Creating structural elements in Sketchup

Zane

Hey guys, i'm new here and I have a question for you all, it's quite vague so I hope you can still help me nonetheless.

Basically, I need to make a plugin which is able take in specific details (variables), carry out structural calculations and then draw the results (a structural frame) automatically in sketchup.

The guidelines are to have the structural calculations in C++ and the variables as well as the drawing of the structure in Sketchup (Ruby). I was wondering if this is possible.

The main idea would be:

Take variables via the input box on Sketchup.
Send these values into a text file
Run a compiled .exe C++ file within Sketchup Ruby Plugin which accesses these variables in the text file.
Write into another text file in C++ giving new variables.
End the C++ .exe
Remainder of the Ruby code reads these variables in the new text document
Draws the different structural elements in a specific order

So guys, is it feasible, I really need to stick to the main guidelines but the way to carry it out is my idea.

Thanks for the help!

Zane

mitcorb

While you are thinking about it, see this:
http://www.forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=35798&p=315999&hilit=%2Astructural%2A#p315999
Not necessarily the same thing, not necessarily intended to be the same thing.
What you may be talking about might involve "Finite Element Analysis"? Search that in this forum.
Keep in mind, Sketchup is not a solid modeler, if that would have anything to do with it.

Zane

The elements will be beams, columns, slabs and foundations not finite elements

Thanks for the link!

Zane

@mitcorb said:

While you are thinking about it, see this:
http://www.forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=35798&p=315999&hilit=%2Astructural%2A#p315999
Not necessarily the same thing, not necessarily intended to be the same thing.
What you may be talking about might involve "Finite Element Analysis"? Search that in this forum.
Keep in mind, Sketchup is not a solid modeler, if that would have anything to do with it.

It'll make beams, columns, slabs and foundations, not so much focused on the finite element, sorry for the confusion.

mitcorb

By the way
Welcome, Zane. Don't mind me.
Your idea and the description are totally worthy. I would like to see it happen.

Humpmetwice

Being an old metal building detailer I would also love to see something like this developed but I think the variables would be endless. My best solution would be to create say a I-Beam column as a dynamic component with the variables you need it to have like size,pitch,plates, and things of that nature. I may be way off track on what you were talking about if so I'm sorry.