Design Model

• New types of loads have been added:
• Warping at nodes accounts for the inadequacy of the cross-sectional plane of a bar; it is important when for analysis of the thin-walled structures.
• Bimoment at nodes takes into account the moment arising from a force distributed along the height of the cross-section.
• Bimoment by line is mentioned to model a distributed bimoment along an element of the structure.

• Dynamic modules have been added: (22) Impact, (23) Impulse, and (50) Earthquake (AzDTN 2.3-1-2010, modif. on Jan 01, 2014).

• In the "Parameters for load case" dialog box, the "Scale for presentation of loads" parameter has been added for the selected load. So, it is possible to change the scale of concentrated, linear loads and surface loads, ensuring a more illustrative visualization.

• Location of the colour palette for visualization of analysis results can be customized (in the LIRA-CAD meshed model), including for the visualization of analysis results in the "RC expert" module.

• An option for loads on the staircase has been implemented: to indicate whether the load is included in the additional load case during assemblage.

Beam

A beam can now be modelled as a bar or plate element. In the new version for beams modelled as plates, it is now possible to specify the design location of the plate - vertical or horizontal. When the analytical representation for the beam is defined as a plate, the Bar Analogue option becomes available.

In the Beam properties dialog box, the parameters for snapping the element relative to the grid line are extended; they include the physical location of the cross-section and the location of the analytical bar. These parameters are now also available in the Filter by parameters and Select by criteria dialog boxes.

Optimised behaviour of the beam in the mode of manual editing of the analytical model; it includes the option to divide the beam into several fragments.

Partitions

R search and L search parameters are added to the object properties. In some cases, when a partition physically rests on a slab, the analytical model representation shows the partition as a linear load and the slab as a plate. If the Align Analytical Model property for the slab is defined as Auto, it can cause that the segments of the analytical plates of slab are shifted to plates of walls or bars of beams. As a result, the load from the partition may not be applied to the slab.

To avoid this case, the added parameters R search and L search ensure that the load is correctly distributed in the described situation and is properly applied to the structural object.

Piles

The program has been updated to provide a manual mode for altering pile models. With this mode, you can shift the pile analytics' location for more precise positioning and separate the pile's analytical bar from its actual volume. This enhances the quality of the FE mesh generation for the beam grillage. It is also possible to consider the influence of the foundation slab's punching shear beneath the pile action.

Grid lines

Previously, if the grid lines belonged to a specific storey and only the current storey was displayed, the grid lines became invisible as they could be on a hidden storey. Now it is possible to enable visualisation of grid lines across the entire building; in this case the grid lines remain linked to their storey. This is particularly useful for IFC import, where the same grid lines may be duplicated on each storey. In LIRA-CAD module, such duplicates can be removed, and thanks to the new setting the grid lines will be correctly displayed in certain views.

Staircase

The weight of the stair treads is now also considered when modelling the load from the dead weight of the structures. This allows for more accurate modelling of the load from these structural elements.

Opening / Door and Window Opening

New options to copy and transfer openings between projects and buildings. For convenient work with openings, their dimensions may be visualized in 3D model. These dimensions are also represented as additional objects that allow you to select the opening when you click on it. This option may be defined in the Filter for object visualization dialog box. It is especially helpful when you work with the model in the top view mode.

Shaft

The main purpose of shaft - is to create openings in slabs that intersect with volume of the shaft. Shafts can be generated either in the physical representation of the model or in the analytical one. In the analytical mode, the shaft contour can be 'magnetized' to analytical plates (walls and slabs), as well as to analytical bars (beams and columns). So, the required openings may be generated more accurately and quickly on several typical storeys at once.

However, the inter-storey staircases are often included in the shaft volume. To ensure that they are correctly represented in the model and are not cut out of the slabs by the shaft, a special property is added to exclude the influence of the shaft on such zones.

Object properties

New tool Additional Properties of Object that allows users to create and manage additional parameters for objects of the model. These parameters provide more detailed control over the model and adapt data to specific project requirements.

The dialog box of this tool displays both custom parameters and standard object properties; it simplifies the data management and provides convenient access to all necessary characteristics in one place.

