I am looking for suggestions on the best FEA software for modeling joints, connections, custom base plates, etc. We are using RISA which does a good job on wire-frame models and handles basic plate model pretty well. But, we are often requested to make finite element models of more complex...
The ASCE 7 defines edge and corner zones "a" as 10% of the least horizontal dimension or 0.4h, whichever is smaller...
How do you all define "least horizontal dimension" when the building isn't a box, but irregular with several different wings or roof sections. I typically take the least...
I am working on the design of a long span (approx. 200') pedestrian bridge consisting of a steel box truss and concrete deck. The natural frequency of the bridge in the vertical mode is approximately 1.5 Hz, so it does not meet the AASHTO ped. bridge spec minimum requirement of 3 Hz - and there...
I am designing the anchorage of some large pylons with very large moments (approx. 65,000 k-ft unfactored). They will be anchored into large mat foundations with an annular anchor bolt pattern utilizing (34) 3.5" diameter anchor bolts on a 144" bolt circle.
Checking the anchor bolt steel...
I am designing a single span 10'x100' Pratt Truss pedestrian bridge. I have created a 3D FE model of the bridge with the two bearings at the fixed-end modeled as "pinned" and bearings at the expansion-end free to translate longitudinally. When I analyze the model under transverse wind loads, I...
I need some input on the appropriate 'R' value to use in concrete tilt-up design. Under the 2003 IBC we used R=5.5 for special reinforced conc. shearwalls. Under the new 2006 IBC & ASCE 7-05, Table 12.2-1 lists intermediate precast concrete shearwalls with an R=4 and special reinf. conc...
