Building Information Modeling for Design and Documentation of Complex Space Frame Structures

Abstract

Many buildings can benefit from the use of Space Frame Structures as they offer advantages like large spans, light weight design and organic forms. However, their use is limited by the complexity in design and documentation process, and lack of dedicated tools for these tasks in most software. This study develops a software solution on BIM platform and modifies existing workflows by automating the execution of most time consuming tasks to facilitate the whole process. The developed application, named as AutoFrame Designer, works as Autodesk Revit plugin and can be used for designing a space frame on a specific surface, creating analytical model for analysis and detailed geometry for accurate visualization, generating fabrication schedule for all frame elements including nodes and members, exporting element geometries for fabrication, and creating layouts for frame assembly. The use of application can potentially save huge amount of time spent in design process, ensure accurate documentation for fabrication and assembly, and eliminates many errors that occur due to manual measurements.