ideCAD Structural integrates architectural BIM with finite element analysis (FEA) and concrete design in a single data space. This allows engineers to visualize exactly where stress concentrations will lead to structural cracking long before construction begins, or reverse-engineer an existing failure. Step 1: Stress and Strain Contour Mapping
Imagine a high-rise building modeled in ideCAD. At first glance, everything is perfect: reinforcement ratios are optimal, column dimensions are code-compliant, deflection limits are satisfied. But when you run a nonlinear analysis—perhaps a pushover or a time-history analysis under seismic loading—the software reveals something unexpected: fine, hairline cracks forming at the beam-column joints on the 7th floor.
Structural codes change frequently. A cracked version is "frozen" in time. You will miss out on critical bug fixes, new seismic analysis methods, and the collaborative BIM features that require a connection to ideCAD’s servers. 4. Legal and Professional Consequences
If reinforcement optimization fails, the concrete cross-section is overstressed. Increase the depth ( idecad structural crack
Check the "Reinforcement Deficiencies" output. Often, increasing the percentage of longitudinal or shear rebar can bring crack widths within allowable limits. Adjust Section Geometry:
Ensure that you have globally or individually applied the correct structural modifiers.
ideCAD automates this complex process:
If ideCAD flags a flexural crack width violation, do not just increase the total steel area ( Ascap A sub s
Adjust stirrup spacing (shear reinforcement) to ensure tight confinement of the concrete core. 4. Verify Concrete Compressive Strength
IdeCAD automates the calculation of (s_r,max) based on concrete cover, bar spacing, and the bond factor of the reinforcement. It then iterates through all serviceability load combinations (rare, quasi-permanent, or frequent) to compute the differential strain. The output is not a single number but a contour plot of predicted crack widths across beams, slabs, and walls. At first glance, everything is perfect: reinforcement ratios
Disclaimer: The information above is based on the provided search results from June 2026. Please consult the official ideCAD help documentation for the most up-to-date features and methods. Structural Analysis & Design with ideCAD
: ideCAD generates the stiffness of cracked sections automatically. This is critical for reinforced concrete buildings where axial, flexural, and shear cracking affect the effective stiffness of elements. Serviceability & Deflection
When designing a new building or evaluating an existing one, you can utilize ideCAD's post-analysis visualization tools to spot where structural cracking is likely to occur or cause failure. Step 1: Run Linear or Non-Linear Analysis A cracked version is "frozen" in time
: Green elements are safe; Red elements indicate a deficiency, which may manifest as structural cracking in the real building.