CHAPTER 1-INTRODUCTION
Most structural engineers use 3D integrated
structural analysis and design software in their daily work allover the world.These software
make modelling geometries of structures and analyzing loads much more
efficient, therefore decreasing the time and effort needed for finite element
analysis. Many of these software have integrated and diverse features, such as
analyzing a diversified profile of structural elements (Slabs,foundation,openings,columns, walls, bracings, beams, etc), modelling structures of different
materials, checking for geometrical errors, and outputting analysis and
graphical files. Although there are many software that have efficient features, the most popular,comprehensive,crucial and special features are listed below:
SAP2000
Due to its effectiveness and 3D object based modelling features,SAP2000 is used in more than 160 countries worldwide.From transportation facilities to public works, it is widely used for its static analysis of structures for general usage. Most people will use it to design water tanks, bridges, etc. It has a single friendly user interface and provides templates for predefined complicated structures. Moreover, it has everything you need for basic modelling and analysis, such as a library of section sizes and properties, inputs for wind and seismic loads, functions that generate output reports and graphical results, and international design codes. The new SAP2000 can now generate stability checks for nonlinear load cases, as well as, exporting its models into Revit Structure.
Due to its effectiveness and 3D object based modelling features,SAP2000 is used in more than 160 countries worldwide.From transportation facilities to public works, it is widely used for its static analysis of structures for general usage. Most people will use it to design water tanks, bridges, etc. It has a single friendly user interface and provides templates for predefined complicated structures. Moreover, it has everything you need for basic modelling and analysis, such as a library of section sizes and properties, inputs for wind and seismic loads, functions that generate output reports and graphical results, and international design codes. The new SAP2000 can now generate stability checks for nonlinear load cases, as well as, exporting its models into Revit Structure.
STAAD.Pro
STAAD.Pro is used for both linear static and non-linear analysis. STAAD.Pro is adept at analyzing time dependent effects, such as creep, shrinkage, and cracking of concrete.Other softwares developed by the same company, Bentley, can be used in conjunction with STAAD.Pro. STAAD.Pro models can be imported to OpenSTAAD so that these models can be transferred to other third-party applications. STAAD.Pro models can also be integrated with Project Wise, in which the software can utilize the imported model for project collaboration and management. Not only can STAAD.Pro be integrated with softwares developed by Bentley, their interface can import CAD models. STAAD.Pro is very user friendly since Bentley has also stated that 80 percent of their new customers can learn to operate STAAD.Pro V8i efficiently by minimum effort. Bentley has also boasted that their programs can design structures using over 80 international codes and can generate structural design documents automatically.
STAAD.Pro is used for both linear static and non-linear analysis. STAAD.Pro is adept at analyzing time dependent effects, such as creep, shrinkage, and cracking of concrete.Other softwares developed by the same company, Bentley, can be used in conjunction with STAAD.Pro. STAAD.Pro models can be imported to OpenSTAAD so that these models can be transferred to other third-party applications. STAAD.Pro models can also be integrated with Project Wise, in which the software can utilize the imported model for project collaboration and management. Not only can STAAD.Pro be integrated with softwares developed by Bentley, their interface can import CAD models. STAAD.Pro is very user friendly since Bentley has also stated that 80 percent of their new customers can learn to operate STAAD.Pro V8i efficiently by minimum effort. Bentley has also boasted that their programs can design structures using over 80 international codes and can generate structural design documents automatically.
RISA-3D
RISA-3D is another 3D analysis and design software for general structures, such as buildings, crane rails, arenas, industrial structures, bridges, etc. For specific use, RISA-3D can be integrated with other RISA products, such as RISAFloor, RISAConnection and RISAFoundation. Horizontal wind and earthquake forces can be inputted into the structure’s lateral system in RISA-3D, then, the RISA-3D model can be integrated with RISAFloor to design for gravity loadings and vertical elements.RISAFoundation can be integrated with RISA-3D by transferring the reactions from RISA-3D to the slabs and footings in RISAFoundation. RISAConnection can be used to automatically design the connections for the structure in RISA-3D.
