awa5114
Structural
- Feb 1, 2016
- 135
As structural engineers, we often use spreadsheet software to generate structural calculations based on appropriate codes. The power of this kind of software (Excel for example) lies in its flexibility. With some knowledge of the codes and applicable modifications, any designer can develop software to come up with design loading and capacity for different kinds of structural elements. It frees the structural designer from the need to buy some proprietary software to do basic calculations (although sometimes I understand this is impossible, manufacturers lock their data in so tight it could potentially be impossible to crack the code, a severe flaw in the industry in my opinion)
Now, much of the inputs required to run these spreadsheet calcs is geometric data. True, there are material properties, installation conditions, and different bits and pieces here and there, but by and large, the input data is geometric. If it's a beam, you need to know the span, the boundary conditions, their locations etc. If you're doing ASCE 7 wind load calculations you need the mean roof height, effective areas, and the list goes on.
Unfortunately, it seems like data interoperability between spreadsheet software (such as excel) and software containing geometric information (such as AutoCAD, Revit or Bluebeam) is either nonexistent or highly convoluted, such that, if possible, would require a huge learning curve to set up (I've seen some stuff about Dynamo for Revit, Rhino, Autolisp, but none of these show real promise, seeming to be more trouble than they are worth).
Ideally, I am seeking a simple software program or programmatic method, to query geometric software for geometric data and input this data directly into excel (thus bypassing the manual switching between programs to measure the length or width of a beam... etc). Please note I am not opposed to programming, but need something sufficiently simple that it would not require years to accomplish.
Thanks for your help
Now, much of the inputs required to run these spreadsheet calcs is geometric data. True, there are material properties, installation conditions, and different bits and pieces here and there, but by and large, the input data is geometric. If it's a beam, you need to know the span, the boundary conditions, their locations etc. If you're doing ASCE 7 wind load calculations you need the mean roof height, effective areas, and the list goes on.
Unfortunately, it seems like data interoperability between spreadsheet software (such as excel) and software containing geometric information (such as AutoCAD, Revit or Bluebeam) is either nonexistent or highly convoluted, such that, if possible, would require a huge learning curve to set up (I've seen some stuff about Dynamo for Revit, Rhino, Autolisp, but none of these show real promise, seeming to be more trouble than they are worth).
Ideally, I am seeking a simple software program or programmatic method, to query geometric software for geometric data and input this data directly into excel (thus bypassing the manual switching between programs to measure the length or width of a beam... etc). Please note I am not opposed to programming, but need something sufficiently simple that it would not require years to accomplish.
Thanks for your help
