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Frame analysis software

Frame analysis software

Frame analysis software

(OP)
Can anyone recommend frame analysis software for analyzing small plane frames, say up to 24 members? Any free downloadable software for that?

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
Hi IDS - thanks very much. I will give these a try. Much appreciated.

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
I just read the instructions for installing this, and it makes me very hesitant, as I have Windows Vista. It says that installing on Vista is much more difficult. Is there anything else out there that might be less daunting to install, that can be installed by someone like me who is not so computer literate?

RE: Frame analysis software

The installation is only for the compiled solver, which you don't need. If it isn't installed it will run with the VBA solver, which for a small frame you won't be able to tell the difference in the solve time anyway.

Try it with a simple example and if you have any problems let me know.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
ok, thanks. I will give it a try.

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
I downloaded all the files but when I try to open one, it causes my screen to blink constantly, and I have to reboot. Don't know why, but this often happens when I try to download files. My computer is 32 bits...does that have anything to do with it?

RE: Frame analysis software

IMHO, this is the sort of thing you just have to deal with when you're downloading free software.

It costs a surprising amount of time / effort / $$$ for software developer to deal with all the little issues unrelated to analysis or design. Installs, Windows permissions, operating systems, loading of various libraries, compatibility issues... et cetera.

Not railing against free software, just pointing out that free software isn't completely free. You end spending more of your time and energy working with it than you would for paid software. For some computer savvy folks that's the way they like it. For less computer savvy folks, it may not be worth the effort.

Note:
I work for RISA Technologies (a company that sells this type of frame analysis software). You can download a free demo version of RISA-2D from our website (www.risa.com) if you like. The demo version limits itself to a maximum of 20 members or joints. Anything larger than that and the ability to save the file is disabled. Therefore, it may not be suited for the type of model you describe. Keep in mind, of course, that it's not meant for production engineering, but merely as a trial version to demonstrate what the program can do.

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
ok, thanks. I will perhaps give Risa a try. We looked at Risa about 15 years ago at the office, but did not end up buying it, but now I am looking for something to use at home. How much to buy the simplest version that can do plane frame? Can it also do plane grid?

RE: Frame analysis software

See if you can still find an install file for GTSTRUDL Student Edition floating around. The Student Edition has now been officially killed off by the company that bought STRUDL a few months ago, but you may have some luck finding an old version 11, 12 or 13. Its limits are 50 joints, 200 members and 10 loadings. Its a bit clunky if you only use the GUI, but unparalleled if you use text input and marry it up with Excel. Its insanely powerful. It does true P-(little)delta analysis, P-(big)delta analysis, non-linear cable elements, 2D & 3D elements, springs, and all the little bells and whistles that other software packages shrug off in the small print.

RE: Frame analysis software

Oh, I do remember that you had to change some Windows setting in Vista or Win7 before installing it. Got to turn off User Account Control if I remember correctly.

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
We used to use STRUDL a long time ago. The true P-delta analysis is a great benefit, although in my current problem I do not need that capability. I will see if the student version is around.

RE: Frame analysis software

Quote:

I downloaded all the files but when I try to open one, it causes my screen to blink constantly, and I have to reboot. Don't know why, but this often happens when I try to download files. My computer is 32 bits...does that have anything to do with it?

Which file? Which version of Excel are you using?

For a 2D analysis you just need to open a copy of Frame4.xlsb, or Frame4.xls if you are using an Excel version before 2007, and enable macros, there is nothing else you need to install. A 32 bit OS should not be a problem.

Josh - I appreciate you being up front about working for Risa, but I don't appreciate you recommending ajk1 to give up before he has even started.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

RE: Frame analysis software

Doug / IDS -

I didn't recommend giving up! And, I'm not making any comments about that software in particular.

Rather, I'm just suggesting that "free" software will, in general, expect more out of the user. You can't expect the developer to update / revise their install packages every time a new version of Windows is released. He/she is not getting paid for any of that. So, what's their motivation for dealing with all those pesky little compatibility issues that pop up?

It's crazy how much time and energy we spend at RISA dealing with these types of issues so our users don't have to. It would be impractical for anyone to put that kind of effort for free / shareware software....

RE: Frame analysis software

ajk1 -

I'm not a sales engineer, so they don't normally let me give out quotes. surprise

But, if you download the demo you should get an automatic e-mail from our sales group. If you respond to them, I'm sure they'll give you a proper quote. My belief is that it should be around $1500 for a fully licensed version.

RE: Frame analysis software

Doug / IDS -

Getting back to the previous discussion. Let's say you are a computer savvy guy and it takes you an extra 1/2 hour or so a month to fiddle with a free program than it would if you used a commercial program. This might not matter to you if you're the type of person who LIKES to learn more about computers by dealing with these kinds of things yourself.

