP 2, .SDNF, .CIS/STEP 2
.IFC
Sap2000 .EXR, .CIS/STEP 2, .SDNF, .CIS/STEP 2
.IFC
Robot .CIS/STEP 2, .SDNF, .IFC .CIS/STEP 2

Table 1
However, when the structural model was created directly in the Finite Element Analysis
Software, there is no need for an Analytical model per say as the structural model would most
times have the Analytical model embedded in it.

1.4. GUIDE TO CREATING AN FE MODEL

1.4.1. PROPERTIES OF MATERIAL

Prior to creating the FE model the designers have to be conversant with the properties of
the material. Some of the important material properties include Tensile strength, Compressive
strength, Weight, Poisson ratio and Modulus of Elasticity. These properties would often be
automatically generated by most commercial Finite Element Analysis software packages.
However, some software’s give the designer the freedom to enter the values for these manually.

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Figure 7. (Material Properties in Analysis Software).

1.4.2. ELEMENT TYPES

When carrying out FE analysis, the selection of a particular type of element may not be
necessary for most commercially available software packages, however typical FEA Elements
fall into four major categories:
• 2D Line (Truss Elements)
They are long and slender and they have two nodes they transmit forces axially
and are 3 DOF elements allowing translation but not rotation, they can be oriented
anywhere in 3D space.

Figure 8. (2D Line Truss Element)

 2D Line (Beam Elements)
They are long and slender like the 2D Line Elements but they have three nodes,
they can be oriented anywhere in 3D space. Beam elements have 6 DOF and they
allow both translation and rotation at each end node.

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Figure 9. (2D Line Beam Element)

• 2 D Planar Elements
These Elements have 3 or 4 nodes they can be oriented anywhere in 3D space.
They are typically used to model structures comprising of shells/plates. The membrane
thickness can be defined and varied.

Figure 10. (2D Planar Elements)

 3D Solid Elements
These elements could have several nodes and in most FE software’s they their
mesh is generated automatically.

Figure 11. (3D Solid Elements)

1.4.3. MESHING
Meshing the term ‘mesh’ is used to describe the sub-division of surface members into
elements with a finer mesh giving more accurate results. The engineer has to assess how fine the
mesh should be; a coarse mesh may not give an accurate representation of the forces, especially
in locations where the stresses change quickly in a short space e.g. at the supports, near openings
or under point loads.

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Figure 12. (Typical FE Mesh for a Slab)

This is because there are insufficient nodes and the results are based on interpolations
between the nodes. However, a very fine mesh will take an excessive time to compute. Hence it
is of importance to select a reasonable mesh size. When the mesh size selected is large or coarse
even though the results will be analytically correct and faster to analyze it would not give
sufficient detail.
Conversely, when a much finer mesh is used, it will take a long time to analyze. Hence it
is important to decide on an optimum mesh size that will give a sufficiently accurate results for
the purpose of structural design.
There is no definitive advice or recommendation as to the ideal size mesh sizing, but a
good starting point is for elements to be not greater than span/10 or 1000 mm, whichever is the
smallest.
For large models it is worth running the initial analysis with a coarse mesh, which can
then be refined when the model has been proved to be free of errors or warnings and gives
reasonable results.
With most software packages the meshing is carried out automatically and the software
can even reduce the element size at critical locations to obtain more data where it is most needed.
This will give more detailed results without a significant increase in analysis time.

1.4.4. LOADING
All Finite Element Analysis software will allow a number of load cases to be considered.
However, it requires engineering judgment to determine the ‘most unfavorable arrangement for
design purpose. It is necessary to refine Finite Element Mesh if patch loads are applied to a
model. A node should always be placed at the location of point loads.

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Figure 13. (Load Application in FE Analysis Software)

1.4.5. FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Majority of the available FE Analysis packages enable the structural engineer to model
the entire structure as a 3D Frame. These software’s have FE solvers which can execute either
Linear or Non-Linear Analysis.
Linear analysis: This is currently the most widely used method of FE analysis, but it is
less sophisticated than non-linear analysis. In Linear Analysis a linear relation holds between
applied forces and displacements this is only applicable to structural problems where the stresses
remain in the linear elastic range of the material.
In a linear static analysis the model’s stiffness matrix is constant and the time for solving
it is shorter in comparism with the non-linear analysis. Thus Reinforced concrete (RC) is treated
as an elastic isotropic material, and a number of assumptions have to be made to allow this
method to be used.
Non-linear analysis
In a nonlinear analysis a nonlinear relation holds between applied forces and
displacements. This nonlinear effect can originate from geometrical nonlinearity’s (i.e. large
deformations), material nonlinearity’s (elasto-plastic materials such as Concrete and Steel Class
1 Plastic sections).
Many FE packages are capable of carrying out non-linear (iterative) analysis, but this is
useful for reinforced concrete design where it can be used to model the cracked behavior of
concrete.

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Non-linear analysis is used for RC design because as the slab is loaded it will crack and
this affects its stiffness. The program carries out an analysis with un-cracked section properties;
it can then calculate where the slab has cracked, adjust the material properties and run the
analysis again.

