1. Overview
The virtual simulation and informatization laboratory was formally founded in 2015. Based on the latest development of industry and the developmental history of civil engineering construction, Chongqing University established the laboratory for the cultivation of students’ abilities in innovation and employment. The laboratory is composed of BIM (Building Information Modeling) Center and HPC (High Performance Computing) Center, which aims to embody the core spirit of virtual simulation information, i.e. the digitization of information, numerical analysis and the visualization of results.
The BIM center has a total construction area of 250 m2, and the capital investment for experimental equipments in the first stage reaches 2492,800 RMB. The HPC center has a total construction area of 200 m2, and the investment for equipments reaches about 3600,000 RMB. The hardware system of HPC center adopts high performance cluster system of Shuguang Tiankuo series. At present, the virtual simulation and informatization laboratory consists of BIM center and HPC center, which is one of advanced laboratories in China.
The laboratory is mainly engaged in experimental teaching, scientific research, and technical development. Under the premise of the implementation of national education policy, the laboratory plays an important role in the aspects mentioned above and serves for the economic construction, scientific research and social development in the future.
2. Software and hardware
2.1. Hardware
The laboratory has more than double-display 70 computers with all kinds of high performance computing ability, and also has the advanced multimedia host computer, projection accessory and the advanced information teaching system composed of multimedia teaching software.
BIM Center HPC Center
Besides, the laboratory is also equipped with domestic advanced Shuguang computing system with high performance, i.e. HPC cluster computing system. This system is characterized by 25 computing nodes, 2 management nodes, total processors with 592 kernel, total memory capacity with 1.3TB and total storage capacity with 10.8TB.
5.2.2. Software
The laboratory has cooperated with some software suppliers such as Bentley, Luban and ANSYS and carried out the corresponding work based on BIM and the research for multi-physical fields coupling.
(1) Bentley software
Bentley software includes ProjectWise collaborative work platform, MicroStation 3-D design platform + AECOsim Building, Designer design module, ProStructural structural details software, Navigator 3-D check tool as well as other application module of Bentley BIM series.
(2) Integration of virtual construction software on BIM
This integration includes
Luban BIM solution
The scheme is mainly applied to collision detection, process control of materials, external cost management, internal cost control and virtual construction instructions in the stage of construction.
Hanwen software
Hanwen software includes the preparation tender and plan progress as well as the drawing module and so on.
Pinming safety software
According to the characteristics and requirements of the construction site, the construction scheme and the technical management of special safety are carried out, in which 13 modules are included and they are scaffold, form, tower crane, temporary electricity and water, drainage, bar support, concrete, structural hoisting, excavation, facilities for vertical transportation, blasting, construction in winter and pipe jacking construction.
(3) Wanting simulation teaching software for construction technology
Through virtual technology and combined with professional characteristics, Wanting teaching software realizes the multi-dimensional simulation of construction technology and scene simulation, which is helpful to encourage the learning enthusiasm from students, to track and manage students' learning trajectory and to realize the scientific teaching evaluation.
(4) General finite element software ANSYS
ANSYS14.0 Academic Research involves the computing function for multi-fields coupling including structural, thermal, fluid, and electromagnetic coupling. There is no limit for solving scale and the solver supports a maximum of 64 core parallel.
3. Teaching and scientific research
3.1. Teaching and training
BIM center has carried out several professional courses teaching based on BIM and its application, the construction in civil engineering, engineering project management and engineering cost etc.
3.2. Scientific research and application of BIM
Combined with its own advantages, the laboratory has successfully applied BIM to guide engineering construction in many practical projects.
3.3. Scientific research support
HPC Center has provided a strong support for the government sponsored research projects and crosswise projects. At present, more than 20 projects have been completed with the assistance of the center and they are seismic performance simulation of super high-rise building, wind field and wind load simulation of buildings, seismic and wind resistance performance analysis of large bridges and airports, mechanical performance simulation of polymers, elastic-plastic mechanical performance analysis of all kinds of structural components, simulation of climate regulation and analysis of pipeline flow performance.
FE analysis for 1000kV UHV transmission tower line system
Integral FE analysis for Yangtze River International Twin Towers