But, for those users who are not all that computer savvy or for those who value those extra hours very highly, the free software may quickly become the more expensive option.

Stated another way, the effect of a software on your everyday productivity is as important (or more so) than the initial cost of the program. At least when you consider your time / productivity in the long term cost / benefit analysis.

RE: Frame analysis software

Josh - the thread is about free frame analysis software, not a discussion about the benefits or otherwise of using free software. I have no doubt that Risa is a good value product, and for very many people it is worth paying for; I use a commercial FEA package myself. The point is my frame analysis spreadsheet should just work, and if it isn't I'd like to find out why, rather than have people just dump it.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
ok, I appreciate all your comments, and I believe you are both right! I will give Frame4 one more try and see what happens. I'll let you know.

My understanding is that the free Risa is good for only 30 days. Right?

RE: Frame analysis software

The Demonstration version of RISA-2D is not time limited. It is limited on the size of the model you can save (maximum of 20 nodes or 20 members) and it is limited in output. The reports and such will all have "Demo version" stamped across them.

The point is to make it useful enough for a robust trial, but to make it impractical to use for a long period of time for production engineering work.

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
ok, thanks very much for this info. I have not had time to pursue this more today, but hope to get back to it shortly.

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
Hi IDS - I tried opening the fram4 and same problem is screen starts flashing. Could it be because it is a zip file? Do I need to download software to open a zip file?

RE: Frame analysis software

You need to UnZip zip files. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zip_(file_format)

If you have a reasonably new version of Windows you should be able to open a zip file without any other software. It looks like a normal folder, but because the files are compressed you need to copy them to another (non-zip) folder first. To try the 2D frame program just copy Frame4.xlsb (or Frame4.xls if you are running Excel 2003 or earlier) to another folder. You should then be able to open it and enable macros. Once macros are enabled you just enter the data for your frame on the two input sheets then click the recalculate button on the Output sheet.

If your version of Windows doesn't let you see the files inside the zip file, or won't let you copy them to another folder, you will need an unzip program. I use Total Commander which is a file manager with built in zip and unzip functions (free with nag screen). There are also many other free programs that will do the job.

It would be helpful if you gave us more details:
What version of Windows and Excel?
Are you able to see the files inside the zip file, or have you been trying to run the zip file?

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

RE: Frame analysis software

AJK,

I wrote a windows exe app that does 2D frame analysis and has graphical input and output. The main limitation for you, I suspect, is that you can't select pre-loaded steel profiles. I've attached the User's manual to this post for you to check out. If you're interested, you're welcome to it.

As for medium duty commercial packages, I like both RISA and Visual Analysis. They're both quick and powerful.

KootK

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
I tried RISA. I got the plane frame drawn easily, but then got stuck on how to input the loads (I have horizontal wind force acting at the joints, of a simple X braced wood post and X braced structure). Is there an animated video where someone runs thru an example on the screen?

RE: Frame analysis software

Below is a link to a video with a 2D portal frame.  This is a RISA-3d model, but there really isn't a difference for this 2D frame.  The loading starts at about 3:50.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P1g24UuNe0&feature=youtu.be

We don't show you how to create joint loads in this model.  But, it is the button right next to the distributed loads icon shown in the video.   

RE: Frame analysis software

This was recommended to me, I pass it along although I have not tried it.

http://cuylaerts.net/

Michael.
"Science adjusts its views based on what's observed. Faith is the denial of observation so that belief can be preserved." ~ Tim Minchin

RE: Frame analysis software

Have you thought about using ETABS?

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
The young engineers in the office use ETABS, but I just wanted something very simple to use at home, where I would not have to spend a lot to purchase. I just watched an on line video for RISA and now will give it another try.

RE: Frame analysis software

Frame4 spreadsheet with sample truss analysis attached (non-zipped). Guessed dimensions in inch and psi units.

I have released the moment connection at both ends for all beams, so the I value has no effect on the results, but a non zero value is required so I have entered 1 for all beams. If a moment connection is required then the correct I value (in inch^4 units)should be entered, and the moment releases deleted.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services
http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

RE: Frame analysis software

(OP)
Hi IDS - thank you. Very cool. Much appreciated. Interestingly the horizontal reactions are similar to a 2 bay portal frame, namely 25% at the exterior supports and 50% at the interior support.

I have spent several hours trying to learn RISA but although I got as far as drawing the model (quite easy) and putting in the support types and members, I can't get it to solve, or to show the applied loads on the diagram. There are just too many unknowns about the RISA program for me to rely on it without becoming much more familiar with it. The problem with it is that it does much more than I am interested in at this time. All I want is the reactions and member forces. When I used to do this stuff 40 years ago, it was much simpler, although the software did not carry out the design then.

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