Automation in digital analysis solutions for nuclear design-construction integration using BIM-FEM interoperability

Design changes during the construction phase of nuclear power plants can lead to significant financial expenses and delays in the project schedule, largely due to the complex regulatory and safety requirements specific to nuclear facilities. Effective communication and management of these changes with all involved parties to assess the associated risks effectively can potentially prevent cost overruns and delays. Enhancing the interoperability between building information modeling (BIM) and finite element (FE) analysis software can mitigate the impacts of redesign through efficient communication between design and construction teams. This improvement involves creating an FE model for structural elements or mechanical piping systems based on BIM's building data. Accurate identification of the geometric location and section properties of BIM elements is essential for precise FE model development. Hence, this study provides an overview of an interoperability interface program between BIM and FEM, facilitating the seamless integration of efforts by design and construction engineers to ensure alignment across different project components. The extracted structural properties are utilized to generate accurate geometric and structural FE models in ANSYS Mechanical APDL. Prior to approving design changes due to construction constraints, a thorough structural analysis must be conducted. This research explores automated structural analysis of nuclear systems using an updated FEM model, emphasizing standardized interfaces for software communication. Improved interoperability and automated FE analysis not only enhance the flow of critical information between design and construction engineers but also provide a basis for risk-informed construction management, enhancing both safety and efficiency in nuclear power plant construction.