RSTAB Example

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Introductory Example RSTAB 2009 Dlubal Engineering Software

Program

RSTAB 7Structural Analysis for General Frameworks

Introductory

Example

Version

October 2009

All rights, including those of translations, are reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced mechanically, elec-

tronically, or by any other means, including photocopying without

written permission of DLUBAL ENGINEERING SOFTWARE.

Dlubal Engineering Software

Am Zellweg 2 D-93464 Tiefenbach

Tel.: +49 (0) 9673 9203-0

Fax: +49 (0) 9673 1770

E-mail: [email protected]: www.dlubal.com


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3Introductory Example RSTAB 2009 Dlubal Engineering Software

Contents

Contents Page Contents Page

1. System and Loads 4

1.1 System and Loads 4

1.2 Material and Cross-Sections 4

1.3 Load Determination 5

2. Start RSTAB and Create New

Structure 6

3. Enter Structural Data 7

3.1

Adjust Work Window and Grid 7

3.2 Define Members 8

3.2.1 Enter Columns 8

3.2.2

Enter Horizontal Beams 13

3.2.3 Define Sets of Members 16

3.3 Define Nodal Supports 17

3.4 Change Numbering 18

3.5 Check Input 18

4. Enter Load Data 20

4.1 Load Case 1: Self Weight 20

4.2

Load Case 2: Snow 22

4.3 Load Case 3: Wind to the left 23

4.4 Load Case 4: Imperfection 25

5. Combination of Actions 28

5.1 Define Load Groups 28

5.2 Define Load Combinations 32

6. Calculation 36

6.1 Check Plausibility 36

6.2

Calculate Structure 37

7. Results 38

7.1 Graphical Results 38

7.2 Results Tables 40

8. Documentation 41

8.1 Create Printout Report 41

8.2 Edit Printout Report 42

8.3 Insert Graphics into the PrintoutReport 45

9. Outlook 48


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1 System and Loads

4 Introductory Example RSTAB 2009 Dlubal Engineering Software

1. System and Loads

This chapter helps you to become familiar with the most important functions in RSTAB 7. Asthere are so many different ways to achieve specific objectives in the program, it might

make sense to try one or the other always depending on the situation and your preferences.

This simple example wants to inspire you to discover the possibilities and options of RSTAB 7

on your own.

This example describes the construction of a planar two-hinged frame. It will be calculated

for the load casesSelf-weight,Snow, wind to the left of the columns (Wind in +X) and

Imperfectionsaccording to the second-order analysis.

The file RSTAB-Example-06.rs7that contains the data of this example can be found in the

EXAMPLES project that will be created automatically during the installation. However, for

the first steps in RSTAB 7 we recommend that you enter the example manually.

1.1 System and Loads

1

2 3

4

5

LC2: s = 3,4 kN/m

10,00 10,00

1

2

3 4

X

Z

LC3:wD=

2,0

kN/m

LC3:wS

=1,25

kN/m

5,0

0

2,40

LC1: q = 1,5 kN/m

75

6

6

1,0

0

LC4: 0= , w0=1

200l

300

5,7

Figure 1.1: System and loads

1.2 Material and Cross-SectionsIn this example, the standard steel S 235is used.

In addition, rolled cross-sections of the type IPEare used.


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1 System and Loads


1.3 Load Determination

Load case 1: Self-weight

The load is determined by the self-weight of the structure (cross-sections) and the roofstructure of the hall. We assume that the self-weight of the roof structure is 30 kg/m. For a

frame distance of 5 m at both sides the following equation is considered:

q = 0.30 kN/m2* 5 m = 1.5 kN/m

The reference length of the load is the real member length with the load direction Z. It is

not necessary to add the self-weight of the structure because RSTAB can calculate it on its

own on the basis of the cross-sections used in the model. Furthermore, we assume that

possible loads of walls are not transferred to the columns.

Load case 2: Snow

We assume that this construction project lies in zone 2 whose representative value is ap-

plied with 0.85 kN/m2. Together with the shape coefficient, the snow load is defined by:

s = 0.8 * 0.85 kN/m2* 5 m = 3.4 kN/m

The snow load acts on the projected length with load direction Z.

