Automate the structural design of residential buildings with TechEditor

Hello there! Welcome to Dуstlab. Today, we'll discuss how to use TechEditor for designing structural elements of a residential low-rise building.

Let's say we have architectural or structural drawings (a plan). The task is to check two beams and one column for the first and second group of limit states.

First, let's prepare an image, highlighting the elements we need on the building plan. Blocks and lines on the diagrams can have different colors and transparency levels. Let's utilize that.

Now, let's add the length of each beam to the project's mathematical model. We'll use the Math Object block for this purpose.

Moving onto the report because that's where the main work will take place. If the diagram is convenient for working with graphical images and freely positioned elements, the report is useful for preparing textual materials, such as structural reports.

Using the Diagram Viewport object, let's add a part of the diagram to our report. Visually, it will look like a regular screenshot. However, besides the image, this element also adds mathematical objects to the report. In our case, it's the lengths of the structures.

Each structural element of the building will be checked in a separate table. The tabular format is customary for presenting engineering calculations. Additionally, in the report, the table is computed as a separate block, allowing its use as a template.

The first column of the table contains geometric characteristics of the beam cross-section, its physical properties, as well as internal forces and deformations. Notice that here, we're using the length 'L,' which in turn refers to the specific beam's length. It's not mandatory but done for formula standardization and readability. Alongside each parameter with a formula, we display its value. TechEditor also allows working with preferred measurement units.

In the second and third columns, we'll note down the strength and stiffness conditions of the structures, ULS and SLS respectively. If all these relations are less than one, the element meets the design requirements.

Now, let's copy the table with the checks of the first beam and use it as a template for the second beam. We'll remove the repetitive parameters from the table and edit the unique parameters according to the project.

Note that some physical quantity names in both tables are repeated, but this doesn't cause issues. TechEditor enables the reassignment of the quantity for each variable as much as needed. Hence, each formula in the report or diagram is computed using the current values.

Finally, let's add a table with column calculations.

One of the most crucial functions of TechEditor is complete control over calculations. If you input a parameter in a formula that doesn't exist, the program flags an error. The same happens with units of measurement, which the program automatically verifies for consistency.

Let's also demonstrate what to do in case of changes (for instance, if the lengths of the structures have changed). We'll edit the respective objects on the diagram.

We'll modify the size of the Diagram Viewport object to encompass the new area. Also, let's ensure that the new lengths of the elements are accurately considered in the checks.

We hope this video accelerates your design process and encourages the use of TechEditor in your work. As we can see, this software can address various issues that previously required several different tools. Embrace automation wherever possible.

Best of luck!