Analysis of Metal Structures
Analysis and design of steel structures. Checking and selection.
The steel structure design mode performs section selection for steel structural elements — trusses, columns, and beams — as well as checking of specified sections and joints in accordance with the normative documents implemented in the program.
LIRA-FEM implements checking and selection of steel structure elements and their joints according to the ultimate and serviceability limit states.
Checking and selection of metal structure elements are performed according to the following codes:
- DBN V.2.6-198:2014. Steel Structures. Design Codes. With Amendment No. 1
- SNiP II.23-81*. Steel Structures
- EN 1993-1-1:2005/AC:2009: Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures - Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings
- SP RK EN 1993-1-1:2005/2011. Design of Steel Structures. Part 1-1: General Rules and Rules for Buildings
- SP 16.13330.2017. Steel Structures / SP 260.1325800.2016. Thin-Walled Steel Structures Made of Cold-Formed Galvanized Profiles and Corrugated Sheets. Design Rules
The latest news on the development of metal structure analysis is available via the link.
Analysis
Checking of metal sections consists of performing a set of calculations to determine the load-bearing capacity and serviceability of the cross-section specified in the model.
Selection means that for each metal structure element included in the building's analysis model, a steel cross-section of minimum area is selected that is capable of carrying the loads specified in the analysis model.
The analysis is performed according to the ultimate and serviceability limit states and includes checks of strength, stability, slenderness, stiffness, and local stability.
All metal structure elements are divided into four types for analysis purposes — columns, beams, trusses, and cables — and a specific set of forces is considered for each.
- Column — axial force, bending moments, and shear forces (N, My, Qz, Mz, Qy)
- Beam — bending moments and shear forces only (My, Qz, Mz, Qy)
- Truss — axial force only (N)
- Cable — tensile axial force only (N+)
The element type is defined by the user.
Based on the analysis results of metal structure elements, contour plots and tables are generated showing the percentage utilization of element load-bearing capacity under the specified loads.
If a more in-depth analysis is required, an element of the analysis model can be exported to the STC system, which implements analysis tracing according to the Eurocode standards.
Local STC Mode
The STC system is designed for the analysis and design of individual metal structure elements and joints. A single steel cross-section element or a single joint can be transferred to STK for a more detailed review of the analysis results.
To find the optimal structural solution, the user can quickly vary the cross-section of elements and joints, the forces acting on the elements, and the material properties in STC.
Actions performed in STC have no effect on the main model. This approach makes it possible to search for an engineering solution without affecting the main model.
Fire Resistance of Steel Structures
LIRA-FEM implements fire resistance analysis of steel structures in accordance with European standards (EN 1993-1-1:2005/AC:2009). The analysis is performed using a simplified critical temperature method.
For a precise analysis of the stress-strain state (SSS) of steel structures, a refined fire resistance analysis method has been implemented using the "Thermal Conductivity" system.
Analysis of Metal Structure Joints
Joint analysis is performed according to SNiP II.23-81* and SP 16.13330.2017
The following joint types can be calculated:
- Truss joints
- Beam-to-column connections
- Beam splices
- Column splices
- Column bases
- Bracing joints
- Flange joints
Library of Steel Sections
- I-beams, welded I-beams, tapered I-beams, T-sections
- Angle sections along the principal axes and axes parallel to the flanges
- Channels, welded channels, C-shaped profiles, double channels, Z-shaped profiles, trough- or omega-shaped profiles, double channels and double C-shaped profiles with webs together
- Closed sections and welded box sections
- Built-up (lattice) sections
- Solid sections and cables
Steel Tables
The metal section database contains a large number of steel tables that are constantly updated.
Steel tables can be viewed, added, edited, and deleted, and various convenient filters can be created. This functionality is available in the Steel Tables module.
Cross-section Design Toolkit
To account for the full variety of sections produced by manufacturers, custom section types can be connected to the program and added to the profile tables — such tables are then used in the same way in the structural analysis of sections and elements.
Evaluate the software
If you have any doubt, download the Demo version and evaluate the program or contact our Support Team for more details.