Load case 3: Wind to the left of the columns

The wind load of the framework in wind zone 1 is determined on the compression side by:

wC= 0.8 * 0.5 kN/m2* 5 m = 2.0 kN/m

On the suction side, it is defined as follows:

wS= 0.5 * 0.5 kN/m2* 5 m = 1.25 kN/m

In this example, the wind load is simplified and applied only to the columns.

Load case 4: ImperfectionsAccording to Eurocode 3, imperfections must be considered. They are managed in a sepa-

rate load case because this allows the user to assign partial safety factors separately to the

imperfections when creating load groups.

In this example, we want to use IPE cross-sections. According to EN 1993-1-1:2005, table

6.2, these cross-sections can be assigned to the buckling curve a. To simplify the model, we

assume:

Inclination 0= 1/200

Precamber w0= l/300

The exact values can be determined according to EN 1993-1-1:2005, chapter 5.3.2. The di-

rection of the applied imperfections should correspond to the lowest buckling mode of thetotal system or subsystem.


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2 Start RSTAB and Create New Structure


2. Start RSTAB and Create

New StructureTo start RSTAB,

click Start, point to Programsand Dlubal, and then select Dlubal RSTAB 7.xx

or double-click the icon Dlubal RSTAB 7.xxon the computer desktop.

The work window appears and you are prompted to enter the general data for the new

structure in the following input dialog box.

Figure 2.1: Dialog box New Structure - General Data

In the input fieldStructure Name, enter Frame. In the input field Description, enter Manual

example. TheStructure Namebox must always be filled in because this entry will be used

as file name later. The Description box does not necessarily need to be filled in.

In the text box Project Name, select Examplesfrom the list if not already set by default. The

project Descriptionand the corresponding Folderare displayed automatically.

In the dialog section Type of Structure, select 2D in XZ. In this way, the model will be sim-

plified and represented only in two dimensions. It is always possible to change the frame in-

to a spatial framework later by modifying the General Data. The default setting Downwards

for the orientation of the axis in Z-Directionis not modified.

Enter the settings in the dialog section Initial Workspace on Screenas shown in the figure

above. In the Commentbox, you can enter some additional explanation.

Click [OK] to close the dialog box. The empty workspace appears.


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3 Enter Structural Data


3. Enter Structural Data

3.1 Adjust Work Window and GridFirst, click the [Maximize] button on the title bar to enlarge the window. In the workspace,

you see the axes of coordinates with the X- and Z-axis displayed on the screen.

You can adjust the axes of coordinates. Click the toolbar button [Move] shown on the left.

The pointer turns into a hand. Now you can place the workspace anywhere you want by

moving the pointer and holding the left mouse button down.

In addition, you can use this grab function to zoom in and out and rotate the whole struc-

ture:

Rotation: Move the pointer and hold the [Ctrl] key down.

Zoom: Move the pointer and hold the [Shift] key down.

The grid forms the background of the workspace. In the dialog box Work Plane, Grid/Snap,

Object Snap and Guidelines, you can adjust the spacing of grid points.

Figure 3.1: Dialog box Work Plane, Grid/Snap, Object Snap and Guidelines

To open the dialog box, click the toolbar button [Settings of Work Plane] shown on the left.

For entering data to the grid points later, it is important that the control fieldsSNAPand

GRIDare active in the status bar. In this way, the grid becomes visible and the points will be

snapped on the grid when clicking.

The XZ plane is set as work plane. This means that all objects entered graphically will be

generated in this plane. The plane has no significance for the input in dialog boxes or

tables, however.

All default settings are suitable for the introductory example. To close the dialog box, click

[OK].


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3.2 Define MembersYou may define all nodes in the tables first and insert the members afterwards. However, it

is easier to use the graphical input to define members directly. The corresponding nodes

will be created automatically.

3.2.1 Enter Columns

Select Structural Dataon the Insertmenu, point to Membersand Graphically, and then

select Single. You can also use the toolbar button shown on the left. The dialog box New

Memberopens.

Figure 3.2: Dialog box New Member

The first Member No.and the Member TypeBeamare already preset. To finally define the

member, assign a cross-section. In the dialog section Cross-section, click the [New] button

shown on the left to determine the cross-section for the Member Start.

The dialog box New Cross-sectionappears.


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Figure 3.3: Dialog box New Cross-section

In this example, rolled cross-sections are used. Use the buttons [Retain Cross-section from

Library] or [IPE] in the upper right corner of the dialog box to open the cross-section library

directly.

