- RuaumokoStudio is a structural analysis framework that integrates the nonlinear analysis software Ruaumoko3D with Autodesk Revit for collaborative performance-based engineering (PBE) evaluation of buildings. - It offers a paradigm shift to a collaborative team approach through tight integration with Revit for analytical model development and application of modeling parameters and acceptance criteria. - Key advantages include a fast 64-bit analysis engine, next generation element models, automated evaluation procedures, and cloud-based analysis and post-processing for efficient computing resource use.

1. RuaumokoStudio is a structural analysis framework for the Performance Based Engineering (PBE)
evaluation of buildings. The framework draws together the world’s most advanced ‘building
focused’ nonlinear structural analysis software, Ruaumoko3D and the leading Building Information
Modelling (BIM) application for structural engineers, Autodesk Revit. RuaumokoStudio offers a shift
from an analyst-centric building evaluation to a collaborative team approach with more efficient
allocation of technical resources and significant time savings.
RuaumokoStudio Other PBE
software
Nonlinear pushover and time history analysis  
Fast 64bit multi-threaded nonlinear analysis engine  
Seamless integration with Revit for efficient team
collaboration
 
Next generation library of component and hysteresis models  
Automated ASCE41-13 procedures with customizable
overrides
 
Scalable cloud based analysis, post-processing and reporting  
Efficient Workflow
RuaumokoStudio allows an unlimited number of participants to contribute to the modelling and
analysis effort. This flexibility promotes collaboration and better distribution of tasks across both
engineers and technicians. Technicians can immediately commence creation of the model based on
architectural or as-built specifications. In parallel and using the same model, analysts in the team
can define and assign modelling parameters and acceptance criteria to structural components.
Robust and Fast Analysis Engine
RuaumokoStudio uses newly developed analysis libraries based on the Ruaumoko3D finite
element computer program. The analysis engine is entirely written in Fortran – the computer
language most suited to intensive mathematical operations. The code references the Intel
Math Kernel (MKL) library for sparse matrix and Eigenvalue solutions. It has been compiled
specifically for the hardware on which it is run. This means extremely fast analysis of complex
building models with hundreds of thousands of elements and millions of degrees of freedom.
Analyses that can take up to a week to complete using other PBE software can be done with
RuaumokoStudio in a matter of hours.
Revit Model Database
Create physical and analytical
model of building in Revit
Define modelling parameters
(yield surfaces, reinforcing
content, etc.)
Define acceptance critera
(performance limits,
deformation limits, etc.)
Apply modelling parameters
to analytical components in
Revit
Apply acceptance criteria to
analytical components in
Revit
Export model topology
from Revit
Analysis
Post-
processing
Reporting
AnalystTasks
Technician
Tasks
.XML
.XML .XML
.XML
.XML
.RES .XML
.DOCX
 Fast 64bit structural analysis
engine based on Ruaumoko3D;
the product of more than 40
years of active development at
the University of Canterbury.
 Collaborative paradigm shift in
PBE with analytical modelling
done by both technicians and
engineering analysts in parallel.
 Tight integration with
Autodesk Revit 2015 Building
Information Modelling (BIM)
software for easy development
of large and complex buildings..
 Enhanced Revit analytical
modelling tools for rapid
definition and editing of
analytical model properties.
 Next Generation element
models with over 60 hysteresis
rules to capture nonlinear
response of any structural
component.
 Cloud based analysis and
post-processing of results for
fast and cost effective
computer resourcing.
 Automated element modelling
and evaluation using
ASCE 41-13 modelling
parameters and performance
criteria.
 Standalone three dimensional
model viewer for model
interrogation and presentation
of analysis results including
time history animations.
RuaumokoStudio
An INNOVATIVE, ROBUST, FAST and ADAPTABLE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK for the
NONLINEAR PERFORMANCE BASED ENGINEERING EVALUATION of BUILDINGS

2. Integration with Revit 2015
The RuaumokoStudio framework is tightly integrated with Revit 2015 through the Revit Application
Programming Interface (API). The analytical model is completely developed within Revit in parallel
with the creation of the physical model. Basic element properties are automatically derived from
the physical representations of each element. Modelling parameters and performance criteria are
applied to the analytical model from within Revit. These assignments are maintained outside of the
Revit model database in ‘user readable’ Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) files.
Many BIM products are able to interpret files produced by Revit and a significant number of
predominately linear structural analysis programs are able to exchange data with Revit. This makes
Revit the ideal portal for the accumulation of building information that can be used for the PBE
evaluation of buildings.
Enhanced Modelling Tools
RuaumokoStudio includes a number of powerful model editing and inspection tools including:
 A standalone three dimensional model viewer which permits the user to inspect and edit
element connectivity, set boundary conditions and assign loads to elements;
 Automatic tributary area load generation based on element proximities and floor plate
envelopes; and
 Automatic floor plate connectivity generator and mass/mass-moment calculations based
on floor plate envelopes, element weights and reduced imposed loads.
Next Generation Analytical Element Models and Evaluation Procedures
More than 20 structural element types and over 60 hysteresis rules can be used to capture the
nonlinear response of any structural component without resorting to complex composite models.
Reinforced concrete walls are modelled using newly developed quadrilateral multi-spring elements
that are substantially more representative of the nonlinear behavior of concrete walls. Both in-plane
and out-of-plane effects are captured along with the interaction between flexure, shear and axial
forces. With six degrees of freedom at each corner node, these elements dispense with the need to
introduce dummy elements or rigid links to model coupling beams.
Cloud Analysis and Post-processing
RuaumokoStudio was developed with the intention of maximizing the efficiency with which PBE
evaluation is undertaken. The analysis process requires relatively short bursts of computing power.
Other PBE software is heavily reliant on internal computing infrastructure. RuaumokoStudio shifts
peak computing loads to the more capable, scalable and cost effective cloud platform offered by
Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Analyses are initiated and managed using the RuaumokoStudio Analysis Management Console (AMC)
web application. The AMC scales the available computing resource based on specified prerequisites
such as minimum processor speed and maximum hourly cost. It then distributes analysis tasks to
each computing instance and monitors progress.
As each analysis is completed, the output is transferred to low cost scalable storage. Post-processing
of the analysis results is done remotely. Both raw and processed output can be interrogated using
the RuaumokoStudio Query web application without the need to download large results files to the
local network.
Diaphragm displacement plot.
Color coded PBE results.
Revit analytical model.
40 storey moment frame and shear wall building.
(Jakarta, Indonesia)
3D views of analytical model.
Analysis Management Console.
RuaumokoStudio Analysis Management Console.
© 2014 MC Consulting Engineers Limited