Engineering simulation

Where traditional engineering analysis falls short, Ramboll’s Engineering Simulation team steps in: applying innovative simulation and modelling techniques to unlock project value, including the finite/discrete-element method (FDEM) for the automatic computation of interacting bodies.

Simulation and analysis solves complex problems

Ramboll’s Engineering Simulation team has more than 20 years’ experience using a wide range of sophisticated analytic approaches to solving complex engineering problems. Led by Carl Brookes, the team includes analysts, modellers, mathematicians, and engineers working together to help solve complex engineering problems by numerically simulating the behaviour of structures and their environments.

Their work, which often involves applying novel concepts in academic research, could be seen as the more esoteric branch of engineering. But when it comes to complex projects, the contribution from simulation is vital. Rigorous analysis helps designers understand the constraints and opportunities of a scheme in rich detail - and this, in turn, informs the creation of more accurate and cost-effective solutions.

The team regularly carries out work where structures are complex, where construction sequence analysis is critical or where assessment of an existing structure is required. Advanced analysis requiring consideration of dynamic, kinematic and non-linear behaviour is another of the team’s key strengths. Spanning across all disciplines and sectors, the team’s portfolio of work is diverse. Projects have ranged from predicting the behaviour of historic masonry buildings under earthquake loading to the analysis of wire rope safety fences during vehicle collisions.

Laser Aided Modelling – a pioneering approach

An example of the team’s innovative approach is its use of laser scanning. Laser Aided Modelling, or LAM, involves using lasers to capture incredibly detailed information about a structure or environment, which may then be used to create a 3D model. LAM’s application is particularly useful where the detailed visualisation of historic structures is needed.

This is not the only area where Ramboll leads the way. Our Engineering Simulation team has also pioneered the accurate modelling of materials such as concrete and masonry – through numeric simulation – as well as the modelling of liquefied natural gas tanks.

The team has expertise in the following areas:

• performance based design and assessment
• construction analysis of bridges and tall buildings
• structural analysis of liquid gas tanks
• non-linear simulation of structural concrete and masonry
• analysis of organic forms such as sculptures
• buckling  and thermal analysis
• special structural assessment and testing
• dynamic analysis of structures (vibration, earthquake, collision, blast)
  structural monitoring
• complex geometry and laser aided modelling (LAM)
• air quality and fire studies in tunnels using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• fire loading of large storage liquid gas tanks
• analysis of composite materials (carbon, glass, Kevlar)
• CFD micro-climate assessment and internal building environments
• vehicle buffeting assessment
• virtual wind tunnel tests