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SBOA - Structural Bay Optimization Assistant

Brief Overview

SBOA (Structural Bay Optimization Assistant) is a Dynamo-based tool that enables structural engineers, architects, and students to rapidly generate and evaluate parametric structural bay layouts within Revit.

Define the building dimensions, bay sizes, loading conditions, and building height—then instantly visualize the structural grid, receive live engineering feedback, and compare cost implications of different configurations.

Key features:

• Parametric 3D structural model with real-time updates
• Material cost and weight calculations per square foot
• Beam sizing based on simplified AISC principles
• Warnings if spans exceed practical limits or beam depths impact architecture
• Material quantity takeoff and cost analysis
• Export-ready geometry for Revit documentation

Key Inputs

• Building Width (ft): Total building dimension (60-200 ft)
• Building Length (ft): Total building dimension (80-300 ft)
• Bay Width (ft): Individual bay width (15-40 ft)
• Bay Length (ft): Individual bay length (20-50 ft)
• Live Load (psf): Design live load (50-150 psf)
• Number of Floors: Building height in stories (1-15)
• Dead Load = 20 psf (fixed for this prototype)
• Steel Cost = $2.50/lb (adjustable in code)

Methodology - Underlying Logic and Workflow

The methodology integrates parametric modeling, structural engineering calculations, material quantification, and cost analysis in a single Dynamo workflow:

1. Parametric Geometry Generation

• All structural elements—beams and columns—are modeled as Dynamo geometry and placed in Revit.
• Grid layout and beam/column positions are determined by user-set parameters (bay dimensions, building size, etc.).
• Structural grid lines are generated and structural framing elements are placed along these lines.

2. Load Calculations

• Tributary area per beam:
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A_trib = bay_width × bay_length

• Total load per square foot:
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w_total = dead_load + live_load

• Total load on beam (plf):
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w_beam = w_total × bay_width

• Maximum moment (ft-kips):
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M_max = (w_beam × bay_length²) / 8

3. Beam Selection Logic

• Required section modulus:where 50 ksi = allowable stress
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S_req = (M_max × 12) / 50

• Beam selection based on required section modulus:
• S_req < 35 in³: W12x26 (26 plf, 12.22" deep)
• S_req < 64 in³: W16x40 (40 plf, 16.26" deep)
• S_req < 98 in³: W18x58 (58 plf, 18.5" deep)
• S_req < 146 in³: W21x76 (76 plf, 21.83" deep)
• S_req ≥ 146 in³: W24x110 (110 plf, 24.31" deep)

4. Material Quantities & Cost Analysis

• Total beam length:
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L_total = (number_of_x_beams × building_length) + (number_of_y_beams × building_width)

• Total steel weight:
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W_total = L_total × beam_weight_per_foot

• Cost calculations:
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Total_cost = W_total × steel_cost_per_lb
Cost_per_sf = Total_cost / building_area
Weight_per_sf = W_total / building_area

5. Constructability Checks

• Span limitations: Warning if bay_length > 45 feet
• Beam depth alerts: Warning if beam_depth > 24 inches
• Efficiency recommendations: Identify optimal bay configurations

6. Automated Feedback

If any check fails (e.g., span too long, beam too deep), the tool provides warning messages for immediate design revision. All calculations are automated, so any change in user input instantly updates the model, quantities, and checks.

Outputs

• 3D structural grid geometry (beams and columns in Revit)
• Engineering summary:
• Material quantities:
• Total steel weight (lbs)
• Steel weight per square foot
• Total material cost
• Cost per square foot
• Beam specifications:
• Required section modulus
• Selected beam size
• Beam depth
• Warnings:
• Span limit violations
• Beam depth alerts
• Efficiency recommendations

How to Use

• Open SBOA_Tool.dyn in Dynamo for Revit.
• Set inputs using the parameter sliders (building dimensions, bay sizes, loading conditions—all grouped at the top).
• Run the script to generate your structural grid geometry and see results live in Dynamo and Revit.
• Review engineering calculations and material analysis in the Watch nodes.
• Adjust parameters as needed to explore alternatives, optimize costs, or improve structural efficiency.

VIDEO:

richard SBOA-Richard Yin CEE 120C