UNIT 16

Computational Methods, IT, IoT in Civil Engineering:

Questions

Question 1) Convergence in CFD

Answer 1) Convergence in CFD

Creating a sculpture requires a highly talented artist with the ability to imagine
the final product from the beginning. Yet a sculpture can be a simple piece of
rock in the beginning but might become an exceptional artwork in the end.
Completely gradual processing throughout carving is an important issue to
obtain the desired unique shape. Keep in mind that in every single process, some
of the elements, such as stone particles, leftovers, are thrown away from the
object. CFD also has a similar structure that relies on gradual processing during
the analysis. In regions that are highly critical to the simulation results (for
example a spoiler on a Formula 1 car) the mesh is refined into smaller elements
to make the simulation more accurate.

Convergence is a major issue for computational analysis. The movement of fluid

has a non-linear mathematical model with various complex models such as
turbulence, phase change, and mass transfer and convergence is heavily
influenced by them. Apart from the analytical solution, the numerical solution
goes through an iterative scheme where results are obtained by the reduction of
errors among previous stages. The differences between the last two values
specify the error. When the absolute error is descending, the reliability of the
result increases, which means that the result converges towards a stable solution.

How do analysts decide when the solution is converged? Convergence should go

on and on until a steady-state condition has been obtained, even if the aimed case
is transient, which indicates results changing through time. Convergence has to
be realized for each time-step as if they all are a steady-state process. What are
the criteria for convergence? The residuals of equations, like stone leftovers,
change over each iteration. As iterations get down to a threshold value,
convergence is achieved. For a transient case, those processes have to be
achieved for each of the time steps. Furthermore, convergence might be
diversified as follows:

 Can be accelerated by parameters as initial conditions, under-relaxation,

and Courant number.
  Doesn’t always have to be correct, yet the solution can converge; preferred
mathematical model and mesh would be incorrect or have ambiguities.
 Can be stabilized within several methods like reasonable mesh quality,
mesh refinement, using discretization schemes first- to second-order.
 Ensure that the solution is repeatable if necessary as to refrain ambiguity.

Question 2) Write Applications of CFD?

Answer 2)

Where there is fluid, there is CFD. Having mentioned before, the initial stage to
conduct a CFD simulation is specifying an appropriate mathematical model of
reality. Rapprochements and assumptions give direction through solution
processes to examine the case in the computational domain. For instance, fluid
flow over a sphere/cylinder is a repetitive issue that has been taught by the
lecturer as an example in fluids courses. The same phenomenon is virtually
available in the movement of clouds in the atmosphere which is indeed
tremendous.

Question 3) Explain incompressible, compressible, laminar, turbulent flow?

Answer 3)

Incompressible and Compressible flow

If compressibility becomes a non-negligible factor, this type of analysis helps you

to find solutions in a very robust and accurate way. One example would be
a Large Eddy Simulation of flow around a cylinder.

Laminar and Turbulent flow

Different turbulence models play a role in this type of analysis. A lot of computing
power is required to solve turbulence simulations and its complex numerical
models. The difficulty of turbulence is the simulation of changes over time. The
entire domain where the simulation takes place needs to be recalculated after
every time step.

The valve is one possible application of a turbulent flow analysis.

Mass and Thermal transport

Mass transport simulations include smoke propagation, passive scalar transport

or gas distributions. To solve these kinds of simulations, OpenFOAM solvers are
used.
Heat exchanger simulations are one possible application.

Question 4) Different Types of CFD Applications

Answer 4)
Computational Fluid Dynamics tools diversify in accordance with mathematical
models, numerical methods, computational equipment, and post-processing
facilities. As a physical phenomenon could be modelled with completely different
mathematical approaches, it would also be integrated with unlike numerical
methods simultaneously. Thus, a conscious rapprochement is an essential factor
on the path to developing CFD tools. There are several licensed commercial
software solutions, along with open source software. One of the most used open-
source solvers for CFD is Open FOAM

Question 5) Explain DESIGN METHODOLOGY?

Answer 5)

Step 1: Case Study: In order to carry out this research a different method is used
for both Geometric and Pavement Design of highway. For Geometric Design of
Highway MX ROAD software is used. In Geometric Design of Highway the
following procedures are taken: - First the surveying data is collected from the
field through the route. For each point three reading is taken that is Northing,
Easting and Elevation.

Step 2: Data Collection: Topography survey for 8 km(Ch.67.73km-75.72km) at an

interval of 10m along the alignment (Longitudinally) and 5m interval up to 20 m
across the road on either side (Transverse) Which consist of X Y Z co-ordinates
(i.e. Easting, Northing and Reduced Level) is done. Soil sample for every 1km
and check the CBR is made.

Step 3: Design Data: By considering all the IRC specification and existing
features of project corridor the following design values are taken for executing
the design of the project work by using MXROAD software

Chainage:-67.73KM to 75.72KM, Length 7.990KM, Design Speed - 100 kmph and

30 kmph, Land width or right of way – 30m, Setback – 2 to 5 m., Roadway Width –
15.0 m, Carriageway Width – 7.5 m, Shoulder width – 2.5 m, Cross Slope or
Camber– 2.5%, Earthen surface – 3.0%, Embankment slope –1 V : 2 H, Super
Elevation – maximum 7% or 0.07, Radius of Horizontal Curve – Ruling Minimum
230 m, Radius at which no super elevation is required - > 1200 m, Radius at which
7% super elevation is achieved – 230 m, Extra Widening of Carriageway at
Curves – 0.6 m, Gradient maximum – 3.3 %, Limiting Gradient maximum – 5%,
Minimum Gradient – 0.3%, Minimum length of vertical curve – 50 m.
Step 4: Standard String Naming:-

The MX standard string naming convention (SNC) has been formed to give
automatic integration to any design produced from any of the MXROAD option.
Strings created by the MXROAD option are assigned names which store the
following information, string type, associated master alignment which defines the
string group, specific road features and side of master alignment on which the
string was created.

