As well as calculating linear and non-linear statics, Advance Design can also perform what is commonly known as a buckling analysis. Buckling is the loss of stability of an element under axial compression force. As long as this force does not reach a certain critical value, the element will only shorten. Beyond this critical value, the element is thrown out of equilibrium, which is also called buckling. A structure can only be said to be stable if it can return to its original form after being tilted out of equilibrium.
The phenomenon of loss of stability in general is a rather complex issue. The linear buckling analysis itself, however, is quite easy to set up and carry out. It involves solving an eigenproblem that results in eigenvalues and eigenmodes. We will call the eigenvalue the critical multiplier and the eigenmodes simply the stability loss form. The force in an element multiplied by the critical multiplier is the critical force at which the element loses stability.
In simple cases (e.g. isolated elements), the critical force may be determined from Euler’s formula:
The designer must instead estimate the buckling length of the member, which is sometimes relatively easy. The forms of loss of stability and the buckling length for simple static schemes are generally known and are presented, for example, in EN 1992-1-1.
The problem starts to arise with unusually braced structures, where it is not so easy to estimate the rotational stiffness of the nodes. By solving a linear buckling analysis, it is possible to know the critical force and thus the buckling length.
Linear buckling analysis
The buckling analysis gives an answer to how close an element/structure is to losing its equilibrium state. If the critical factor is less than 1 (i.e. the load would have to be less than that currently occurring) the structure can practically be excluded from further calculations. The value of this multiplier if it is greater than 1 will give us information how sensitive the structure may be tosecond order effects and imperfections. This is mentioned in clause 5.2.1(3) of EN 1993-1-1, where it allows the use of 1st order analysis in calculations, provided that αcr > 10.
For a simple example of a cantilevered steel column (IPE400) 8.00m high loaded with a unit axial force, the results of the buckling analysis are presented below.
The first two forms of buckling are in the direction of the weaker axis of the section, the third in the stronger axis. The smallest critical factor is 106.68, assuming that the force was unit. That is, if the axial force was 106.68kN the column would buckle. Looking at the form of the loss of stability in each plane it is easy to see that the buckling length is 2*L – you can also ask the software for this figure – for evidence it will be determined using Euler’s formula.
An analogous check can be made in the second plane, the lowest coefficient of which corresponds to the third form of loss of stability. For a classic cantilever in both planes, 16.0m is expected in this case.
As you can see, buckling analysis is easy to carry out and accurate in simple cases. The case shown is as simple as possible, where the bar is subjected to axial, ideal compression.
The important thing to remember is that simple buckling analysis is fully linear – that is, both geometrically and material-wise. It is a very fast tool giving an answer in a short time about the potential behaviour of the structure, but it does not take into account 2nd order effects, and the material works elastically throughout.
In a situation where the whole structural system is analysed, and not just a separate element, the matter is somewhat more complicated – the critical factor, closely related to the form of loss of stability, should be identified with the elements that lose stability in this form. For a simple frame, analysed only in the plane of the system, 20 successive forms of loss of stability were obtained. The axial forces are shown below (only in members that are in compression, assuming that they do not lose stability in tension).
As shown in the image below, the 1st form of loss of stability is a global, canted form. The frame columns clearly lose stability in this form – the critical multiplier is 356.19, so with an axial force of 10.16kN, the critical force is 3618.89kN. Each subsequent form is responsible for the loss of stability of the compressed upper chord and the compressed posts and diagonals of the truss. The multiplication factors of these forms cannot, of course, be taken into account for the determination of the critical force and buckling length of the columns for example. Members that were not in compression in the buckling case do not lose stability.
Advance Design 2021.1 Update is enhanced with new functionalities and improvements with high benefits for the end-user. It is articulated around a few main subjects:
Modelling and workflow enhancements
New options and improvements to the Steel design
New options and improvements to the Concrete design
Improvements to concrete and steel Design modules (previously known as BIM Designers modules)
Among many new functionalities and improvements, we would like to highlight:
Exchange of load combination definitions with Excel allows easy management of load combination definitions by using new Export and Import
Improvements to the transfer of loads to Design modules allows easy transfer of the list of definitions of load combinations to design modules.
Increased performance of Design modules significant increase in work comfort, especially thanks to the substantial reducing the time of generation of drawings.
RC calculations for concrete beams defined as super elements allow the design of multiple span beams having different height and support widths as a single element.
Interactive drawings for steel connections easy and full control over the content of the drawing thanks to the ability to freely compose drawings, easy modification of the location of drawing components, and scale for views.
Update 1 to Advance Design 2021 also comes with many other improvements and adjustments following the feedback received from thousands of users worldwide. It brings also a big number of corrections of known problems and also includes all the fixes and improvements made with the previously released Hotfix 1 (2021.0.1) and Hotfix 2 (2021.0.2).
