Renga Structure

Renga Structure sets the design of reinforcement in concrete structures according to Russian design norms and standards. Each type of structure has its own set of rules for reinforcing elements based on location – such as basements, walls, columns, beams, and ceilings. Designers just select the structure requiring reinforcement, and Renga Structure suggests the appropriate reinforcement layout rule.

The Reinforcement Styles tool lets designers adjust reinforcement options within rules, establish them as a new style, and then assign it to any structure. Reinforcement styles are parametric, so the same style can be applied to components of differing dimensions. Styles can specify that rebar be cut automatically at openings in walls and slabs. Designers can create an unlimited number of custom reinforcement styles.

Renga Structure is tool for designers to develop information models of buildings, and to issue drawings that meet the requirements of the KR/KZh/KZhI/KM/AS standard.

The system is purpose-built for architectural and construction designers using BIM technology. In the course of building information modeling, designers easily add the data necessary for reinforced concrete elements and steel structures. This reduces the time needed to design structures, generate drawings to KR/KZh/KZhI/KM/AS standards, and exchange data with other project engineers and architects. The high productivity of Renga Structure permits designers to work with 3D models of big projects with no loss of quality.

Smart tool for automatically reinforcing wall openings

Reinforced concrete structures require additional rebar or rolled steel around openings in walls and slabs. Renga Structure’s automatic rebar placement tool selects individual openings or an entire structure to add additional strength to openings. The added reinforcements are linked to the openings and so move with them.

When reinforcement is specified by rolled steel, then designers use beam and column section styles, select the required cross-sections, and place them into areas needing reinforcement.

Add steel sections as needed, without depending on unavailable databases

Designers must not be hostage to missing reference data, a lack of element configurations, or be forced to purchase databases. To provide independence from missing specifications, Renga Structure provides a mini-CAD style editor for designing elements from scratch. The editor creates new prototypes of any kind of new element for use by 3D models.

As an alternative to catalogs and reference books, Renga Structure’s element styles offer fast modification, which are transferred easily to other projects and shared with fellow designers.

Transfer 3D model data for analysis in other software

For exporting data to software that performs other kinds of calculations and analyses, Renga Structure uses the IFC standard. Materials are sent to the analysis software, along with geometry in the form of objects, such as columns, beams, ceilings, slabs, and walls. This allows designers to open 3D models in analysis software, assign required fixtures of building elements, and apply loads for further calculations.

Layout drawings are exported as flat geometry in DXF format for use in other design systems. Two-way communication between Renga Structure and analysis software is planned for the future.

A unified platform for designers, engineers, and architects

When working on a project as a group, architects, designers, and engineers can see all of the information in the 3D model, but are restricted from editing it according to their status. Renga segregates the development of architectural and engineering parts of the project. For instance, architects working in Renga Architecture have no access to the reinforcement tools in Renga Structure; engineers cannot create architectural objects, such as fencing, roofing, windows, or doors.

If, however, designers work independently, then they can use all of Renga’s 3D model development tools, both for erecting buildings and designing the reinforcement of columns.

Accessing data for other stages of the building lifecycle

Information models of buildings created in Renga Structure can interact with other systems, such as for structural analysis and estimates. The model data can be employed at the following stages of a building’s lifecycle: