ProtaStructure Release Notes - v2019 SP6

ProtaStructure Release Notes - v2019 SP6

Nonlinear Analyses with ProtaStructure - OpenSees Integration

What is OpenSees?

The Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees) is a software framework for simulating the seismic response of structural and geotechnical systems. OpenSees has been developed as the computational platform for research in performance-based earthquake engineering at the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center.
OpenSees has advanced capabilities for modeling and analyzing the nonlinear response of systems using a wide range of material models, elements, and solution algorithms. The software is designed for parallel computing to allow scalable simulations on high-end computers or for parameter studies.
OpenSees provides beam-column elements and continuum elements for structural and geotechnical models. A wide range of uniaxial materials and section models are available for beam-columns.
Nonlinear analysis requires a wide range of algorithms and solution methods. OpenSees provides nonlinear static and dynamic methods, equation solvers, and methods for handling constraints.
OpenSees is open-source. The open-source movement allows earthquake engineering researchers and users to build upon each others accomplishments using OpenSees as community-based software.

(Source: https://opensees.berkeley.edu/OpenSees/home/about.php)

Automatic Transfer of Analysis Model and Nonlinear Material Properties

ProtaStructure analytical model is communicated to OpenSees via TCL files. In addition to the detailed analytical model, nonlinear material properties are also automatically calculated and added on top of this model. The entire structure is then ready for performance analysis.

Due to license rules, we are not distributing OpenSees.exe with ProtaStructure. You can download it from https://opensees.berkeley.edu/OpenSees/user/download.php and copy to the ProtaStructure installation folder. TCL/TK libraries must also be downloaded.                  


Nonlinear Fiber Analysis of Sections

Column, beam, and Wall sections can be modeled with fiber elements and analyzed with state-of-the-art numerical techniques to derive the Moment-Curvature relationships. Confined and unconfined concrete regions can be specified. Strain hardening is taken into consideration. For more accurate analysis, you can create the fiber mesh around rebars.

 

For column and wall members, a ‘Finite Length Hinge Zone’ model with 6 integration points is used. Shearwall members are modeled with a distributed plasticity model, again with 6 integration points. Force-deformation relationships for integration points are obtained from fiber section analysis.


Nonlinear Static Pushover

Single Mode Static Pushover analysis is performed using ProtaStructure - OpenSees integration. Plasticity models are used as described above. Parameters such as the number of steps and target displacements can be controlled by the user.
After the analysis, the Capacity Curve is obtained. Users can specify the monitored node for which the curve will be generated. Results can be examined at any desired step. A detailed performance assessment report is generated after.


Nonlinear Time-History Analysis

A nonlinear Time-History analysis can be performed using ProtaStructure - OpenSees integration. Plasticity models are used as described above.
A set of multiple ground motions can be applied simultaneously in X and Y directions. As specified by the earthquake codes, the ground motion application direction is rotated by 90 degrees, and analyses are repeated. The selection of suitable ground motions is up to the user. Parameters like fault mechanism, soil properties, magnitude are of importance.


The selected ground motion records are automatically scaled by ProtaStructure using the simple scaling method between 0.2T and 1.5T.


The analysis results from multiple ground motion sets are automatically post-processed. The average values of absolute maximum responses are extracted and used in performance assessment.
A detailed performance assessment report is presented. Additionally, the analysis results for a specific ground motion at a specific time-step can be looked up by the user.

 

​

New 64-bit Analysis Post-Processor (Beta)

The new 64-bit analysis post-processor is now included as a beta version. The existing post-processor is still accessible. New APP provides significantly better performance with the help of the latest graphics technologies and methodologies. Displacement animations, diagrams and contouring are now much faster.

New 64-bit Analysis Model Creation and Analysis

ProtaStructure now supports 64-bit architecture for analysis model creation and analysis operations. Hence, significant memory usage and performance enhancements are provided.

Steel Trusses: New Features and Improvements

Bottom Chords Perpendicular to Supports

A new option is added for trusses with sloping bottom chords. “Make Bottom Chord Perpendicular to Support” option can be preferred for ease of constructability.


