The ordinary practice of structural design is based on the use of many empirically introduced safety factors and statistical approaches, considering / applying different standards. As a result, the geometrical model of the buildings and the loads acting on them can often differ significantly from reality because of these simplifications, especially if the geometry of the structure is freeform, which is practically impossible to accurately model and analyse with standard tools.

Detaching from reality can be a legitimate concern for a structural designer which amplifies when it comes to wind load evaluation. Thoughtfully, but structural engineers must be able to respond to the needs of today’s architecture. This is why computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation methods are increasingly appearing as an alternative solution for the challenges of non-conventional geometries between the conservative solutions offered by the standards and the experimental way, using wind tunnel tests. For this purpose OpenFOAM as a CFD engine offers a wide range of solutions. Although, for these type of simulations a proper environment is essential, where one can easily define all the necessary parameters to setup a flexible simulation case. This led us to begin the implementation of these solutions into our platforms based on our research in the topic. This lead to a new functionality, where one can define the simulation parameters conveniently, using OpenFOAM as the engine without a comprehensive knowledge regarding its use.

Design code interpretations in the case of free-form structures

The effect of the wind acting on a structure can be calculated from the average wind speed and the fluctuating wind speed generated by the turbulence around the building. EN-1991-1-4 defines the wind-generated effects as simplified surface pressures for the calculation of wind loads acting on structures, considering the shape of the structure, its location, the roughness of the terrain, etc. Thus, the wind loads can be considered as a quasi-static external pressure equal to the effect of the turbulent wind with maximum speed. Then the effective surface pressure (or suction), can be determined as the result of the product of the peak pressure (at “z” height above the ground) and the pressure coefficients belonging to the building, according to the design codes, which are covering only a few regular shapers: flat roofs, different pitched roofs, vaulted roofs, domes, etc.

For instance, for the free-form structure below to determine these external pressure coefficients could be really challenging. First of all, due to the relatively low roof slope of the structure, it is difficult to decide whether to consider the roof as a flat roof with curved eaves or as a dome (due that it fits to the surface of a sphere). In the case of a dome, the standard gives 3 characteristic values in a relatively cumbersome way, depending on the eaves height, roof height and diameter of the building. Applying these values to the geometry is highly debatable, especially at the edges.

Similar questions are raised if we try to apply the pressure coefficients on walls which are not regular.

CFD Simulations

Computation Fluid Dynamics is a branch of fluid mechanics that deals with the numerical simulation and analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena. CFD involves using computer algorithms and numerical methods to solve the governing equations of fluid flow, such as the Navier-Stokes equations, on a discretized domain containing finite element volumes. For these problems OpenFOAM as a toolkit is one of the most suitable.

OpenFOAM contains several applications which can be divide to two main types. Solver-type applications are suitable for solving specific solid or liquid body mechanical problems, while the Utility-type can be used for mesh creation and data management.

To prepare a CFD-based simulation, the following main steps can be identified:

• Preliminary mesh generation processes to create a model suitable both for simulation and load definition
• Define input parameters (wind speed, vp(z) corresponding to the peak value of the wind pressure,wind direction, roughness length z0, boundary conditions, etc.)
• OpenFOAM finite volume mesh generation (define refinements, castellated mesh and snap controls etc.)
• Turbulence model and solver definition (domain initial conditions, run controlling etc.)

The current stage of the development uses only one specific turbulence model, that handles the partial
differential equations of the kinetic energy and the energy distribution rate (k-ε model), with
the solver simpleFoam (SIMPLE = Semi – Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equations) . In this
scenario, the simulation assumes the following conditions:

• Incompressible, rigid bodies
• Turbulent flow
• No physical time, quasi-static pressure

Our service as a general workflow for wind load evaluation

According to the steps we identified above we began the development of a service which as automatically as possible creates a premesh for load assignment and prepares the necessary data for OpenFOAM, which generates a finite volume mesh ( preprocess stage) and performs a simulation ( dataprocess stage) as shown below. For this, beyond the geometrical and meshing information, suchs as the cell size of the desired loads and the refinement, the user should provide only the wind reference base speed, the direction and the terrain category to define a wind profile according to the civil engineering logic (primarily the Eurocode wind profile corresponding to the peak velocity pressure).

The current development aimed an additional and in the same time the main feature ( postprocess stage) which offers an automated conversion from the resulted pressure values to usable surface loads according to the users preferences. It will be possible to directly assign the simulation results to the premesh, or to apply a zoning logic, similar to the standard.

