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Advanced modelling techniques
Introduction
4.1 Introduction
With the release of Version 15.1 came new geometry functions to allow the user to create structures with increasingly
complex geometry, a list of some of the major enhancements are as follows:-
This chapter covers some of the above topics in a relatively simple modelling exercise, which demonstrates the
enhancements recently introduce to Orion.
Above is a screenshot from the completed model, on which this exercise will focus.
Note: Please read the Hints and Tips at the end of this section, before using these options on your
own models.
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Advanced modelling techniques
Creating the advanced model
Ø Create the drawing sheet size to A2, and the Storey Height to be 3000mm
Ø Set up the grids and the levels as shown below using the ‘Orthogonal Axis Generator’
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Advanced modelling techniques
Creating the advanced model
Ø Left click on the Beam icon and specify the properties for a 250*250 beam
Ø Hold down shift, left click and drag from axis points A2 to C2, a window will then be displayed as shown below:-
This window allows the user to specify curved Axis and Beams
Ø Click Update
Ø Tick the Parallel Offset option and insert an Offset Distance of 2000mm. Do this in both bays, as shown on the
following page.
Advanced modelling techniques
Creating the advanced model
2 2
Ø Insert the 150mm deep slabs with Additional Dead Loads of 0.5kN/m and Imposed Loads 1.5kN/m
Ø On these slabs tick the ‘Slab Does Not Contribute to Floor Diaphragm’
Advanced modelling techniques
/Creating planes
Ø Holding down ‘Ctrl’, left click on slab 2S2 and 2S3, you should see the red box increase in size as additional slab panels
are selected. Planes are denoted in the model with a reference P1 etc…….
Ø Repeat this same process with slab panels ‘2S4 and 2S5’
Ø Select Plane 1 (P1), right click and select Properties, and edit points 1 and 2 as shown, to be 2000mm
Ø Adopt the same principle for Plane 2 (P2), by changing Point 3 to be 2000mm
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Advanced modelling techniques
/Creating planes
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Advanced modelling techniques
Modelling pile caps
Ø Right Click and select ‘Insert Pile Cap’, and click OK to create a Typical Base
Ø Click Calculate
Advanced modelling techniques
Modelling pile caps
Orion will calculate the number of piles required in the Pile Group based on the Column Forces.
This will also take into account for the effects of moments at the column bases.
Lx and Ly are the length and width of the pile cap, along with the number of piles required to satisfy the design forces.
Note – At present the scope of the analysis ONLY resolves the forces to calculate the Number of Piles.
Orion DOES NOT design the pile cap; this remains Beyond the Scope.
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