Carrying out second order analysis with software

[optiengg]

I have used an old DOS based software strsolv for structural analysis.
The program takes input for 3D frame, member inertias, loads, and various combinations of Dead, live and lateral loads. The program reports moments, shears, axial forces etc for all members, and can even give forces at various segments. The program is also able to calculate, x, y, z displacements and rotations at frame joints.
Since I do not know internal working of program, so I am not sure whether software performs first or second order analysis.
Assuming that the results are first order one will have to use moment magnification factors on reported results, otherwise for second order can perform direct design on reported values.

Is there some rough check or criteria to tell whether reported results are first or second order....
ad what sort of inputs are given to a software for second order analysis.

 

[haynewp]

Try modelling a 10ft tall flag pole with a 1 kip load horizontal and 100 kip vertical load at the very top. If the moment at the base is 10ft*kips, then it is not accounting for second order effects.(It should be greater than 10). But remember there is the P-DELTA and P-little delta you have to check for, but what I told you above will at least tell you if non-linear effects are being considered at all.


He was a wise man who invented beer.
--Plato

 

[JAE]

What haynewp said: I agree

What Plato said: I agree

 

[haynewp]

JAE I thought you were mostly a wine drinker?


He was a wise man who invented beer.
--Plato

 

[JAE]

Uh...well, generally a glass of wine every other day or so....beer always has its time and place, though.

Not that the clock always reads "beer-thirty"....

 

[WillisV]

Your clock must be broke.