Figure 3.4: Cross-section Library

Click the button for I-sections and all tables of I-shaped rolled cross-sections will appear.


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Figure 3.5: Rolled Cross-sections, I-Sections

Select the cross-section IPE 450to define the columns. To look at the cross-section proper-

ties related to the IPE 450 that are stored in the data base, click the button [Info about

Cross-section] shown on the left.

Click [OK] to import the cross-section values to the dialog box New Cross-section.

Figure 3.6: Dialog box New Cross-section

The Materiallist box is already preset to Steel S 235. If you want to change the material,

use the button [Material Library] below the Materialbox. In the Commentfield, you can en-

ter Columns, for example to specify the cross-section.


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Click [OK] to close the dialog box. The initial dialog box New Memberappears.

Figure 3.7: Dialog box New Member

Check the entries in the input fields, and then confirm the dialog box by clicking the [OK]

button. Now you can start to define the members graphically. Click the grid points that you

want to select one after the other. You can also enter the coordinates in the floating dialog

box New Memberas Coordinates XandZ.

Figure 3.8: Graphical input of members

Grid points or nodes can directly be clicked by using the mouse device. If the start or end

points of the member do not lie within the grid that has been previously set, you can also

enter the coordinates in the New Memberdialog box. Make sure that you do not move the

mouse device outside the dialog window when entering coordinates to avoid that already

entered data will be overwritten. You can also switch between the input fields by using the[Tab] key on your keyboard. Instead of clicking the [Apply] button you can also use the key-

board shortcut [Alt+A] to finally define the nodes in the graphical workspace.


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For the graphical input, grid points or available nodes will be selected by mouse click. This

procedure is also recommended in our introductory example.

Define member 1 by clicking the point of origin (X/Z-coordinates 0.00/0.00) and the grid

point (0.00/-5.00). Continue with the definition of member 2 by clicking the grid points

(20.00/0.00) and (20.00/-5.00).

When both members have been defined, close the input mode by using the [Esc] key on

your keyboard or by a click on the right mouse button in the work window.

If you want to display the numbering of nodes and members, right-click anywhere in the

work window. The following context menu appears showing numerous options for adjust-

ing the display.

Figure 3.9: Context menu when right-clicking in the work window

In the Displaynavigator, further detailed setting options are available.

Figure 3.10: Displaynavigator


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First, divide both horizontal beams. Right-clickthe left frame beam, point to Divide Mem-

berin the context menu and select Distance.

Figure 3.13: Dividing a member via context menu

In the dialog box Divide Member using Distance, set the reference direction of the distance

in relation to the start node first by selecting Projection in X. Then enter 2.40into the in-

put field Distance between New Node and Member Start. The distance to the end node will

be determined automatically.

Figure 3.14: Dialog box Divide Member using Distance

When you confirm the dialog box by clicking the [OK] button, the left horizontal beam will

be divided automatically. Member 5 will be created.

Repeat the same procedure for the right frame beam with the exception that you enter

2.40into the input field Distance between New Node and MemberEnd.


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Finally, assign the larger of both cross-sections to the frame beams on the column-side

ends. To enter the tapered members, double click member 3. The dialog box Edit Member

opens.

Figure 3.15: Dialog box Edit Memberwith selection list

To connect the tapers to the columns, set the column cross-section 1: IPE 450for the

Member Startin the Cross-sectiondialog section. Select the cross-section from the list by a

click on the [] button. For the Member End, select cross-section 2: IPE 360in the same

way.

When you use cross-sections that have been already defined, like in this case, you can select

them directly from the selection list. Otherwise, you may define a new cross-section.

Confirm the modifications in the dialog box Edit Memberby clicking the [OK] button. Now,

double click member 6 to define a taper for this member: This time, select cross-section 1:

IPE 450for the Member End. The preset cross-section 2: IPE 360for the Member Startcan

be accepted.

Confirm the dialog box, and then click in an empty area of the workspace to cancel the se-

lection of member 6.


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3.2.3 Define Sets of Members

Members can be combined in sets of members. RSTAB distinguishes between continuous

memberswith continuously connected members andgroups of memberswith arbitrarily ar-

ranged members.

Both horizontal beams on every side of the roof will be defined as continuous members.

Select Structural Dataon the Insertmenu, point to Sets of Members, and then select

Dialog Box. The following dialog box opens.

Figure 3.16: Dialog box New Set of Members

In the Descriptionfield, enter Horizontal beam leftand select Continuous Membersin the

Typedialog section. Now, click the [Pick] button shown on the left to select the horizontal

beams 3and 5one after the other in the graphical work window by mouse-click. Confirm

the selection window in order to return to the initial dialog box that looks like the figure

above. Click [OK] to finally define the set of members. Again, click in an empty area of theworkspace to cancel the selection.

The right set of members of horizontal beams will be defined graphically. Use the button

shown on the left (fifth button from the left in the second row of the toolbar). A small win-

dow opens asking you to Pick Members.

Figure 3.17: Set of members Pick Members

Click beams 4and 6one after the other. After you have confirmed the selection window,

the dialog box New Set of Membersopens where you define the Typeas Continuous

Members. In addition, enter Horizontal beam rightinto the Descriptionfield. To complete

the definition of the second set of members, click [OK].


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3.3 Define Nodal SupportsTo define the supports in our introductory example, select node 1and 3on the base of

each column. The selection is required for editing nodes later. Hold the left mouse button

down and draw a selection window across both nodes.

Figure 3.18: Selection of supported nodes via selection window

Usually, the selection mode is "alternatively" effective: When you click an objcet (node,

member, load), the selection of an already selected object will be canceled. Only the new

object is selected. If you want to add an object to an existing selection, however, hold

down the [Shift] key on your keyboard additionally when clicking.

The selected objects, in this case node 1 and 3, are highlighted in a different color. Do not

click into the workspace or any other object now, otherwise the selection will be canceled.

To define the supports, select Structural Dataon the Insertmenu, point to Nodal Sup-

ports, and then select Graphically. You can also use the toolbar button shown on the left.

The dialog box New Nodal Supportopens.

Node No.1and 3as well as the HingedType of Supportare already preset. By means of

the [New] button shown on the left, it is possible to define any new support type.

Figure 3.19: Dialog box New Nodal Support

In our example, we can accept the hinged presetting with a rigid support in direction X and

Z. The three letters YY N (Yes for support in direction X and Z, No for restraint about Y) al-

low for a quick overview of the definition criteria.

Click [OK] to complete the input of the structural data.


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3.4 Change NumberingDue to the division of members, the numbering of the model is slightly modified. This mod-

ification has no significance for the calculation. However, a clearly arranged numbering or-

der facilitates the input and evaluation of data. Gaps in the numbering of members andnodes are permitted.

RSTAB is able to correct irregular numberings automatically. Select all objects by drawing a

selection window across the entire structure.

On the Toolsmenu, point to Renumberand select Automatically. The following dialog

box opens where you specify the priorities for the numbering directions.

Figure 3.20: Dialog box Renumber - Automatically

First, nodes and members are numbered according to their X-coordinates, in an ascendingorder and in direction of the Positive Axis X.

The Y-axis is of no importance for our 2D example. Therefore, Axis Zis the second priority.

In addition, set the numbering direction to Negative. In this way, the support nodes will be

numbered first and then the other nodes that are defined in negative direction Z. Click [OK]

to carry out the renumbering.

3.5 Check Input

The definition of the structure has been carried out in the 3D rendering mode that ensures

a good visual control of the input data. To set the full screen display for the structure, select

Show Allon the Viewmenu, click the toolbar button shown on the left or use the functionkey [F8] on your keyboard.

In addition to the photo-realistic graphic display, a model view that is reduced to solid lines

is also available. You can switch between these two different display types by selecting Dis-

play Solid/Line Modelon the Viewmenu. You can also use the toolbar button shown on

the left. For complex systems, the line model display brings more clarity to the structure.

As already mentioned, RSTAB offers different options for entering structural data. The

graphical data input described above is completely reflected in the input tables. So please

have a look at the tabular data. The tables are displayed below the work window by de-

fault. You can open and close the tables by selecting Displayon the Tablemenu.

For different structural objects, separate input tables are available that can be selected by

register tabs. For example, if you are looking for a particular member in the table, select ta-


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ble 1.7 Membersand select the member in the graphic by mouse-click. The row of the cor-

responding member will be highlighted in the table.

Figure 3.21: Table 1.7 Memberswith selected member 4

Now the input of the structure is complete. Save the input data by selecting Saveon the

Filemenu or use the corresponding toolbar button shown on the left.


