Designing HSQ beams faster in preliminary design

The problem with HSQ Beams

Sizing HSQ-beams in early design takes longer than it should. Not because the calculations are difficult. Because each new section takes time:

  • Update inputs
  • Run checks
  • Review results

So, engineers don’t test many options. They test a few. Then move on.

What this leads to

Iteration slows down.

And preliminary design takes longer than necessary.

What changes with parametric HSQ section

HSQ beams are not one section. They are many possible combinations:

  • flange widths
  • thicknesses
  • web dimensions

With parametric setup, these can be tested in one model.

Not one by one.

But all at once.

(Example below – 576 sections generated from one setup)

HSQ Optimization

Case: VBK

Daniel Jonsson (VBK) uses PolyBeam for HSQbeams in preliminary design.

Before:

  • Hand calculations
  • Analytical tools
  • FEM

Each new section requires new work.

Workflow now

In PolyBeam:

  1. Define geometry
  2. Apply loads
  3. Generate combinations
  4. Run design
  5. Select section

The model stays the same. Only the section changes.

What changed

Iteration is faster. Instead of setting up each case again, multiple sections are checked in the same workflow. That removes most of the repetitive work.

Result

  • Faster comparison of sections
  • Less time per iteration
  • Faster preliminary design

Key point

This is not about calculations. It’s about how long it takes to test the next option. If each option takes time, you test fewer. If it’s fast, you move faster.

“I like to use PolyBeam for preliminary design of HSQ beams.”
Daniel Jonsson
Structural Engineer, VBK

Try HSQ Design in PolyBeam

Download PolyBeam and try the HSQ optimization, by clicking the button below.

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