IDEA StatiCa Connection vs. IDEA StatiCa Checkbot

In this article, we aim to answer the question: Why are there two different procedures for exporting to IDEA StatiCa? Let's explore the difference between using the Connection export and Checkbot methods.

IDEA StatiCa Connection 

In order to use the IDEA StatiCa Connection, please make sure that the program is installed and that the folder location is specified in the IDEA StatiCa Interface 'Options menu'.

The conversion starts on the Structural Members tab, using the 'Create Joint by Model' function. After selecting the appropriate intersection between members, a new window will appear.

If the 'IDEA StatiCa Connection' type is selected, the IDEA StatiCa application will launch automatically, and the selected connection will be transferred into the IDEA StatiCa Connection interface. 

Using this method, a live connection is established between the two programs. This means that geometry (cross sections, materials) and internal forces (according to all combinations) are taken directly from Consteel, and the designed joint in IDEA StatiCa Connection can be placed back into the Consteel model. The calculated connection stiffnesses can be taken into account during the analysis phase if the joints are placed in the model. 

IDEA StatiCa Checkbot

The IDEA StatiCa Checkbot export can be accessed from the 'File menu' by selecting it from the 'Exports section'. Users must define a location where the entire model will be exported in .xml format. This file can later be imported into IDEA StatiCa Checkbot using the IOM (IDEA Open Model) import option.

The full 3D model is imported using this method, and all joints can be analyzed individually within the IDEA StatiCa interface. A list of all imported items will appear in IDEA, each marked with a status such as 'Checked' or 'Not Checked'. The imported members can be visualized in 3D, along with the applied loads. 

The conversion supports materials, cross-sections, and load combination management. Both the loading and the internal forces resulting from the Consteel analysis are available in IDEA StatiCa. This approach also ensures that the internal coordinate systems for all internal forces are preserved accurately and reliably. 

All connections present in the imported model can be exported to IDEA StatiCa Connection, where joint design is carried out. You can choose to export a single connection or select multiple connections and save them in one file, allowing you to print reports for all modeled connections at once. 

Once the separate project files are exported, they are no longer linked to the original Checkbot structural model. This creates a one-way connection between Consteel and IDEA StatiCa, meaning that connections designed in Checkbot can only be considered in the global analysis phase in Consteel if the calculated stiffness is manually introduced at the release ends. 

When to choose IDEA StatiCa Connection? 

Use IDEA StatiCa Connection when you are working on a relatively simple structure with Eurocode-compliant joints – most of which can be designed directly in Consteel using the integrated Consteel Joint Module. However, if one or a few special joints require more detailed analysis, exporting only those specific joints to IDEA StatiCa Connection is recommended.

This method allows you to analyze the critical joints separately, while still being able to consider their stiffnesses in the global analysis within Consteel.  

When to use IDEA StatiCa Checkbot? 

Use Checkbot when your structure contains many irregular or complex joints and the calculated connection stiffnesses are unlikely to significantly influence the overall structural behavior. 
Checkbot is suitable when you need a detailed, joint-by-joint analysis of the entire structure and prefer to manage all connections in one environment. It ensures that all joints are recognized and internal forces are assigned properly using the IOM (IDEA Open Model) import, saving time and reducing the risk of manual errors.  

Conclusion

In summary, from the perspective of structural integrity and global design, using the live connection via IDEA StatiCa Connection is generally the better choice. This approach ensures that connection stiffnesses are included in the global analysis, resulting in a more realistic structural model.

However, IDEA StatiCa Checkbot offers significant advantages in terms of automated member recognition, accurate assignment of internal forces, and efficient bulk joint analysis. It eliminates the need to manually verify force directions or coordinate systems, streamlining the workflow, especially for larger or more complex structures.

The main limitation of Checkbot is that it establishes a one-way connection: joints designed in Checkbot cannot be automatically reflected in the Consteel model or its global analysis. Therefore, the choice between methods should be based on whether integration with the global model or detailed joint management is the higher priority for your project.