Linking parameters

The Link parameters of objects function is mentioned to establish a link between similar objects (column, beam, slab, inclined slab, wall, openings in walls, spaces and stairs) based on a selected parameter or group of parameters. The first selected object becomes a base object. It serves as a reference for other objects (followers). Objects may be linked by any parameter available for the selected object, including geometric location, dimensions, material and other parameters. Changes to the parameters of the sample object are automatically applied to all linked follower objects, ensuring data consistency. Additional tools allow you to see by which parameters the objects are linked and visualize the created links in colour. This option reduces the risk of errors and allows you to focus on more complex tasks, trusting routine changes to the software.

Modifying the contours manually

New option to edit manually the contours for Capitals and Column bases. Now it is possible to select capitals or column base as a separate object with its own set of parameters.

Tool: Create by sample

The Create by sample tool allows you to create new objects based on information about existing project elements. This tool greatly simplifies and speeds up the modelling process.

How the tool functions:

For example, if you want to add a column on the 4th storey and a column with the required parameters already exists on the 1st storey, you can select this column and activate the Create by sample command. The program will automatically switch to the mode of creating a structural object with similar properties.

Customization:

Once the command is activated, the user could change any parameters that have been transferred from the selected object. This allows you to minimize data entry and focus only on modifying key parameters.

Benefits:

• Simplify object generation: To add elements quickly based on the elements available in the model.
• Reduced risk of errors: To auto copy parameters; it reduces the incorrect data entry.
• Speeding up the work: To reduce the time required to generate a model.

The Create by sample tool provides accuracy and convenience when creating new elements and duplicating elements; it speeds up the process of model generation.

Tool: Twist angle of the beam section along the trajectory

This tool allows you to model the behaviour of a structure more accurately. The tool takes into account the physics of beam twist along its axis; it is especially important when in analysis of complex 3D structures.

The twist data is not only visually displayed in the model, but is also correctly taken into account when the whole object is divided into finite elements for analysis.

Transfer of project description from LIRA-CAD to LIRA-FEM

In the new version of the program, it is possible to transfer the project description from LIRA-CAD module to LIRA-FEM program. The project description, which is not usually reflected in the project title, can be defined by the user in the project's properties. Now the user could record the data describing the specific features of the object and other important data in LIRA-CAD and transfer it together with the project to LIRA-FEM.

The following loads can be generated:

• Impulse load at nodes and along the line. For the load, the following data should be defined: load case, load value, load direction, pulse shape, duration of load, period of repetition of the load and number of repetitions of the load. The load may be automatically snapped to the structural object of the building.
• Harmonic load at nodes and along the line. For the load, the following data should be defined: load case, load value, load direction, load diagram, load amplitude, phase shift. The load may be automatically snapped to the structural object of the building. For correct analysis of the dynamic load "Harmonic (24)", a full set of necessary parameters is provided, including the inelastic strength factor of material and the forced frequency of the external action, as well as taking into account the frequencies preceding the specified one.

New types of loads may be created: pyramidal load (property of Surface Load tool) and load from the weight of the coating on the object surface (property of Special Load tool).

It is possible to copy loads from one load case to another, including with a scaling factor. It is also possible to copy load case together with loads. In the Load Editor dialog box, there are options to display loads by area in colours according to their intensity for one or more selected load cases. An option to revert the loads to the load colours is also provided.

You could manage loads (assign, remove loads and select elements that this load is applied to) from the Project Structure window. It is available for load types: Special Load, Soil Pressure and Ice Load.

Ice load

The tool for collection of ice load is substantially improved:

• Support for building codes: DBN B.1.2 - 2006, NP to SP RK EN 1993-3-1:2006/2011, SNIP 2.01.07-85;
• To collect ise load to the Rope element with account of regulatory documents;
• To collect ise load on structures above 100 metres, with account of regulatory documents;
• To generate the ice wind with account of regulatory documents.

Wind load on the roof

In addition to automatic wind load collection for flat, shed and gable roofs, wind load may be collected from the vaulted roofs in accordance with DBN B.1.2 - 2006 and EN 1991-1-4 is implemented.

