Introduction to parametric design of steel structures
By using parametric modelling tools, designers can simulate a high number of design-variants with relatively low effort. Visual programming software’s significantly lowers the threshold for beginners to start building parametric models. The Online Live Seminar is an introduction to Grasshopper as a parametric tool for structural engineers to improve the design of steel structure. Parametric design is a process in which a draft can be generated based on relations between specified parameters. In a relatively simple way, numerous variants can be considered. This creates a better insight into the possibilities of structural design and results in an optimized final structure.
During the seminar you will learn to make parametric models using Grasshopper. The seminar is tailor-made for steel construction and is spread over five afternoon sessions. The first three afternoons are focused on parametric modelling of geometries. The seminar deals with how to properly set up a well-organized parametric model. This way of modeling forms the basis for the parametric engineering models. Sessions 4 and 5 are dedicated to parametric engineering. In this part of the seminar participants will learn how to set up a parametric finite element model and consecutively how to optimize a steel structure.
By alternating explanations with short assignments, the knowledge of the participant is gradually expanded during the seminar. In addition, the seminar also includes three homework assignments of about 4 hours. These homework assignments will be discussed during the next seminar day. After attending the seminar, participants will be able to draw and calculate a parametric steel hall. To allow a good online teaching environment the number of participants is limited to 6.
STCO OLS #3 will be given by Ir. Rayaan Ajouz, who graduated from TU Delft and works now as a structural engineer as well as parametric design advisor for Bouwen met Staal. The course is based on a paper by Ajouz, R. (2021) Parametric Design of steel structures: Fundamentals of parametric design using Grashopper.
Steel Construction 14, No. 3 (DOI /10.1002/stco.202100011), which will be available to all participants.
STCO Online Live Seminar #3 Introduction to parametric design of steel structures Autumn 2021
| Module | Date | Time | Topic | |
| 0 | 6 September | 15.00 – 15.45 | Teams test | |
| Parametric modelling | 1 | 20 September | 15.00 – 17.00 | Introduction to Grashopper |
| Parametric modelling | 2 | 27 September | 15.00 – 17.00 | Modelling with Grashopper |
| Parametric modelling | 3 | 4 October | 15.00 – 17.00 | Interaction with Speckle, Tekla |
| Parametric engineering | 4 | 18 October | 15.00 – 17.00 | Introduction to Kramba3D, Colibri |
| Parametric engineering | 5 | 25 October | 15.00 – 17.00 | Design by Kramba3D, KarambaIDEA |
Registration
Fee
695 € excl. VAT per Person
This includes 5 online training sessions of 2 hours. Training material including reader and grasshopper example templates and the free access of a Steel Construction journal paper.
Number of participants: 6
Software and hardware requirements
The online live seminar will be given via Microsoft Teams. During the seminar, participants will actively build parametric models. Therefore, participants are required to install Rhino 7 prior. Participant can use a company license or the 90-day trial version. Participants will also receive a 3-month trial license for Karamba3D. A second monitor is highly recommended.
Figure: Parametric engineering model of a steel truss