FrameOpt: Generative Structural Framing Optimization Tool

Overview

FrameOpt is a Dynamo-based generative design tool developed to support early-stage structural framing decisions for multi-story steel buildings. The tool automatically generates and evaluates alternative structural framing layouts based on user-defined building dimensions, grid spacing, and framing parameters.

The goal of the tool is to help architects, structural engineers, and students quickly explore framing configurations before investing significant time in detailed modeling and analysis. By combining parametric modeling, Generative Design, and structural analysis workflows, FrameOpt allows users to compare multiple design alternatives and identify efficient solutions that balance architectural flexibility, structural efficiency, and construction cost.

What the Tool Does

The tool automatically creates a structural framing system consisting of columns, primary girders, and secondary beam systems based on a set of user-defined inputs. Users can control building dimensions, floor-to-floor height, beam spacing, framing offsets, and the number of secondary beams.

For each generated alternative, the tool calculates and reports several performance metrics, including:

• Maximum Open Floor Area
• Total Floor Area
• Structural Density
• Total Structural Cost

After a preferred design has been selected through the Generative Design study, the tool can perform structural analysis using Dynamo's Structural Analysis package.

Key Inputs

• Building Width
• Building Length
• Building Height
• Floor-to-Floor Height
• Maximum Spacing in U Direction
• Maximum Spacing in V Direction
• Framing Edge Offset Distance
• Number of Beams in Beam System
• Beam System Orientation

Key Outputs

• Maximum Open Floor Area
• Total Floor Area
• Structural Density
• Total Cost
• Structural Analysis Results
• Member Forces
• Member Stresses
• Member Displacements

Typical Workflow and example image below

1. Define building dimensions and framing parameters.
2. Run the Generative Design study to generate multiple framing alternatives.
3. Compare alternatives using the generated performance metrics.
4. Select the preferred design based on project objectives.
5. Run structural analysis on the selected alternative.
6. Review member stresses, forces, and displacements to verify performance.

Image of input variable

Setting goals

Generative design

setting filter

Remaining design after filter

Final choice of design

Structural analysis after doing generative design

The video demonstrates the complete workflow of the Generative Design tool and the integrated structural analysis process. First, users define the design inputs, including geometric parameters, floor dimensions, and structural layout variables. The Generative Design study then automatically generates and evaluates multiple design alternatives based on the specified objectives and constraints. For each generated option, a structural analysis is performed to assess member utilization and overall structural performance. The results are visualized using a color-coded stress ratio system based on the relationship between the calculated stress and the allowable steel yield strength (Fy). Members shown in green have stress levels below 0.6Fy, indicating a highly efficient and conservative design. Members shown in yellow have stress levels between 0.6Fy and 0.9Fy, representing efficient material utilization while maintaining a comfortable safety margin. Members shown in red exceed 0.9Fy, indicating highly stressed elements that may require resizing or redesign to satisfy structural requirements.