dison
Structural
- Nov 13, 2001
- 41
I have developed several spreadsheets to calculate loads and geometry for application to a structural model (say a bridge pier). I then take these results and input them (manually) into a structural analysis software (say STAAD), run the analysis and obtain an output file. Many times, I have imported the output file (or portions thereof) into excel and used the spreadsheet to pull out desired information for design or process the results further. Then, for repetitive design calculations, I use yet more spreadsheets using the output from analysis as input for design.
I would like to make this process more automated to reduce the manual input required in using multiple spreadsheets along with a separate analysis program.
Has anyone created a structural model and input file directly in excel for use in a structural analysis program? If so, did it require some manual tweaking prior to running the analysis?
What about post-analysis processing of output?
Does anyone have success (or even ideas on) linking spreadsheets or creating one massive spreadsheet to do all of these tasks?
I realize that such a development would most likely be highly specialized for a single application (say a three column pier with five girders), but it may be worthwhile if such an application is common in one's work. Ideas for this type of spreadsheet have been rolling around in my head for a while now, but before I attempted it, I would like to get an idea of what experience others might have to guide me in this endeavor. ~dison
I would like to make this process more automated to reduce the manual input required in using multiple spreadsheets along with a separate analysis program.
Has anyone created a structural model and input file directly in excel for use in a structural analysis program? If so, did it require some manual tweaking prior to running the analysis?
What about post-analysis processing of output?
Does anyone have success (or even ideas on) linking spreadsheets or creating one massive spreadsheet to do all of these tasks?
I realize that such a development would most likely be highly specialized for a single application (say a three column pier with five girders), but it may be worthwhile if such an application is common in one's work. Ideas for this type of spreadsheet have been rolling around in my head for a while now, but before I attempted it, I would like to get an idea of what experience others might have to guide me in this endeavor. ~dison