Frame Analysis

Frame and finite element analysis of structures. It can perform linear and non-linear static analysis of three dimensional structures comprising. The program can also perform buckling, modal, harmonic and seismic analyses of 3D models.

You use a combination of beams, shells, and solid finite elements to build your model. The supports can be rigid or elastic. Loads are entered in load cases and grouped in load combinations with seperate SLS and ULS load factors. You can choose to have the program calculate the structure's own weight automatically; sections and material properties are linked from the Section Database and Material Database. Advanced features include tension-only elements (e.g. bracing slender elements), spring elements (elastic constraints between parts of the model) and compression-only supports (uplift possible); all of these advanced features require iterative solutions via second-order or non-linear analysis.

The program supports multiple ways for building a structural model; depending on your preference, use any one or combination of the following methods:

• Table Editor: Manually enter of members, supports and loads in a tabular environment reminiscent of Microsoft^® Office Excel. You can copy and paste information between the table editor and Excel and other tabular programs.
• Modeller: Draw the structure in a 3D CAD-like environment.
• Input Wizards: Generate models of typical building frame and trusses by entering a set up parameters that defines the layout and loads. For more complex layouts, you can use the Plate and Solid Mesh Generator to generate finite element input.

Extendability

The basics Frame Analysis module is capable of linear analysis of 2D frames, e.g. (vertical) plane frame and trusses, and (horizontal) grillages. Several add-on modules are available to extend the program's functionality:

• 

  3D Module: Extend to full 3D analysis.
• Finite Element Module: Adds the ability to use shell and solid (brick) finite elements.
• Second Order & Buckling Analysis Module: Adds the option to perform second-order (P-delta) and buckling (global instability) analyses.
• Non-linear Analysis Module: Allows the you to incorporate geometric and material non-linear behaviour in the analysis, and use and catenary cable elements.
• Dynamic Analysis Module: Enables you to determine mode shapes and natural frequencies of 3D structures, and also perform harmonic (cyclic loads) and seismic (response spectrum) analyses.

When using shell finite elements to model concrete slabs and walls, Frame Analysis can calculated reinforcement steel quantities. It can do this for bending and/or in-plane stresses.

Frame Analysis has design links to the steel, concrete and timber design modules. When sending analysis output to a design modules, the geometric and design load case input data is entered automatically.

Third-party Integration

PROKON Structural Analysis and Design and Frame Analysis in particular, can form an integral part of your Building Information Management (BIM) stragedy. Several options are available fro sharing Frame Analysis models with other software:

• AutoDesk^® Revit^® Structure: Using the ProDESK module, you round-trip information sharing for 3D strucutures of any complexitty is possible between Revit and Frame Analysis. Build the model in Revit (or modify the architect's model), and send it to Frame Analysis for analysis and design.
• Tekla Structures: The PROKON Tekla Converter is an add-on for Tekla Structures that enables you to export 3D structural models directly to PROKON^® Frame Analysis.
• Industry Standards: Integerate with models created by packages such as ProSteel 3D and StruCad. You can import models from and export to CIS/2 (CIMSteel Integration Standard) and SNF (StruCad Neutral File) format.
• CAD Drawings: Import 2D and 3D drawings of structures saved in DWG or DXF format. You can also use Padds to draw a frame and generate geometrical input for Frame Analysis.