We are inviting you to take a quick look at the selected improvements brought to the Advance Design 2021.1 Update.
Modelling and workflow enhancements
Advance Design 2021.1 comes with several new features and improvements dedicated to the modelling and workflow.
Exchange of load combination definitions with Excel
Thanks to new Export to Excel and Import from Excel commands we can easily manage load combination definitions by using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
Pushover: Displaying a report with status only for selected plastic hinges
When analyzing the results of the pushover analysis by using report tables with the status of plastic hinges, the content of these tables is now filtered to the current selection of elements in the model. It greatly facilitates viewing the results, as we can focus on the statuses of plastic hinges from selected elements only.
Simultaneous creation of holes for many surface elements
When creating holes in surface elements, it is now possible to create a hole in multiple elements simultaneously on the basis of a polyline cutting through several contours.
Shortcut to the Section Editor directly on the ribbon
To facilitate and speed up the opening of the module for creating and editing cross-sections, an icon with the command to open the module directly has been added to the Manager ribbon.
Thickness in tooltips
The Thickness property has been added to the list of available attributes to be selected for the content of tooltips.
System names on the color legend
When displaying a color legend for elements colored by systems, in addition to system ID the name of systems is now displayed. It greatly facilitates the identification and improves the quality of the created documentation.
Improvements to the transfer of loads to Design modules
To improve the transfer of load-related information when transferring data from the Advance Design model to the design modules, new options have been added to easily transfer the list of self-created or modified definitions of load combinations to design modules.
New possibilities for Steel Design
Advance Design 2021.1 comes with several new powerful features dedicated to the design of steel structures.
The new version of the Canadian code for the steel design – CSA S16-19
Since version AD 2021.1 it is possible to perform design calculations of steel linear elements using the current version of the Canadian CSA standard: CSA S16-19.
Update of the Canadian CISC 11 steel section database
Steel profiles from the CISC 11 catalogue (the 11th CISC handbook) have been updated. The changes mainly concerned with changes in naming, adding missing profiles to catalogues and slight changes in the values of the characteristics for a few selected profiles.
Improvements to displaying results of the steel design
A number of improving changes have been made to the presentation of design results of steel elements (according to Eurocode 3) in the Shape Sheet window and related reports. These changes increase the readability of the results as well as allow for a more detailed verification of the results. The most important of these are:
Uniform rules for the presentation of results for individual strength checks.
The cross-section class is now displayed for each check separately, determined on the point where the check was done.
Replacing the oblique bending check by bending with an axial force, bending with shear forces, and biaxial bending checks.
Imperfections on steel columns defined as superelement
Steel columns defined as superelements can be used for the automatic generation of imperfections (according to Eurocode 3). During the generation of forces, the user can decide whether to consider the elements that intersect the superelement.
Improvement in the creation of generic steel joints
To facilitate and speed up the definition of generic joints for steel elements, the command to create them based on the current selection of steel elements has been added. A new command is available on the right-click menu and creates a single connection for steel elements that are in contact at the same point.
New possibilities for Concrete Design
Advance Design 2021.1 also comes with several improvements dedicated to the design of Reinforced Concrete structures.
The new version of the Canadian code for the concrete design – CSA 23.3-19.
With the Advance Design 2021.1 Update it is possible to perform dimensioning calculations of concrete linear and planar elements using the current version of the Canadian CSA standard: CSA 23.3-19.
Superelement for RC beams
The super element concept is now applied to the concrete linear elements for the reinforcement design according to Eurocode. This gives a possibility for the design of multiple span beams having different height and support widths as a single element
Extension of the list of rebar diameters for Poland
In order to enable the calculation of the real reinforcement with the use of reinforcement diameters used on the Polish market, new diameters (18, 22, 28, and 35) have been added to the list of reinforcement bar diameters available on the reinforcement settings window. This change is available for projects having the localization set to Poland.
Improvements to Design modules
In the latest version of the Advance Design, many improvements have been introduced to the Design modules.
Unification of brand names
In the current 2021.1 version, further changes have been made to unify Graitec software brand names. Accordingly, the design modules previously named Advance BIM Designers are now called as design modules of Advance Design.
Speed improvement
One of the most important changes introduced with this update of design modules is the increase in performance. Thanks to optimization in many areas, there are significantly reduced times of starting modules, loading projects, calculations and, above all, generation of drawings.
Improvements to the info panel
The info panel content for the RC modules has been supplemented with additional types of results, including: minimal reinforcement areas for beams, more details for top longitudinal reinforcement on beams, buckling information for columns and punching verification for foundations.
Slovakia localization
The Slovakia localization is now available for design modules, which allows for running the design calculations according to Slovak appendixes to Eurocode.
The new layout of the Reinforcement Assumption dialog windows
The layout of the Reinforcement Assumption dialog windows has been updated for the RC Column, RC Wall and Footing modules. As with most other windows with a new layout (tree menu on the left, parameter fields in the central part, and explanatory drawings on the right), the definition and change of parameters are much easier and faster.
Improvements to views
A number of improvements have been made to the graphical presentation of the RC views, including a possibility for hiding a formwork from 3D views, a possibility for changing a render mode, a possibility for filtering of the displayed loads and a new mechanism for displaying loads on RC beams.
Interactive drawings for steel connections
Drawings generated by the Steel Connection module are now managed by the interactive drawing mechanism, similar to other RC modules. Thank to this the user has control over the composition and all drawing elements.
Double Angle section for diagonals for Gusset Joints
The 2021.1 update of Advance Design Steel Connection offers a new configuration for the Gusset Joint – the double angle section for one, two or three diagonals
Learn more about Advance Design Update 2021.1 from our dedicated webinar!
Learn about Advance Design and visit our Virtual Stand! All the necessary information gathered in one place, all to make access to information about our software much easier!
An important advantage of the innovating multi-platform Advance BIM Designers collection of apps that allow automatic generation of 3D reinforcement for reinforced concrete elements is the possibility of direct integration into the interface of the Advance Design calculation software.
One of the many benefits of this integration is a more efficient footing presizing process, after the structure is modelled and a FEM analysis is performed directly in Advance Design.
Advance BIM Designers reuses all information related to material, size or forces in a support and automatically generates reinforcement cages, drawings and reports, based on user-defined reinforcement assumptions.
We are pleased to announce the release of Service Pack 1 forGRAITEC Advance Design 2016!
ADVANCE Design 2016 SP1 offers more than 140 improvements and corrections. The main new features in this release are the the moving loads generator (that enables the user to create traffic loads on road bridges according to EN1991-2 – Section 4) and a new cross section library for Precast Concrete BridgeBeams, please see the relevant videos on these below:
Customer Project: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2015 – Mazda
Software used:Advance Design Project location: Goodwood House, Chichester, UK Artist: Gerry Judah Architects and Engineering: CAPITA P & I Client: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2015
Project description:
Each year, the centrepiece lawn in front of the main Goodwood House showcases a breath-taking sculpture for the annual Goodwood car show, designed by Gerry Judah, Architecture and Engineering by CAPITA P&I and Fabrication by Littlehampton Welding Ltd.
Hooman Baghi, Principal Structure Engineer:“Using Advance Design enabled us to import the model geometry using BIM swiftly and smoothly. Loads and combinations were assessed making easy dynamic analysis of this complex model. “
GRAITEC announces the User Meeting organized by its Czech subsidiary on December 11th, for the Advance users from Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. The meeting will take place at hotel VIVALDI, Jihlava, Czech Republic.
The purpose of this meeting is to present customers with the new functionalities and improvements of Advance Steel, Advance Concrete, Advance Design and other Graitec products. And most importantly, to demonstrate the concept of BIM data exchange between architecture, steel and concrete structures and MEP.
Throughout the meeting, customers will be able to consult with our experts regarding the future of all products, and even find out about our current special offers.
More than 500 Advance customers were invited to this event and an online version of the meeting will be available, for anyone that cannot attend.
Prior registration is not required.
The itinerary for the meeting will be as followed:
GRAITEC, European BIM software developer for the construction industry, announces the release of Advance Design 2015 dedicated to structural engineering.
Advance Design® is specifically dedicated to structural engineers who require a professional and easy-to-use BIM solution for structural FEM simulation and optimization according to specific design standards (Concrete, Steel or Wood).
Advance Design 2015 is articulated around 3 main subjects:
Concrete deflection calculation: new options for the reinforced concrete design according EC2
New starting screen for easier use
The implementation of the new NTC2008 Italian codes
When designing a reinforced concrete structure, engineers must check limit deflections, especially on beams and floors. This is achieved by taking into account the cracked inertia of the reinforced concrete section. However, in FEM calculation, this leads to specific modelling and iterative processes which are tedious and time-consuming tasks for engineers.
Advance Design 2015 now automatically performs concrete deflection calculation based on theoretical or real reinforcement computed by the software.
Process: Successive design steps are performed, with concrete inertia being automatically calculated at each iteration. Concrete inertia is actually given by interpolation between a fully cracked state and a non-cracked state, in accordance with article 7.4.3 from EN1992-1-1.
Graphical results and reports allow for a quick and easy post-processing of all intermediate values: cracked inertia, non-cracked inertia, interpolated value, deflection for each mesh…
ADVANCE DESIGN 2015: New starting screen for easier use
In order to simplify (for the new users) the first steps with Advance Design, the 2015 release comes with a brand-new starting wizard from where the user can access many types of information:
Several project samples for each type of structure: the user can open the models he is interested in to see how to model, define the main assumption, assign design templates…
Several other help tools are available: online videos, Graitec Web pages, quick access to the documentation, software configuration… All those tools are specific to each country, depending on the configuration settings.