Node: Explosion

Node Explosion is mentioned to automate all processes related to the determination of the explosive load intensity and its application to the relevant structural elements, taking into account various explosion parameters (mass of the charge, explosion position (in the air or on the surface), the step for approximation of the overpressure distribution function, the load case No., etc.). Overpressure on structural elements is calculated according to the international standards (UFC 3-340-02: Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental Explosions). The load can be applied both statically and dynamically. In the latter case, the program automatically generates graphs of the time impact of the impulse.

Note:

When calculating the load intensity, the current version of node does not consder aerodynamic coefficients.

Special load

The Special Load element is mentioned to model pressures of liquids and gases on tank walls, as well as other loads distributed over the area of plate or bar elements. This tool provides realistic modelling and helps the user consider external actions on the structure.

Features and usage:

• Apply to the elements of the model:
  

  To assign a special load to specific elements or groups of elements, select the Special Load object and the appropriate elements of the model.

• Multi-level arrangement:
  

  The special load is added to the level of the active project, so it may be applied to elements located on different storeys of the model. This simplifies work with loads in complex projects where elements are distributed on several levels.

• Generate elementary loads:
  

  When creating a meshed model, each Special Load is converted into a set of elementary loads. The parameters and method of application of these elementary loads depend on the settings for the Special Load object.

• Verify visually in analytical view:
  

  The distributed loads can be visually verified in advance in the analytical representation of the model; it enables the engineer to confirm that their application is proper prior to analysis.

The use of Special Loads in the LIRA-CAD module makes it possible to effectively take into account complex loads on the structure, ensuring high accuracy of modelling and analyses.

Space load

In the Space contour tool, with the Interpretation option indicated as the Load, it is now possible to apply loads to the following objects: inclined slabs, slabs with variable thickness and stairs.

Moreover, in the new version for this element, there is an additional set of checkpoints displayed at the top of the space. This greatly simplifies and speeds up the process of modifying the space contour.

Auto snap the load to the element

The new version of the program introduces the Load Snap option that allows you to automatically snap a load to a structural element. Before placing the load in the model, the user can activate the Snap command and then select the structural element to which the load will be attached. Then the load attached to the certain object is generated.

Example:

If you design a metal frame where the purlins are supported by main beams, the roof weight can be defined as a linear load along the purlins. If the step of the purlins is changed, the appropriate load will automatically update its location to match the new location of the elements.

Benefits:

• Accuracy and reliability: The load is always linked to the relevant structural element.
• Auto update: When the layout of the elements changes, the load adapts automatically without the need for manual modification.
• Simplifying the modelling process: The function reduces the probability of errors and ensures that the model is generated correctly.

This feature improves the usability and accuracy of the design procedure by automating the work with loads and minimising the risk of errors in case of modification in structure.

Load cases (dialog box)

The following options are added:

• to generate data for subproblems, collect masses, and perform stability analysis;
• to perform a number of operations via the shortcut menu, including:
  • to define dynamic loads (mass collection);
  • to colour loads by colours of load cases;
  • to colour loads according to their intensity;
  • to define parameters for load cases;
  • to copy loads from one load case to another.

Subproblems

New technology to define the input data for the Subproblem method. With this technology, many independent sets of subgrade moduli and sets of coefficients to modulus of elasticity can be used in a single design model.

Each loading stage may have a different set of parameters based on the subgrade's properties or maintenance conditions. Therefore, the soil's heterogeneity and the unique features of the foundation-structure interaction may be taken into account; this allows for a more realistic description of the system's actual conditions.

Furthermore, the flexibility to assign different coefficients to the modulus of elasticity at every stage of analysis creates additional opportunities for more precise design solutions.

Input data for the stability analysis

In the new version of LIRA-CAD module, it is possible to define the input data for stability analysis of structures. Users can define key parameters and select objects for analysis. Main options:

• To select the calculation method: by forces or by DCLs.
• To define load cases: either loads or DCLs to be considered in the analysis procedure.
• To include elements in the analysis: in the properties of objects you could define whether they are considered in stability analysis.

