The screenshot of an interior view of your merged model from the Model Coordination module
First Floor
Second Floor
Entire Building Model
Structural System Strategy
My structural system strategy involved the strategic placement of W-Wide Flange Columns (W12 x 30) at critical junctures: primarily at main wall intersections and proximate to floor openings for enhanced structural integrity. To ensure robust support, steel columns were selected for their superior strength and durability. Concurrently, W-shaped steel beams (W14 x 30) were systematically aligned along gridlines to interconnect each column. These beams were specifically chosen for their ability to span longer distances, a necessity given the presence of extensive openings within the building's design that required extended beam spans for adequate support.
To further bolster the structural framework, a series of W-shaped beam systems (W8 x 10) were implemented at fixed intervals of 6 feet. These beams were oriented to facilitate support across shorter spans, specifically in the east-west direction, thereby efficiently distributing the loads imposed by both the floor and roof structures. This configuration was meticulously planned to avoid areas with potential structural vulnerabilities, such as atriums and staircases, where floor openings are prevalent. This approach not only ensures the structural system's efficacy and resilience but also optimizes the overall architectural integrity of the building.