Dynamo-based cooling tower body matching method

Abstract

This invention discloses a cooling tower body formwork arrangement method based on Dynamo, relating to the field of building BIM technology. This method aims to solve the problems of low efficiency, poor accuracy, and serious material waste associated with traditional manual formwork arrangement. It includes: acquiring and preprocessing the cooling tower body BIM model; setting formwork arrangement parameters; using Dynamo to establish an algorithm model, performing mesh generation, unfolding calculation, and dimensional matching on the hyperbolic surface of the tower body; optimizing the utilization rate and flatness of the formwork layout; and generating the formwork arrangement BIM model, fabrication drawings, and a list of materials. This invention achieves full automation of the formwork arrangement process through parametric programming, supporting dynamic adjustments to the scheme as model parameters change, significantly improving formwork arrangement efficiency and accuracy, and greatly reducing formwork waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of building BIM technology, and in particular to a cooling tower body formwork method based on Dynamo. Background Technology

[0002] Cooling towers, as core infrastructure in industries such as power and chemicals, typically employ a hyperbolic rotating shell structure, characterized by their massive size, complex surface curvature variations, and extremely high construction precision requirements. During the construction of cooling towers, formwork engineering is a crucial factor determining the quality of concrete pouring, the smoothness of the surface curves, and construction costs.

[0003] Currently, the traditional method for formwork design of large hyperbolic structures like this relies primarily on manual experience combined with calculations based on 2D CAD drawings. Designers need to manually segment and layer the complex hyperbolic tower body, and calculate the processing dimensions of the formwork for each layer's varying diameter and curvature. However, since the hyperbolic tower body is a non-developable surface, geometric deformation is inevitable during its conversion into a 2D planar formwork. Traditional manual approximate calculation methods are not only inefficient and unable to guarantee the geometric accuracy of the formwork, but also often resort to on-site rough cutting and adjustment when faced with unavoidable surface development errors, resulting in low utilization of formwork materials and significant material waste.

[0004] Furthermore, with the widespread adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, although 3D modeling is commonly used in the design phase, existing formwork processes are often disconnected from the BIM model. Formwork plans are typically static 2D drawings, unable to achieve in-depth data interaction and collaboration with the tower's 3D BIM model. This means that when design parameters (such as tower diameter, wall thickness, or curve equations) change slightly, the entire formwork plan needs to be recalculated manually, making dynamic adjustments impossible. Simultaneously, due to the lack of 3D spatial simulation, potential collisions and conflicts between the formwork and components such as reinforcing bars and embedded parts are often only discovered on-site, severely impacting construction progress. Therefore, how to utilize parametric tools to achieve automated, precise, and dynamic collaboration in hyperbolic tower formwork is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a cooling tower body molding method based on Dynamo to solve the problems raised in related technologies.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method for molding a cooling tower body based on Dynamo is provided, comprising the following steps: S1: Obtain the BIM model of the cooling tower body, and extract the geometric structural parameters of the tower body through Dynamo. The geometric structural parameters include at least the total height of the tower body, the bottom diameter, the top diameter, and the hyperbola equation parameters. S2: Set the formwork parameters in Dynamo, including standard formwork specifications, formwork splicing parameters, and construction pouring section height; S3: Based on Dynamo, a mold matching algorithm model is established. The mold matching algorithm model divides the tower body curved surface vertically into layers according to the height of the casting section, and divides the annular curved surface after each layer into a grid along the circumferential direction according to the standard template specifications to form several three-dimensional curved surface units. S4: The geometric unfolding algorithm is called through the matching algorithm model to map and unfold the three-dimensional curved surface unit into a two-dimensional planar unit, and the size of the unfolded two-dimensional planar unit is matched and calculated with the standard template specification to generate an initial cutting scheme; S5: Optimize the initial cutting scheme. The optimization process includes layout optimization based on template utilization and geometric optimization based on joint flatness to generate the final mold matching scheme. S6: Based on the final formwork design scheme, automatically generate a 3D formwork model, a bill of materials, and processing drawings in the BIM environment, and establish a parametric association between the 3D formwork model and the tower body BIM model. When the geometric structural parameters or formwork parameters change, trigger the formwork algorithm model to automatically update the final formwork design scheme.