Step 5: Surface Analysis:-

This option is used for analysing the surface on which the design has to be built.
This is essential to confirm that the imported data is correct and contains no
errors. Typically the analysis will high light errors in level and will also provide a
graphical representation of the existing surface.

Step 6: Alignment Design:-

The alignment design option are used to create the alignment for the road design
by choosing Quick alignment option, Horizontal Design, Vertical profile can be
done in limited time duration.

Question 6) Explain Applications of Building Information Modelling

Answer 6)

A building information model can be used for the following purposes:

 Visualization: 3D renderings can be easily generated in house with little

additional effort.
 Fabrication/shop drawings: It is easy to generate shop drawings for
various building systems. For example, the sheet metal ductwork shop
drawings can be quickly produced once the model is complete.
 Code reviews: Fire departments and other officials may use these models
for their review of building projects.
 Cost estimating: BIM software has built-in cost estimating features. Material
quantities are automatically extracted and updated when any changes are
made in the model.
 Construction sequencing: A building information model can be effectively
used to coordinate material ordering, fabrication, and delivery schedules
for all building components.
 Conflict, interference, and collision detection: Because building
information models are created to scale in 3D space, all major systems can
be instantly and automatically checked for interferences. For example, this
process can verify that piping does not intersect with steel beams, ducts,
or walls.
  Forensic analysis: A building information model can be easily adapted to
graphically illustrate potential failures, leaks, evacuation plans, and so
forth.
 Facilities management: Facilities management departments can use it for
renovations, space planning, and maintenance operations.

The key benefit of a building information model is its accurate geometrical

representation of the parts of a building in an integrated data environment. Other
related benefits are as follows:

 Faster and more effective processes: Information is more easily shared and
can be value-added and reused.
 Better design: Building proposals can be rigorously analyzed, simulations
performed quickly, and performance benchmarked, enabling improved
and innovative solutions.
 Controlled whole-life costs and environmental data: Environmental
performance is more predictable, and lifecycle costs are better
understood.
 Better production quality: Documentation output is flexible and exploits
automation.
 Automated assembly: Digital product data can be exploited in downstream
processes and used for manufacturing and assembly of structural systems.
 Better customer service: Proposals are better understood through accurate
visualization.
 Lifecycle data: Requirements, design, construction, and operational
information can be used in facilities management.

After gathering data on 32 major projects, Stanford University’s Center for

Integrated Facilities Engineering reported the following benefits of BIM.

 Up to 40% elimination of unbudgeted change,

 Cost estimation accuracy within 3% as compared to traditional estimates,
 Up to 80% reduction in time taken to generate a cost estimate,
 A savings of up to 10% of the contract value through clash detections, and
Up to 7% reduction in project time.

Question 7) Explain STAAD Pro?

Answer 7)
This is a structural design and analysis tool developed by Research Engineers
which was later acquired by Bentley Systems, a CAD/CAM software company
based in Pennsylvania. STAAD Pro is considered as the best structural analysis
software and adopted by over a million structural engineers around the globe. It
features ease of use and an array of essential tools required for accomplishing an
analytical process on different structures.
STAAD Pro further integrates with a number of other Bentley products. The
models created using STAAD Pro can be imported to Open STAAD so as to make
the models transferrable to other third-party tools.
Question 8) What is SAFE software?
Answer 8?
This software is mostly used in designing foundation slab systems and concrete
floors. SAFE is a comprehensive package that combines all the aspects of
engineering design process – from creating layout to detail drawing production
in a single, intuitive environment. It enables highly advanced local assessment of
foundation systems within larger structures and imports files from CAD, ETABS,
and SAP2000. Some of the other benefits it offers are:

 Wide-ranging templates to quickly initiate a model

 Post-tensioning
 Support conditions and loadings

Question 9) Explain NASTRAN?

Answer 9)

Interfacing with the MSC Nastran and NX Nastran general purpose finite element
programs is based on the formatted Bulk Data File for FEM geometry and element
properties and binary OUTPUT2 files created with the PARAM, POST, -5 command
are used to interface element matrices and shapes (static, modal normal or
complex). Punch files are used to import FRF data but can also be used to import
modes. Bulk Data can be read or written; OUTPUT2 and punch files are read-only.
The Nastran interface and driver program can also be used with NE/Nastran.
Question 10) Explain SAP2000
Answer 10)

The SAP2000 interface program has 2 operating modes:

(i ) reads FE model definition and mode shapes from SAP2000 s2k input files, and
(ii) using the SAP2000 OAPI library to communicate with SAP2000.
With the OAPI interface, bidirectional communication is supported and allows for
piloting SAP2000 from FEM tools to perform FE analysis, pre-test analysis,
correlation analysis, sensitivity analysis and model updating.