ADVANCE DESIGN 2015: entering the Italian market
Advance Design 2015 now features the NTC 2008 Italian codes for:
Actions combinations automatic generation
Seismic loads
Climatic loads (Wind & Snow)
Reinforced concrete design
Steel members design.
ADVANCE DESIGN 2015: and also…
The 2015 version brings a number of new features and adjustments based on feedback from thousands of users:
New solver option for improved torsor calculation on walls using T6-Q9 elements
Uniform diagrams for linear support actions for easier post-processing
Improved export of a meshed model through a .TXT file format
Update of the SRSS modal summation method for faster seismical analysis on simple models.
Advance Design 2015 is part of the GRAITEC Advance 2015 Suite that also consists of GRAITEC Advance BIM Connect 2015 and Advance CAD 2015.
GRAITEC BIM Connect 2015 allows sharing and synchronization with Autodesk Revit® 2015 models.
Advance CAD 2015 is a 2D / 3D CAD software that enables engineers and detailers to modify or create DWG drawings. The 2015 version brings many functional enhancements such as new toolboxes, angular dimensions on dynamic blocks, new dimension styles… as well as improved performance.
Bridge engineering is moving towards BrIM (Bridge Information Modelling) and looking to capitalise on the potential time and monetary savings already being realised through use of BIM in Construction. This brief overview shows how models can be transferred between disciplines (Design and Analysis in Advance Design through to Situational representation in Autodesk Revit to a Detailed version in Advance Steel) – using a single model from Analysis to Build.
GRAITEC, European software developer and vendor for modeling and drawing creation for the construction industry, announces the release of the GRAITEC Advance 2014 suite.
Designed for structural engineers and professionals in the construction industry, GRAITEC Advance Structural BIM solution provides a complete environment for the development, design and production of all drawing and materials for steel, concrete, and wood structures.
GRAITEC Advance is a unique solution provider in the BIM field since it allows users to complete the entire structural process in a consistent environment, from finite elements analysis, to design according with the latest norms (Eurocodes, ACI, AISC…) and automated documentation production required for the fabrication: drawings, bills of materials and NC files.
GRAITEC Advance consists of three main structural software solutions: Advance Design, Advance Steel, Advance Concrete, completed with Advance CAD.
The “BIM GRAITEC” main characteristic feature is related to its capability to perform structural analysis and fabrication documents under the same concept. More than 10000 users, working daily with GRAITEC Advance, are involved in the design process of various structures such as towers, stadiums, civil engineering works, industrial buildings, stairs, etc.
For Francis Guillemard, CEO of the GRAITEC Group: “An accelerated growth of over 30% in the last two years and more than 10000 new users who joined our community means that GRAITEC Advance is the reference of the BIM Structural field. An innovative, technology, that helps engineers and construction professionals, to design and build their projects within time constraints and increasingly stringent quality.“
Advance Steel® is specifically designed for steel professionals who require an easy-to-use 3D, powerful structural steel detailing software for automating drawing production, BOMs and NC files.
Among all new functionalities of version 2014, two major developments stand out: significant enhancement of tapered beams in Advance Steel and the continuous investment in the ergonomics and ease of use refinements of Advance Steel.
ADVANCE STEEL 2014: WELDED TAPERED PLATE BEAMS
On a continuous growing market in the emerging countries that invest more and more in their infrastructure, the use of tapered elements for steel structures increased, especially for portal frames having large spans. However, without dedicated tools to complete large and complex steel projects, the design process can take longer. Advance Steel 2014 provides valuable assistance to all designers with a very comprehensive set of features: a new object, “tapered beam”, which allows the user to define elements having a variable cross section, including the possibility to combine different constraints on each segment (fixed or variable lengths, parallel flanges or not, etc.).
Moreover, the user has the possibility to define tapered elements having a hollowed cross section with many options: continuous web or flanges, automatic welding features, etc.
All automatic connections work together with this new object – tapered beam. Thus, with Advance Steel 2014 users will obtain quickly all required drawings, BOMs and NC files for these steel members.
ADVANCE STEEL 2014: FOCUS ON ERGONOMICS
GRAITEC continues its efforts to improve the ergonomics and ease of use of its software solutions. The Tool Palette has now a variable design: its content can be changed interactively, and a “Favorites” category can contain the frequently used commands. The same principle is used for the management of assemblies and collision checks commands which are still accessible even when the user performs other operations.
More simplification: the fusion of all features (holes, notches, cuts etc.) which can be applied on profiles, plates or concrete elements. Likewise, all functionalities used to define structural elements (portal frames, purlins, bracings, connections etc.) were grouped into a new dedicated page in the Tool Palette.
