Digitalization in Construction, Computer-based Design for Structural Elements, PArt 2: Analyses and Validation of Compliance to EuroCodes

A classic structural analysis is characterized by the usage of a wide spectrum of manual,
specialized analysis methods. An engineer has to break down the complex problem
into small manageable sub-problems. This procedure will be completely superseded
by the advent of numerical methods. A full model of the spatial structure will be built
up. A similar revolution has already begun by the introduction of finite shell and volume
elements into commercially available FE software. The idea is that these models
are closer to reality and allow us to capture both global and local effects in one single
comprehensive model. This, however, introduces modelling questions and numerical
effects, which are explicitly excluded from simplified theory, and questions arise regarding
the trustworthiness of these results. Shell elements have already been fairly
well established in practical engineering. The next step could be the use of volume
elements to overcome certain restriction inherent in shell formulations. One driving
force for this tendency is BIM (Building Information Modelling). Here the geometrical
model is, like nature itself, fully 3D. It can be directly translated into the Finite Element
Method (FEM). However, structural design in the 27 EU member states and 4 EFTA
countries has to be performed according to the Eurocodes (EC), representing harmonized
European Standards (EN) for the structural design. These design codes regulate
essential requirements regarding mechanical resistance and stability as well as safety
aspects. The current Eurocodes essentially stipulate engineering design models which
can easily be transferred to classical structural analyses, but often do not give comprehensive
references to the application and evaluation of advanced numerical simulations.
The application of associated software products is not regulated by norms. This
situation often results in discussions and different interpretations of the design results.
Ultimately, false computational assumptions and misinterpretations can lead to damages
and unsafe designs. Guidance for the verification of the software results
is required and the link to the current and upcoming second generation of Eurocodes
is also presented by the project. In parallel the possibilities by digitalization in
construction by Building Information Modelling and the transfer of data from the architectural
model to the structural model have been investigated