Slope Angle for Top Chords

In addition to Left Heel, Right Heel, and Apex Height, top chord inclination can also be defined with Slope Angles. For example, if the roof slope is known as a percentage, say A%, the angle can be calculated by the formula arctan(A/100). After Apex Height is specified, Left and Right Heel heights are automatically calculated using the given angle. Activate “Enter Left Heel by Angle” or “Enter Right Heel by Angle” options to use this feature.



Inverted Truss Types

All truss types now support an “Invert Truss” option.


Specifying Heel Height for Curved Trusses

Left and Right Heel Height can now be specified for curved trusses.



Trusses with Different Number of Joints and Spans

Purlins can now be inserted on trusses with different spans and a number of joints. The shorter truss governs the purlin layout.

 

Inserting Purlins on Bottom Chords

A new option now allows purlins to be inserted on truss bottom chords.


A New Truss Type

A frequently uses “Scissors” type truss with different Left Heel, Right Heel, and Apex Height can now be inserted.


Delete First and Last Verticals

The deletion of first and last verticals is now an option rather than an operation. If this option is checked, the first and last vertical members are never generated in case of any parameter change. Additionally, if truss placement is set to “Top Chord”, then first and last verticals are automatically deleted for convenience.


Divide Cross-Diagonal Members

In order to easily insert gusset plate connections on cross-diagonal members, the “Divide Cross-Diagonal Frames” option is introduced.

Performance Enhancements in Modelling

Performance enhancements are made so that modeling is now faster up to 6 folds especially for buildings with large floor plans.

Improvements in Steel Beam and Truss Design

Significant improvements are made in buckling length calculations of steel beams, top and bottom chords. Detection of connecting members such as horizontal braces, purlins and beams are significantly enhanced. Additionally, a new option is introduced to consider the effect of purlins on beam buckling length calculations.

New Options in Retaining Wall Stability Checks

New options are introduced to consider the weights of wall stem, base plate, and backfill in dynamic stability checks. You can access these settings in Analysis Settings > Dynamic Effects of Self Weights

ProtaSteel: Haunch Connection Design Report

The most frequently used moment connection now supports a detailed design report.


ProtaSteel: 2D Fitting Macro

2D Fitting macro creates a cut object from the selected plane to the selected end of a profile. For detailed information on this macro, please watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYw7b_1RYPI


ProtaSteel: Automated Dimensioning of Axis in General Arrangement Drawings

Floor plans which are automatically transferred from ProtaStructure are now automatically dimensioned in general arrangement drawings.



 

ProtaSteel: Automated Leaders and Annotation of Connection Details

Typical connection details in general arrangement drawings are now automatically annotated, and a leader is automatically placed on the view.

   

ProtaSteel: End Release Display in General Arrangement Drawings

Members with end releases can now be indicated in general arrangement drawings.

            

           

ProtaSteel: Improvements in Sheet and Drawings Module

·         Rotation functionality is introduced for Text and TextType2 objects.

·         Coordinate system option is introduced for Regions

·         Underline, and leaders are added to Generic Solid label text.

·         Viewport names can now occupy 2 lines.

·         Section marker is preserved when Section Symbol object is exploded.


 

