» InFrame

InFrame

INFrame

InFrame provides rapid finite element analysis and design of 2-D and 3-D space frames and trusses.

Modeling

Space frames are generated through a graphical user interface similar to conventional CAD systems. Instead of drawing a line in a 3-D space, the user simply draws a beam or truss element.

INERTIA’s mouse-driven graphical user interface allows models to be edited quickly. The user can scale, rotate and move part or all of the structure in the 3-D world or local-coordinate systems. The user can extrude floor plans into multi-story buildings, and revolve 2-D profiles into circular towers.

During modeling the user can access extensive shape and materials libraries, scan comprehensive libraries of shape information from the American Institute of Steel Construction, and work within specific, user-established parameters or applicable standards for Great Britain, Germany, Japan and other countries.

Supports can be rigid, flexible or end releases for beams in local coordinates.

Loads include:

Concentrated nodal forces and moments
Distributed trapezoidal element forces and moments
Self-weight

Supports, shapes, materials, and loads are graphically defined and assigned to members. Data integrity checks are performed automatically.

Analysis

InFrame’s analyzer is remarkably fast, thanks to INERTIA’s “C” language programming and its dynamic front solver technology. There is no need to work with node or element numbering.
After analysis, INERTIA saves and stores information about the element stiffness matrix and the front simultaneous equation solver in its database. When the same geometric model is reanalyzed under different loading and boundary conditions, this information is recalled automatically, so reanalysis takes a fraction of the original time.

Results

The deformed shape of 2-D or 3-D frame is imposed over the original model. Reactions, stresses, element end forces, member shear and moment diagrams, and failing members are all graphically and textually indicated on the screen.
Shear and moment diagrams for all load cases may be calculated at up to 20 positions in three local directions for each element. These results are used for design code checks.

Design

By applying artificial intelligence concepts to structural design, InFrame assists the decision making process. Using an established rule set, it checks for allowable stress specifications under AISC standards.
Strength, lateral and local buckling are checked at up to 20 locations on each element for each load case and load case combination. Inframe’s finite element analysis results automatically calculate shape reduction factors.

Space frame structures may be braced or unbraced. Effective length factors kx and ky, design coefficients cmx, cmy and cb, and stress amplification factors may be user defined or calculated automatically.

To save time, the user can design selective parts of a structure instead of the entire system. Available shapes include:

W-, M-, S- and HP-shaped I sections
C- and MC-shaped channels
Square and rectangular tubing and pipes
Square and round bars
T-sections
Single and double angles for truss elements

Output

InFrame results can be filed for future on-screen reference, plotted or printed in the professional engineering report format. Output information includes: