{"id":24681,"date":"2026-02-01T21:06:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T21:06:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/?page_id=24681"},"modified":"2026-02-09T19:13:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T19:13:22","slug":"parametric-modeling","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/?page_id=24681","title":{"rendered":"Parametric Modeling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\">Design Challenge:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">In this assignment I focused on developing a simple parametric model of a Perpetual Pavement system using Dynamo. The modeling goal was to explore how changes in layer thicknesses affect two key performance indicators: material usage and fatigue resistance. In perpetual pavements, long-term pavement durability is achieved by optimizing the structure so that critical tensile strains at the bottom of the asphalt layers remain low, reducing fatigue cracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">To keep the model simple since it was my first time interacting with Dynamo and fully aligned with assignment requirements, the design challenge was restricted to three variable parameters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Surface layer thickness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Intermediate layer thickness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Fatigue-resistant bottom layer thickness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">These parameters directly modify the 3D geometry of the layered pavement and influence two performance metrics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Total asphalt volume: a proxy for material usage and cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Fatigue Index: a simplified fatigue cracking indicator computed as: FatigueIndex = 1\/t(bot)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">&nbsp;where is the bottom layer thickness in meters.<br><em>&nbsp;(Thicker bottom layer = lower index = better fatigue performance.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-44.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"976\" height=\"469\" src=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-44.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24682\" style=\"width:699px;height:auto\" srcset=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-44.png 976w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-44-300x144.png 300w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-44-768x369.png 768w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-44-520x250.png 520w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-44-740x356.png 740w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 976px) 100vw, 976px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-45.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"943\" height=\"436\" src=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-45.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24683\" style=\"width:772px;height:auto\" srcset=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-45.png 943w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-45-300x139.png 300w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-45-768x355.png 768w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-45-520x240.png 520w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-45-740x342.png 740w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 943px) 100vw, 943px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Fig1.<\/strong> Dynamo nodes divided into three grouped functionalblocks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol style=\"list-style-type:upper-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Inputs Block<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Contains the parameter sliders and a Code Block converting thickness from mm \u2192 m:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>B. Geometry Block<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Creates the layered pavement model using three stacked <strong>Cuboid.ByLengths<\/strong> nodes representing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Bottom asphalt layer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Intermediate asphalt layer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Surface layer<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Each cuboid is translated vertically based on accumulated thickness. These translations create a visually accurate, stacked pavement structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-46.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"598\" height=\"264\" src=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-46.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24684\" style=\"width:526px;height:auto\" srcset=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-46.png 598w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-46-300x132.png 300w, http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-46-520x230.png 520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Fig2.<\/strong> Dynamo model of Pavement<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>C. Metrics Block<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Two performance indicators are computed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Total Asphalt Volume\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Fatigue Index<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Two Watch nodes were also added show numerical results in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\">Design Space Extremes:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">To analyze the system, the sliders were moved to minimum and maximum values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Thin Design (Minimum Values)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">t_surf = 25 mm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">t_inter = 60 mm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">t_bot = 60 mm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Observations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">V_asphalt is <strong>very low<\/strong> \u2192 material\/cost efficient<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">FatigueIndex is <strong>high<\/strong> \u2192 poor fatigue performance<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Thick Design (Maximum Values)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">t_surf = 60 mm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">t_inter = 160 mm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">t_bot = 200 mm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Observations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">V_asphalt is <strong>very high<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">FatigueIndex is <strong>very low<\/strong> \u2192 excellent fatigue performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\">Good Design Alternatives:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Based on visual clarity and metric evaluation, three promising designs were selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Alternative A \u2013 High Durability (Heavy Traffic)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Parameter<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Value<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>t_surf<\/td><td>50 mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>t_inter<\/td><td>140 mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>t_bot<\/td><td>160 mm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Why it\u2019s good:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Low fatigue index<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Thick bottom layer ensures excellent durability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Slightly higher volume, acceptable for heavily trafficked routes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Alternative B \u2013 Balanced (General Urban Use)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Parameter<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Value<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>t_surf<\/td><td>40 mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>t_inter<\/td><td>110 mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>t_bot<\/td><td>120 mm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Why it\u2019s good:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Balanced volume vs fatigue performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Reasonable material cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Suitable for typical urban highways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Alternative C \u2013 Material-Efficient (Cost-Sensitive)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><\/th><th><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>t_surf<\/td><td>35 mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>t_inter<\/td><td>90 mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>t_bot<\/td><td>100 mm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Why it\u2019s good:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Significantly lower volume<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Acceptable fatigue performance for moderate traffic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Best option when minimizing cost is critical.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/?page_id=24674\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"24674\">Perpetual Pavement System<\/a> ><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Design Challenge: In this assignment I focused on developing a simple parametric model of a Perpetual Pavement system using Dynamo. The modeling goal was to explore how changes in layer thicknesses affect two key performance<a class=\"read-more\" href=\"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/?page_id=24681\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":300,"featured_media":0,"parent":24674,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-24681","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24681","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/300"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=24681"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24681\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28775,"href":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24681\/revisions\/28775"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24674"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/141.23.68.248\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24681"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}