[0007] Further, in step S4, the matching calculation of the dimensions of the unfolded two-dimensional planar unit with the standard template specifications specifically includes: Determine whether the length and width dimensions of the unfolded two-dimensional planar unit are both less than or equal to the length and width dimensions of the standard template specification; If so, it is determined to be a complete template match, and the entire template is used directly; If the dimension in only one direction exceeds the standard template specification, a unidirectional equal division cutting strategy is adopted, the minimum number of cuts is calculated and that direction is divided equally; If the dimensions in both length and width directions exceed the standard template specifications, the cross-cutting method is used to calculate the minimum number of cuts in each direction and then divide the template.

[0008] Furthermore, in step S4, the geometric unfolding algorithm adopts the Gaussian mapping method, which calculates the normal vector distribution and Gaussian curvature of the three-dimensional surface unit, determines the local scaling coefficient, and maps the three-dimensional surface to a two-dimensional plane.

[0009] Furthermore, in step S5, the layout optimization based on template utilization specifically includes: Calculate the single-block utilization rate of the template corresponding to all two-dimensional planar elements; Identify inefficient units with a single-block utilization rate below a preset threshold; In Dynamo, adjust the mesh generation logic to merge the inefficient cells with their adjacent surface cells along the circumferential or axial direction, and recalculate the unfolded size and utilization rate of the merged cells until the overall template utilization rate reaches the target value.

[0010] Furthermore, in step S5, the geometric optimization based on joint flatness specifically includes: Extract the normal vector at the seam between two adjacent templates; Calculate the normal deviation angle or distance at the joint using vector dot product; If the deviation exceeds the preset flatness threshold, the surface division position is corrected by adjusting the grid node coordinates so that the flatness at the joint meets the construction requirements.

[0011] Furthermore, in step S6, after generating the matching 3D model, a collision check step is also included: Call the collision detection interface of the BIM platform to detect whether there is spatial interference between the three-dimensional model of the model and the model of the steel bars and embedded parts inside the tower body; If interference exists, extract the coordinates of the interference location and return to step S3 to adjust the meshing parameters at that location.

[0012] Furthermore, in step S6, the parameterized association is specifically manifested as follows: the geometric structure parameters are driving parameters, and the number, size, and arrangement coordinates of the templates in the final template matching scheme are driven parameters; Dynamo listens to the numerical changes of the driving parameters through the node dependency chain and automatically executes the recalculation logic from step S3 to step S6.

[0013] Furthermore, in step S2, the mold matching parameters also include the allowable cutting deviation value of the mold template. In step S4, if the calculated cutting residue size is less than the allowable cutting deviation value, the cutting operation is ignored.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention achieves automated and precise conversion from the three-dimensional curved surface of a cooling tower to a two-dimensional construction template by constructing a parametric template matching algorithm model based on Dynamo. Compared with existing technologies, this invention utilizes parametric programming logic to automatically complete the mesh generation and approximate unfolding calculation of the tower surface based on the hyperbolic equation characteristics of the cooling tower, and performs intelligent layout and cutting planning based on preset template specifications. This method effectively solves the problems of large calculation workload and low surface unfolding accuracy in traditional manual template matching, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of template matching design.

[0015] Furthermore, this invention introduces a layout optimization and dynamic verification mechanism during the formwork matching process. By automatically identifying and merging low-utilization formwork units through algorithms, and by performing normal vector verification on the flatness of the splicing joints, this invention can minimize the number of non-standard formwork cuts while ensuring the smoothness of the tower's external curves, thereby objectively reducing the formwork material wastage rate. Simultaneously, the parametric association mechanism based on Dynamo enables the formwork matching results to be automatically updated within minutes as the tower's design parameters change, and can directly generate 3D entities in the BIM environment for collision checks. This effectively avoids the rework risk caused by the disconnect between design and construction, and improves the level of refined management in the construction of large and complex curved surface structures. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 Flowchart of a Hyperbolic Cooling Tower Based on Dynamo Figure 2 Schematic diagram of hyperbolic cooling tower parameters; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the method of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of curve division in the Dynamo model. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0018] This invention provides a cooling tower body molding method based on Dynamo. The core of this method lies in utilizing Dynamo's parametric programming capabilities to establish an automated molding algorithm model tailored to the hyperbolic surface characteristics of the cooling tower body. This solves the problems of low efficiency, poor accuracy, serious material waste, and poor BIM collaboration associated with traditional manual molding.

