Octree Subdivision of Building Elements

Abstract

Solid modeling techniques for the geometric representation of buildings have to be employed if true integration of design and construction is to be accomplished. A method of structure definition, developed with a view to automatic linkage between the plans of the structure and the information required for the various management functions, was based on one such technique, called octree subdivision. This paper presents a geometric analysis of typical elements of a building modeled by the octree subdivision technique. Factors governing the determination of the model's parameters are discussed. The interrelationships between these parameters and the characteristics of building elements are analyzed. Values of the parameters, for certain given conditions, are obtained. The general approach and the method of analysis can be adopted for any other conditions, as well as for future extensions of octree models when seeking to make use of their inherent suitability for geometric, quantitative, and space‐related computations.