The defined parameters are automatically transferred to LIRA-FEM. So, it eliminates the re-entry of data, reducing the risk of errors and speeding up the modelling and analysis process.

Condensation of masses

New option to define the Condensation of masses to optimise dynamic analyses, especially when analysing vibrations of structures. Only masses of the main structure are considered when searching for mode shapes, while the masses from the flexible part (masses of selected elements in which natural vibrations are not of interest to the user in this problem) are concentrated in its support nodes (support nodes of selected elements). Also, it is now possible to perform Selective account of masses in elements to consider exactly the masses of selected elements for dynamic analysis.

Unification of bars

New option to preliminary unify bar elements (beams and columns) for analysis of reinforcement or metal sections. In the Unify bars dialog box, all elements of the model are listed: columns, beams, as well as elements of trusses and beam systems. The table contains data about name of the element, its length, section and material. Unification can be performed on the basis of tags assigned to elements, or unified groups of structural elements (UGSTE) can be created. A graphic presentation of elements by tag colours is available now. Unified groups (created on the basis of tags or assigned to UGSTEs) can be transferred to the VISOR module of the LIRA-FEM program.

The unification table in its current state can be placed on the drawing as an editable table. You can also export its contents in TXT or CSV formats for Microsoft Excel.

Perfectly rigid bodies (PRB)

In previous versions of the program, there was an option to arrange the combined behaviour of beams and slabs with the Offsets tool that provides a reliable connection between elements. In the new version, an additional option - Perfectly rigid bodies - is added, providing an alternative modelling strategy.

The length of the PRB is determined automatically based on the distance between the analytical models of objects and is updated in real time when any of them is moved. In the analytical representation mode, the PRB model more clearly demonstrates the interaction between the slab (plate) and the beam (bar).

With this approach, the interaction between beams and slabs can be described more precisely and adaptably, ensuring that they behave together as a single system. The use of Perfectly Rigid Bodies extends the functionality of the program, offering a new way of modelling such connections and increasing the accuracy of calculations.

Triangulation

Triangulation regions in the slab above the walls are updated when the walls are moved or modified. New option to update the dimensions of an existing triangulation zone and the step of approximation of its contour lines. In previous versions, it was necessary to delete the old triangulation zone and create a new one with updated parameters.

Triangulation points in the slab above/below the walls are created automatically for flexible customization of triangulation mesh. To manage the triangulation points, use the following parameters: step of triangulation points and number of rows. You can also specify the number of rows with fixed step of triangulation points. In this case the remaining rows will have a transitional step of triangulation points. The value of this transitional step can be in the range from fixed step to user-defined step of triangulation in the plate.

Additional grid of triangulation lines

To improve the accuracy in modelling of slab triangulation zones, a new tool Additional grid of triangulation lines is introduced. It allows the user to define the cells by which the slab is divided into finite elements, providing more detailed modelling.

Key options:

• To define parameters for the cell: The user specifies the dimensions of the cells to be used for triangulation.
• To select the triangulation zone: Define the slab on which the additional grid will be created.
• To define the generation method: Depending on the needs of the project, you can select different shapes for the additional zone: rectangle, sloping rectangle, inscribed or circumscribed polygon.
• To locate the additional zone: The tool allows you to place triangulation zones at key locations to create a denser and more accurate FE mesh.

Benefits:

• Easy to set up and use: The tool is intuitive and easy to set up.
• Visual clarity: The user can immediately see how the future triangulation mesh will look like.
• Modelling accuracy: Provides optimal densification of finite elements in important zones of the meshed model, improving the quality and accuracy of the analysis.

This tool simplifies the creation of complex meshes and allows for precise control of the finite element structure, especially in critical parts of the model.

A new object - a Lift Pit is automatically created on the basis of an opening defined in the foundation slab, and its dimensions depend on the dimensions of this opening.

The pit has a set of Slab and Wall parameters that can be modified parametrically (thickness, boundary conditions, interpretation, etc.). For the walls of the pit, it is possible to define a thickness variable in height.