In conclusion, a serious potential can be observed in the feature, mainly due to its versatility. However, experience shows that although CFD can be used to perform wind load simulations for industrial use, its pertinence is highly dependent on the quality of the input parameters. So a minimal fluid dynamic expertise is still required, but the current state of the development already offers a solution for the structural engineers, in order to create these simulation relatively easily. The service is planned to be implemented in multiple channels using our existing platforms: Consteel (direct desktop use on Consteel models), Steelspace (cloud based use on compatible models) and Grasshopper (use on any models defined in the GH environment for instance with Pangolin) to make it available for as many engineers using different tools as possible.

A new driver is available on our website at Downloads for the USB dongles.

A new driver is available on our website at Downloads for the USB dongles. It is compatible with the latest updates of Windows 10 and 11 too. Please download and install it to ensure flawless operation of your dongle! Only users who use Consteel with an USB dongle protection will need this driver.

How to download the new driver?

Log in to your account on our website and click on the USB driver download icon to download the driver. Then you just need to install it to your computer.

Discover an in-depth case study detailing the expansion of a Turda, Romania plasterboard factory, which shows how the expansion led to the construction of nine new structures. This project, which uses a central parametric model, won third place in this year’s The Steel Lion Award 2023 competiton, thanks to its innovative use of Consteel software for steel structural design and Pangolin, the Rhino-Grasshopper plugin for Consteel.

1. Project Info

The aim of the project is to expand an existing plasterboard factory in Turda, Romania, resulting in the creation of 9 new structures.

These buildings serve various purposes, from raw material processing to waste storage. The building that monitors and serves the manufacturing process is called the „mill,“ constructed from a multi-storey rigid steel frame structure. The maximum frame span is 8 meters, and the total height of the 7-story structure is 28 meters.

2. Central parametric model

While the geometry of the structure is based on classic shapes that may not necessarily require parametric design methods, our goal was to parameterize and create a central BIM model to keep all data in one place during the project’s design process. This data includes 3D models of the technological equipment, technical data sheets, and plans related to them, along with permanent and live loads, all revisions, architectural plans, and more. Given the data provided, we constructed the geometry, defined the loads, and other relevant information. The resulting structure was a complete wireframe model, and its global static analysis was performed using Consteel.

In this way, the centralized model controlled the entire design process from Rhino-Grasshopper interfaces (top-left corner). From here, the complete load evaluation process was coordinated (bottom-left), the construction of the structural model (top-center), the generation of models required for joint calculations (bottom-right) based on the results of the structural analysis (top-right), and ultimately, the whole detail design (bottom-center).

3. Analysis in Consteel

The primary challenge in the design was harmonizing the technology with the structure. Essentially, the design of the technological equipment occurred in parallel with the design of the structure, and the structure had a subordinate role throughout the whole process, necessitating flexibility to adapt to any modifications from the technology side. Within Consteel, we continuously optimized the structure, and utilizing Pangolin’s bidirectional functionality it allowed us to update our centralized model almost instantly. This ensured that the current state was always available, enabling concurrent detailing of the building. Another challenge was that the building was connected to a precast concrete production building. For the affected facades, the ordinary bracing system couldn’t be applied on the first three levels, significantly affecting the structure’s global behavior under horizontal loads. Therefore, it was crucial to consider all structural elements within a global model, in this case, together with the trusses providing the necessary horizontal rigidity.

4. Joint Filtering

Following the main structural analysis, we performed joint analysis using the Grasshopper-IdeaStatica compatibility. This allowed us to filter out type joints (e.g., column bases, column-to-beam connections) from the Consteel model, which were then dimensioned for the internal forces collected automatically. These forces, while considering all possible positions for the selected type joints, represented the maximum concurrent and the absolute maximum values. Using predefined Tekla macros, we distributed the dimensioned connections to all positions with the help of Grasshopper. This method enabled the scattering of 2074 joints on the strut beams with a single click. Using this approach, we distributed over 3800 Tekla macros under Grasshopper control.

