Following a thorough comparative evaluation of several proprietary and open-source simulation solutions, FORT Polska chose code_aster and SALOME. Jacek Lachowicz, Structural Designer and researcher at FORTLAB, explains their decision.
Tell us a little about FORT Polska.
FORT Polska is a Polish structural engineering consultancy specialising in building structure design, with over 25 years of experience. Five years ago, the firm established a dedicated R&D entity: FORTLAB. On a more operational level, FORT Polska conducts dynamic analyses based on vibration measurements, either on existing buildings or at site level when buildings are still at the design stage.
What were your initial simulation needs before adopting Simvia's open-source solutions?
In order to analyse the dynamic behaviour of buildings and assess occupant comfort, we needed software capable of performing complex and sophisticated analyses along two main lines: non-uniform support excitation — which is essential for analysing wave propagation phenomena in large buildings — and advanced material models for the accurate modelling of vibration isolation systems.
We tested a great many proprietary and open-source software packages. Ultimately, we opted for code_aster.
Why did you choose code_aster? What were your decision criteria?
First and foremost, the ability to customise code_aster. Commercial software packages are closed solutions, which considerably limits one's room for manoeuvre — particularly in terms of configuration. As an open-source solution, open by definition, code_aster allows for bespoke configurations, making it possible to run specific calculations and find solutions tailored to our various challenges and requirements. Beyond that, code_aster also enables process automation — a crucial factor for an engineering consultancy like FORT Polska, which carries out a very large number of calculations and analyses on a daily basis.
Do you currently use any other open-source tools supported by Simvia?
For dynamic calculations, we use code_aster and SALOME. More specifically, we use code_aster to analyse the influence of vibrations both on building structures and on the comfort of the people who work or live in those buildings. Alongside this, we also use SALOME for the visualisation of buildings and numerical models.
How did the transition to these tools go, and to what extent were you supported by the Simvia team?
Initially, we ran a series of tests on simplified models, comparing code_aster against other open-source solutions and proprietary software alike. In parallel, we developed a script to convert our own building and structure models and automate the process of creating numerical models within the open-source software. Following these comparisons, we settled on code_aster and SALOME. We also engaged Simvia to carry out more complex analyses involving soil-structure interaction and non-linear dynamic calculations.
How did that collaboration go?
We were able to count on the expertise and responsiveness of the Simvia team at every stage of our project.
What are the main benefits you have drawn from using Simvia's open-source solutions?
First and foremost, the ability to customise the code and automate processes. This allows us to save considerable time when assessing building compliance against Polish standards. In concrete terms, we feed the raw data into our scripts and instantly obtain analyses and a comparison of results against the applicable standards — at every single calculation point across the building. This means we can determine very quickly whether a building is compliant. Before adopting code_aster, we were unable to do this anywhere near as swiftly with other software solutions. Thanks to code_aster, we have saved nearly 30% of the time spent on this task, and we believe these solutions will also open up new avenues for innovation.
What advice would you give to an SME or engineering consultancy hesitating to adopt open-source solutions for industrial simulation?
First, it is important to define the workflow that will help optimise your calculation and data processing procedures. From there, it is possible to validate its relevance in collaboration with Simvia, in a spirit of continuous improvement, with a view to locking in concrete operational gains and benefits.