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4 Enter Load Data


4. Enter Load Data

4.1 Load Case 1: Self WeightAs first load action, enter the load case for self-weight. On the Insertmenu, point to Loads

and Member Loads, and then select Graphically.The dialog box for creating a new load

case appears.

Figure 4.1: Dialog box New Load Case - General Data

In the text box Load Case Description,select Self-weightfrom the list. You can type the

name of this load case also manually. LC No.1and the Type of Load CasePermanentare

set by default. TheSelf-weightof the member structure in direction Zis automatically takeninto account when the Factor in Direction Zis preset to 1.00as shown in the figure above.

Click [OK] to accept the entries. The dialog box New Member Loadappears.

Figure 4.2: Dialog box New Member Load


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4 Enter Load Data


The self-weight of the roof structure acts as Load TypeForce. The Load Distributionis

Uniform. Accept these presettings as well as the Load Directionin Zand the True Member

Lengthas Reference Length.

In the dialog section Load Parameters, enter 1.5kN/m forp(see Load Determination,

page 5) and close the dialog box by clicking [OK].

Now you can assign the load to the corresponding members graphically. Next to the poin-

ter, a small load symbol is displayed. It will disappear as soon as you move the pointer near

a member. Click member 2, 3, 4and 5one after the other to put the roof loads on the ho-

rizontal beams.

Figure 4.3: Setting loads graphically

To finish the input, use the [Esc] key on your keyboard or right-click in an empty area of the

workspace.

Alternatively, it is possible to select the members for load application first and to open the

dialog box for load input then.

The load values displayed in the graphic can be switched on and off by means of the tool-

bar button [Show Load Values] shown on the left.


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4 Enter Load Data


4.2 Load Case 2: SnowBefore you define the next load action, create a new load case. On the Insertmenu, point

to Loads, and then click New Load Case. You can also use the toolbar button [New Load

Case] shown on the left.

Figure 4.4: Dialog box New Load Case - General Data

In the dialog field Load Case Description, enter Snow. The Type of Load Caseis already pre-

set to Variable. This entry is important for creating load groups or load combinations when

defining the relevant partial safety factor. When you define load cases, however, you should

avoid specifying any safety factors. Basically, it is recommended to define load cases as ser-

vice loads. Therefore, accept the presetting for the LC Factor. Click [OK] to confirm the data.

This time, the input of member loads will be carried out in another way: First, select the en-

tire frame beam (member 2 to 5) by drawing a selection window across these beams. Then,

use the toolbar button [New Member Load] to open the following dialog box.



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4 Enter Load Data


In contrast to Figure 4.2, the member numbers are already entered in the dialog field

On Members No.. The snow load acts as Load TypeForce. The Load Distributionis again

Uniformwith the Load Directionin Z. The Reference Length,however, must be set to

Projection in Z.



Figure 4.6: Load case 2Snow

4.3 Load Case 3: Wind to the left

In the same way, enter the wind load as third load action. This time, use the Datanavigator

to create a new load case: On the Data navigator, right-clickLoad Casesand select New

Load Case.

Figure 4.7: Context menu Load Cases

In the dialog field Load Case Description, select Wind in +Xfrom the list. The presetting

Variablein the dialog section Type of Load Casecan be accepted. Close the dialog box by

clicking [OK].


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4 Enter Load Data


Now, select the column members 1and 6one after the other by clicking the members

while holding down the [Shift] key. Use the toolbar button [New Member Load] shown on

the left to open the following dialog box.


The Load Typeis preset to Force. The Load Distributionis set to Uniform. The Load Direc-tionmust be set to GlobalX. The presetting of the Reference Lengthmust be modified:

Select Projection in X.



The value of the wind load for the right column is obviously to high, but it has been applied

deliberately. To modify the load value (wind suction), double click the right wind load. The

dialog box Edit Member Loadopens where you can modify the load value.


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4 Enter Load Data


In the dialog field Load Case Description, select Imperfection towards +Xfrom the list and

set the Type of Load Caseto Imperfection. In this way, the appropriate partial safety factor

will be assigned automatically when defining load groups later.

Click [OK] to close the dialog box. Then, open the following input dialog box by means of

the toolbar button [New Imperfection] shown on the left.

