The Dorpsdreef residential project, one of the many projects from the broad V2S portfolio, consists of 47 flats spread over three residential buildings within a green environment in the centre of Zonhoven, Belgium. The project was designed by a2o architects and commissioned by Dethier Development. "For projects like this, we always use BuildSoft’s Diamonds software to perform 3D structural analysis," Walter and Luc continue. "Of course, our engineers must invest time in building a 3D analysis model, but that time is more than worth it. And that is something that you can take literally. In our experience, we can easily save our customers EUR 10,000 of steel and concrete (and more!) per flat. Just calculate what that means for a project like Dorpsdreef!
Our engineers build the 3D analysis model from top to bottom, complementing the geometry model layer by layer with boundary conditions, permanent loads and service loads. In this way, they have an analysis-ready model within 2 working days, which they can then use to optimise the design.
The modelling of the basement deserves special attention. We typically design a thick foundation slab to spread the line loads from the upper floors to the subsoil. Where columns transmit concentrated forces to the floor slab, mushroom floors are used to resist concrete punching. We try to work with flat ceilings as much as we can and minimise the use of underhanging beams. In that case, flue gases can be discharged naturally without mechanical flue systems, which helps our customers achieve additional savings.
By modelling and analysing the entire building in 3D, we design it as a box with holes: floors, walls and columns work together to spread and transfer loads to the subsoil, making optimal use of the concrete and the reinforcement. We always try to include the subsoil in the Diamonds analysis model as realistically as possible. For example, in the Dorpsdreef residential project, we assigned CPT profiles to the foundation slab. Based on those CPT profiles, Diamonds iteratively calculates the spring stiffness of the subsoil until the foundation slab’s deformations in serviceability limit state match the calculated settlements of the subsoil. Thanks to Diamonds' comprehensive approach, we can achieve significant savings for our customers.