5. Conclusions

The design process consisted of two main phases. During the conceptual design phase, which served as the basis for the final authorization plans, we began writing scripts based on a parametric central model. We handled this as an internal development, which could also serve as a starting point for similar projects in the future. Thus, by the time we were creating final detailed plans in the second phase, we had a highly flexible tool at our disposal, providing data for structural checks, global and joint dimensioning, detailing, and ultimately for drawings. This workflow proved to be extremely efficient, requiring only one project lead structural engineer and one engineer responsible for script development and usage throughout the roughly two-year design process from the steel structure perspective. Therefore, when everything was considered final, we were able to involve an additional five engineers, and together, we completed the joint dimensioning, the remaining manual detailing, and the manufacturing design in approximately two months.

This month we have shared 4 new example models regarding fire resistance, cold-formed macro sections, user-defined cross sections, and shear stiffness. Models are available for download from the Knowledge Base.

To see what else the Consteel software can do, check out the features.

We assess how our partners use the software in their daily works and want to provide support to spend even less time on modeling. This requires your feedback. If you want to take part in shaping Consteel, fill out our 10-20 minutes questionnaire and be part of our updates.

We would like to better understand how our users use Consteel during modeling and their thoughts about the software’s graphical interface. Your answers will help us to make the development of Consteel better and understand your experience.

The survey should only take 10-20 minutes and available in the following languages: English, German, Spanish, Polish, Greek, Romanian, Hungarian. Filling the survey is voluntary and anonymous.

The survey is closed thank you for your time.

Mit der neuen Version Consteel 15 kommen einige neue Featuresund Änderungen, die Ihre Arbeit mit der Software beeinflussen.

Consteel Joint ceases steht nicht mehr als unabhängige Software zur Verfügung

Ab sofort werden wir für Consteel Joint keine separaten Lizenzen mehr anbieten. Die komplette Funktionalität der Anschlusssoftwae wird weiterhin in der Vollversion von Consteel und in den Startprodukten zur Verfügung stehen. Die die aktuellen Nutzer von Consteel Joint mit aktivem W&U-Vertrag bieten wir eine spezielle Lizenz for continued software use.

Einführung neuer Abonnements

Neben der Einführung der neuen Version werden nunmehr zuätzliche Online-Dienste angeboten, die aber mit den bisherigen Lizenzpreisen nicht abgedeckt werden können.Daher haben wir die neuen Abonnementmodelle entwickelt, die gestaffelten Zugang zu den Online-Diensten, der ConSteel Anwender-Mitgliedschaft und verschiedene Softwarezugriffsarten bieten

Dies wird voraussichtlich zu Beginn des Jahres 2022 erfolgen und wir werden Sie bald mit neuen Infos versorgen. Bis dain können Sie bereits auf der Seite Angebote und Plans mehr erfahren.

Online Softwareschutz

Consteel 15 wird dem Softwareschutz mit Dongle nun auch einen Online-Softwareschutz, der mit den neuen Abonnement-Modellen eingeführt wird. Aktuelle Nutzer mit dem USB-Dongle werden eine Option f^ür den Wechsel zum Online-Schutz erhalten, aber bis dahin verwenden Sie noch den USB-Dongle.

Zugang zu Online-Diensten

Alle ConSteel 15 Anwender können Sie nun als Online-Service z.B. unsere Cloud benutzen, um Strukturmodelle und deren Berechnungsergebnisse dort zu speichern und mit anderen Nutzern zu teilen oder Descript-Codes aus der Skript-Bibliothek. Bis zur Einführung der neuen Abonnement-Modelle Anfang 2022 erhalten zunächst alle Anwender mit gültigem Softwarezugriff diese Dienstleistungen mit dem „Pro“-Level der ConSteel Benutzermitgliedschaft diesen Service kostenlos.

Unsere Anwender mit USB-Dongle Softwareschutz loggen sich mit Ihrer Berechtigung auf unserer Webseite ein. Während der Anwendung der ConSteel Software kann dies aus dem Projekt-Center durch Nutzung des Schalters „Öffnen aus der Cloud“ geschehen, oder beim Speichern mit der Option „Cloud“ bei „File/Sichern als“ oder via Descript-Interface.

Teil 2 – Erweiterte Leistungen

Ziel der erweiterten Leistungen

Unsere Dienstleistungen enden nicht mit der Entwicklung guter und leistungsfähiger Software. Dies gilt aus zwei Gründen besonders für unsere Anwendersoftware zur Tragwerksplanung:

• das Produkt umfasst einen umfangreichen Leistungsbereich und dient dem komplexen Workflow des Tragwerksplaners von der Modellerstellung mit möglichst realistischen mechanischen Simulationen (Lagerungen, Anschlüsse, Exzenrizitäten, Einwirkungen, etc.) bis zur Strukturberechnung und dokumentierten normengerechten Tragfähigkeits- und Gebrauchstauglichkeitsnachweisen;

• eine unsachgemäße Anwendung dieser komplexen Tools kann zu unsicheren Ergebnissen mit ernsthaften Konsequenzen führen, die dann allgemein dem Anwender zuzurechen sind.

