Parametric design with Grasshopper and SCIA Koala Plugin (Online) (1 Day)
This workshop is tailored for SCIA users looking to explore parametric design without prior experience. It utilizes Grasshopper, a Rhinoceros plugin, and Koala, a Grasshopper plugin, to connect with SCIA Engineer. The goal is to create a fully parameterizable structure from scratch, sending and receiving data to and from SCIA Engineer using visual scripting.
What Will You Learn?
You will gain an understanding of parametrization in modeling analytical models and its benefits. Our trainer will guide you through setting up a fully parameterizable structure. Most of the training will focus on working within the Grasshopper environment to familiarize yourself with its tools for building structures and retrieving results. Additionally, you will learn to set up an optimization that automatically adjusts parameters for the best possible structure. The .XML format and its capabilities will also be briefly covered.
Programme
Day 1 (Morning)
- Introduction to Grasshopper and basic commands.
- Building a steel truss in Grasshopper with parameterizable heights and a variable number of truss diagonals.
- Creating necessary elements, boundary conditions, and load cases using the Koala tool.
- Link to SCIA Engineer via Koala and ESA_XML.
- Optimization to minimize the weight of steel used.
Day 2 (Afternoon)
- Constructing a concrete floor on piles.
- Creating necessary elements, boundary conditions, and load cases with the Koala tool.
- Link to SCIA Engineer via Koala and ESA_XML.
- Optimization based on the cost of concrete, steel, and foundation piles.
Procedure
The training is delivered online via Teams by an experienced engineer from SCIA's Customer Service department. Participants will use provided software and plugins to set up two basic projects step-by-step. By the end, you will have the knowledge to set up a simple project independently, focusing on the general workflow. This will also enable you to add uncovered elements to your own Koala model.
Pre-knowledge
This course is designed as an introduction to parametrization and Grasshopper use, requiring no prior experience. Basic knowledge of SCIA Engineer is recommended, along with an interest in programming and/or visual scripting.