Hi there, I'm quite new to using IES VE and I wonder if anyone could explain how I can model composite floor constructions using the software?
I want to use a trapezoidal profile metal deck with concrete topping but I'm not sure if this is possible? Does IES just add layers one on top of the other or is there a way to specify that the concrete is poured into the profile of the deck?
Any advice greatly appreciated, thanks.
Modelling Composite Construction
Re: Modelling Composite Construction
Hi,
This isn't easy to model as VE Constructions can only be built up from flat layers. two options
1. Simplest option is to just calculate a best estimate/average layer to represent the Construction.
2. You could look at splitting up the floor surface into strips to represent the peaks and troughs of the metal deck then create two different Constructions to assign to these (one being a flat layer at the peak and the other being a flat layer at the trough). I haven't heard of anyone doing this before and not sure how the results would come out I'm afraid.
Phil
This isn't easy to model as VE Constructions can only be built up from flat layers. two options
1. Simplest option is to just calculate a best estimate/average layer to represent the Construction.
2. You could look at splitting up the floor surface into strips to represent the peaks and troughs of the metal deck then create two different Constructions to assign to these (one being a flat layer at the peak and the other being a flat layer at the trough). I haven't heard of anyone doing this before and not sure how the results would come out I'm afraid.
Phil
IES Worldwide Technical Support
Re: Modelling Composite Construction
This is one of my long term gripes.
The constructions, while good, could be better.
They haven't been improved in ages - looked pretty functional and old fashioned.
Reminded of Calvin Harris' "It was acceptable in the 80s"
The constructions, while good, could be better.
They haven't been improved in ages - looked pretty functional and old fashioned.
Reminded of Calvin Harris' "It was acceptable in the 80s"
Re: Modelling Composite Construction
Ok thanks for that, I think I'm going to try and model an averaged version of the profiled deck.
But just out of interest, is it possible to assign different constructions to different parts of the same model, as in your second suggestion? I was under the impression that whichever template is selected in the Building Template Manager would be applied to the whole building. Or could I for example have one composite floor and a hollow-core floor above? And how would I go about assigning the constructions to individual parts? This is purely theoretical, it's for my dissertation project you see.
But just out of interest, is it possible to assign different constructions to different parts of the same model, as in your second suggestion? I was under the impression that whichever template is selected in the Building Template Manager would be applied to the whole building. Or could I for example have one composite floor and a hollow-core floor above? And how would I go about assigning the constructions to individual parts? This is purely theoretical, it's for my dissertation project you see.
Re: Modelling Composite Construction
That's definitely possible.
What you want to do is ignore the construction templates completely. I've found no way of applying the things other than when drawing new geometry.
To apply different constructions to different surfaces simply go down a decomposition level (in apache) so that you can select walls - select the wall you want to change and use the assign constructions window.
Zap.
What you want to do is ignore the construction templates completely. I've found no way of applying the things other than when drawing new geometry.
To apply different constructions to different surfaces simply go down a decomposition level (in apache) so that you can select walls - select the wall you want to change and use the assign constructions window.
Zap.