Development of preliminary structural analysis software

Abstract

Abstract:In this study, structural analysis software is developed to analyze buildings by slope-deflection method with minimum data entry requirement. It is adequate to define the dimensions of the columns and beams for one floor and the developed software replicates the assigned dimensions for the remaining floors. Similarly,vertical loads on the beams are also replicated for each floor. Aforementioned design approach expedites the data entry process without affecting the reliability of the analysis for preliminary design stage. Structural analysis software forms the slope-deflection equations and computes the rotations of the nodes and horizontal displacements of floors by matrix inversion. The software gives feedback on the suitability of the dimensions of the beams and columns by considering the obtained moments, shear forces, and normal forces. The designer can update the dimensions of the columns as well as beams and repeat the analysis until the dimensions are optimized. Henceforth the structure can be analyzed on robust structural analysis software with a few modifications. This approach would save important amount of time and work hours at design offices. Because state-of-the art building information modeling software require many attribute data about each structural elements and materials. Therefore, updating any section of the structure may cause revision of the attribute data as well. Developed software is tested on 20 floor structure with four spans. Utilization of a simple design approach decreases the allocation of robust design software and reduces the required number of structural analysis software for the design offices. In addition to this, the structural analysis software is freeware and can be used by civil engineering students for validation of their solutions.