Code, Calculations, and Construction: A Structural Engineer's Journey

from ArchSmarter Podcast · host Michael Kilkelly

Episode Description In this episode, Michael Kilkelly interviews structural engineer Bob Barnett about his programming journey from early computing with punch cards and FORTRAN to creating sophisticated Revit add-ins that automate structural calculations. Bob shares how he uses code to eliminate errors in his work, his experiences learning the Revit API, and his approach to building custom tools that make his structural engineering practice more accurate and efficient. Timeline 0:00 - Introduction to Bob Barnett and the episode theme 1:49 - Bob's early programming background and history with computers from punch cards to modern systems 5:33 - Journey from AutoCAD LISP programming to exploring the Revit API 9:24 - The immediate satisfaction of problem-solving through programming versus long-term architectural projects 13:22 - Bob's dual focus: using automation to increase efficiency and eliminate human errors in structural calculations 17:35 - The filtered element collector as a breakthrough moment in understanding the Revit API 20:16 - Plans for future tools focusing on steel beams and composite members 23:27 - How AI assistance has transformed Bob's programming workflow and accelerated development 28:17 - Advice for engineers considering learning the Revit API Key Takeaways Bob focuses on automating calculations to eliminate transcription errors rather than just saving time. Working on one structural element at a time gives engineers better control and understanding than running large models. The Revit API provides access to all model data, allowing for direct calculation without manual data entry. Learning programming fundamentals enables building powerful custom tools specific to your workflow. AI tools can significantly accelerate the coding process, but you still need to understand programming basics. Resources Mentioned Revit Add-in Bootcamp Revit API Documentation Connect with Us Website: ArchSmarter.com LinkedIn: Michael Kilkelly LinkedIn: Bob Barnett

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This episode is 30 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 17, 2025.

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