Building Design for Earthquake Resistance: How can BIM Help Structural Engineers?

Currently, large construction firms are devoting their structural design engineering resources to develop structures and buildings that are earthquake proof. To develop structures and infrastructure that are resilient to disasters, structural and civil engineers need to stay updated on topics like cross bracing, earthwork real estate, calculations, etc.

Several earthquake-resistant homes, buildings, and other structures have been created all over the world, particularly in areas where seismic natural occurrences are more likely to occur. Some of the generally acknowledged structural designs for providing suitable strength and absorbing seismic vibrations for earthquake-resistant structures include cross bracing and proper rubber cushioning at the foundation.

Using BIM to create earthquake-resistant structural designs:

Researchers and structural engineers have created fiber-reinforced concrete beams, base separated buildings, and other things. The most popular technology in today's construction procedures, BIM for structural engineers, is frequently overlooked by researchers. The four aces that BIM technology possesses can help structural and civil engineers win the game of infrastructure development.

Structural engineers can maximize the development of buildings and infrastructure by effectively utilizing BIM technologies. BIM has the capacity to perform fortification study and seismic analysis of the structure, combined with a finely tuned 3D model of the infrastructure and/or specific API programming.

With its essential virtual design and construction capabilities, BIM plays a leading role in a number of industries; including earthquake retrofitting, design coordination, building codes, and the creation of effective earthquake proof building designs.

Adherence to earthquake-resistant design standards in a BIM context:

The vertical rise of buildings has actually replaced lateral development due to the ongoing population explosion. Together with flyovers, bridges, and underground tubes, skyscrapers and high-rises are now becoming an increasingly important part of the development of urban infrastructure.

Early earthquake-safe design consideration is incorporated into BIM to prevent design modifications after construction has begun. While adhering to seismic specification, information-rich, intelligent, BIM-ready 3D models of infrastructure designs are essential. A good illustration of how BIM elegantly assures the accuracy of designs and compliance with rules is the requirement for two inch spacing between ducts to prevent damages in earthquakes.

Essentially, BIM enables the modeling of any hanger, brace, etc. It also allows for the validation of designs for sleeves, decks, roofs, beams, columns, etc. Along with this, jobs are automated and code compliance verification is streamlined by creating more customized plug-ins and tools that provide access to their APIs.

Retrofitting Infrastructure Damaged by Earthquakes:

BIM not only supports structural engineers while working on preparation of plans from scratch but ensures that structure is remodeled as it was before the earthquake. Having stated that, BIM is essential while working to retrofit buildings and infrastructure damaged by earthquakes. With the aid of point cloud data, it captures the truth of any structure's as-built state and converts it to 3D BIM models or Photogrammetry.

It's impressive to watch how AEC experts are employing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and a high-resolution camera to capture exact images of the state of roads, bridges, and tunnels as they were built. The displacement under seismic load is depicted while realistically simulating it using BIM structural software, such as Autodesk Revit Structure, after modeling and analysis of this recorded data. Just understanding the particle displacement of a structure's material is insufficient for retrofitting.

BIM's problems and solutions:

Meeting the supply and demand of materials as envisioned for retrofitting projects is another challenge. In earthquake-prone areas, it is especially challenging to combine all the energy into a coordinated construction process that guarantees on-time completion and stays within financial budgets. BIM is essential for planning and sequencing all building work, matching materials on construction sites, and enhancing supply and delivery. Hence, BIM eliminates inefficiencies and errors brought on by inconsistent material ordering.

BIM was first intended to modernize key aspects of design and increase efficiency throughout the entire construction process. Yet since technology has advanced gradually, BIM is currently also used for construction management procedures. Additionally, decisions may be expedited and the process of repairing infrastructure damaged by earthquakes can be sped up when stakeholders and the general public can view proposed building designs in the form of 3D models and can tour a virtual prototype of an intended infrastructure component.

Models for anti-earthquake construction innovations:

A professor at one of the top colleges in the USA came up with the patent registration for beams made of fibre combined with concrete as one of the alternatives at the end of 2015. These beams can withstand higher amounts of earthquake loads when reinforced with concrete and steel fibre. Similar technologies are used in the building of high-rise buildings, flyovers, and bridges.

In addition, a number of other well-known buildings have been built, including Taipei 101 in China, which is built on a separate base that serves as a shock absorber. It fundamentally enables earthquake safe designs and permits the building to remain fixed in relation to the ground even during earthquake events.

Japan is also moving more quickly to develop and construct earthquake-resistant structures. In Japan, the collapse rate of earthquake-resistant homes is noticeably low, and only strict laws based on earthquake-proof standards are used to authorize new construction projects. One of their most significant breakthroughs is the use of iron reinforcement bars in concrete.

Wrapping up:

While simulating for seismic conditions, using such contemporary methodologies based on a static nonlinear algorithm, also known as dynamic analysis, gives a more accurate representation of buildings. With the help of this pushover analysis, high-risk construction will have a stronger base.

Unquestionably, using BIM is a cost-effective way to design infrastructure projects. The industry will be able to function with just one BIM model as we head into the next decade. The use of BIM by structural engineers to create earthquake-resistant buildings will soon become the new standard.

To know more about how BIM helps structural engineers in earthquake resistance contact BIMPACT?Designs Pvt. Ltd. at +91 80035 33335, +1 720 800 8859 or [email protected].