To select the analytical representation of the pit walls, use the parameter Create walls - Yes/No:

• Create walls - Yes - the walls and the slab have an analytical representation of the Plate;
• Create walls - No - the plate has an analytical representation Plate, the walls are replaced with an Offset.

In addition to the already available special elements such as Free Spring, Damper and Bar, a new tool is added - Plate. This element has all the standard properties of the Slab type element, but its functionality offers a more flexible approach to introducing flat elements into the model.

The Plate tool allows you to generate elements that can be 'magnetized' to the checkpoints of other objects in any way. This generation method greatly simplifies the process of integrating an element into complex structures and offers more precise location in the model. With the help of this tool's versatility and user-friendliness, engineers may effectively build complicated systems by taking into consideration the geometric and structural properties of other elements in the model.

There is now technology to define the input data for modelling of cable-stayed structures. With this technology, a unique product called Rope can be created. For this element, it is possible to define key parameters necessary for accurate modelling of such structures:

• Type of section , with the rope profile indicated;
• A method for dividing an element to consider its geometric and design properties;
• The tension; so, the stress in the structure will be considered properly.

For complicated cable-stayed systems, including stadiums, roofs, bridges, and other structures with tension elements, this component offers more precise and effective modelling. With this method, the modelling of objects with unusual features is optimised and the accuracy of design solutions is increased.

The Project Template tool is mentioned to simplify the creation and management of projects (documents). Users can create templates either on the basis of existing projects or from scratch, adapting them to specific tasks and requirements.

Project Template options:

• To preserve the project structure:
  

  The template captures the structure of the project, including the storeys and all the elements placed on storeys; it allows you to quickly reproduce certain configuration.

• To customize the project parameters:
  

  The template stores key parameters required for the design, such as the applied building code and settings for the meshed model.

• Load Editor:
  

  The template includes preset load cases and their settings, DCF and DCL parameters; so, it is possible to avoid repeated data entry and improve efficiency.

• A variety of templates for different tasks:
  

  Templates can be customized for different types of projects, such as metal or reinforced concrete frames, including parameters for creating the PRB, element connections, triangulation step and other parameters that should be considered when modelling a building.

• To adapt the templates for the building codes:
  

  It is possible to create templates for analyses by different building codes, while keeping all the necessary parameters.

• Default template:
  

  The user can assign a template that will be automatically applied to all new projects; it speeds up work and minimises errors at the start of the project.

Advantages of templates:

The unlimited number of templates allows the user to customize the templates for different requirements. It speeds up the generation of models, reduces errors and eliminates repetitive data entry. This approach makes the design process more efficient and accurate, especially when you work with typical projects.

The graphics engine in LIRA-CAD 2025 has been updated to support OpenGL 4.6 graphics. It allows for greater compatibility with graphic equipment from various manufacturers and enhances visualization of designed objects.

1. The speed for model rendering is increased. Now when you change the view, rotate or perform other actions with the model, the screen refreshes 7-10 times faster compared to previous versions.
2. The quality of textures, labels, texts and lines is improved.
3. Visual effects of falling shadows, relief surfaces, fog and diffuse shading are implemented.

• In the "Truss parameters" dialog box, there is a new way of dividing the bottom and top chord of the truss taking into account the location of the web. There is also a new parameter: "STC function". This parameter allows you to display the functional purpose of the truss element when the truss is exploded. It will also be displayed in the steel table.

• In the "Retaining wall" element, a new type of alignment for the analytical model (Left) is added. Also the "Arbitrary snap" option is added to the "Level snap" parameter.

• Fixed bug: the stairs did not reach the wall horizontally.

• Fixed bug: in selecting "Other" elements when using the "Select Up" command.

• Improved "Cancel" tool: fixed bug when properties are assigned to objects.

• The "Design options" dialog box is enhanced. If several design options with completely identical input data are specified in the dialog box, the program will check and display a warning about it.

• Enhanced algorithm for assigning more than one type of pilot reinforcement (PR) to columns.

• Modified and improved algorithms for finding intersections of objects:

• Corrected function: determining the interposition for a rib of a beam side surface and a rectangle of column surface. In some cases, unnecessary intersections were created.

