Build-X: Seismic Analysis and Assessment of 3D Buildings with OpenSees

Analyze

Rapidly & Reliably

Applying traditional and advanced seismic analysis and assessment procedures with the Finite Element Method now becomes easier.

Build-X accelerates the generation of the 3D building model via its simple GUI and expert knowledge base, providing at the same time robust post-processing capabilities.

Perform gravity analysis, Eigenvalue extraction, Response Spectrum analysis, Linear Response History analysis and Standard Pushover analysis with Build-X at low modeling uncertainty and runtimes.

Learn More

1/13

About Build-X

Build-X is a Windows-based front-end knowledge-based tool aiming at assisting practicing engineers in reliably predicting the seismic response of building structures, specifically tailored to RC wall-frame buildings. Taking advantage of the powerful Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees) platform for Finite Element Analysis, Build-X provides through its graphical user interface:

Stepwise guidance throughout the pre- and post-processing stages of the analysis
Background code automations that accelerate the Finite Element model development
Expert knowledge for addressing various building-specific issues that are key factors to the reliable prediction of its seismic response

Build-X is an ideal solution for practicing engineers, architects and engineering students seeking a versatile and easy-to-use tool in order to conduct preliminary seismic design of buildings

Build-X is available for free. Download now.

More Details

Home: Homepage_about

Software Features

Acceleration of the model topology configuration

Boost the geometry definition of your building FE model.
Build-X features a CAD-substitute smart facility that handles the creation of load-bearing members based on direct user commands. It allows easy introduction of setbacks in plan and elevation and produces 2D and 3D views of the building model at hand.

Quick and reliable generation of shear wall members

With Build-X, the laborious task of shear wall member definition is no longer a concern.
Build-X comes with internal subroutines that allow effortless and reliable generation of shear wall members and core walls according to the widely used Equivalent Frame Method. The wall joint topology and stiffness properties are calculated automatically based on minimal user input.

Automatic setup of Distributed Plasticity fiber section model

Build-X uses the state-of-the-art force-based distributed plasticity beam-column element and fiber section model featured in OpenSees to describe the inelastic deformations of RC members.
Based on user-defined member detailing information and simple nonlinear material laws, the system automatically and reliably creates the fiber element model for every RC member.

Soil-Structure Interaction

Build-X is able to account for the effects of soil compliance on the structural response of the building in an approximate yet acceptable and computationally efficient way.
Commonly used foundation types such as footings and basemats are provided as modeling options. Inertial interaction is captured through soil-foundation springs automatically managed by the system, while options for kinematic interaction and strain-dependent soil shear modulus are also available.

Automatic gravity load allocation & mass matrix assemblage

Vertical load and mass specification is effortless.
Define either slab loads subject to rule-based beam allocation or distributed beam loads directly. A floor-lumped or a full consistent mass matrix representation is adopted depending on the analysis procedure and its assemblage is entirely undertaken by the system.

Seismic Performance assessment using Eurocode 8 provisions

Build-X allows the projection of the performance level in terms of roof displacement attained by the building under a given seismic scenario.

The procedure is accomplished through an SDOF transformation of the Capacity Curve obtained from a Pushover Analysis and the use of an Elastic Response Spectrum, along the lines of Eurocode 8.

Special-Purpose integrated MATLAB Libraries

Build-X is equipped with two MATLAB routines that facilitate special functions throughout the dataflow.