The parametric modeling and management system for boiler steel frame

With the development of society, the structural steelwork tends to be larger in scale and more complicated in system. The increasing difficulties in construction ask for higher efficiency and security. Traditional 2D drawings can hardly satisfy the requirement of structural instructions, for example, the construction of boiler steel frame. This article focuses on the imperfections of 2D drawings in expressing 3D images. In order to reduce the pressures of reading drawings and dimensional analysis on engineering staffs, the use of CATIA to build 3D models by 2D drawings with the given information is suggested. Meanwhile, according to statistical methods of project management, a system managing engineering part is designed. Through the application of 3D modeling, the overall situation of the engineering structure can be known, and parts lofting and erection outfitting can be avoided. The statistical management over elements is also realized. The research focuses on the case of the boiler steel-frame owned by a thermal power plant in Hubei. 3D model is constructed by using information of 2D drawings to calculate the required mechanical equipment, human recourse and materials concerned with the project. It managed to shorten the project preparation time by one month, reduce the construction difficulties and ensure that the requirements on equipment, human recourse and materials are all satisfied.