LIRA-FEM 2025: Preliminary statement

A new version of the software for structural analysis and design has been developed and is currently undergoing extensive debugging.

LIRA-FEM 2025: Preliminary statement
November 25, 2024
Hotel "Hilton", Ukraine. Structural calculation with LIRA-SAPR.

LIRA-FEM: Why?

Over 50,000 people utilise our service in 27 different countries, and we grow our market share abroad each year. In order to better reflect the capabilities of our product and meet international standards, we made the decision to rebrand the components of LIRA-SAPR software.

The LIRA-SAPR software package gets a new name - LIRA-FEM.
SAPFIR - 3D module, a complete preprocessor for LIRA-FEM with extra graphic design capabilities, is now rebranded as LIRA-CAD module.

Grace period

See regional price lists for upgrade prices and terms of the grace period:

Announcement

We are pleased to present you the major updates of the LIRA-FEM 2025 version. Information in full details will be available with the commercial release.

Combinations of loads and actions (new combinatorics)

In addition to the existing combinations generated by DCF and DCL, a new algorithm has been implemented; it is used to determine combinations of individual load cases that may be decisive (the most dangerous) for each verified element and each node of the design model. The new method combines all the advantages of the previous methods and adds new features: work with a large number of combinations (more than 1000 combinations), user-defined load types and subtypes, user-defined combination formulas, logical bindings presented as formulas, matrix presentation of mutually exclusive load cases, and much more.

RC Expert

Verification of reinforced concrete (RC) structures with arbitrary reinforcement patterns is automated by the new system RC Expert in accordance with EN 1992-1-1:2004/A1:2014 and DBN B.2.6-98:2009. The tracing routine allows you to evaluate each calculation step in detail and ensure high transparency and reliability of the results.

Plate Analogues

A new system Plate Analogues enables you to perform analysis of compound structures modelled by a set of solids in the form of plates. It is also possible to perform structural analyses and various checks for such structures

EN 1997-1:2004

Calculation of settlement to check the serviceability and determine the design resistance for foundations. Vertical soil stresses σz at depth z are calculated based on the Boussinesq approach and the superposition principle.

Orthotropy of Shape

The elastic properties of structurally orthotropic plates with different configurations can be determined and assigned using a new tool. Custom elasticity matrix, a new kind of plate stiffness, is used.

Time History Analysis

Several dynamic load cases can be analysed by direct dynamic method within a single design model. The user might then obtain the envelope results to verify the structures on a set of accelerograms, for instance.

Structural Failure (Progressive Collapse)

Different scenarios of progressive collapse may be analysed within a single design model; it significantly simplifies the design process.

Loads on Fragment

Option to calculate loads (nodal reactions) for several groups of nodes and elements simultaneously within a single design model.

Stiffeners

An extended approach to check and select stiffeners for steel elements, as well as consider the local stresses from concentrated loads according to EN 1993-1-1:2005/AC:2009. Buckling analysis of the rib (one-sided and two-sided) as a bar for I-sections and box sections.

Classification of Steel Sections

An optional method to classify the steel sections based on the conditions for finding the ultimate values for classification (local buckling) mentioned in Table 5.2 of EN 1993-1-1:2005/AC:2009 (distribution type ψ and α).

Overall Stability

Analysis of beam with account of the specified fixities; so it is possible to automatically split a structural element into sub-elements when calculating on overall stability.

Damping

For the spectral method of earthquake analysis, damping ratios for the mode shapes may be calculated by the damping matrix.

Mass Eccentricities

For dynamic analyses, in the case of displacement of nodal masses, it is possible to specify in which directions the masses should be displaced.

Transfer of the accelerogram to the specified foundation level

An algorithm to recalculate the initial accelerogram to a certain level, different from the level of measurements during tests.

Explosion loads

New node Explosion to automate all processes related to determining the intensity of the explosive load and its application to the relevant structural elements, taking into account various explosion parameters.

Wind load on vaulted roof

Wind load on vaulted roofs is collected in accordance with DBN B.1.2-2006 and EN 1991-1-4.

New object - The Pit

Design model of the pit is generated automatically; the pit is used for equipment installation, fluid collection and structural maintenance.

New types of special loads

New types of special loads:

  • pyramidal load that can be used to model different variants of embankment from bulk material;
  • load from the roof weight on the surface of objects, to model the weight from fire protection materials of structures or various cladding materials
  • .

