I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
(OP)
I have been given an existing simplified model of a structure. The important information consists of node position and member locations (i.e, the nodes that define the beams, columns etc. Only the primary structure is included in the model and it's my job to "fill out" the model by incorporating most of the secondary steelwork. To achieve this, I'll be needing to insert lots of additional nodes to existing members and use these additional nodes to create extra members. For example, if there is a particular member formed by two nodes, I need to be able to insert several nodes to make it more than one member.
My question is; Does anyone know of a piece of of software that will allow me to achieve this? The software only has to be able to help me build the model; it does NOT have to carry out any structural analysis. I'm sure there are lots that can do it but this one has to be inexpensive (or preferably free). The only other requirement is that is has to be able to accept a text file as input containing node and element information and also be able to output a text file with any changes I make to the model.
The reason I do not need this software to carry out structural analysis is because I will perform the analysis using a different software package. The problem is that my software has no pre-processor to speak of.
My question is; Does anyone know of a piece of of software that will allow me to achieve this? The software only has to be able to help me build the model; it does NOT have to carry out any structural analysis. I'm sure there are lots that can do it but this one has to be inexpensive (or preferably free). The only other requirement is that is has to be able to accept a text file as input containing node and element information and also be able to output a text file with any changes I make to the model.
The reason I do not need this software to carry out structural analysis is because I will perform the analysis using a different software package. The problem is that my software has no pre-processor to speak of.






RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
In general preprocessors don't have fancy tools available for mesh refinement of beam elements, it doesn't sound like a common feature.
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
I thought that it would be nice to have a graphical solution. I could import the basic geometry that I already have and then I can click on a member and sub-divide it as needed. Finally, I can use the extra nodes that I've created to "point and click" in the extra members.
I don't have vast experience with structural analysis packages but I have used STAAD in the past and am aware that it has some capability to use the GUI to manipulate geometry - adding in extra nodes etc. I guess I'm looking for similar frame generating capabilities but without the hefty pricetag.
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
TTFN
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RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
www.lisa-fet.com/
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
h
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
Do you feel that I should have posted on another forum?
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: I need inexpensive or "Free" Steel Frame modeling software
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.