What Is the Digital Modeling Process for Complex UHPC Shapes? Full Process Analysis and Technical Key Points

Complex UHPC forms, with their varied shapes and high precision requirements, rely on digital modeling as the core step in realizing creative designs and precise production, requiring standardized processes and advanced technical methods. Drawing on its experience in complex UHPC projects such as Shanghai New World Century Plaza, Qinglong explains the full digital modeling process and key technologies to ensure the perfect presentation of forms.

I. Preliminary Data Collection and Requirement Analysis

Precisely collect basic data and clarify the core modeling objectives. Requirement breakdown: liaise with designers and owners to sort out the aesthetic requirements, functional needs (e.g., load-bearing, waterproofing) and technical constraints (e.g., production processes, installation space) of the UHPC form, forming a detailed modeling brief; Basic data acquisition: collect site environment and main structure data through 3D scanning, or import the building BIM model to ensure the model precisely fits the site environment. In the Shanghai Astronomy Museum project, Qinglong achieved seamless integration between the form and the venue structure through 3D scanning; Digitalization of reference prototypes: for bionic or replicated forms, scan natural prototypes or reference objects to obtain core data such as textures and curvatures, providing a basic reference for modeling.

II. Core Modeling and Form Optimization

Use professional software to build models and achieve precise expression of forms. Software selection and basic modeling: use Rhino+Grasshopper parametric design software to build the 3D base model of the UHPC form, and adopt NURBS surface technology to ensure smooth, continuous surfaces; complex double-curved forms require precise curvature achieved through multi-point control; Form optimization and adjustment: optimize form details based on UHPC material properties (e.g., flexural strength, plasticity), avoiding overly small curvature radii (≥300mm recommended) and sharp corners to reduce production difficulty. In modeling the hollow-out form of the Ouargla Hotel in Algeria, Qinglong optimized the hollow-out patterns through algorithms, balancing aesthetics and structural safety; Mold splitting and joint design: break down the overall form into standardized production units and design joint nodes and positioning benchmarks to ensure precise alignment in subsequent production and installation.

III. Structural Stress Simulation and Clash Detection

Incorporate structural analysis to ensure the modeling solution is safe and feasible. Stress simulation analysis: import the model into finite element analysis software such as ANSYS to simulate stress states under self-weight, wind loads and other actions, and optimize internal rib layout and component thickness to avoid stress concentration. In modeling large UHPC sculptures, Qinglong reduced cracking risk through stress simulation; Clash detection verification: perform clash detection between the modeling results and the main structure as well as surrounding component models to avoid installation conflicts in advance and ensure the form fits the site environment; Production feasibility check: verify model dimensions and details against factory equipment precision and process requirements to ensure industrialized production and prevent a disconnect between design and production.

IV. Model Output and Collaborative Delivery

Standardize data output to achieve full-process coordination. Data format conversion: export modeling results to universal formats such as STL and IGES to suit mold processing equipment (e.g., CNC engraving machines) and production management systems, ensuring lossless data transfer; Production drawing generation: output component machining detail drawings, mold production drawings and installation node drawings, marking key dimensions, tolerance requirements and material parameters. Qinglong's modeling output drawings achieve a precision of ±0.1mm; Collaborative review and delivery: organize designers, production teams and construction teams for collaborative model review, and deliver to production and construction after modifications and optimization. Real-time model data updates through the BIM collaboration platform ensure information consistency across all stages.