• In the functions of intersection between real volumes, the search parameter assigned to elements is used. Until now, in some cases it was taken from the settings for the meshed model and the setting assigned to elements was ignored.

• Fixed for plates. The "Real volumes" worked only if they were assigned to both elements, otherwise the simplified method "By axial lines and volumes" was applied. Now if a "Real volumes" intersection option is defined for either of the two elements, this option will be applied.

• Corrected algorithm for intersection of surfaces. Fixed bug: creation of unnecessary PRBs. So, in some cases it was not possible to transfer the model to LIRA-FEM.

• Fixed bug: visual isolation of Shafts in the analytical presentation of the model. When activating the "Current storey" command, the shafts were displayed on all storeys.

• New option to define the input data for the dynamics module (32) of SNRA 20.04-2020, Republic of Armenia.

• Optimised process of load application to the object: fixed bug when the concentrated load applied to the column was not applied to the object in the meshed model.

• L and R search parameters are added for wall, column, beam and slab objects with the "Load" interpretation.

• Enhanced mode for visualisation of the current storey for space loads in the physical and analytical presentation of the model.

• Fixed bug: incorrect designation for direction of the "Soil pressure" in the architectural and meshed models.

• Clarified option to transfer the uniformly distributed loads on bars when the "By whole finite element" option is selected.

• Added option: to define multiple special loads for elements rather than one as in previous releases of the program.

• Enhanced algorithm for distribution of dead weight of elements to different load cases. Unlike previous versions, when the load from dead weight could only be placed into a duplicate dead weight load case, it is now possible to place the load from dead weight into any load case.

• In the "Create new meshed model" dialog box, there is a new command that allows you to customize parameters of a new meshed model. The previously specified data may be saved.

• The transfer of the meshed model from LIRA-CAD module to VISOR module is accelerated. The speed of saving option varies and depends on the content of the model. On average, the meshed model is transferred to VISOR module 3-5 times faster than in previous versions of LIRA-CAD module.

• The mirror copy command is improved, taking into account the correct location of the cross-section in the elements and the boundary conditions assigned to them.

• The soil model now has a new option that allows it to be temporarily disabled during calculations. It is not required to exclude the soil model from the project in order to identify the best possible design options. Instead, you could activate an option that will ignore the soil model in calculations. This offers a more practical and adaptable method of using the soil model.

• A number of new features are developed in the "Layers" dialog box:
  • for more convenient work, layers may be automatically organized by name;
  • when the underlays are imported, the colours of the layers used in the DWG file fully correspond to the colours in LIRA-CAD module;
  • to check that the layers belong to certain objects, a special graphical view "Layer Colours" is developed.

• We have changed how the parameter value for the ±DH is interpreted in response to many requests from our users. This tool's original purpose was to simulate niches and recesses. That is why the "Depth" parameter was made for it in the interface. The deeper the niche, the higher the parameter value. Many users have discovered an additional application for this tool, though. It was possible to represent pedestals for columns, local thickenings in slabs, and capitals by specifying negative depth values. It's challenging to classify these components as niches. Consequently, the ±DH was introduced instead of the term "Niche," which frequently received a negative depth value.

  Since a positive sign is associated with an increase in thickness and a negative sign - vice versa, it was decided to name the parameter "Thickening" and interpret it accordingly. Now, at negative values of this parameter, the thickness of the slab decreases and accordingly, a niche is formed. At positive values - a local thickening of the slab element is formed.

• In the design of buildings, there is the practice of placing elements at intermediate elevations located between the main levels of the building. To facilitate the work with such objects at certain heights, there is a tool to create "intermediate levels". In the new version of the software, in the "Project Structure" dialog box for such objects, you will see indicators of height elevations, thus facilitating the management of structures placed at different height elevations.

• To facilitate the work process, the key tolerance settings required for the project are now gathered in the project properties window. These tolerance settings are important at various stages of the program: they are used for model generation, during the import of external models, during the design of panel buildings, and when the complete model is checked for errors and warnings. The design process is more standardised and predictable when these characteristics are all in one location, which reduces errors and speeds up the design process.