ADVANCE STEEL 2014: MORE ENHANCEMENTS…
Advance Steel 2014 also provides many other features designed to extend the possibilities for design and improve user efficiency:
Improved BIM Interface (IFC, Revit)
Improved performance and functionality of integrated CAD platform
New automatic connections (Overlapping bolted purlin joint)
New special features used in the custom connections
Enhancements to the weld preparations
Possibility to define the detailing direction
New options for the camera presentation
Creation of XML DStV files for controlling welding robots, etc.
For Dennis BAK, VP-Engineering at Steelway Building Systems (Canada): “Specializing in the design, detailing and fabrication of Pre-Engineering Buildings, which extensively utilizes many types of welded tapered plate beams, we participated in the discussions and checking of the enhanced features in Advance Steel 2014. We were impressed by the number of useful plate features and true parametric connections achieved and we now believe we have the best 3D CAD software for modeling, detailing and manufacturing of welded tapered plate beams“.
ADVANCE CONCRETE 2014: PERFORMANCE & ENHANCED PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
Advance Concrete® is specifically designed for structural engineers and reinforced concrete detailers who require professional and easy-to-use 3D BIM software for automating drawings creation.
With increased performance, Advance Concrete 2014 improves the user efficiency experience, especially when it is used on its integrated CAD platform. It also provides several functional changes in response to user requests.
ADVANCE CONCRETE 2014: IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
Two of the key features of Advance Concrete (Multi File data storage and multi CAD platform) have been at the heart of version 2014. Performance and robustness have been brought in these two areas: the time to create new views and updating of existing views, has been largely optimized. More improvements in performance, which are very significant, are available: faster reinforcement elements renumbering in complex cases faster “3D Copy” feature which allows the users to copy the 3D reinforcement of an element in all corresponding views with its identification, symbols and associated dimension lines. Lastly, required corrections were made in Advance Concrete, with the target to deliver more stability and significantly higher robustness for Advance Concrete 2014.
ADVANCE CONCRETE 2014: MORE ENHANCEMENTS
Advance Concrete 2014 has many improvements in response to the feedback and different requests Graitec collected from Advance Concrete users:
Improved BIM exchange with Revit: all objects are now imported in Advance Concrete, without limitation in terms of geometry. Steel elements are also imported.
Improved modeling capabilities: evolution of the “Adjust” command for circular elements, adding new functionalities to handle the control surfaces (roofs and ramps), etc.
Improved functionality for reinforcement: changes in pattern recognition algorithm for the renumbering of reinforcement bars and meshes, new options for submitting bending details for bars and meshes, etc.
Improved localization for the Czech market (grades, symbols, labels, representation styles, etc.).
ADVANCE DESIGN 2014: BIM AND EXTENDED DESIGN
Advance Design® is specifically dedicated to structural engineers who require a professional and easy-to-use BIM solution for structural FEM simulation and optimization according with specific design standards (Concrete, Steel or Wood).
Advance Design 2014 has many new features and improvements, mainly focused in two directions: BIM and the enrichment of design capabilities.
ADVANCE DESIGN 2014: BIM SIMPLIFIED EXCHANGES
In a context where all structural designers are increasingly receptive to the BIM concept and its associated gains in terms of productivity and safety, Advance Design 2014 provides a set of new features designed to facilitate the BIM exchange in the design offices structure or between the architects and the design offices. The model which is used for structural simulation by the engineer can be a variation of the geometrical model produced by the architect which, in the end, can be significantly different: the elements are coplanar, intersecting axes, the elements extremities which are to closed are merged, small details of the facade are not modeled, etc.
Advance Design 2014 offers a range of tools that allows the engineer to greatly simplify the processing of geometrical models into analytical models.
The principle: a first audit function identifies non-intersecting axes or nodes which are too close and presents an interactive list of errors. The software then provides automatic adjustment features (magnetic modes, quick projection onto a plane, axis adjustment, etc.) which facilitate the correct geometrical conversion of the models provided from different partners.
After the calculation of the structure, when the elements are optimized, Advance Steel and Advance Concrete can retrieve all changes which took place in Advance Design (synchronization mechanism) and update the assembly plans or fabrications drawings. With Advance Design 2014, the aim is to enable the engineer to save a significant amount of modeling time by reusing the information through BIM expertise, while keeping in control the necessary adjustments to achieve the analytical model.
ADVANCE DESIGN 2014: ENRICHMENT OF ENGINEERING EXPERTISE
Another development for Advance Design 2014,the enhancement and enrichment of the design engines: automatic calculation of the support rigidity based on the properties of the soil layers, considering of real transverse reinforcement for columns (Eurocode), many changes regarding the steel connection design, 2D climatic generator for a quick design study (New !), possibility to post-process results on a pre-defined grid for planar elements allowing designers to achieve full gantry and quick study, able to post-process the results of an independent grid mesh element.