RISA-3D is another 3D analysis and design software for general structures, such as buildings, crane rails, arenas, industrial structures, bridges, etc. For specific use, RISA-3D can be integrated with other RISA products, such as RISAFloor, RISAConnection and RISAFoundation. Horizontal wind and earthquake forces can be inputted into the structure’s lateral system in RISA-3D, then, the RISA-3D model can be integrated with RISAFloor to design for gravity loadings and vertical elements.RISAFoundation can be integrated with RISA-3D by transferring the reactions from RISA-3D to the slabs and footings in RISAFoundation. RISAConnection can be used to automatically design the connections for the structure in RISA-3D.
SkyCiv 3D Structural Analysis Software
This software is very different from the other four software. Although SkyCiv is also a structural design and analysis software, it runs online on internet browsers. Model files are stored online in the cloud and there is no need for installation and obtaining licenses, therefore it provides low cost. Moreover, users can work anytime and anywhere. For the software has the same basic functions as other structural design and analysis software. The software can do basic 3D analysis, such as analysis for flexure, torsion, axial, shear, and deflection. Users can input their desired loads and support conditions, choose or define any structural sections, produce 3D rendering and analysis text reports.However, one thing to keep in mind is that the developer specified that this software is only for educational purposes only. This software is not as advanced as other software, since it cannot produce reinforcement layout and steel detailing. Nonetheless, this software is an excellent tool to use to gain a quick and general concept of the design, the load paths,and the stress analysis of structural systems.
This software is very different from the other four software. Although SkyCiv is also a structural design and analysis software, it runs online on internet browsers. Model files are stored online in the cloud and there is no need for installation and obtaining licenses, therefore it provides low cost. Moreover, users can work anytime and anywhere. For the software has the same basic functions as other structural design and analysis software. The software can do basic 3D analysis, such as analysis for flexure, torsion, axial, shear, and deflection. Users can input their desired loads and support conditions, choose or define any structural sections, produce 3D rendering and analysis text reports.However, one thing to keep in mind is that the developer specified that this software is only for educational purposes only. This software is not as advanced as other software, since it cannot produce reinforcement layout and steel detailing. Nonetheless, this software is an excellent tool to use to gain a quick and general concept of the design, the load paths,and the stress analysis of structural systems.
ETABS
ETABS (Extended Three Dimensional Analysis Of Building System) is a sophisticated, yet easy to use, special
purpose analysis and design program developed specifically for building
systems.Although quick and easy for simple structures, ETABS can also handle the largest and
most complex building models, including a wide range of nonlinear
behaviors, making it the tool of choice for structural engineers in the
building industry.As computers and computer interfaces evolved, ETABS added
computationally complex analytical options such as dynamic nonlinear
behavior, and
powerful CAD-like drawing tools in a graphical and object-based interface.The input and output conventions used correspond to
common building terminology. With ETABS, the models are
defined logically floor-by-floor, column-by-column,
bay-by-bay and wall-by-wall and not as a stream of non-descript
nodes and elements as in general purpose programs. Thus the structural
definition is simple, concise and meaningful.
The integrated modules include:
A) Drafting
module for model generation.
B) Seismic
and wind load generation module.
C)Gravity
load distribution module for the distribution of vertical loads to columns and beams when plate bending floor
elements are not provided as a part of the floor system.
D) Finite
element-based linear static and dynamic analysis module.
E) Finite
element-based nonlinear static and dynamic analysis module (available in ETABS onlinear version only).
F) Output
display and report generation module.
G) Steel
frame design module (column, beam and brace).
H) Concrete frame
design module (column and beam).
Analysis
Features of ETABS:
The program can automatically generate lateral wind
and seismic load patterns to meet the requirements of various
building codes. Three dimensional mode shapes and frequencies, modal participation
factors,direction factors and participating mass percentages
are evaluated using eigen-vector or ritz-vector analysis. P-Delta effects
may be included with static or dynamic analysis.Response spectrum analysis, linear time history
analysis, nonlinear time history
analysis, and static nonlinear (pushover) analysis are all possible.
(To be Contd......)
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