[0019] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 The detailed process of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: S1: Acquisition and Preprocessing of BIM Model of Cooling Tower Body The purpose of this step is to obtain and validate the base model used for the formwork calculation. First, obtain a 3D model of the cooling tower body from a BIM platform (such as Autodesk Revit). The tower body is typically a hyperbolic surface of revolution structure.

[0020] Subsequently, the BIM model is linked via Dynamo nodes (such as the "Revit.Elements" node), and key geometric parameters of the tower are automatically extracted. See also... Figure 2 These parameters mainly include: Structural parameters: Total height of the tower Bottom diameter Top diameter .

[0021] Surface parameters: Define the hyperbolic equation parameters of the tower's shape, for example... , It can satisfy a specific equation form (such as...) ,in Vertical height (where the horizontal radius is).

[0022] Finally, the extracted model is validated for integrity, such as by checking the continuity of the surface to ensure there are no breaks or wrinkles, so that the model data can be used for subsequent model matching calculations.

[0023] S2: Setting of mold fitting parameters In the Dynamo environment, set the various constraint parameters required for model matching calculations. These parameters can be flexibly input and adjusted through interactive nodes such as "NumberSlider". The parameters are mainly divided into three categories: 1. Template specifications: including standard template dimensions (such as length) ,width ,thickness For example, set it to 1.5m 1.2m; and allowable cutting deviation .

[0024] 2. Splicing parameters: including the overlap length between templates (e.g., 20-40mm), seam gap Bolt hole location and spacing.

[0025] 3. Construction parameters: including the height of the vertical pouring section along the tower body. (e.g., 1.5m), template turnover times wait.

[0026] In addition, target thresholds for optimization algorithms can be set, such as the minimum utilization rate of templates (e.g., 85%).

[0027] S3: Establishing a model matching algorithm based on Dynamo This step is the core of the method. It uses Dynamo to build an algorithm model and achieves automated conversion from 3D surfaces to 2D templates.

[0028] S3.1: Surface Layering and Meshing See Figure 3 The algorithm model first divides the curved surface of the tower into meshes.

[0029] Vertical layering: based on the pouring section height set in S2 (e.g., 1.5m), use Dynamo's "Surface.Split" node to split the tower's curved surface vertically (height). (Direction) is cut into several annular curved surface segments. For example, the 195m high tower is divided into 130 segments.

[0030] Circular division: For each toroidal surface segment, further divide according to the template standard width set in S2. (e.g., 1.2m), divided along the circumferential direction to form several curved surface units.

[0031] S3.2: Calculation of Surface Element Unfolding Since the cooling tower body is an undevelopable hyperbolic surface, the three-dimensional surface element obtained in S3.1 needs to be approximately developed into a two-dimensional planar template element.

[0032] In this embodiment, the process can be implemented by calling geometric algorithms (such as Gaussian mapping) through Dynamo or by utilizing built-in algorithms (such as Surface.Unroll, which can be called via a Python script). This process transforms the three-dimensional surface unit into a two-dimensional plane and calculates its actual unfolded dimensions. ).

[0033] S3.3: Template Size Matching (Cutting Planning) The algorithm model will use the two-dimensional plane dimensions obtained from S3.2 ( ) and the standard template specifications set by S2 ( This involves matching elements within a two-dimensional rectangular layout optimization problem. The goal is to ensure that the utilization rate of a single template block is not lower than a preset threshold (e.g., 85%).

[0034] The algorithm adopts a "one-cut" principle, automatically executing the following cutting strategy based on the dimensional relationship between the unfolded plane and the standard template: 1. Whole board matching: When and (Or, when adapting after rotation), use the entire template directly. For example, if the unfolded size is 2.3m. The 1.18m unit can be directly adapted to a 2.4m unit. A 1.2m template.

[0035] 2. Unidirectional over-limit: When the limit is exceeded in only one direction (e.g.) but The method uses "unidirectional equal division cutting". Calculate the minimum number of cuts. This is achieved using the "Math.Ceiling" node.

[0036] 3. Bidirectional over-limit: When and At that time, the "cross-cutting method" was used. Calculations were performed separately. and .

[0037] S4: Template Layout Optimization Building upon S3, the algorithm model further optimizes the layout scheme to improve economy and construction accuracy.

[0038] S4.1: Utilization Optimization See Figure 4 The algorithm automatically calculates the utilization rate of all templates. Units with utilization rates below a threshold (e.g., 80% or 75%) are identified. The optimization logic involves automatically merging adjacent small units of these low-utilization units, increasing their unfolded size to accommodate new template splicing (e.g., splicing two templates), and recalculating the utilization rate until the overall template utilization rate reaches the optimization target (e.g., ...). ).

[0039] S4.2: Optimization of splicing flatness To ensure construction quality, the algorithm also needs to verify the flatness of the joints between adjacent templates. This is achieved by adjusting the mesh node coordinates using Dynamo parameterization, or by verifying the normal vectors at the joints (e.g., using the "Vector.DotProduct" node), ensuring that the flatness deviation at the joints meets construction requirements (e.g., ...). This embodiment can be optimized to... .

[0040] S4.3: Construction sequence adaptation To guide on-site construction, the formwork is automatically numbered according to the pouring sequence from bottom to top. The numbering rule can be defined as: "segment number - circular sequence number - vertical sequence number" (e.g., "5-120-1").

[0041] S5: Generating and Verifying Mold Matching Results Once optimization is complete, various deliverables will be automatically generated to guide the construction process.

[0042] S5.1: Generate a BIM model for formwork assembly In Dynamo, 3D models of all templates (including dimensions, numbers, etc.) are automatically created and precisely linked to the tower body BIM model to achieve visualization of the template matching scheme.

[0043] S5.2: Output Results File Automatically export a bill of materials, accurately calculating the quantity, specifications, and cutting details of templates. Simultaneously, generate two-dimensional machining drawings, including cutting line markings, bolt hole positions, and installation positioning coordinates.

[0044] S5.3: Collision Check Using the collision detection interface of the BIM platform, the system automatically checks whether there is spatial interference between the generated BIM model and the main structure of the tower (such as steel bars and embedded parts for ladders). If a collision is found (e.g., two interferences are found), the system returns to S4 to adjust the mesh to eliminate the conflict.

[0045] S6: Dynamic adjustment of mold matching scheme A key advantage of this invention lies in its dynamic adaptability. When the parameters of the tower's BIM model (such as...) change... ) or the mold matching parameters in S2 (such as mold specifications) When changes occur, this method can automatically update the model matching results through Dynamo's parameterized association mechanism.

[0046] Its implementation mechanism is: 1. Parameter Association: In Dynamo, all inputs to calculations (such as S3-S5) are associated with the parameter nodes of S1 and S2, forming a closed loop of "parameter-logic-result". For example, for any height of the tower... Diameter at the location and Related (e.g.) ); Number of templates per round and and template length Related (e.g.) ,in The layout coordinates of the template are... Related.

[0047] 2. Automatic transmission: When the upstream "driving parameters" (such as...) are transmitted... If a parameter is modified in a Dynamo node, Dynamo will automatically detect the change and trigger a change in all downstream nodes that depend on that parameter (such as...). The coordinates of the nodes (and the final coordinate nodes) are automatically recalculated.

[0048] 3. Rapid Updates: The entire S3-S5 calculation process is executed automatically, quickly generating a completely new set of formwork BIM models, bills of materials, and fabrication drawings. This parametric update cycle can be controlled within a short time (e.g., ...). (minutes), greatly adapting to the needs of design changes.

