Dayana Bulatbekova

Journal Entry For
Module 9 - Make Your Pitch
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Dayana Bulatbekova

Rectangular Frame Configurator Tool

Intended users

Structural engineers, architects, and design professionals involved in the construction and design of buildings

Need you’re trying to provide a solution or support for

Designing structural frames can be complex and time-consuming, especially when evaluating different configurations and material properties. Design professionals often require a means of creating basic frame structures that meet specific dimensional and material requirements while ensuring structural integrity. The Simple Rectangular Frame Configurator Tool addresses this need by providing an intuitive platform that enables users to define key parameters and automatically generate a reliable 3D model of the structural frame.

Inputs

The tool will use following inputs:

  1. Frame Dimensions:
    • Width (X-axis)
    • Height (Y-axis)
    • Depth (Z-axis)
  2. Column Configuration:
    • Number of columns in the X direction
    • Number of columns in the Z direction
  3. Material Selection:
    • Steel, Concrete, and Aluminum (user can select from a dropdown list).

Underlying logic of the model you’ll implement

The model implementation will consist of the following steps:

  1. Accept user-defined inputs for frame dimensions, column count, and material properties.
  2. Based on the specified number of columns, the model will calculate the spacing and placement of the columns along the X and Z axes, generating a grid-like arrangement.
  3. Utilize predefined material properties to calculate potential weights and structural characteristics based on the selected material.
  4. Generate a 3D representation of the frame structure using the specified parameters, ensuring that the geometry reflects the user’s input accurately.

Outputs

The outputs of the configurator will include:

  1. 3D Model:
    • A visual representation of the rectangular structural frame that accurately reflects the user-defined inputs, including dimensions and the arrangement of columns.
  2. Material Properties:
    • Weight of the Frame: Calculated based on the overall dimensions and material density.
    • Properties of the Selected Material: Such as yield strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus, providing essential information for further structural analysis
  3. Cost Estimation:
    • Estimated Cost of Materials: A calculation of the total material cost based on the weight of the frame and material pricing, allowing users to budget effectively..
  4. Sustainability Metrics:
    • Embodied Carbon: Calculation of the carbon footprint associated with the material choices and amounts used in the frame, supporting sustainability assessments.