Figure 4.11: Dialog box New Imperfection

Applicable values for Inclinationand Precamberare already preset conforming to the re-

quirements specified at the beginning of this chapter (see Load Determination, page 5).

The value forApply the Precamber from0in the Parametersdialog section is used for limit

settings according to DIN 18800.

As member 6 was still selected because of the load modification in the previous load case,

its number is already entered in the On Members No.list. To add the number of the leftcolumn to the selection, use the [Pick] button shown on the left, and then click member 1

in the graphic. When you close the small selection window Imperfection - Pick Membersby

clicking [OK], the initial dialog box will look like the figure above. To finish the input of im-

perfections for the columns, close the dialog box by a click on the [OK] button.

Figure 4.12: Inclination and precamber of both columns

For the horizontal beams, a "continuous" imperfection across both members on every side

must be applied. Use the toolbar button shown on the left to switch from the rendered dis-

play to the line model. Then, select the set of members 1 (Horizontal beam left) by clicking

the dotted line of the continuous members. Again, use the button [New Imperfection] to

open the input dialog box for imperfections.


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4 Enter Load Data


Figure 4.13: Dialog box New Imperfectionfor set of members 1

Accept the preset values. Check the dialog sections Reference toand On Sets of Members

No.where Sets of Membersand the member set 1must be defined.

Repeat this input procedure for the second set of members (Horizontal beam right). This

time, however, enter negative signs for inclination and precamber.

Figure 4.14: Dialog box New Imperfectionfor set of members 2 with negative signs

Now the input of the four load cases is complete.

Finally, you can quickly check the individual load cases in the graphic by using the buttons[] and [] in the toolbar to select the previous or subsequent load case.


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5 Combination of Actions


Figure 4.15: Quick graphical check of the individual load cases

5. Combination of Actions

5.1 Define Load GroupsNow combine the load actions in order to calculate the frame according to the second-

order analysis. Create a load group for the design values according to the Eurocode with

partial safety factors on the action side.

To open the New Load Groupdialog box, right-click Load Groupson the Datanavigator

and then select New Load Group.

Figure 5.1: Creating a new load group via context menu


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Figure 5.2: Dialog box New Load Group

The LG No.1and the LG Factor 1.00are already set by default. Enter Design valuesas

Load Group Description. You can also chose an entry from the list.Select Eurocodefrom the Codelist. The load group includes all four load actions and is de-

fined as follows:

1.35 * LC1 + 1.35 * LC2 + 1.35 * LC3 + 1.0 * LC4

In the dialog section Existing Load Cases, select all four load cases one after the other by

holding down the [Ctrl] key on your keyboard when clicking the individual load cases.

After clicking the button [Add to LG], the load group will be created.


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Figure 5.3: Dialog box New Load Group

In accordance with the Microsoft Windows standard, you can also use the [Shift] key for

multiple selection to select the relevant load cases. Use the button [

] to delete single loadcases that have been accidentally added to the dialog sectionSet in the Load Group.

Confirm the dialog input by clicking [OK]. Two other load groups will be created according

to the described procedure.

Load group 2 contains the load actionsSelf-weight,Snowand Imperfection:

1.35 * LC1 + 1.5 * LC2 + 1.0 * LC4

Create a new load group and enter the data as follows:


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Figure 5.4: Load group 2

Finally, create load group 3 that contains the actionsSelf-weight, Windand Imperfection.

1.35 * LC1 + 1.5 * LC3 + 1.0 * LC4

Figure 5.5: Load group 3


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It is possible to define even more load groups in any combination. Please make sure that

the results are always related to the appropriate partial safety factors of the contained load

cases. This means: To determine the characteristic values according to the second-order

analysis without partial safety factors (for example support forces), additional load groups

whose load cases are considered with partial safety factor 1.00 would have to be created.

5.2 Define Load CombinationsAs you can see, several load groups must be analyzed in our example. After all, the evalua-

tion does not necessarily include the results of all load groups, but only the extreme values

of the relevant load groups at different locations in the system. Therefore, you finally define

a load combination that compares the results of the load groups and shows only the go-

verning values as "envelope".

A load combination only evaluates load cases, load groups or load combinations that are al-

ready available. A completely independent calculation won't be carried out. You always get

maximum and minimum results, that means two values on each location.

To open the dialog box New Load Combination, use the context menu of the navigator item

Load Combinations.