Aus der Sicht des Softwareanwenders liegt das Hauptaugenmerk für zusätzlichen Service auf dem Wunsch, die Arbeit mit der Software sicher und effizient zu erledigen. Diese beiden Ansprüche können durchaus Konfliktpotential besitzen und daher ist dazu ein umfangreiches und solides Ingenieurwissen notwendig. Dies bezieht sich nicht nur auf allgemeine strukturmechanische Kenntisse und normengerechte Nachweismethoden sondern eben auch auf die software-spezifischen Lösungen, die typischerweise nicht selbstverständlich sind und auch über die normativen Regelungen (weit) hinausgehen können.

Lernen und das saubere Anwenden von Berechnungs- und Nachweissoftware für Tragwerke verlangt vom Anwender einen beträchtigen Zeitaufwand und auch vom Softwareersteller/-vertreiber einen erheblichen Zusatzaufwand. Trotzdem ist für beide Seiten ein Investment in die Zusatzleistungen sinnvoll, dass sich besondern für die Anwender mit effektiverer und schnellerer Projektabwicklung bezahlt macht. Andererseits führt das intensivere und längere Erlernen (je mehr man Zeit und Energie investiert desto professioneller arbeitet man mit spezifischer Software) zu verstärktem Engagement und vertiefter Identifikation des Anwenders, was ein primäres Ziel des Softwareentwicklers ist.

Im Folgenden zeigen wir Ihnen, wie wir diese zusätzlichen Angeote implementieren und manageen wollen und wie wir über das Benutzer-Engagement denken.

Consteel Gemeinschaft

Wir bei ConSteel glauben fest an die Power der Entwickler- und Nutzergemeinschaft, was in unserem Fall – Softwareentwickler und -anwender – bedeutet, gemeinsame Werte und Ziele zu akzeptieren und unsere Talente und Kenntnisse zu teilen, um mehr denn je gemeinsam erfolgreicher zu sein.

Dementsprechend sollen unsere Kontake zu den Kunden keine Einbahnstraße sondern eine gegenseitige engagierte Beziehung sein, in der wir unsere besten Kenntnisse in Form moderner und zukunftsorientierter Software und zusätzlichen ergänzenden Dienstleistungen bieten und bereit sind, auf Fragen und Bedürfnisse aus der praktischen Expertise unserer Kunden zu reagieren. Dies stellt weit mehr als ein einfaches Software-Abonnement dar, es ist bereits eine Mitgliederorganization.

Gemäß Wikipedia hat eine Mitgliederorganization “… typischerweise einen speziellen Grund, die Menschen bezüglich eines speziellen Berufs, einer Industrie, einer Aktivität, eines Interesses, einer Mission oder einer geografischen Lage verbindet. Dies kann in einfacher Weise zu Interaktion und Zusammenarbeit ermutigen oder ermöglichen, aber oft geht es auch nur darum, den Zweck selbst zu fördern und zu verbessern“ .

And genau das streben wir an:

“Wir möchten eine neue Generation der Benutzergemeinschaft unterstützen, in der die leitenden Regeln Zusammenarbeit und Wissensteilung darstellen. Unser Traum ist Bedürfnisse/Anforderungen und Lösungen, Benutzer und Enwickler, Modelle und Berechnungenn aus der kompletten Welt der Tragwerksplaner zusammenzuführen, um wirklich effiziente Projektentwicklungen mit der Power Ingenieurgemeinschaft zu verwirklichen.”

Deshalb ändern wir unser früheres System für Support, Wartung und Updates sowie Upgrades und fassen unsere ergänzenden Leistungen zu einem mehrstufigen ConSteel Nutzermitgliedsschaft zusammen. In engen Zusammenhang mit dem neuen Lizenzierungssystem, bei dem wir den Zugang (keine permanente Lizenz ohne ein Abonnement) zur aktuellen Softwareversion nur Benutzern mit laufender Softwarelizenz gewähren, wollen wir eine engagierte Nutzergemeinschaft der oben beschriebenen Art bilden, dennn wir denken, dass dies wirkungsvoller als ein bloßes Abonnement ist.