ADVANCE DESIGN 2014: MORE ENHANCEMENTS
Advance Design 2014 has many changes and other adjustments:
Extensions in the time history analysis option
New options for post-processing results
New options for reports
New options for the element’s display
Ability to export just the support reactions and reuse in another calculation
Graitec BIM Connect is the latest BIM technology available from Graitec enabling structural models created in GRAITEC BIM software to be exported to Autodesk REVIT applications.
In this example a Reinforced Concrete structure with several steel members, was created in ADVANCE Design. The structural elements are organized into different groups, each one representing a different level. This model also contains a number of different load cases which are also grouped by their load type.
Notice that all the frames, slabs and walls are concrete while the vertical bracings are defined with steel cross sections.
Using the standard transfer functions available in all Graitec Software, this structural model will be exported using our unique Graitec BIM *.gtcx format; a light-weight file which can be shared with other systems using our free GRAITEC BIM Connect technology.
With Graitec BIM Connect installed in Autodesk Revit Suite and available under in the Add-Ins Tab you can see that the same file can be quickly transferred to Revit.
After the transfer is complete the structural model is imported preserving all its original geometry. Especially important to notice is that all the sections have been automatically converted to their corresponding Revit families defined in the Autodesk Revit Suite, creating a true Revit model. The loads & load cases have also been fully transferred.
Graitec BIM Connect allows model data to be shared in both directions so an Autodesk REVIT model can also be imported into any GRAITEC Advance Software.
Even more powerful is the unique ability to synchronize these models across different applications – only possible with Graitec BIM Connect.
GRAITEC, the fastest growing global structural analysis and detailing software vendor, announces the availability of the new GRAITEC BIM Connect 2014 release as well as its availability in the Autodesk Exchange for Autodesk Revit.
With GRAITEC BIM Connect, Autodesk Revit Architecture and Autodesk Revit Structure users quickly connect their Revit models to the GRAITEC Advance suite and then optimize the design of their structures in accordance with North American and Eurocode standards and produce effective and error-free general arrangement drawings, fabrication drawings, BOMs, NC files for both steel and concrete structures.
From Revit Structure to Advance Design for structural analysis
Essentially based on customer experience feedback, the new GRAITEC BIM Connect 2014 release focuses on details and performance. The new release provides full bidirectional transfer to GRAITEC Advance of any kind of building, regardless of the geometry complexity, starting from the simplest geometries to the most complex ones. This is achieved even if the structure contains custom profile shapes or random solid bodies, with no shape limitation. From common element sections to curved walls with various openings, curved foundations, any hole shape in structural members, stairs, curved ramps and roofs or sloped slabs, all these are perfectly transferred and allow a smooth data transfer between Revit and GRAITEC Advance, with an immediate effect on the time spent on the projects.
From Revit Structure to Advance Steel for Steel detailing
More than that, the entire library of the Revit families was mapped to their correspondent profiles in the Advance Steel and Concrete library, leading to an accurate profile exchange.
For Manuel Liedot, Chief Product Officer at Graitec: “The partnership with Autodesk is key in the Graitec strategy to deliver BIM to structural engineers and detailers. Construction professionals now have powerful tools for going from structural engineering with Revit to structural analyses, design and detailing with Advance Design, Advance Steel and Advance Concrete.“
From Revit Structure to Advance Concrete for concrete detailing
From April- 17th 2013 GRAITEC presented its Structural BIM Solutions “Advance Steel” and “Advance Design” at the NASCC Conferences in St-Louis, USA. The highlight was the presentation of the new 2013 versions of Advance Steel.
The NASCC takes place every year and it is the most important fair for the steel construction industries in the USA and one of the biggest fairs The Americas.
The GRAITEC team is very satisfied with the result. They had interesting discussions with GRAITEC customers and established contact with many new qualified prospects.
Why?
Beside the attractive awards that we have for you, all projects will be presented on the GRAITEC website and all our social media networks. This will lead to anincreased visibility of your projects and your business.
About the contest
The contest is open to all GRAITEC customers that have completed a project using one or more GRAITEC Advance software, version 2012 or 2013. Participating projects will be evaluated based on specific criteria, such as project size and type, technical sophistication, social importance, originality, testimonial used metrics, etc.
The Advance Design finite element analysis engine is evaluated in this study.
The Advance Design FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis engine is a powerful tool that allows users to study complex structures, by dividing them into mesh units, where for each of the deformations, efforts and stresses can be solved by using known equations of elasticity.
Considering different sized models (real projects from customers), a timing comparison of mesh operations and the FEM engine is made between:
Advance Design 2010 version (with Service Pack 3) and
Advance Design 2012 version (with Service Pack 2).
