About Computer Programs That We Use for Space Frame Design
In Altinyaldiz technical office, there are lots of computer programs we are currently using for space frame roofs. Most of them are in-house and special for space frame system analyses.
Back at 1975-1980, first space frame structural analysis program that works on Ms-Dos was prepared. This software was written on Fortran77 which was very popular in those days especially for mathematical calculations using 32bits(7digits) numbers. Its difference from the all purpose structural analysis softwares is the iterative analysis method which means solving system repeatedly with new sections determined in last solution. By this way, the space frame system becomes stable at one point as all frames stay under maximum allowable ratio.
Old structural calculation program
After structural calculations, to be able to do the fabrication, we needed some programs which prepare steel pipe and sphere fabrication data.
Otherwise, that work had to be done by hand, and for bigger and complicated projects that was a big problem. Later, we needed the automatic creation of drawings for installation, material lists, and tables. We produced electronic calculation sheets and macros, price analyses prepared to be able to quote faster. Our aim is minimizing any human mistakes.
To get more detailed results and easier submittals to the client-side, software which enable data transfer between space frame program and general software known in the world like StaadPro and Sap2000 was written. By using these additional softwares today, we can combine our own space frame model with the substructure model given by the client and study the complete model. At later times, software with a graphical interface was prepared. We used it for modeling, loading, and solving systems. It was very useful for us, especially for fast models and price analysis.
Modelling the space frame
For general space frame structural analysis, the program using 64bits(15 digits) numbers with support for European and American literature was developed. We have increased sensitivity of the results and were able to answer demands of code updates easier by using this program.
Space Frame analysis and design program
Purlin-specialized software, making structural analysis and design using AISI (Cold Formed) and AISC methodologies
According to frame forces taken from third-party programs, today we can check thousands of frames in seconds with our space frame design methods. It means that we can analyse, not only with our own programs but using other world wide softwares (StaadPro,Sap2000) when necessary, check substructure models with our system, perform static, dynamic and spectral analyses then import to our fabrication model.
Study Frame design ratios in 3d environment
CNC data of bolt holes on steel nodes exported to a drawing for checking
Aside from main structural system we prepared calculation sheets and programs to calculate and design checks of secondary elements as purlins, supports and anchorages.
Purlin calculations
Support calculations
Anchor and base plate calculations
Screening of clashings
Lately, publishing 3-dimensional drawings and models of steel structures become a fashion. BIM systems becoming very popular so architects and companies of other disciplines of construction, frequently ask for 3D of space frame systems. For that reason, we produced a program that converts our geometry data to 3D drawings automatically.
3d View generation
Actually, there are lots of other programs that are not mentioned here, making our lives easier. Now as before, being parallel to ever-enhancing computer technology, we try to improve, write new codes, investigate new technologies, and adapt new third-party softwares which helps us make our job better. Computers are good, especially for doing repetitive, time-consuming, and routine chores. Thanks to them that technical people can spend their time on more worthy subjects like system design.
Hakan EZCAN