Das Nutzerengagement hat verschiedene Stufen vom passiven eindirektionalen Informationfluss, von einer brückenbildenden reaktiven Beteiligung bis zu einem voll integrativen und kooperativen Engagement. Letzteres ist der von uns bevorzugte transformationelle und „game-changing way“ der Zusammenarbeit und wir wünchen von unseren Anwendern Vorwärtsschritte vom niedrigsten Level zu diesem innerhalb der ConSteel-Nutzergemeinschaft. Wir haben eine Bedienerumgebung und Tools für die erweiterten Leistungen erstelt, die im Folgenden erläutert werden.

Angebote für Leistungen

Je nach Benutzerinteresse und -engagement bieten wir folgende Leistungen:

• Softwarequalität, Updates
• Flexible Lizenzierung
• Qualitätslevel und -tiefe des Supports
• Erweiterte Leistungen:
  • klassische Leistungen:
    • Lernmaterial
    • Schulung
    • Events (Benutzertage, Wettbewerbe, etc.)
    • Feedback-Kanäle (Überprüfungen, schnelles Antwortystem, etc.)
  • erweiteter ConSteel-Service
    • Cloud-Dienste
    • Scripting

Die meisten Listenpunkte bedürfen keiner weiteren Erläuterung, aber einige Schlüsselfeatures zur Gemeinschaftsbildung sollen hier diskutiert werden. Zunächst soll die Verfügbarkeit der Dienstleistungen und anschließend Hintergrund, Ziele und einige Inhalte der in diesem Jahr neu eingeführten speziellen Dienste Cloud und Scripting erläutert werden.

Zu erwähnen ist auch unser volles Engagement zur Entwicklung weiterer Dienstleistungen nicht nur durch ständige Erweiterung der Inhalte sondern auch mittels der Wege und Informationskanäle zur Verbesserung des Nutzerengagements.

Exklusivität der Dienste

Wichtig für eine gute Mitgliedergemeinschaft und die Organisation der verfügbaren werthaltigen Dienste ist die Exklusivität für die Mitglieder. Es ist ein bekannter Fakt, dass Menschen viel mehr das schätzen, wofür sie bezahlen.

Kunden tendieren leicht dazu, kostenlose Serviceaktivitäten oder erhaltene Leistungen aufzuschieben, zu verdrängen oder zu vergessen– ein typisches Beispiele sind kostenlose Webinare, wobei dies aber nur ein Bruchteil der Teilnehmer betrifft. Sie schätzen mehr den Wert – und dementsprechend sind sie dann aktiver – von bezahlten Diensten, was ein größeres Engagement Teilnahme an der Mitgliedschaft zur Folge hat. Die Nutzer müssen auch anerkennen, das Produktion und Promotion dieser zusätzlichen Dienstleistungen Kosten darstellen, die naturgemäß durch unsere besten Experten entstehen und daher sind diese Dienste für unsere Kunden kostenpflichtig.

Unser vorrangiges Ziel ist die Verbesserung des Mitgliederengagements und daher reservieren wir die wertvollsten Dienste exklusiv für die Teilnehmer unserer Mitgliedsorganisation und wir werden dies -wie im Augenblick noch- nicht jedermann kostenfrei zur Verfügung stellen. Einige der Dienste– hauptsächlich die klassischen Lehrmaterialien – werden in unserem neuen Servicecenter zur Verfügung stehen, aber verschiedene andere Leistungen sind in Planung zur Ergänzung der Softwarefeatures.

Cloud-Dienste

Mit unseren brandneuen Cloud-Diensten wollen wir unsere Nutzer motivieren, moderne Kommunikations- und Speichertechniken zu nutzen. Wir sehen bei den Cloud-Diensten ein großes Potential und dementsprechend investieren wir mehr und mehr, plazieren dort exklusiv spezielle Software-Funktionalitäten , welche unserer Ansicht nach dort effektiver als auf dem Desktop funktionieren.

Andererseits denken (und hoffen) wir, dass die Nutzung der Cloud die Kultur des Informationsaustauschs und des Feedbacks bei der Tragwerksplanung fördert, was in dieser Branche noch selten ist (im Gegenteil zu Softwareentwicklerkommunities, wo dies bereits allgemein der Fall ist). So ist es unser unverhülltes Ziel, dass die von uns angebotenen Cloud-Dienste unseren Nutzern helfen werden, sich in der Nutzergruppe auch mehr zu engagieren.