[0049] In summary, the method of this invention automates the entire process of cooling tower body molding through Dynamo, significantly improving molding efficiency and accuracy. Through optimized algorithms, it greatly saves materials (the template loss rate can be reduced from 15% to below 5%), and achieves deep collaboration and dynamic adjustment with the BIM model.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for molding the cooling tower body based on Dynamo, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Obtain the BIM model of the cooling tower body, and extract the geometric structural parameters of the tower body through Dynamo. The geometric structural parameters include at least the total height of the tower body, the bottom diameter, the top diameter, and the hyperbola equation parameters. S2: Set the formwork parameters in Dynamo, including standard formwork specifications, formwork splicing parameters, and construction pouring section height; S3: Based on Dynamo, a mold matching algorithm model is established. The mold matching algorithm model divides the tower body curved surface vertically into layers according to the height of the casting section, and divides the annular curved surface after each layer into a grid along the circumferential direction according to the standard template specifications to form several three-dimensional curved surface units. S4: The geometric unfolding algorithm is called through the matching algorithm model to map and unfold the three-dimensional curved surface unit into a two-dimensional planar unit, and the size of the unfolded two-dimensional planar unit is matched and calculated with the standard template specification to generate an initial cutting scheme; S5: Optimize the initial cutting scheme. The optimization process includes layout optimization based on template utilization and geometric optimization based on joint flatness to generate the final mold matching scheme. S6: Based on the final formwork design scheme, automatically generate a 3D formwork model, a bill of materials, and processing drawings in the BIM environment, and establish a parametric association between the 3D formwork model and the tower body BIM model. When the geometric structural parameters or formwork parameters change, trigger the formwork algorithm model to automatically update the final formwork design scheme.

2. The cooling tower body molding method based on Dynamo according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the process of matching the dimensions of the unfolded two-dimensional planar unit with the standard template specifications specifically includes: Determine whether the length and width dimensions of the unfolded two-dimensional planar unit are both less than or equal to the length and width dimensions of the standard template specification; If so, it is determined to be a complete template match, and the entire template is used directly; If the dimension in only one direction exceeds the standard template specification, a unidirectional equal division cutting strategy is adopted, the minimum number of cuts is calculated and that direction is divided equally; If the dimensions in both length and width directions exceed the standard template specifications, the cross-cutting method is used to calculate the minimum number of cuts in each direction and then divide the template.

3. The cooling tower body molding method based on Dynamo according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the geometric unfolding algorithm uses the Gaussian mapping method. By calculating the normal vector distribution and Gaussian curvature of the three-dimensional surface unit, the local scaling factor is determined, and the three-dimensional surface is mapped to a two-dimensional plane.

4. The cooling tower body molding method based on Dynamo according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S5, the layout optimization based on template utilization specifically includes: Calculate the single-block utilization rate of the template corresponding to all two-dimensional planar elements; Identify inefficient units with a single-block utilization rate below a preset threshold; In Dynamo, adjust the mesh generation logic to merge the inefficient cells with their adjacent surface cells along the circumferential or axial direction, and recalculate the unfolded size and utilization rate of the merged cells until the overall template utilization rate reaches the target value.

5. The cooling tower body molding method based on Dynamo according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S5, the geometric optimization based on joint flatness specifically includes: Extract the normal vector at the seam between two adjacent templates; Calculate the normal deviation angle or distance at the joint using vector dot product; If the deviation exceeds the preset flatness threshold, the surface division position is corrected by adjusting the grid node coordinates so that the flatness at the joint meets the construction requirements.

6. The cooling tower body molding method based on Dynamo according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S6, after generating the matching 3D model, a collision check step is also included: Call the collision detection interface of the BIM platform to detect whether there is spatial interference between the three-dimensional model of the model and the model of the steel bars and embedded parts inside the tower body; If interference exists, extract the coordinates of the interference location and return to step S3 to adjust the meshing parameters at that location.

7. The cooling tower body molding method based on Dynamo according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S6, the parameterized association is specifically manifested as follows: the geometric structure parameters are driving parameters, and the number, size and arrangement coordinates of the templates in the final template matching scheme are driven parameters; Dynamo listens to the numerical changes of the driving parameters through the node dependency chain and automatically executes the recalculation logic from step S3 to step S6.

8. The cooling tower body molding method based on Dynamo according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the mold matching parameters also include the allowable cutting deviation value of the template. In step S4, if the calculated cutting residue size is less than the allowable cutting deviation value, the cutting operation is ignored.

Images