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Structural imperfections

Considering structural imperfections is crucial for ensuring the integrity of a structure. Yet it is often covered superficially by standard rules and may not be widely integrated into general engineering workflows.
Given that imperfections are closely linked to stability and second-order effects, areas in which Consteel excels. Our platform provides you with comprehensive solutions and processes to effectively manage imperfections.
With our software, you gain the tools to not only analyze and understand the true behavior of your structures but also to exert precise control over their performance.

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Specific Feature Solutions for Structural imperfections in Consteel

Imperfection analysis

Direct consideration of structural imperfections is often required by the code, while in other cases, it represents a compelling alternative solution for stability design. In Consteel, any type of global imperfection – whether it’s initial bow, sway, or notional load – can be easily defined and and their effects can be precisely calculated thanks to the unique 7 DOF finite element and complete second order analysis. The appropriate definition of the amplitude of imperfections is vital, which is neither explicitly ruled in the standard nor simple to determine. Consteel provies a unique development of its own to handle this problem. The Overall Imperfection Method automatically determines imperfection amplitudes using standard buckling and lateral-torsional buckling curves combined with buckling analysis, leading the imperfection analysis to results that are completely consistent with the reduction factor method.  

Diverse modeling of structural imperfections

Since Consteel can precisely account for the effects of imperfections, it offers extensive flexibility in modeling them at multiple levels:
Global level – Initial sway can be considered either as an actual geometrical imperfection or as a notional load.
Member level – Initial bow can be defined in a classical manner or derived as a geometrical imperfection based on calculated buckling shapes.Additionally, these imperfections can be superimposed, with their amplitudes automatically determined according to standard methodologies, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate stability analysis.

Global buckling analysis

Global buckling analysis serves Consteel’s automatic stability design based on the General Method of EN 1993-1-1. It is a linear eigenvalue analysis performed on the whole structural model calculating the elastic critical load levels and connected buckling shapes showing the relevant modes of stability loss. All global buckling modes (flexural, torsional, and lateral-torsional buckling, and any interactions of these) are calculated, visualized and can be used for automatic design.

Automatic buckling design based on the ‘General Method’

General Method is the smartest way of stability design, described in EN 1993-1-1. It is applicable for any complex cases of out-of-plane buckling problems (flexural, torsional, and lateral-torsional buckling, and any interactions of these) with arbitrary members, loading and support conditions. Based on the global buckling and sensitivity analysis, it provides a comprehensive and automatic solution for stability design.

ReferenceS by OUR users

How can Consteel IMPROVE your work?

Hungexpo Project, Arrival Hall

A real case study on advanced parametric BIM workflow.

The Hungexpo Budapest Fair is going through a massive revitalization. This project includes the new Arrival Hall Building, an attractive propeller-shaped building. A building with such geometric complexity requires advanced design methods and multi-platform collaboration. In this article, we aim to give an insight into the open BIM environment and parametric design methods used in the design process. 

TRUSTED EXPERIENCE

ConSteel Solutions Ltd. is a software developer company specialized in structural analysis and design for steel, composite structures with more than 25 years of experience in steel design.

Pioneer innovations

We continuously research and implement the most modern ways of steel design based on high-level, integrated numerical analysis. We are also seriously dealing with design issues outside of the standard methods in order to offer practical solutions for the engineers in these complex fields as well.

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With Consteel, you benefit from expert local support and valuable guidance at every stage, provided by our highly regarded and experienced support team. We’re proud that our users are satisfied with the support they receive.

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Example ModelS

Warehouse building example for Overall Imperfection Method

Warehouse building example for Overall Imperfection Method in Consteel

Watch our user guide about How to use the Overall Imperfection Method to learn more.
Version: CS14.831

Connected categories

What can you do with Consteel?

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Metal buildings/Pre-engineered buildings
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What can you do with Consteel?

Select a category from the structure types

Free-form structures
Welded tapered portal frames
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