Selection of construction elements and processes

The design process frequently involves one or more areas not generally included in typical CADD software. These include: structural component analysis and selection and preferred techniques for construction. Application-specific software is available to aid the designer in making decisions that will improve the use, function, efficiency, or safety of a design.

Structural Analysis allows the designer to design building components able to withstand the building’s own stress and weight plus the impact of outside forces. Most nontraditional building designs require structural analysis to ensure design integrity. An architect uses descriptive analysis to calculate stress forces in unique residential structures and structural elements. Other common computer applications of structural analysis focus on the following:

• strength and elastic stability of building materials

• heat transfer

• pipe rupture and fluid-flow analysis

• conditions that exert force and strength.

Structural Component Selection. Great assurance is required that the structural components have enough strength to support the intended loads. Many of these structural components are available in new engineered-wood products, which are unfamiliar to many designers and builders. As a result, both do-it-yourselfers and professionals are turning to application-specific software programs to help them select components of the proper size and type for a particular application.

Some common computer programs related to analyzing and selecting structural components focus on the following areas:

• fixed arches and other supports

• steel-structure design

• structural members of frames, including cables, beams, and columns.

Computer Simulation. One of the more useful functions of the computer is its ability to simulate, or illustrate, results before the structure or system is built. For example, by changing the layout and/or mixing cabinets of different dimensions, the kitchen can be tailored to satisfy the client’s needs. A wide variety of computer simulation applications are available to show the ultimate results of changing various materials, designs, and systems affecting the home’s interior and exterior.

Service to clients and customers

The basic categories of software programs designed for clients and potential customers include: home planning aids, interior design packages, CD-ROM marketing tools, Internet sources, and virtual reality models.

S ince visualizing the completed structure from a set of constructional drawings is difficult for most people, hand-drawn pictorials and three-dimensional models were commonly used. However, these methods frequently failed to provide enough detailed information for decision making. With the computer that is no longer the case. Now designers can show clients photo-quality representations that display every detail of a building plan. Besides, numerous easy-to-use software programs help customers select home furnishings, arrange them in a living space, and see the arrangement in a realistic fashion.

The most impressive part of virtual reality models is that a person can ‘walk’ through a house and ‘see’ its finished appearance before any construction begins. The client can enter any room and even look out a window. Another advantage of the virtual model is that the computer can modify elements in the interior, such as removing a wall or changing carpet colors, with the click of the mouse.