Paper
Studying Architectural Structures Using BIM Tools
- Authors:
- Nawari O. Nawari
- Abstract
- Structure is an essential component of architecture, and has always been. However, studying building structures appears to be deceptively complex. This stems from the roles and meanings that buildings possess in human history and civilizations. Buildings provide shelter, inspire productivity, embody cultural history, and certainly play an important part in many aspects of life. In fact, the role of architectural structures is constantly changing in building design as buildings today are life support systems, communication and data terminals, centers of education, justice, and community, and so much more. Thus, for AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) students, the subject is quite often marked by difficulty. Knowledge, technology and information sharing encompass areas that have significantly affected the learning process for 21st century students. In this environment, computational and simulation tools play a vital supporting and inspiring role. This research proposes a method to develop and enhance the understanding of fundamental principles of architectural and structural analysis using Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools. Without the traditional teaching emphasis on first understanding single elements such as beams, columns, bearing walls, etc., two dimensionally, using the laws of statics and strength of materials, this research will utilize BIM tools to help students create whole three dimensional structural systems and then investigate structural solutions. BIM tools enhance the understanding of structural analysis fundamentals such as the force equilibrium, support reactions, shear force, and bending moment diagrams in an integrated and much inspiring fashion. This approach will allow AEC students to advance a deep learning and long-term retention in studying architectural structures. Understanding the whole structural systems concepts at an earlier stage will enable students to think and later practice in an integrated fashion to meet the demands of today's as well as tomorrow's high-efficient building structures.
- Keywords
- Studying Structures; BIM Tools; Revit Structure; Structural Melody; Structural Poetry; Conceptual Thinking
- StartPage
- 37
- EndPage
- 47
- Doi
- 10.5963/JCES0202001