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Basics of Design Automation

Course developer

Prior knowledge

ArhiB004, Construction Graphics

BūvZ2007, Building Materials I

BūvZ2037, Designing in AutoCad

BūvZ2039, Selected Topics in Strength of Materials

BūvZ2048, Basic Theory of Structures

BūvZ3093, Actions on Building Structures

BūvZB018, Structural Analysis I

MašZ2010, Descriptive Geometry, Technical Drawing

Replaced course

BūvZ3030 [GBUV3030] Conceptions of CAD (Computer Aided Design)

Course abstract

Students are introduced to software offer, the possibilities of automating calculations in the Excel software and the possibilities of using the software Dlubal RFEM in the design of building structures.
The aim of the course is to improve students' knowledge of the possibilities of automating the structural design process and the ability to use Excel and Dlubal RFEM software in the study process and structural design.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. Knowledge of the possibilities of automating the structural design process;
2. Skills to use Excel and Dlubal RFEM software in the study process and structural design.
Oral presentation, automated calculations and calculation model are assessed.

Course Content(Calendar)

In full-time studies:
1. Review of the offer of software (8 hours).

2. Excel software (10 hours):
2.1. Defining cell names (1 hour);
2.2. Creating databases (1 hour);
2.3. Creating lists (1 hour);
2.4. Data selection from databases (1 hour);
2.5. Automation of calculations (1 hour);
2.6. Automation of conditions (1 hour);
2.7. Conditional formatting of calculation results (1 hour);
2.8. Graphic display of calculation results (1 hour);
2.9. Page formatting (1 hour);
2.10. Printing of calculation report (1 hour).

3. Dlubal RFEM software (22 hours):
3.1. Introduction (1 hour);
3.2. Download and installation (1 hour);
3.3. Graphical user interface (1 hour);
3.4. Create new model, base data (1 hour);
3.5. Modelling (work plane, grid, members, surfaces, cross-sections, thickness, materials, edit members and surfaces, move, copy, mirror, supports, releases, visibilities) (5 hours);
3.6. Creating load cases (1 hour);
3.7. Generation of load combinations (1 hour);
3.8. Loads, member loads from area load, load transfer surface, load wizards, snow loads, wind loads (5 hours);
3.9. Calculation (1 hour);
3.10. Results, graphical results, result tables (1 hour);
3.11. Introduction to concrete design (1 hour);
3.12. Introduction to steel design (1 hour);
3.13. Introduction to timber design (1 hour);
3.14. Printout report (1 hour).

In part-time studies, the course content is unchanged, the number of contact hours is twice as small.

Requirements for awarding credit points

1. Prepared and presented an oral presentation about a software;
2. Prepared and presented automated calculations in the Excel software;
3. Prepared and presented calculation model in the Dlubal RFEM software.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students independently prepare an oral presentation, automated calculations and a calculation model, applying the knowledge and skills acquired in lectures. If necessary, consults with the lecturer during lectures or consultations.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Attitude (attendance, activity in lectures and consultations), performance (content of oral presentation, quality of calculations and model), understanding (answers to questions when presenting the oral presentation, calculations and model) and presentation (quality of presentation of slides and calculations) are assessed.

Compulsory reading

1. Engineering with the Spredsheet: Structural Engineering Templates Using Excel. Craig T. Christy. American Society of Civil Engineers (April 20, 2006);
2. Finite Elements in Structural Analyis. Theoretical Concepts and Modeling Procedures in Statics and Dynamics of Structures. Horst Werkle.

Further reading

1. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/excel;
2. https://www.dlubal.com/en/downloads-and-information/documents/online-manuals.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Dlubal Newsletter

Notes

Compulsory course in professional Bachelor’s study programme Civil Engineering.