Figure 5.6: Creating a load combination via the context menu


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Figure 5.8: Load combination 2

Only the load cases 1to 3are used because imperfections are not to be considered accord-

ing to the linear static analysis. Select Serviceabilityfrom the Codelist in order to set thefactor to 1.00automatically. Then select all three load cases and click the button

[Add with '+' ].

All settings required for the calculation have been carried out. The Datanavigator on the

left side of the screen offers a good overview about the structural and load data that has

been entered. By double-clicking a particular entry in this tree structure, you can quickly

open the corresponding dialog box. If an entry is preceded by a [+], further sub-items are

available.


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Figure 5.9: Datanavigator


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6 Calculation


6. Calculation

6.1 Check PlausibilityIt is recommended to check all input data before starting the calculation. On the Tools

menu, click Plausibility Checkto open the dialog box Plausibility Checkwhere you define

the following settings.

Figure 6.1: Dialog box Plausibility Check

Click [OK] to carry out the plausibility check. If no errors have been found, the following

message including summary will be displayed.

Figure 6.2: Results of the plausibility check


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6 Calculation


6.2 Calculate StructureTo start the calculation, select Calculate Allon the Calculatemenu.

Figure 6.3: Calculation window


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7 Results


7. Results

7.1 Graphical ResultsAs soon as the calculation has been completed, the deformations of the active load case are

displayed in the graphic.

Figure 7.1: View of deformations in load case 2

By using the toolbar buttons [] and [] (to the right of the load case list) you can select

the results of the individual load cases and load groups similar to the check function already

described for load cases. Selecting from the list is also possible.

Figure 7.2: Toolbar Default

When you put the pointer on a particular toolbar button, a short description of its function

appears.

For a well-arranged results output, the different types of results are displayed in a separate

navigator. To access the Resultsnavigator, the display of results must be active. You can

switch the results display on and off in the Displaynavigator or by using the toolbar button

[Results on/off] shown on the left.


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Figure 7.3: Resultsnavigator

In front of the different result categories (Deformations, Members,Support Reactions) you

see check boxes. When you tick such a check box, the corresponding internal force or de-

formation will be displayed. In front of the entries contained in these categories you seeeven more check boxes by means of which you can set the type of results to be displayed in

detail on the screen. Now try to scroll through the different load cases and check the de-

formations, internal forces and support reactions.

It is also possible to display several results at the same time. For a structural calculation

check, internal forces and deformations of a particular load group may be important. First,

select LG 1from the load case list in the toolbar. Then select Arrange Results Windowon

the Resultsmenu. You can also use the toolbar button shown on the left to open the fol-

lowing dialog box.

Figure 7.4: Dialog boxShow Results in Multiple Windows

Define the settings for the result types as shown in the figure above. Click [OK] to open an

overview of the most important result diagrams.


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Figure 7.5: Internal forces and deformations of load group 1

7.2 Results Tables

The results are also listed numerically in tables. Therefore, have a quick look at the results

data.

Same as for the numerical input, separate tables are available for the results, too. To access

the different results tables, use the register tabs. For example, if you want to find the results

of a particular member in the table, select table 3.1 Members - Internal Forcesand thenclick the relevant member in the graphic. The results table will jump to the member internal

forces of the selected member.

Figure 7.6: Results table 3.1 Members - Internal Forces

Use the buttons [] and [] in the table toolbar to navigate to the individual load cases.

You can also use the selection list to display the results of a particular load case.


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8 Documentation


8. Documentation

8.1 Create Printout ReportUsually, RSTAB results won't be sent directly to the printer. First, a so-called printout report

will be generated from the input and results data. In the printout report, you decide which

data will finally be printed. In addition, you can insert graphics, comments and even results

from other programs into the printout report.

To open the printout report, click Open Printout Reporton the Filemenu. You can also

use the toolbar button [Current Printout Report] shown on the left. A dialog box appears

where you can specify the name for the new printout report.

Figure 8.1: Dialog box New Printout Report

The printout report can be created on the basis of predefined Printout Report Templates.

Select 3 - All Chaptersfrom the templates list. Click [OK] to open the print preview.

Figure 8.2: Preview in printout report


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8.2 Edit Printout Report

On the left side, a navigator showing all chapters of the printout report is displayed. To

open a particular chapter, click the corresponding navigator item. For every chapter a con-

text menu is available that can be opened by a single click on the right mouse button. Use

this menu, for example, to delete a chapter from the printout report or to change the chap-

ter concerning its detailed information.