Generator

The list of automation tools is expanded:

  • the Project Objects node contains data on all project elements;
  • the Tunnel node provides wireless data transfer between elements, eliminating confusion in complex models;
  • the node Multiplexer allows you to manage design options without duplicating files, to easily replace and modify element properties;
  • nested blocks are now supported by the block of Nodes, increasing reusability;
  • and more
  • .

Project Template

Users can create templates either from scratch or based on existing projects and customize them for specific tasks and requirements.

Ice Load

Expanded options for auto collection of ice load and the list of supported building codes. New option to generate the ice wind.

Uniformly distributed time-varying load

Dynamic uniformly distributed load may be defined on bars and plates when performing calculations using the direct dynamic method.

Unification of Bars

Preliminary unification of bar elements (beams and columns) for further analysis of reinforcement or metal sections.

Setup for Triangulation

In slabs adjacent to walls, triangulation points are automatically generated by defining the number of rows and the step of points. To increase the precision of slab division into finite elements, an Additional grid of triangulation lines tool has been created.

Express Analysis of Settlements

A new algorithm to calculate settlement and stress at a specified point of the soil model without the need to perform a complete analysis. It enables the user to check and adjust the input data prior to a potentially time-consuming calculation.

Equivalent Cross-section

A new feature that enables the user to quickly find an equivalent standard sections (beam, T-section, I-section, box and others) for any arbitrary cross-section.

Graphics engine

Migrated to OpenGL 4.6 graphics standard. Now commands to display, update, view changes, rotate and other operations with the model are 7-10 times faster than in previous versions.

Type of reinforcement for bars - Wall

For the Wall reinforcement type, the walls and pylons may be analysed with (or without) selection of corner zones of reinforcement. The longitudinal rebars are selected and arranged across the entire cross-section. During the analysis, the spacing of rebars in the corner zones and along wall edges is selected independently.

Pilot Reinforcement (PR)

An alternative method for determining the reserve factor for types of pilot reinforcement (PR) when the axial force is fixed.

Cable-stayed Structures

A new Rope element helps the user to set the exact pattern of the guy cables, the design parameters for bars and the required tension.

New object - Plate

The Plate tool enables the user to create elements that can be randomly magnetised to the checkpoints of other objects. This way of generation simplifies the process of element integration into complex structures and provides more accurate positioning in the model.

Nonlinear Solids

For physically nonlinear iterative solids, the mosaic plots with calculated stress-strain state parameters may be displayed.

New API methods

Expanded automation options to generate and edit models and to access the analytical results. Therefore, you may create your own modules and include them into the application to completely customise it for specific tasks.

Input Tables

New input tables (loads, surface loads, bar analogues, plate analogues, dynamic load cases, etc.). Note that input tables can be used to specify data of the design model, to import data from other applications, to import partially and to update the existing model.

New Tables of Results

New tables of input & output data to evaluate the analysis results and prepare documentation with the input data of design model.

Import *.IFC

Enhanced *.IFC import:

  • option to import the model and replace "old" elements with actual ones;
  • support for working with several projects in one file;
  • individual settings for materials and cross-sections for each element group;
  • additional parameters to configure identifiers, labelling and names for accurate data transfer;
  • and more...

Export *.IFC

Enhanced export of models to *.IFC:

  • option to select objects to be exported;
  • the exact coordinates of reference points are realised;
  • option to save the defined settings;
  • support for user data and transfer of unique parameters for compatibility with other;
  • and more...

Integration with Revit and Tekla Structures

The new version adapts plug-ins to work with Revit and Tekla Structures.

Rhino and Generator Integration

New version of the program adapts a plugin for two-way integration with Rhino 8 (Grasshopper). Integration between Rhino 8 (Grasshopper), Revit (Rhino.Inside.Revit), Archicad (Archicad Live Connection) and Generator is supported.

Import of Floor Plans *.DWG

The new method displays identical parts on different sheets, which is more in line with typical working drawing technology. This eliminates the need to retrain experts, cuts down on working time, lowers the possibility of mistakes, and improves the intuitiveness of the data entry process.

Feedback

The users' feedback helps our team to improve the program. The implementation of a number of features greatly improved the program's usability and comfort level. For example, the assemblage stages are generated automatically based on height elevations.

Back to the list


Comments

Write