As it can be seen from the following table, Advance Design 2012 (with Service Pack 2) has better times for mesh operations, but also for the total duration of the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) than Advance Design 2010 (with Service Pack 3) – see the “Deviation” columns which show the decrease of times.
Between the chosen Advance Design versions, differences in the analysis model may appear (especially regarding the number of loadings) due to revisions made in the windwalls rupture algorithm.
Note: Tests were realised on a desktop computer with the following configuration: Intel Core i5 3.2 GHz, 16 GB RAM, Win 7 x64
On larger models, notice the improvements with the meshing operation, as the necessary time for it was decreased by 86.2 %. Also, the total time necessary for running the FEA analysis has been reduced by 22.9%.
In conclusion, Advance Design has succeeded to manage large models with over 214 000 mesh nodes and over 1 285 000 degrees of freedom (DOF), and its possibilities are extended.
GRAITEC, European software developer for modeling and drawing creation for the construction industry, announces the release of the GRAITEC Advance 2013 suite.
Driven by sustainable development challenges, the increasing complexity of projects, time constraints and smaller budgets, construction professionals have no other choice than to make the leap to innovation. GRAITEC, a player in dynamic innovation, dedicates a signifi cant portion of its Research & Development investments in Digital Modeling or BIM (Building Information Modeling), in particular in its GRAITEC Advance suite.
This technology associates each real object to its virtual equivalent in the digital model and offers users the ability to simulate the behavior of the real structure, to automate the creation of technical documentation of their projects, to maintain consistency through the changes to the project and facilitate technical collaboration with all project stakeholders.
GRAITEC Advance has more than 15,000 users and 7 new users join the community every day. The uniqueness of GRAITEC Advance is to offer a solution that is very effi cient because it is dedicated to building professionals: design, calculation and creation of fabrication drawings, easy training, and provides a rapid return on investment, usually from the fi rst project.
Version 2013 has many improvements and strengthens its position: simplicity and power.
Simplicity because Advance Steel and Advance Concrete work as well as standalone as they do on AutoCAD, the choice is the user’s. In addition to the economic advantage, this innovation allows the release of AutoCAD licenses for other uses within the design office. Simplified installation, getting started faster, optimized interface, in short simplicity.
Power because of features such as custom connections in Advance Steel, advanced management of bar marks in Advance Concrete or “Capacity Design” calculation in Advance Design bring greater efficiency to users.
For Francis Guillemard, CEO of the GRAITEC Group: “In 2012, the GRAITEC Advance suite saw sustained growth of 35% in a market where the average growth rate was 8%.
The user community has almost doubled in 3 years. It is truly a sign that the profession is looking for solutions that offer the best compromise of Power/Simplicity and obviously at a low cost. This positioning ensures the growth of GRAITEC Advance. We contribute to the democratization of BIM in construction and make it very practical for our users.“
Advance Steel 2013: The best ease of use / power compromise
Independent of the AutoCAD® platform since Version 2012, Advance Steel 2013 improves its ergonomics and ease of use by providing a new user interface element, the “palette”, which contains animated buttons and tooltips.
It has many new innovations: first, the ability to create custom connections allowing users to define, store and reuse custom connections in their projects and thus easily adapt to all types of situations.
The new release also adds new connections for cold rolled profiles. Many other features are also available such as the option to create welding lines in drawing and a new recognition technology of “notable points” that applies to manual dimensions that are updated automatically by Advance Steel 2013.
Advance Concrete 2013: CAD platform freedom
Advance Concrete 2013 main focus is to offer users the freedom to use Advance Concrete with or without AutoCAD. Advance Concrete 2013 includes its own graphics engine allowing the user to select the desired CAD platform.
Advance Concrete 2013 provides greater control and better coordination with the “External drawing technology” allowing the user to place each new view and each new layout in a separate DWG. This results in smaller DWG files and better performance.
A new bar mark management functionalities is also available.
Version 2013 also improves user efficiency and productivity thanks to the new, redesigned Ribbon arrangements and the new Graitec tool palettes.
Advance Design 2013: High simulation exigency and Eurocode expertise
Advance Design 2013 goes further than ever in helping engineers to optimize the design of concrete, steel and timber structures according to the Eurocodes and North American codes.
Among the many new functionalities in regards to Eurocodes: major 3D climatic generator improvements for EC1 (more accurate wind parameters definition, better management for isolated roofs, additional fields for CsCd calculation), several improvements on the EC2 engine (possibility to place real reinforcement on linear and planar elements, new slab punching verification, availability of a detailed design report including a reinforcement sketch for concrete beams, etc.), EC3 engine improvements (accurate lateral torsional buckling calculation considering intermediate restraints and load application point,buckling check for circular hollow sections of class 4, new joints and improved user interface for the steel connection module, etc.), EC5 improvements (residual area in case of fire verification, improvement of deflection check in the detailed report, etc.).
