PRESENTATION – “Closing the GAP in BIM – An Engineering Approach” by Markus Noldgen

When – Tuesday 9th Feb 2016 //

Abstract:

The application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is rapidly increasing worldwide. As a consequence 3D-CAD models are available in early project phases which give a representation of the 3D-geometry ready to use for other purposes such as simulations. Why not use them for the preliminary design of the structure like it is done in other industries for many years?

The case study featured in this presentation is a prestressed road bridge. It was developed as a research and development project at the Cologne University of Applied sciences in collaboration with a structural engineering company, Schüßler-Plan. A new methodology for design embedded FEM of structures is presented which includes three major steps:

• An enrichment of the spatially double curved, object based CAD model for FEM simulations by geometric and static constraints.
• The Finite Element Simulation of the enriched 3D-Model using Tetraeder-Elements with a quadratic form function for linear elastic stress analysis.
• The application of integration- and design-objects to derive global internal forces for a nonlinear design, according to standard design codes for R/C.

To investigate and prove the concept it was applied to three case studies of pre-stressed concrete road bridges to compare the design results (stresses, internal forces, design, effort) to regular simplified FEM.

Bio:

Since 2011 - Professor for Structural Concrete and Statics at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences (CUAS), Faculty for Civil and Environmental Engineering

2009-2011 - Development and Leadership of a new department at Schüßler-Plan with the scope: Safety and security of Structures (Research and industrial applications)

2006-2009 - Doctor-thesis at the University of Kassel in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Ernst-Mach-Institut for high-speed dynamics, Freiburg

2000-2008 - Structural engineer for high-rise structures at Schüßler-Plan Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH, Düsseldorf

1995-2000 - Diploma-degree in Civil Engineering, RWTH Aachen