Chapter 12 Building Information Modeling 285
displays the path of the sun from sunrise to sun-
set and the total sun area over the period of a
year. The position of the sun is based on the cur-
rent time of day. Additional tools can be used to
analyze other factors. For example, an animation
can be created from the solar study to show
shadow casting at different times of day for a
given geographic location.
A structural analysis can be used to analyze
loads. This type of analysis is common in com-
mercial construction. For example, a structural
design can be analyzed to check strength data
for beam and column connections and verify
that sizes of structural components are correct.
See Figure 12-10.
The results of a design simulation can be
used to optimize the model by making the
appropriate design changes. For example, based
on the results of a heating and cooling study, the
designer can select different exterior window
glazing to improve thermal performance. The
ability to optimize energy effi ciency early in the
design process provides a powerful tool to reduce
building costs and pass along the savings to the
owner.
In some cases, software add-ons or separate pro-
grams are used for more comprehensive analysis.
To perform a simulation, the designer con-
fi gures the model for a specifi c type of study.
The software calculates the results based on
criteria such as the geographic location, local
climate patterns, time and date, size of the
building envelope, and thermal zones of the
building. The analysis results are displayed in
a visual format to assist the designer in inter-
preting information. Still or animated simu-
lations are usually performed, depending on
the type of analysis. An energy analysis can be
animated, for example, to show the effects of
natural light and shadows in an indoor space.
Still simulations typically use a surface-mapped
display to illustrate the results. See Figure 12-8.
This example shows an energy analysis simula-
tion to determine the effects of adding window
shades to the building. Notice the color varia-
tions between the still images.
A solar study can be used to determine the
effects of sunlight and the location of the sun
at different times of day relative to the site. See
Figure 12-9. The solar study in this example
London Blackfriars station, courtesy of Network Rail and Jacobs®
Figure 12-7. Design simulations can be used to simulate construction conditions for visualization purposes.
This simulation is being used to isolate the structural and mechanical building systems in an integrated model to
coordinate multidisciplinary work.
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