In der aktuellen ersten Phase bieten wur zunächst einen einfachen Weg zur zum Laden, Speichern und Öffnen kompletter ConSteel-Modelldateien, die sie auch mit Ihren Kollegen entweder in der Cloud oder sogar mit der ConSteel-Software teilen können. Die Anwender erhalten praktischerweise Zugriff zu den in der Cloud gespeicherten Dateien von Ihren Bürocomputern, vom Laptop zu Hause oder von irgendwo und jedem Gerät mit Online-geschützter ConSteel-Software. Derart geteilte Modelle können die Basis eines realen kollaborativen Workflows in einem Tragwerksprojekt innerhalb eines Ingenieurbüros oder eines Lehrinstitutes sein.

Scripting Dienste

Scripting-Techniken sind eine moderne und effiziente Mehode zur Kontrolle und Verwaltung von Modellerstellung, -veränderung und -berechnungen. Letztes Jahr stellten wir unser Grasshopper-Plugin, genannt „Pangolin“, vor, womit akluelle und -hoffentlich auch viele zukünftige- Grasshopper-Anwender ein komplettes, parametrisches ConSteel-Modell erstellen, berechnen und nachweisen können. Schon einige Jahre früher haben wir eine eigene in die ConSteel-Software integrierte baubezogene Script-Sprache als interne Programmierumgebung csPI implementiert. Zielgruppe dieser Sprache sind Tragwerksplaner ohne Porgrammierkenntnisse und dies nennen wir zukünftig Descript.

Für die praktische Anwendung wurde Descript als Programmiersprache entwickelt, die der Logik, Syntax und internen Struktur der ConSteel Objekte mit ihren Attributen und Operationen folgt. Die Programmumgebung ist innerhalb der ConSteel-Benutzeroberfläche platziert, sodass keine externe Programmierumgebung notwendig ist. Die Benutzerumgebung wurde für mehr Anwenderfreundlichkeit und noch einfachere Benutzung komplett überholt und mit verschiedenen Zusatzdiensten ausgestattet.

Die Programmiertätigkeit mit Descript ist jetzt mit einem ausführlichen Handbuch und verschiedenen Code-Beispielen begleitet. In der neuen Script-Bibliothek werden zukünftig kontinuierlich Beispiele hinzugefügt, die nützliche Funktionalitäten mit unterschiedlicher Komplexität haben. Die wichtigste Neuerung ist das Interface MyDescript, wo der gesamte Programmcode als Bibliothek zum Zugriff bereit steht, ausgeführt, gespeichert und auch modifiziert werden kann, wenn das Mitgliedslevel dazu ausreicht.

Diese Dienste wurden insbesondere zum Start der Arbeit mit dem Scripting ins Leben gerufen. Zukünftig planen wir hier auch die Leistungsfähigkeit der Mitgliedsschaft auszuschöpfen, damit alle Teilnehmer die Descript-Programmiercodes gegenseitig teilen, kommentieren, bewerten und verbessern können.

We are glad to let you know that Consteel 14 is out! We have expanded the boundaries of the latest version of Consteel and not just developed new features for Consteel, but created a plugin for Rhino-Grasshopper, and redesigned our website to serve better for our users‘ needs.

What’s new in Consteel 14?

Overall Imperfection Method

Stability design based on imperfections is becoming more prevalent as modern architecture poses an increasing challenge to structural designers with its unusual, innovative, and non-conventional solutions. Global buckling shapes of the structure can be used as starting data to geometric imperfections. However, in addition to imperfection shapes, it is also necessary to determine their amplitudes, but the design standards do not provide much help for this, as it yields a solution for only simple column buckling problems. In the case of real, complex structures, the value of the imperfection amplitude cannot be calculated in this way. The new method we have developed, the Overall Imperfection Method, provides a solution to this.

We introduced a new sensitivity test called the Imperfection Sensitivity test. Using the results from this new test, we also automatically obtain the value of the required amplitude multiplier for the application of the buckling shapes as imperfection. Thus, the imperfection based stability design can already be performed automatically and quickly in Consteel as the design based on strength reduction factors in the general method.

Smart Link

Linearly variable distributed surface load

Critical temperature

The critical temperature must be calculated differently for the strength and stability analysis. Consteel can perform both calculations and the result will be the lower of the two calculations, i.e. the design value.

