Journal Entry For
Module 9 - Share Your Design
Link to Student
The Structural Bay Size Optimizer (SBSO) is a Dynamo-based generative design tool that helps architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants explore and evaluate framing layouts during schematic design. By inputting total frame length, number of bays, story height, and loading conditions, users receive feedback on:
- Demand/Capacity (D/C) ratios of each member
- Structural weight (lbs)
- Embodied carbon (lb CO₂e)
- A visual Revit 2D model of the frame
This enables performance-driven decision-making before committing to detailed design.
A generative design can also be performed to identify optimal mateial choices (i.e. steel vs concrete vs timber) and section sizes for beams and columns.
How to Use
Inputs
Constant Inputs | Description |
Number of bays (X) | Horizontal grid count |
Floor-to-floor height | Story height in feet |
Total frame length (ft) | Defines bay length |
Point load (P) | Applied at any node — user-defined (Fx, Fy) |
Uniform line load (w) | Gravity load applied on beams (e.g., 1 k/ft) |
Variable (Optimizable) Inputs | Description |
Material | Concrete, steel, or timber |
Beam Section | Section properties from ACI or AISC datasheets |
Column Section | Section properties from ACI or AISC datasheets |
Internal Calculations
- Axial force and bending moment demands using statics
- Member D/C ratios for strength checks
- Structural weight and embodied carbon
Teaser Images
