For the last several decades structural model analysis is being increasingly recognized as a valuable supplement to the usual theoretical methods of structural analysis and design. Models are adopted for solving structural problems mainly for two reasons –

• To verify the mathematical analysis of a complicated structure.
• To understand the building structure when mathematical analysis is either impossible or impractical.
  

It is not always possible to design and load a building model so that its response is similar to that of an actual structure called the sample or prototype. Complete similarity between the model and the sample may also be difficult to achieve particularly in case of structures subjected to dynamic loading.

Use of structure models is often advantageous in the following two scenarios:

• New design for which no practical experience or test data is available and for which a vigorous mathematical analysis is impracticable because of the complications involved.
• ·For periodic checking of different structures like steel structure, wooden structure or composite structure.

There are various methods available in structural engineering to derive a model based on structure analysis but most popular methods are indirect method and direct method.

Indirect method:

The indirect method of analysis of structures is probably the most useful of all to the practicing engineers. The models are easy to make from cardboard and no precision loading or measuring instrument is required. The method is most suitable for plane frames or structures which can be conveniently considered for analysis purposes.

Direct method:

Direct method of model analysis requires laboratory facilities and precision measuring in instrument. Such analysis is often elaborate and expensive and must generally be performed by specialists. The direct method techniques are useful to study structure stability and dynamic characteristics of various building components and have merit of simplicity, efficiency, and accuracy in computation. It can be easily applied to structures that contain a large number of degrees of freedom. In laboratory direct method is used to generate 3D/4D models and Revit structures for various residential, commercial and industrial building structures.

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