• The key tolerance settings required for the project are presented in the project properties window. These properties are used in a number of cases:

  • for model generation;
  • when importing models;
  • in the construction of panel buildings;
  • for validation of the generated model.

• The "Shaft" tool is improved. New functionalities:

  • check points are added at the top of the object to make it easier to resize the shaft;
  • for more convenient and accurate generation it is now possible to display the shaft in the analytical presentation of the model;
  • in the "Editable Analytics" mode, the option to change the shaft size is now available;
  • for the shaft element, the "Extract properties" tool is improved and applied; it allows you to copy properties and apply them to other created objects.

• New module for earthquake load - (63) TBEC-2018 (Turkey).
• A load from a forced displacement may be defined. The following data should be defined: the load, its displacement (m) along a certain direction, its rotation angle (rad) about a certain axis, or its warping (rad/m). When the load from the forced displacement is located in the model, it is automatically linked to the object that it is applied to. To check the object that the load is linked to or remove such a link, use the "Manage links of object" dialog box. To "fix" (link) the load to a selected object, use the "Attach object" command. When the meshed model is generated, a node is generated at the location of the load from the forced displacement, and such load is transferred to the VISOR module as a forced displacement at the node. To define the load along the line, use the "Forced displacement along line" command. In the meshed model, such a "linear" load will be split into several nodal loads of the forced displacement with the triangulation step of the object that it is linked to, or discretization step (if such a step was defined in the load properties). 
• New tool to define uniform and non-uniform thermal loads on bars and plates.

• For dynamic analysis, new option to define the mass weight at a node and mass weight along a line.
• Enhanced functionality for the tool that collects loads. New option that takes into account continuity of the proxy object when distributing bar loads through it.
• For objects of the "Snow mound" type, new option to divide the snow model into segments and connect the separate segments together.
• For more convenient work with linear and surface uniformly distributed loads, a new approach to their application in the finite element model is provided. New option "By whole finite element" for uniformly distributed loads: the load may be transferred not as individual concentrated load but as uniformly distributed over the whole surface of each finite element. To use this option, the load should be linked to a certain structural element. This option is available for the surface load and the linear load. There are two ways to transform the load that is applied to each finite element:
  • the load contour defines the triangulation zone. In this case, the load is presented as a uniformly distributed load within this zone;
  • the triangulation does not depend on the load contour. In this variant, the load is transformed into a uniformly distributed load on the plates in which centres of gravity are located within the load area.

• For walls that are interpreted as loads, there are two methods to transform this load:

  • 1 (standard method): to calculate the weight of the wall with account of openings and create a uniformly distributed linear load that is placed along the line along which the partition is generated;
  • 2 (new method): to divide the wall into segments with variable load within the openings. Then each segment will obtain a different, uniformly distributed linear load corresponding to that segment.

• The "Space" tool is significantly enhanced:
  • If it is necessary to consider the floor for the room that is described as a load and a multi-layer floor covering material is used, the intensity of this load will be automatically calculated, taking into account the thickness and unit weight of each floor covering layer;
  • If a room occupies several floors and is interpreted as a load in a property, the intensity of the load will be applied to each slab that it passes through, taking into account its volume.
• The validation of the model is enhanced. Upon generating a mesh model, the software will check the loads to identify the finite elements that it can be applied to. A warning message appears if no finite elements are detected and some load is lost. Therefore, in order to prevent lost loads during the model's transfer to the VISOR structural analysis module, it is possible to adjust the load locations during the generation of the meshed model.  The project properties now include a customisable parameter that allows you to ignore a small percentage of the lost load and not display a warning when validating the model.

The LIRA-CAD module implements an effective mechanism for managing design options. The new LIRA-CAD functionality allows you to create and modify design options and customise their parameters. Alternative design options allow for quickly obtaining the analysis results for reinforcement and sections according to different building codes. For each selected building code, structural elements automatically receive material properties corresponding to these documents.

Certain types of analysis (by DCF, by DCL, or by forces) may be assigned to every design option. The corresponding building code may be defined for any analysis (reinforced concrete, steel, or masonry reinforcing). Accordingly, the material properties specified for each of the selected building codes will be applied.

