{"id":2202,"date":"2022-05-25T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-25T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.buildsoft.eu\/?p=2202"},"modified":"2026-07-22T14:44:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:44:04","slug":"basics-of-a-structural-analysis-model-schematizing-is-an-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.buildsoft.eu\/en\/basics-of-a-structural-analysis-model-schematizing-is-an-art\/","title":{"rendered":"Basics of a structural analysis model \u2013 schematizing is an art"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It all starts with the architectural model and schematizing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Schematizing is the process of simplifying a real building (the architectural model) into a structural analysis model, also called a wireframe model or mechanical model, that software can actually calculate. It means idealizing three things: the geometry (system lines and planes instead of real shapes), the supports (how the structure connects to the ground), and the joints (how structural parts connect to each other). Get these three idealizations wrong, and every downstream calculation inherits the error. Below, we walk through each one, then apply them to a real portal frame in Diamonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will strip the architectural model until only the load-bearing structure remains. The load-bearing structure will transfer the applied loads to the ground. Possible loads that apply are the self-weight of the structure and weight resulting from the use of the structure (people, furniture, machines). Wind, snow, temperature changes, etc. can also cause loads, so they must be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make the load-bearing structure accessible for calculations, we must schematize it to an analysis model (syn. wireframe model, mechanical model). This goes hand in hand with necessary idealizations and simplifications The idealizations are in the areas of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n