Pangolin plugin for Grasshopper

In the intuitive and revolutionary parametric geometric modeling environment of Grasshopper, it has already been possible to create any spatial model that can be described by mathematical functions. The new plugin we have developed for this environment allows us to develop the geometric model directly into the Consteel model right in the Grasshopper, endowing it with gauges, supports, loads, and all the elements and features available in the Consteel. This model can then be uploaded directly to Consteel. The model thus adopted only needs to be run in Consteel, because the modeling can be carried out in a parametric way in Grasshopper. If you need to change somewhere in the geometry or loads, you can do so by changing a few parameters, and then passing the model that has changed in this way to Consteel, you can run the analysis again immediately. The live connection between Grasshopper and Consteel also makes it possible to supplement the model built in Consteel with additional elements and loads in Grasshopper, of course also in a parametric way.

Online user account and licence system

Along with the release of Consteel 14, we are also launching our new website which will offer a continuously growing personal space for registered users so there will be an opportunity to track your licenses, to send error messages to our support team and even upload your own csPI codes. We provide a continuously expanding set of materials, including different tutorials and learning materials, some of which will be available for registered users exclusively. Our aim is to create a centralized user experience. It is important to note that uploading csPI codes will only be available later in time.

Regarding our self-developed online license management system, the main advantage in this development is that from now on there is no need to differentiate between a local and a network license, as the user can use the purchased license on any computer where an internet connection is available. For larger companies where multiple licenses are used, a user with administrative rights can control the allocation of licenses to each engineer. This will make the use of licenses much more flexible within the company.

It is important to note that this option will only be available to students and trial users for the time being. However, in addition to continuous improvement, we will gradually make it available to other users in the future. The hardware keys used so far remain usable. It is up to the user to decide whether they want to switch to the new licensing mode and return their dongle or stay with the previous protection system.

We hope you like our new developments and features!

Is Consteel new to you? Get started with one of our easy and quick tutorials on our YouTube channel!

youtube

These days everyone is getting prepared for something: the children are waiting for the summer break, university students are preparing for their last exams, the rest is waiting for re-openings. We at Consteel, we are busy with preparing Consteel 14, along with Pangolin (Consteel’s new Grasshopper plugin) while still working from our homes.

We did a small interview with a few of our colleagues on the getting-ready phase.

How do you feel about Consteel 14 on a scale of 1-14, where 1= Meh  14= I can’t wait for the users to see it!   ?

The team’s answers average is 11, which means we are pretty close to the finish!  

Let’s see what our colleagues, working in different areas said.

Software Engineer

What are you responsible for, regarding the new version?

• Pangolin, and the new Managed API underpinning it.

Pick something that you did (and is related to Consteel 14) and are especially proud of?

• The Managed API, which will make programming ConSteel models from the outside possible in the ubiquitous .Net framework.

What are you working on right now?

• Refinements of Pangolin.

Can you remember the hardest part during the development of something for Consteel 14 (if you want to / can name such)?

• Solving various conflicts between Consteel’s and Grasshopper’s design philosophy in a non-confusing way.

Can you remember the greatest moment during the development of something for Consteel 14 (if you can/would like to, you can explain it a bit)?

• Calculating the first 100% Pangolin created model.

How far away in time does the launch feel like?

• Minutes.

How do your workdays look like? (Are you getting busier and busier each day or is it constantly easy/hard)?

• Busier and busier as every change affects more and more.

Recommendation for the users to check out first after downloading Consteel 14?

• Pangolin.

Anything else, that you would like to share about getting prepared for the new version launch?

• Pangolin is immense but unrefined. The sooner and more you use it, the more suggestions and bug reports you to give us, the faster will it get better.

Development Engineer

What are you responsible for, regarding the new version?

• Engineering background and functional planning for critical temperature calculation and linearly distributed surface load. coordination of the development of the new features I have tested the new features of ConSteel and created verification examples related to the new functionalities.

Pick something that you did (and is related to Consteel 14) and are especially proud of?

• I think the intumescent paint design function is pretty thorough. It is unique that we calculate critical temperatures for every finite element. Also, I think it’s quite reassuring that we automatically check back the critical temperature with the design utilization. It was a team effort, so I can’t take all the credit, but I think it turned out great.

What are you working on right now?

• Testing of design calculation improvements.

How far away in time does the launch feel like?

• Feels like it’s right around the corner compared to the months of development.

How do your workdays look like? (Are you getting busier and busier each day or is it constantly easy/hard)?

