Parametric

Modelling and

Evolutionary

Analysis

Nathan Luke

Mark Sheldon

2

The Journey

3

Advances in design/drafting

Paper

CAD

3D Modelling

The Evolutionary Leap!

Advances in engineering

Hand computations

2D Computer analysis

3D Computer Analysis

Generally

exclusive

2 to 3

Iterations

Rapid evolutionary analysis and Parametric Modelling

4

Example of Parametric Modelling

Parameters

Parametric Model Geometry

He

igh

t (1

)Diameter (5)

No

. o

f L

eve

ls (

2)

Rotation (3)

Verticals (4)

5

Parametric Modelling and The Design Team

Architectural

GeometryAnalysis

Parameters

1

2

3

Structural

Analysis

Parameters

Structural

ESD

Other

Structural

Geometry

Add Structural

Geometry

Parameters

Co-ordination

Materials

Beam Sizes

Truss Depths

Beam Layouts

6

+

+

The Tools

• Integration with an array of structural

analysis programs through Geometry

Gym add-ons

• Large community support and backing

• Structural analysis available within

grasshopper (through) add-ons

• Low cost

• Directly links to Revit and Robot

structural analysis

• Potential for full BIM parametric

modelling

7

The Tools

• Uses data keys to transfer

between different interfaces

• Create separate projects

• Modify geometric data from

the internet browser

• Set permissions

• Send specific or all data

keys to other parties

External Design Team

8

What is evolutionary analysis?

Geometry Analysis

Parameters

1

2

3

Evolutionary solvers

Galapagos / Octopus

fitness outputs A, B, C to

optimise

A

B

C

Ability to automatically change

parameters to find best solution

Choose one or more

inputs to optimise

Choose which parameters to

change

Structural

Design

ESD etc

9

Evolutionary Design Optimisation - Example

10

Evolutionary Optimisation

Form Finding

Video above shows real-time form finding of the plan shape

using Rhino Vault.

11

Case Study – IFC Snow Flake

• Christmas decoration situated in the IFC Mall, Hong Kong

• Temporary structure

• Steel podium structure to create upper podium and support for dome

• Self supporting dome made only of Lexan sheet - No Support Structure

Lexan SheetFinished Product

12

Case Study – IFC Snow Flake

Initial form-finding

Architects Rhino Model Model in Analysis Program – With

uniform loading

Easily extract

surface outer lines

and import into

Modelling

Program

13

Case Study – IFC Snow Flake

14

Case Study - IFC Snow Flake

Geometry

Inputs – From

Rhino

Plate Material

Inputs

Beam Material

Inputs

Assigning

plate propertyOutput mesh

Beam Material

Inputs

Output Beam

Elements

Grasshopper Interface

Using Geometry Gym Plug-in

STRAND7

Align beam to

connecting

plates

15

Case Study - IFC Snow Flake

Strand 7 Model – Exported from

Rhino/Grassshopper

FEA Model – Close Up

Beam

Elements

Panel

Elements

16

Case Study - Devonport

Design CompetitionPreliminary

DesignFinal

Documentation

17

Case Study - Devonport

• Roof structure

modelled in Rhino

using Grasshopper

from architect

surface model.

• Roof structure

exported to Revit for

documentation.

Design CompetitionPreliminary

DesignFinal

Documentation

Benefit

• Structure was easily

adjusted as architect

made alterations to

surface model.

Outcome

• A coordinated roof

structure model for

presentations by the

architect.

• Roof structure

exported to

SpaceGass for

design.

Benefit

• Quick process

considering complex

geometry.

Outcome

• A coordinated

presentation model

and structural model.

Benefit

• Quick process with

certainty that

structure is modelled

in correct location.

Outcome

• A coordinated

structural model and

Revit model.

18

Case Study – Simonds Stadium

Preliminary Form

19

Case Study – Simonds Stadium

20

Simonds Stadium – Detailed Design

• Accuracy of member

placement

• Python Scripting to apply

rotation of members based on

each individual plane

21

Simonds Stadium – Detailed Design

Documentation

Modelling

22

(Some) Advantages of Parametric Design

Closer Integration and co-

ordination between

Architecture and StructureAligning the use of similar

programs (Rhino and Revit)

Increased optioneering

Geometry rationalisation for

fabrication and installation

Form Finding

Fast and efficient solution

finding

23

Any questions, Lets Discuss….

Nathan Luke

Structural Engineer

Buildings Group

Nathan.luke@aurecongroup.com

Mark Sheldon

Technical Director

Buildings Group

Mark.Sheldon@aurecongroup.com

Peter Murenu

Technical Director

Buildings Group

Mark.Sheldon@aurecongroup.com