Pangolin not only creates Consteel models for you but can also read and utilize your existing Consteel models. This is what we will look into more detail in this article.

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Introduction

IFC is a global standard for data exchange in the building industry. It is widely used for sharing models independent of the software the original model was created. It is of course possible to import an IFC file into Consteel too.

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Introduction

In Consteel there is a possibility to perform a model check on the structure to reveal modelling errors. This model check or diagnostics can be separated to First and Second level model diagnostics.

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Introduction

The effects of the behaviour of the joints on the distribution of internal forces and moments within a structure, and on the overall deformations of the structure, should generally be taken into account, but where these effects are sufficiently small they may be neglected.

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Introduction

In the last years, freeform architecture became more and more popular. A variety of complex geometric shapes are used for the facades of buildings, which brought the demand of new, innovative tools and solutions for modelling of these structures too. In Consteel we have developed such functions to make the engineers’ work easier.

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Introduction

It happens quite often, that you need to import static models from another modeling software into Consteel. This is a very practical and effective solution to simplify your work. However, it is very important that the original model is accurate. If not, it could easily lead to unpleasant problems for the user.

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Introduction

In Consteel there are several opportunities to place the point supports you need in a quick and effective way.

Multiple placing of column bases

In case you imported a model from another software and there are no supports defined or for some reason you decided to define the supports after modelling the whole building, it is not necessary to place every support one-by-one by clicking the end of all of the columns. To save time, click Multiple placing function (black arrow) on Point support dialog after setting the support type and select the columns with selection window.

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Introduction

The Frame corner wizard is a useful additional function for modelling and analyzing the corner region in order to consider its special behavior.

What is it for

The frame corner zones have usually significantly different behavior than the beam elements connected to each other without significant angle between their reference line. Frame corner wizard recognises the corner regions and applies special methods during modelling, buckling analysis and global checks. Using this function will provide very similar analysis results compared to where the frame is modelled with shell elements.

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Introduction

In Consteel a great variety of EN National Annexes can be used for structural design. It is possible to review the existing annexes in the Standards menu. In case you can not find the annex you need, you are still able to define a new, custom one in an easy way.

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Introduction

There are different ways to evaluate the stability of a structure. It is important to know the differences between those methods and the limits of applicability but it is also important to recognize the equalities in pure cases.

Methods of stability design

In Eurocode 1993-1-1, and so in Consteel, there are 3 methods to verify the stability of a model:

• Imperfection approach (described in Section 5.2 and 5.3)

The structural model is subjected to appropriate geometrical imperfections and after completing a second order analysis, only the cross section resistances need to be checked

• Isolated member approach ( described in section 6.3.1, 6.3.2 and 6.3.3)

       The method is based on two essential simplifications:

1. Structural member isolation: The relevant member is isolated from the global structural model by applying special boundary conditions (supports, restraints or loads) at the connection points which are taken into account in the calculation of the buckling resistance
2. Buckling mode separation: The buckling of the member is calculated separately for the pure modes: flexural buckling for pure compression and lateral-torsional buckling for pure bending. The two effects are connected by applying special interaction factors.

• General method (described in section 6.3.4)

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