Structural Analysis and 3D Modelling of G+5 Storey RCC Building

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and population growth have increased the demand for safe, economical, and structurally efficient multi-storey residential buildings. Structural analysis plays a major role in ensuring the safety and serviceability of reinforced concrete structures subjected to various loading conditions. This research presents the structural analysis, three-dimensional modelling, and fabrication of a G+5 storey reinforced cement concrete residential building. The structural analysis was carried out using STAAD.Pro software in accordance with Indian Standard codes such as IS 456:2000, IS 875, and IS 1893:2016. Dead load, live load, and seismic load were considered during analysis. The building consists of RCC beams, columns, slabs, and isolated footings designed to withstand gravity and lateral forces. A three-dimensional model was developed using SketchUp software to improve visualization and understanding of the building geometry. The digital model was converted into STL format and fabricated using Flash Forge Dreamer NX 3D printer through additive manufacturing technology. The use of 3D printing enhanced project presentation, visualization, and structural understanding. The analysis results indicated that the proposed structure remained stable under the applied loading conditions and satisfied strength and serviceability requirements. The fabricated model was successfully produced using PLA filament through Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. The integration of structural analysis, digital modelling, and physical fabrication provides an effective approach for educational, visualization, and engineering applications in civil engineering projects.

Introduction

The study investigates the structural performance and sustainability of M40 grade concrete by partially replacing natural fine aggregate (river sand) with recycled waste glass fibers for bridge construction. Conventional concrete production relies heavily on natural resources such as river sand and cement, leading to environmental issues including riverbank erosion, groundwater depletion, habitat destruction, and high carbon emissions. At the same time, increasing industrial waste, particularly non-biodegradable glass fiber waste, poses serious disposal challenges. This research addresses both problems by evaluating recycled glass fibers as an eco-friendly alternative to fine aggregate.

A comprehensive literature review shows that recycled construction materials and glass fibers can improve concrete's tensile strength, crack resistance, toughness, durability, and sustainability while reducing landfill waste and conserving natural resources. However, excessive replacement levels may reduce workability, increase porosity, and lower strength, emphasizing the need to determine an optimum replacement percentage.

The experimental methodology involved preparing M40 concrete mixes with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% recycled glass fiber replacement for fine aggregate. Standard materials including cement, coarse aggregate, sand, water, and processed recycled glass fibers were used. Specimens were cast, cured, and tested according to Indian Standards to evaluate workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, and water absorption. Results were compared with conventional concrete.

Experimental findings indicate that replacing fine aggregate with 4–6% recycled glass fibers provides the best balance between workability, mechanical strength, and durability. At these levels, compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths improve while water absorption decreases, demonstrating enhanced durability. Higher replacement percentages reduce workability and gradually decrease structural performance due to fiber agglomeration and increased internal voids.

Conclusion

1) Structural analysis of the G+5 RCC residential building was successfully performed using STAAD.Pro software. 2) The building exhibited satisfactory performance under dead load, live load, and seismic load conditions. 3) Three-dimensional modeling using SketchUp improved visualization and understanding of the structural system. 4) The building model was successfully fabricated using FlashForge Dreamer NX 3D printer. 5) Additive manufacturing enhanced project presentation and educational understanding. 6) The integration of structural analysis, 3D modeling, and fabrication proved effective for civil engineering applications.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Ayush Rai, Aniket Mukhia, Sorip Lepcha, Nischai Pradhan, Rehash Rai, Sumzum Tamang, Tseten Yonzon. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.