ProtaStructure Fixes and Enhancements

[PS-2974], [PS-4645] – Purlin insertion is enhanced for irregular roof planes.
[PS-3281] – Enhancements are made in the display of analysis results on the floor plan.
[PS-3413] – Utilization ratio text in truss design UI were overlapping with each other. Fixed.
[PS-3469], [PS-4632] – Sag rod placement is improved.
[PS-3554] – Punching perimeter calculation for edge walls is improved.
[PS-3931], [PS-4595], [PS-4985], [PS-4987], [PS-5155], [PS-5063]  – Enhancements are made in post-analysis checks for UBC, NSCP, IBC and SNI earthquake codes.
[PS-4552] – Improvements are made in purlin insertions between a truss and a beam.
[PS-4667], [PS-4984], [PS-5114], [PS-5124], [PS-5115], [PS-5169], [PS-5240]   – Stability improvements are made in column reinforcement design and report creation.
[PS-4725], [PS-4830], [PS-4967] – Improvements are made in wall merging (corewalls)
[PS-4788], [PS-5207], [PS-5262] – Stability improvements are made in FE Raft foundation design.
[PS-4795], [PS-4991], [PS-5040], [PS-5041], [PS-5042], [PS-5079]  – Translation mistakes are fixed.
[PS-4833] – Deflection diagrams of Purlin/Girt and Truss members are significantly improved.
[PS-4846] – Spacing of 2UNP twin profiles are now better transferred to ProtaSteel.
[PS-4848] – Improvements are made in splice definitions in steel profiles.
[PS-4851], [PS-5014], [PS-5302] – Stability improvements are made in beam reinforcement design and report creation.
[PS-4864], [PS-4961], [PS-4963] – Wall Opening Editor does not allow insertion of a second hole. Fixed.
[PS-4903], [PS-4970], [PS-5071], [PS-5278] – Stability improvements and enhancements are made in physical modeling and graphical editor.
[PS-4912], [PS-4914] – Stability improvements are made in Visual Interrogation.
[PS-4915], [PS-4917], [PS-4978], [PS-4981], [PS-5107], [PS-5113], [PS-5133]    – Stability improvements are made in Polyline Column Editor.
[PS-4933], [PS-4958], [PS-4959], [PS-5000] – Stability improvements are made in steel member design and report creation.
[PS-4942] – Overlapping members are created in some of the truss types. Fixed.
[PS-4944] – Stability improvements are made in the creation and load distribution of fully circular slabs.
[PS-4960], [PS-4976], [PS-5002], [PS-5017], [PS-5122], [PS-5266] – Stability and performance improvements are made in analytical model creation and analysis process.
[PS-4988], [PS-5053], [PS-5202] – Stability and performance improvements are made in construction stage analysis.
[PS-5016] – Jagged view of beam wall loads on plan view is fixed.
[PS-5029], [PS-5064], [PS-5168], [PS-5238], [PS-5248], [PS-5250], [PS-5136] – Performance and stability improvements are made in Yield-line load decomposition.
[PS-5048] – Stability improvements and enhancements are made in pile cap design.
[PS-5050] – Stability improvements and enhancements are made in model-merging functionality.
[PS-5154] – End release conditions of curved trusses are improved.
[PS-5225] – Enhancements are done in the axial load comparison report.
[PS-5294] – Stability improvements are made in ProtaSteel communication.
[PS-5301] – Enhancements are made in the Steel profile database.

ProtaDetails Fixes and Enhancements

[PD-1241], [PD-1317] – Improvements are made in tie-bar calculations.
[PD-1261], [PD-1305], [PD-1311] – Grouping of similar columns is improved in Column Schedule drawings.
[PD-1289], [PD-1302] – Stability improvements and enhancements are made in beam elevation drawings.
[PD-1312] – "Cannot Load Command From DLL" message is prevented when no drawing is opened.
[PD-1327] – Beam setting for overriding lap splices is activated for detail drawings.
[PD-1328] – Stability improvements and enhancements are made in corewall detail drawings.
[PD-1330] – ProtaStructure foundation settings are not reflected in ProtaDetails. Fixed.
[PD-1340] – Pile cap details are now better organized on the sheets.
[PD-1341] – Stability improvements and enhancements in Corbel design.
[PD-1343] – Lap splice dimensions are not drawn on beam elevations. Fixed.
[PD-1347] – Bar spacing in pad footing macro does not match with detail drawing. Fixed.
[PD-1351] – Ribbed slab plan section drawings are improved.
[PD-1353] – Stability improvement made in floor plan drawings.
[PD-1358] – Enhancement made in dimensioning of Wall openings.
[PD-1360] – Column rebar bob drawings are enhanced.

 

ProtaSteel Fixes and Improvements

[PSTEEL-48] – Intelliconnect issues critical error in some situations. Fixed.
[PSTEEL-75] – Stability improvement made in Haunch connection regarding stiffener creation.
[PSTEEL-182] – Stability improvement is made in the Truss Seating Connection macro.
[PSTEEL-235] – Stability improvement is made in the Flange Plate Connection design report regarding bolt positioning.
[PSTEEL-236] – View filter settings are not transferred to the drawing module. Fixed.
[PSTEEL-239] – Welded gusset plate connection is not working in truss cantilevers top chord.
[PSTEEL-240] – Stability improvement is made in Steel Beam – RC Wall connection macro.
[PSTEEL-256] – User feedback is fixed regarding NC file creation for Pipe sections.
[PSTEEL-261] – Tooltip information is reorganized in purlin connection macro.
Several stability and performance improvements are made in the Drawing Module.




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