Curve beams in sap2000/ etabs 7.xx ? 1

[VictorPerez]

Hi,

Can somebody tell me if i can draw and analyze curved concrete beams with version 7.xx of any of these programs ?
Regards,

Victor

 

[amadeus]

CSI programs (SAP and ETABS) do not analyze curved elements per se. Nevertheless, you can approximate a curved beam by using a series of straight segments. I mean, approximate an arc by using an open polygon. Be careful, if the lenght of the segments is shorter than their depht, concrete design will raise a shear overstress warning. Also, if you are going to use version 7, try to upgrade to 7.24 wich was the last of that series and therefore the one with the least bugs.

Amadeus