Virtual and rapid prototyping methods applied in civil engineering: Snow, wind and earthquake simulations on a five storey building

The paper presents a virtual model of a building with five levels, which was subjected to virtual testing. The results are shown in the figures and diagrams. Also, the finite element method for building simulation for the snow load was used. Based on the 3D model of the building and the digitalized displacement diagram the kinematics and dynamics simulation of the building was made similar to the earthquake on March 4, 1977 in Vrancea, Romania, felt throughout the Balkans. Also, the action of the wind in front of building was simulated with Flow simulations analysis module. The results were shown in the maps of pressures, speeds or temperatures. To obtain real similar calculations, the simulations of the building for the situations were made when we have multiple loads (snow, earthquake, wind). Also, the rapid prototyping method was presented, applied on the scaled building using Prusa Mendel I3 3D printer.