We’re pleased to announce the release of FEM-Design API 22.3.0! Our API team has reached another significant milestone by adding the interaction surface component to our API toolbox.
When using an API for parametric design, generative design, or optimization, one crucial aspect is the response speed. At StruSoft, we’re dedicated to making the API fast and user-friendly. In line with this commitment, we’re introducing a new component for interaction volumes. This component accepts arbitrary section shapes with arbitrarily placed reinforcement and generates the corresponding interaction surface. This is done without running any analysis inside the software, which will speed up the process considerably.
What is an interaction surface?
An interaction volume is a graphical representation that depicts the capacity of a cross-section. It illustrates the permissible combinations of moments and axial force that a concrete section can withstand without failure. In this case, the interaction volume represents a combination of moment around the y-axis, moment around the z-axis, and normal force, essentially forming a volume. Any combination of these forces that falls within the interaction volume is considered acceptable, while those outside of it result in failure.
Please note that the interaction volume only considers the combined effect of moment and normal force and doesn’t include a comprehensive check for shear, buckling, fire design, or other serviceability limit state (SLS) checks.
A compressive normal force in the concrete section generally enhances its moment capacity. Using an interaction volume, you can observe various situations to ensure that the moment capacity is not compromised if the normal force diminishes or decreases.
How could you use this?
To illustrate the loading, create a point where the x-coordinate corresponds to My, the y-coordinate corresponds to Mz, and the z-coordinate represents the normal force. Utilize the native Grasshopper component ‘Mesh Inclusion (MInc)’ to determine whether the point is inside the mesh or not.
There are numerous scenarios where this approach can be valuable. Here are a few examples to inspire your imagination:
- Check all concrete members in the model with the normal force set to zero:
Typically, the lowest moment capacity occurs when the normal force is zero or in tension. Creating a representative load combination under such conditions can be challenging. Instead, you can read the results for all objects into Grasshopper, set all positive normal forces to zero, and use the ‘Mesh Inclusion’ component to perform the check.
- Quick preliminary concrete sections:
The interaction volume provides rapid results without requiring any analysis. Hence, it is highly efficient for preliminary section design during the early stages of a project. Once the preliminary design is complete, you can construct the full model and load it into FEM-Design to conduct additional checks, consider serviceability limit states (SLS), and perform fire design.
- Optimize reinforcement placement in complex section shapes:
Explore various reinforcement placements to optimize the shape of the interaction volume for your specific loading conditions. This approach allows for quick adjustments and fast evaluation of results.
- Parametric section optimization
By parametrizing your section, you can optimize the cross-section shape to minimize material usage, reduce environmental footprint, or meet other desired criteria.
Use FEM-Design API 22.3.0 for a seamless user experience
Our API team has achieved this milestone by adding new features and enhancing existing ones to ensure a seamless user experience. We’re eager to witness the incredible designs you’ll create with FEM-Design API 22.3.0!
You can find our open-source Grasshopper toolbox on food4rhino or in the package manager for Rhino.
Moreover, you can discover other capabilities of the API for FEM-Design.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need support!