• Constantly busy.

Software Engineer

What are you responsible for, regarding the new version?

• Coordination of the development of the new features I have tested the new features of ConSteel and created verification examples related to the new functionalities.

Pick something that you did (and is related to Consteel 14) and are especially proud of?

• Load distribution of the linear surface load, calculation of the critical temperature.

What are you working on right now?

• On lots of bugfixes.

Can you remember the hardest part during the development of something for Consteel 14 (if you want to / can name such)?

• Correcting the wrong codes of someone else.

How far away in time does the launch feel like?

• Tomorrow.

Recommendation for the users to check out first after downloading Consteel 14?

• Surface load.

Development Engineer

What are you responsible for, regarding the new version?

• I have tested the new features of ConSteel and created verification examples related to the new functionalities.

Pick something that you did (and is related to Consteel 14) and are especially proud of?

• I have written the system design document of the Beam – Beam Link Element.

What are you working on right now?

• I am working on the verification of the effective section properties of the cold-formed sections.

How do your workdays look like? (Are you getting busier and busier each day or is it constantly easy/hard)?

• Sometimes it is very easy, but there are days when I am very busy.

Software Engineer

What are you responsible for, regarding the new version?

• Developing the smart link / beam-beam link feature, testing other new features, writing descript code.

Pick something that you did (and is related to Consteel 14) and are especially proud of?

• Smart link / beam-beam link.

What are you working on right now?

• Fixes and testing.

Can you remember the greatest moment during the development of something for Consteel 14 (if you can/would like to, you can explain it a bit)?

• When the engineering team is vocally satisfied.

How far away in time does the launch feel like?

• Too close 🙂

How do your workdays look like? (Are you getting busier and busier each day or is it constantly easy/hard)?

• It’s definitely getting busier

Recommendation for the users to check out first after downloading Consteel 14?

• Smart link / beam-beam link 🙂

UX/UI designer

What are you responsible for, regarding the new version?

• New website’s design and some other design related material.

Pick something that you did (and is related to Consteel 14) and are especially proud of?

• Pangolin logo

What are you working on right now?

• Refreshing our product brochures.

Can you remember the hardest part during the development of something for Consteel 14 (if you want to / can name such)?

• Designing the new website.

Can you remember the greatest moment during the development of something for Consteel 14 (if you can/would like to, you can explain it a bit)?

• When I finished the logo for the Pangolin plugin.

How far away in time does the launch feel like?

• It’s around the corner.

How do your workdays look like? (Are you getting busier and busier each day or is it constantly easy/hard)?

• It’s like a roller coaster from January. But with deadlines approaching, it becomes busier.

Recommendation for the users to check out first after downloading Consteel 14?

• Register on our website. 🙂

As you can see, Consteel 14 will be out soon, and its development happens with multiple dedicated experts‘ input. We can’t wait for the launch, stay tuned to get notified when you can access Consteel 14!

The annual ConSteel distributor meeting took place in Budapest in early February 2020.
The meeting was about reviewing 2019, assessing the results of the past year and to discuss the plans for 2020.
Our goals for the new year were set, which we presented to the distributors, as well as the new programs and opportunities of ConSteel were introduced.
Besides, the meeting allowed everyone to grow their international relationships. We are glad that last year two distributor partners joined the ConSteel community, representing Romania and Finland. This means that two more countries have direct Consteel contacts and support providers in their homeland, which is a great benefit for the users.

This year six of our distributor partners participated in the event, representing Greece and Malta, Germany, Romania, Poland and Spain.

On day one, the marketing and sales tasks were on the table, besides the annual reports and set goals were discussed, then the partners participated in a workshop to share their opinions and ideas about ConSteel’s existing and future developments.

We announced the winner of the ConSteel Distributor of 2019 award: this year the winning partner was ERGOCAD from Greece. The company has been a leader in licence sales for years as well as they take care of keeping the good reputation of ConSteel with their expert communication.

On day 2 the meeting took place in a SkyBox Conference room in the recently built Puskás Ferenc Stadium.

This day was dedicated to present the new directions of the developments and innovations of the software which the parters greeted with genuine interest. The novelties of the upcoming version of ConSteel, ConSteel 14 were presented, as well as other developments and software relations were introduced.

As a final program of the meeting, we had a tour around the stadium, being able to visit the highest point – built with beautiful steel structures, the VIP areas and the pitch as well.