Structural Eng modelling - Practical examples

[Hosking]

Hello

I've started to use structural engineering program and would really appreciate some practical examples on the use of offsets, member releases etc. when modelling real world structures.

Does any one know of any good resources which shows examples of structures, and how they are in turn modelled to reflect member releases etc. (ideally a side-by-side image/drawing of a structural connection/element, along with a 3-d or 2-d wireframe model showing releases).

The book which comes with the software is good, but is geared to using the program, not toward making accurate models.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ron]

Depending on the software you are using, there are often webinars for that software and practical examples available. It is not practicable for us to provide real examples when you have not told us the software you are using. They are different and even though they might arrive at the same answers, they often get there in different ways.

 

[Hosking]

Using a program called Microstran, but the information I'm after doesn't have to be software specific. Even a reference to structural modelling would be appreciated, one with a practical sense, I've seen a few which are full of (albeit important i'm sure) complex theory with no real world sense.

 

[oldrunner]

I believe RISA3D has some very good sections in their manuals on modeling. Check their download site.

 

[bookowski]

There is this book, but it's pretty pricey ($150):
"Modeling for Structural Analysis" by Graham Powell (it's sold through Computers & Structures)

The most likely, and common, route to learning how to model is through your work and asking a lot of questions. Going through the tutorial for whatever software you are using will get you started - then find someone smart at work and ask a lot of questions.

 

[msquared48]

Personally speaking, a little common sense works well too.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[Hosking]

Thanks bookowski, i shall look into that. As you say asking people is great and I am fortunate to have people ask.

msquared48 thanks for your helpful insight although i'm after something concrete to reference to confirm things like gut feel and common sense.

 

[Ron]

Hosking...not sure if you are licensed or working in an exempt industry, but if licensed, remember you are required by most authorities to validate the software by hand calcs.

 

[rahul4engg]

Hosking,
I would also recommend you to use the "verification manual" of the related software. there the vendor would have carried out verification of software results with respect to some hand calculations.
Cheers,
Rahul

 

[rowingengineer]

you could try to locate a publication by the steel construction institute (UK) called "modelling of steel structures for computer analysis"

http://www.nceng.com.au/

"Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning."

 

[yakpol]

'Finite element design of concrete structures' - practical problems and their solutions. by G.A. Rombach is a good reference.

 

[Hosking]

Thank you for all your help. Especially rowingengineer - found a copy just by searching the title!