In addition, it is possible to create several design options according to one building code, with different types of analysis for sections (by DCF, DCL, or forces). These options may be selected in the dialog box and displayed in the table with design options.

The new approach of working with design options exactly corresponds to the logic of structural analysis software VISOR module. The input data required to carry out the strength analysis may be defined in more detail. 

• A new functionality has been introduced that allows you to precisely define the intersection line between the ramp and the curved wall it rests on or intersects with. This solution automatically creates the intersection line along the contour of the interaction between the two elements. In this way, an integrated coordination of the ramp with the curved wall is ensured, which contributes to a more correct connection between the ramp and the wall in both the physical and analytical models. Engineers can build complex curvilinear shapes much more easily thanks to this approach, which also increases modelling accuracy for complex elements.

• The new command "Do not intersect in the meshed model" allows you to configure (in the physical model) that two selected objects will not work together. The command is universal and may be applied to different types of objects. For example, to remove intersections between objects within the deformation joint. The configured intersection prohibitions can be checked in the "Manage links of object" dialog box.

• The program incorporates a new approach to verify if the ground-floor objects have supports. Links are automatically made for such vertical elements along specific directions in case there are no supports. In the new version of the program a check for the presence of foundation beams under such types of objects is added.
• A new option is to create a bar analogue for walls not only in a vertical direction (BA pylon) but also in a horizontal direction (BA wall-beam). For the bar analogue, it is possible to specify the number of division zones or the division step for the target bar.
• Depending on the load-bearing structure of the staircase (stair carriages, stair stringers, or monolithic reinforced concrete), the materials for the design of the stair elements may be defined. For the plates or bars of the stairs, it is possible to specify general parameters, parameters of concrete and reinforcement for analysis or steel class, design parameters, and selection limitations for the steel analysis.
• Unification of local axes of capital and column base. There are 3 options for the unification of local axes: globally, parallel to the global axes; along the floor slab, parallel to the local axes in the floor slab; and radially, parallel to the column centre.
• The Special Element tool is enhanced. Now you can manually define the coupled DOF and hinges between any objects.
• Triangulation points may be defined over columns and triangulation lines over walls in inclined slabs. It is also possible to create arbitrary points and triangulation lines on inclined slabs.
• New functionality to make it easier to create and edit walls. Additional points at the top of the wall are included in the tool. The new features provide more accurate positioning of walls and more reliable interaction with other elements at the same level.
• Additional design parameters are introduced to the building model; these parameters are utilised in the finite element analysis (FEA). Rz, the ultimate load on an elastic foundation in the direction of the local Z1-axis of the finite element, is a new parameter introduced to the foundation slab. This enhancement makes it possible for you to perform a nonlinear FEA and more precisely consider the impact of this parameter.
• The "Align model" tool is enhanced to align the wall's analytical component as well as its physical structure. This enhancement is available in both "Analytics" and "Editable analytics" modes. This option makes it possible to efficiently align the "analytics" of the wall with other objects and, as a result, obtain higher quality analytical model (of the building).

• The "Align model" functionality in the software is significantly improved not only for walls, but also for slabs. The slabs are aligned for both physical and analytical models. This not only speeds up the process of generating and modifying architectural and analytical building models, but also contributes to improving the accuracy and quality of the design.

• For stairs where the stair carriages are the load-bearing components, several modifications are made. The ability to define the design material parameters for reinforced concrete and steel is one of the modifications. It is feasible to configure the following settings for steel stair carriages:
  • element type;
  • partial safety factors and load factors;
  • presence of stiffening ribs;
  • deflection value;
  • input data for the stability analysis;
  • in the analysis of the cross-section, you can define the required dimensional limits and the program will carry out an analysis within the range.

• In LIRA-CAD 2024, it is possible to independently manage the combined behaviour of elements with the perfectly rigid body (PRB). There is a new option to generate PRB as a separate special element. This tool will allow you to create high-quality meshed models as well as more flexible management of the combined behaviour of elements. Generated PRBs can be copied by the element itself or to other elements. It is also possible to add a PRB as a template to the Library and use it in other projects.