In chapter Results Load Cases, Load Groups, right-click Members Internal Forces. The

context menu opens where you select the menu item Selection.

Figure 8.3: Context menu Members Internal Forces

A dialog box with detailed selection options for member internal forces appears.


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Figure 8.4: Dialog box Printout Report Selection

Clear the check box for the results output of internal forces forAllmembers to enable the

input field Number Selectionto the right. Enter member number 2into this input field.

Then click3.1 Members - Internal Forcesin the Tablecolumn to enable the [...] button at

the end of the line. Use this button to open the Detailsdialog box. Clear the check boxes

for the results output of nodal and member partition values as shown in Figure 8.4. In addi-

tion, reduce the printout to the extreme values of the axial forces N and the bending mo-

ments My.

Close both dialog boxes by clicking the [OK] button. Only the extreme values of member 2

appear as member internal forces in the printout.


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Figure 8.5: Only extreme values of member 2 in printout report

The maximum and minimum values are marked by an asterisk (*). The internal forces in theremaining columns represent the corresponding internal forces.

In the same way, you can adjust any chapter of the printout report according to your needs.

To change the position of a chapter in the document, move the chapter to the new position

in the navigator by using the drag-and-drop function.


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8.3 Insert Graphics into the Printout Report

Usually, documentation becomes clearer when graphics are added. First, click the [x] button

to close the printout report. You can also select Exiton the Filemenu. Confirm the query to

accept the changes.

The four result windows are still displayed on the screen. Now include the multiple win-

dows display into the printout report. Select Printon the Filemenu or use the toolbar but-

ton shown on the left to open the dialog box Graphic Printout.

Figure 8.6: Dialog box Graphic Printout

Set the print parameters as shown in Figure 8.6.In the dialog section To Print Window, the button shown on the left is available to the right

of the selection field All. Use this button to define detailed settings for the window ar-

rangement. Click the button to open the following dialog box.

Figure 8.7: Dialog box Window Arrangement

Select Page Fillingfor theArrangement of Graphics on Page.

To print the graphic into the printout report, click [OK] in both dialog boxes. The picture

appears page filling at the end of the chapter Results - Load Cases, Load Groups.


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Figure 8.8: Printout report with graphics

Finally, print a detailed view of the moment distribution in load combination 1 for the right

part of the frame beam (continuous members 2).

Maximize the window for the display that shows the distribution of the bending momemt

My. Use the toolbar button [Show Whole Structure] shown on the left to set the screen fill-

ing display. Then select the set of members 2 by clicking the dotted line in the graphic. Now

select Result Diagrams on Selected Memberson the Resultsmenu or use the toolbar but-

ton shown on the left to open the following window.

Figure 8.9: Result distribution in set of members 2


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In the upper left corner, select CO 1from the load case list. Use the pointer to display the

different result values of the envelope on the continuous members. In the navigator on the

left, the results of deformations and internal forces can be switched on and off. Activate

only the internal forces M-yfor the printout report.

Click the [Print] button in the toolbar of this window to open the dialog box Graphic Prin-

tout. In the dialog section Graphic Picture Size, select Use Whole Page Widthand set the

Heightbox to 30% of Page. Click [OK] to create the printout report.

Figure 8.10: Printout report with result diagrams

To document the serviceability limit state design, it would be additionally necessary to add

the graphics for deformations and support forces. These graphics can be printed into the

printout report in the same way. Then you can move them to an appropriate place by drag-

and-drop.

When the printout report has been completely prepared, you can send it to the printer.


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9 Outlook

9. OutlookNow you have reached the end of the introductory example. We hope that this short over-

view has helped you to get started with RSTAB 7 and made you curious to discover more ofthe program functions. In the following chapters of the present manual you will find a

complete description of RSTAB.

Similar to the help function in Windows, you can search for particular terms in the RSTAB

online help that can be opened by means of the Helpmenu or by using the [F1] key on your

keyboard. The online help is based on the manual, but may sometimes be more up-to-date

than the print version.

Finally, if you have any questions, you are welcome to use our free fax and e-mail hotline or

to have a look at the FAQ page at www.dlubal.com.

Documents

RSTAB Example