What
In this article, you will learn how to perform a FEM analysis of a BIM model, execute calculations and verification, and finally update the model. The process helps guarantee that the model will be fully updated with no manual transcription errors, and that all professionals will be able to use the BIM model as the single source of truth.
At the end of this article, you will know how to transfer a Revit BIM model to Robot Structural Analysis Professional for FEM calculation and verification. You will learn how to bring the model back into Revit to centralize information.
The same workflow supports profiles for any material, including steel, wood, and concrete.
Who
Structural drafters, Structural engineers, Structural detailers.
How
1 Before exporting a model from Revit as a FEM structure, fix it in an analytical model view
Tools for boundary conditions, loads, load cases, and load combinations are available under the Analysis section of the Revit ribbon. These commands, which are very familiar to structual engineers, support specificity in the assignment of conditions and loads to the analytical model. The assignments are inherited by the FEM analysis tool when the model is transferred from Revit.
2. When the analytical model is complete and accurate, transfer it to Robot Structural Analysis Professional using the link provided in the Structural Analysis Toolkit 2019, available in the Revit Exchange of the Autodesk App Store.
3. Perform an FEM analysis of the model in Robot Structural Analysis Professional. This software provides structural engineers with advanced structural analysis capabilities that support large and complex structures. You can analyze models with powerful finite element auto-meshing, nonlinear algorithms, and a comprehensive library of country-specific design codes.
4. Because the link in the Structural Analysis Toolkit is fully bidirectional, use it to bring the model back into Revit and update the version that is there. The bidirectional link between products streamlines structural engineering workflows by coordinating design documentation with analytical design information.
Tensional and displacements status, which can be displayed with the Results Manager, are also imported into Revit as a data package.
The workflow is described in this video:
Why
Coordination and sharing of information between the modeling phase and the optimization phase can be difficult and error prone. This workflow enhances communication between the project phase and verification, reducing the loss of information and risk of errors.
The link between Revit and Robot Structural Analysis Professional supports an iterative design process and data exchange between designers and engineers, improving collaboration and further demonstrating the value of BIM to structural engineers. The link also integrates analysis into the BIM process, supporting the workflow needs of structural designers and engineers.
What next?
Once the structural model is verified and reintegrated in Revit, you can generate sheets and schedules of the structural components.
Revit and Robot Structural Analysis Professional are both part of the Autodesk AEC Collection.
