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FEM Analysis from Bois HD Reinforces Atelier Normand’s Wooden Structures
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms
Applicable Industries
- Buildings
- Construction & Infrastructure
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Manufacturing Process Simulation
- Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing
The Challenge
Atelier Normand, a French SME, manufactures complex wooden structures including advanced platforms. The company is faced with the challenge of quickly designing and manufacturing structures with more functionalities such as storage, evacuation routes, phone booths, etc., while still adhering to safety regulations such as Eurocode 0, 1, and 5. The company needed to identify potential weaknesses in their designs, validate their compliance with safety codes, and address safety questions related to the addition of components like guardrails. The challenge was to do all this quickly and efficiently, which was difficult with traditional methods.
About The Customer
Atelier Normand is a French SME that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-end structures. Since 1960, the company has evolved by adopting new technologies while preserving the tradition of the trades of the wood. Atelier Normand's products are recognized in hotels, restaurants, and commercial buildings, as well as in the naval industry. The company manufactures complex wooden structures of various types, including advanced platforms. They are committed to quickly designing and manufacturing structures with more functionalities while still complying with safety regulations.
The Solution
Bois HD, an Engineering Services company, used engineering simulation to investigate the different designs provided by Atelier Normand. They used ANSYS Mechanical technology to predict the behavior of each component within the entire structure by adopting relevant material properties models. The platform, made of various wooden components and metal assemblies, was complex and required accurate stress assessment across the entire structure to identify the weakest regions. The FEM model quantified the safety margin between stress experienced during services and extreme conditions and regulatory norms. This gave confidence that the structure would resist any reasonable exploitation conditions. The FEM analysis based on 3D solids elements was also compatible with the BIM (Building Information Modeling) process.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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