Automated Load Calculation for Concrete Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining loads in concrete structures, such as 3D finite element modeling, are impractical for multi-story buildings with non-vertically aligned columns and require laborious manual calculations or explicit load path definitions, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines loads in concrete structures by creating tributary regions and load transfer elements based on geometric proximity, without requiring explicit load paths, using discretization or Voronoi decomposition techniques to automatically calculate load values for columns and walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D finite element modeling is used to determine vertical loads, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for explicit load path definitions and manual calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the structure into discrete vertical elements (columns, walls) and horizontal elements (slabs, floors), assigning load transfer properties to each segment. This allows automated calculation by processing each segment independently according to its geometric relationships, eliminating the need for complex global 3D FEM models while maintaining accuracy for vertical load determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the structural model to automatically determine load paths and distribute loads without requiring explicit user definition. The software autonomously identifies geometric relationships between vertical and horizontal elements, calculates tributary areas, and distributes loads based on these relationships, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors.
2Ease of operation
If frame-based software is used to determine load tributary distribution, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to the requirement for explicit load path definitions and beam-based structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal method that works across different structural systems (concrete, steel, wood; framed, flat plate, flat slab) by focusing on geometric relationships rather than structural system-specific assumptions. The software automatically adapts to various configurations by identifying vertical and horizontal elements and their spatial relationships, eliminating the need for explicit load path definitions regardless of structural type.
3Device complexity
If hand calculation methods are used in spreadsheets, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to laborious manual calculations and error-prone processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation processes with automated computer-based geometric analysis. The software automatically computes tributary areas, load distributions, and vertical element loads based on geometric relationships, eliminating tedious manual spreadsheet calculations while maintaining the conceptual simplicity of the method. This substitution dramatically improves productivity and eliminates human error.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method of determining loads of columns in building structures based upon both horizontal load factors and vertical load factors in a three-dimensional (3D) model of the building structures on a computer display device comprises: using a computer, obtaining plane definition data that defines a plurality of planes of a building structure, and locations of a plurality of columns that are on, into or above the planes, without load path input data that specifies an explicit load path among the columns, and displaying a 3D geometric representation of the planes and the columns; using the computer and the plane definition data, creating and storing plane tributary region data defining a plurality of tributary regions across the plane that are associated with the columns; determining, using the computer and the plane tributary region data, tributary data defining a tributary for each of the columns based only upon a geometry of the slabs or floors and the locations of the plurality of columns; determining, using the computer and the tributary data, independent of the plane definition data, one or more load transfer elements that indicate structural elements of the building structure that transfer load from a first particular column of a first one of the planes to a second particular column of a second one of the planes; using the computer, determining and graphically displaying a plurality of proposed load paths in the building structure through the columns and the one or more load transfer elements; determining a plurality of load values associated with the columns of the building structure; creating and causing displaying a list of the sub-areas, tributaries, and load values.