Simple modelling
Architectural structures for a variety of construction projects, including bridges, high residential and public buildings, and small architectural forms.
Quick generation of meshed models
Analytical models for building structures are generated for the strength analysis and evaluation of analysis results in other modules of LIRA-FEM program.
Engineering and architectural design solutions
Engineering and architectural experiments, search for different 3D solutions and rational structural models on the basis of parametric modelling and interactive 3D shaping in the design of architectural structures.
Documentation & Drawings
Design documentation for a project is presented in accordance with the System of Design Documentation for Construction from design proposal up to working documentation.
For architects who work closely with designers, LIRA-CAD module is the ideal option because only a native link to LIRA-FEM ensures the accuracy of design models and eliminates the 'overhead costs' associated with model generation.
Powerful and Intuitive
- The powerful tools for graphic generation and modification of parametric 3D models of architectural structures enable the engineer to realize his or her creativity.
- Correct and adequate analytical model generated with account of many nuances makes it possible to carry out strength analysis and evaluate the stress-strain state of structures in the LIRA-FEM program.
- With parametrization and structuring of the information model, the engineer could control even very complex projects, easily make modifications at any design stage and immediately carry out the strength analysis. It provides multiple options and encourages creativity.
- Familiar concepts and terms such as floor, slab, wall, column, beam, opening, staircase, section, facade, etc. So, the engineer could start working immediately without any additional training, etc.
User-friendly tools for modelling
- The option to generate floor plans, sections, and facades from a single building information model ensures that views are fully consistent and eliminates mechanical drawing errors.
- Drawings, notations, grid lines, elevations, radii, diameters, hatching and labels in accordance with the System of Design Documentation for Construction.
- The flexible user interface enables you to customize menus, hotkeys, dialog box location and appearance according to individual preferences.
- The open architecture of the application, support of COM-interfaces, user scripts and plug-ins provide a wide range of options for development of the system and increasing its functionality not only by developers, but also by qualified users. So, LIRA-CAD module may be used as a platform for generating the integrated design chains that implement the technology of information modelling. Then it is possible to carry out the strength analysis of the model and evaluate its stress-strain state.
A high quality and correct (according to the System of Design Documentation for Construction) 2D presentation of a project can save time necessary to prepare design and documentation.
Additional modules
LIRA-CAD Structures
The meshed model is generated based on 3D information model presented in LIRA-CAD module. For the meshed model generated in LIRA-CAD Structures module, analysis & design may be carried out in LIRA-FEM program. Import of 3D and 2D models generated in other graphic programs: Allplan, Revit, AutoCAD, etc.
Design of reinforced concrete structures Design of RC structures
In this module the user could design RC elements and obtain the working drawings for reinforcement, schedule of reinforcement, steel consumption list and list of components for each floor slab.
Analysis results for reinforcement may be imported from LIRA-FEM, contour plots and mosaic plots for reinforcement are visualized as underlay for the certain floor slab. Colour palette for reinforcement may be customized, it is possible to select main reinforcement. In this case, contour plots are updated automatically. The engineer could arrange zones of additional reinforcement over the contour plots.
Panel buildings
The structural model of a panel building is generated, analysis is carried out. Then analysis results for the stress strain state of elements in the panel building are available. User-friendly tools to generate the structural and meshed model based on the design and arrangement of joints. The library of joints may be added and modified.
Cross-section Design Toolkit
Stiffness parameters are calculated: bending, torsional, shear, warping, for mono and multi-material arbitrary sections. Sections may be solid, thin-walled and combined. The strip elements and rolled sections are taken into account. When forces on sections are defined, the stresses (normal, tangential, equivalent) in the section are calculated according to different criteria of strength.
Parametric modelling Generator
Parametric modelling for buildings and structures of arbitrary shape. The system presents advanced technologies in structural modelling. It is a graphical algorithm (sequence of actions) editor that applies the LIRA-CAD tools for modelling.
Principal tools
Rectangular and radial grid lines are projected on the plan and in 3D on any projection, including perspective images..
Walls and partitions of different shape, including multi-layer materials. The wall height may be modified dynamically when the floor height is changed. In the meshed model, the walls may be presented as plates (load bearing walls) or as loads (partitions, thermal insulation layers, etc.)
Slabs may be generated with previously created or imported line or its fragment. It is possible to specify zones of different thickness in the slab or to simulate capitals above columns. When the meshed model is generated, such zones are shifted from the main plate by offsets of a specified length.
Columns and beams match cross-sections with the RC and metal profiles in LIRA-FEM program. Punching shear contours are generated automatically for columns with account of the slab edge and the presence of closely spaced openings. Perfectly rigid bodies are generated automatically in beams and columns; so it is possible to simulate the real behaviour of the structure.
Piles are vertical bars of a certain cross-section and are defined as an array or single pile. Their stiffness is presented in terms of bearing capacity and settlement.
Joints for panel buildings are modelled parametrically and may be vertical with account of embedded items as well as platform or contact joints. The stiffness of platform and contact joints is computed depending on the thickness and material of mortar joint, and the thickness of the objects included in the joint.
Support options (rigid, hinged with eccentricity or free edge) are modelled at places where components are connected. Elements with support options are exported to VISOR-SAPR module with appropriate modifications: joints are 'thrown apart', perfectly rigid bodies are created, groups with coupled DOF are created, etc.
A set of tools to assign loads: concentrated loads, linear and surface loads, moving loads on span, wind and earthquake loads. To all loads it is possible to assign load type, duration factor, safety factors, sign variability, groups of integrated load cases / mutual exclusion / accompanying. Based on the input data, load combinations are generated automatically (DCF and DCL tables).
Stairs are generated automatically: both the physical and analytical model. Reinforced concrete staircases are modelled with plates, while staircases of cut stringers and closed stringers are modelled with bars of specified cross-section. The bearing elements of a staircase may be assigned dead and live load as well as support options at places where these elements intersect the building frame.
The room defines a zone with an arbitrary name and generates loads in the analytical model. The areas, volumes and notations are shown on the floor plan.
Several roof types may be generated dynamically: hip roof, half-hip roof, flat roof, shed roof, gable roof, helm roof or vaulted roof with account of pitch, overhang, structural thickness, snap level. Wall models can be trimmed up to roof pitches.
With 3D bodies and surfaces it is possible to generate the frame of a building. Storeys of a specified height and floor slabs are automatically generated. Columns are created at the intersection of grid lines. The surface may be included in the meshed model as a system of bars or shells.
Notations may be displayed on plan, facade, section and 3D.
The material and texture libraries contain not only the physical and mechanical properties of materials, but also the necessary design parameters and structural requirements for further analysis of reinforcement in VISOR-SAPR module.
Lists of all components and bills of materials are automatically generated as tables, placed on drawing sheets and exported to CSV files. It is also possible to obtain approximate cost of materials and export physical quantities to a DBF file for estimators.
Models may be exported in IFC, XML, DXF, POV, 3DS formats. Architectural projects may be imported from IFC files as well as DWG, DXF files.
When the drawings are used as floor plan DXF underlays, it is possible to generate 3D object automatically. The program will automatically recognise cross-sections of piles, columns and beams, wall and slab thicknesses, the size of openings specified in the DXF file. Models may be imported from STL, 3DS, OBJ, MESH, MSH files. Option to compare versions of the project