1.4.6. STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Before carrying out any analysis using computer software, it is always good practice to
carry out some simple hand calculations that can be used to verify that the results are reasonable.
Simple calculations can be carried out to determine the ‘free bending moment’, i.e. calculate
wL2/8 for a span and then check that the FE results give the same value between the peak
hogging and sagging moments. A discrepancy of 20% is acceptable; outside of this limit further
investigation should be carried out to determine the reasons.
Calculate the total load on the slab and compare these against the sum of the reactions
from the model. Always include any hand checks in your calculation report. FE Analysis Having
carried out the initial preliminary sizing then an FE model can be created. The initial results
should be used to determine the ultimate limit state (ULS) requirements.
From these results a preliminary bar size and layout can be determined. These are
required in order to determine the stiffness of the slab, which is essential for checking the
serviceability criteria.

1.4.7. VALIDATION
As with any analysis, it is necessary to validate the results in order to avoid errors in the
modelling and input of data. There is a risk of engineers assuming that because the computer can
accurately and rapidly carry out complex calculations it must be right. There are a number of
simple checks of the analysis that must be carried out.
■ Are the supports correctly modelled (i.e. is it fixed, roller or a pinned support)?
■ Is the element size appropriate – particularly at locations with high stress concentrations
(otherwise there may be need for mesh refinement)?
■ Is the structure in static equilibrium? This should be verified with hand calculations, the
total applied loads and compare these with the sum of the reactions from the model results.
■ Carry out simplified calculations, by making approximations if necessary. If the Finite
Element Analysis results vary from these calculations by more than 20% the cause will need
to be investigated.
■ Do the contour plots look right?

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1.4.8. INTERPRETING RESULTS

The results from an FE analysis will generally be in the form of contour plots of stresses
and forces, although a ‘section’ through the contour plots (either bending moment or areas of
steel) can usually be obtained.

Figure 14. (Contour Map showing variation in Bending Moments)

Some of the commercial FE software packages available go beyond just providing
contour maps. They could recommend section sizes for members and reinforcement required for
concrete structures.

1.4.9. DOCUMENTATION
This is usually the Final stage for most designs. It involves compiling structural design
calculation reports and drawings.
The results obtained from a commercial Finite Element Analysis software can easily be
used for documentation. However, in most instances these results tend to be cumbersome. For
instance, the results obtained for the Grillage analysis of a 15.5m simply supported bridge deck
having just 104 nodes and 187 frames was a whopping 3752 pages. Hence there is an important
need to optimize the results by extracting out the most relevant information to be included in
Calculation reports.
Majority of the available finite element analysis design software’s used for structural
engineering allow designers to update the BIM model after design has been completed. This
means that the design model retains information of recommended member sizes and section

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thickness which can then be exported either using appropriate file extensions or via plugins to
enable production of detail drawings and shop drawings. When this is done it completes the
cycle of a completely coordinated structural BIM project.

1.5. BENEFITS OF USING THE FEM/BIM APPROACH TO STRUCTURAL

DESIGN
There are several benefits of taking advantage of the Finite Elements/Building
Information Modelling approach to executing Structural design some of this benefits include:
 Building Information Modelling enables engineers to have a thorough understanding
of the project and the chances of misinterpreting information is reduced. For instance,
with a V.R. Headset engineers and other members of the design team can have a feel
of an almost exact representation of the project even before constructing.
 The Finite Elements Method allows the engineer to understand the behavior of
complicated structures with irregular form or shape. It gives a thorough insight to the
deformation and stresses in structures, the FEM finds applications in almost any field.
 It enables the designer to try several options and iterations before the actual project is
executed. Therefore it would result in significant savings in cost and it would prevent
some unforeseen failures as the areas of high stresses and deformation are clearly
evident to the designer.

1.6. FACTORS HAMPERING THE FEM/BIM APPROACH TO STRUCTURAL

DESIGN
While the benefits of adopting the Finite Elements/Building Information Modelling
Approach to design are evident, there are several factors that limits the widespread use and they
include:
 Locally in Engineering Institutions Finite Elements and Building Information
Modelling are not popular subject topics (i.e. you may not find it in the syllabus of
most institutions). So most graduates from higher institutions do not have sufficient
exposure on the topic.
 The Finite Elements Method approach in theory is highly mathematical and the
results generated could be quite cumbersome. It is more amenable to be solved with
the use of a software package.
 The cost of Finite Elements and Building Information Modelling software’s is quite
high. And they usually require high end computers with fast processing speed which
are also expensive. However, in academia most of the developers of these software’s
offer free student licenses to enable students to use them for research work and also to
gain a good understanding of using the software packages.

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Tabulated below is a list of popular commercial Finite Element Software’s and Building
Information Modelling Software’s and their prices.
Finite Elements Software: License Type Price
1. SAP2000 Basic $ 2,000
Plus $ 5,000
Advanced $ 8,000
Ultimate $ 12,000

2. Csi Bridge Plus $ 9,000

Advanced $ 16,000
Advanced w/Rating $ 20,000

3. Etabs Plus $ 5,000

Non linear $ 8,000
Ultimate $ 12,000

4. Tekla Structural Designer GBP 7,200

5. Dlubal RFEM 5.xx EUR 2,370

6. Dlubal RSTAB 8.xx EUR 1,710

7. Scia Engineer $ 3,028.67

8. Autodesk Robot 1 Year $ 4,630

9. Ansys Structural $ 17,756.58

10. Ansys Structural Solver $ 15,210.73

Building Information Modelling

Software’s:

11. Autodesk Revit 1 Year $ 2,310

12. Tekla Structures

From this table it evident that these software’s cost a whole lot. Hence it is important for
the Nigerian Structural Engineer to develop knowledge in Finite Elements Methods as in the
nearest future we should look at the possibility of developing our own local Finite Elements
solvers and packages.

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