One main new functionality is dealing with the “Capacity design” implementation helping users to optimize members design according to seismical requirements (especially for EC8).
Advance CAD 2013: NEW!!
Advance CAD is a new comer in the Graitec Advance suite. It is a fully compatible DWG® CAD software. It provides its users a simple, natural and economical solution to the frequent requirements of drawing creation and modification. With a modern easy-to-use interface, Advance CAD creates all 2D entities (lines, polylines, arcs, circles, polygons, etc.) and associates all desired colors, line styles and shading. Concepts such as “layers”, “snap points”, “windows” are available as well as all navigation features (zoom, pan, orbit, etc.). Advance CAD can also create and handle 3D solids (cubes, spheres, cylinders, etc.) and perform Boolean operations.
Graitec BIM Connect 2013: A smooth BIM connector to Revit
With GRAITEC BIM Connect, Autodesk Revit Architecture 2013 and Autodesk Revit Structure 2013 users quickly connect their Revit models to the GRAITEC Advance suite and then optimize the design of their structures in accordance with U.S. and Eurocode standards, produce effective and error-free general arrangement drawings, fabrication drawings, BOMs, and NC files both for steel and concrete structures. Release 2013 provides key improvements such as extended profile mapping and ACIS solids transfer.
Advance Steel® is specifically designed for steel professionals who require easy-to-use BIM structural steel software for automating drawing creation, documentation and fabrication.
1/ General overview: discover the software in 30 minutes
Thursday, December 6th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CET to 9:30 AM CET – Metric
⇒ 6:00 PM CET to 6:30 PM CET – Imperial
2/ StruCad® switchover to Advance Steel
Discover a number of the features and enhancements in Advance Steel that StruCad® customers require
Thursday, December 13th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CET to 9:30 AM CET
⇒ 6:00 PM CET to 6:30 PM CET
Thursday, December 27th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CET to 9:30 AM CET
⇒ 6:00 PM CET to 6:30 PM CET
3/ Multi user mode
We will show how the Advance Steel multi-user mode can speed up the modeling of your projects of steel structures and how several users can work at the same time on the same project with security.
Advance Design® is specifically dedicated to structural engineers who require professional and easy-to-use BIM solution for simulating and optimizing all their projects according to international design codes (latest European standards, American standards ACI and AISC).
1/ General overview: discover the software in 30 minutes
Tuesday, December 4th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CET to 9:30 AM CET
⇒ 6:00 PM CET to 6:30 PM CET
2/ Dynamic and non-linear analysis in Advance Design
During this ½ hour presentation, you will discover all the possibilities of Advance Design to run advanced analysis on real projects, from the assumptions definition to the results postprocessing step: time history analysis, modal buckling, non-linear analysis, 2nd order effects…
Advance Concrete® is specifically designed for structural engineers and reinforced concrete detailers who require professional and easy-to-use BIM software that automates the production of drawings, BOMs and NC files. Advance Concrete® drastically increases productivity and drawings quality, while reducing the risk of errors.
1/ Advance Concrete customization for your office standards
We will show you the ways to change the defaults of Advance Concrete according to your company standards: user preferences, project settings, representation styles for model elements, drawings and reinforcement objects (colors, hatches, line styles, …), fabrics and bars library, modify / create rebar and formwork symbols, modify rebar list templates, modify dimension styles, re-use the settings in new projects.
Wednesday, December 5th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CET to 9:30 AM CET
⇒ 6:00 PM CET to 6:30 PM CET
2/ General overview: discover the software in 30 minutes
GRAITEC reports a turnover of 21.27 million Euros for the first three quarters of 2012. GRAITEC turnover increased 22% compared to the same period in 2011, exclusively due to organic growth. The profitability has also soared by more than 6-fold compared to the same period in 2011. The main reason for this performance is due to a massive adoption of the solutions developed and sold by GRAITEC.
Highlighted performances:
Advance Steel, the Structural BIM solution for the steel industry, has grown year to date by +54% in revenue and over 45% in number of seats. Advance Design, the Structural BIM analysis and design solution, has achieved a remarkable +20% growth in turnover. Advance suite, the complete international Structural BIM suite of Graitec, reports a year to year growth of +35%.
Mentioning only some of the Geographical best performers:
• North America has done an amazing job in the steel construction industry, increasing the Advance Steel turnover by +121%.
• GRAITEC Asia/Pacific, over performed with a +86% growth.
• GRAITEC Russia, in the same range of performance, increased its revenue by +73%.
• Europe has also delivered some great performances, in all countries where Graitec operates, a few highlights are:
An amazing over 80% growth for B&B, the Italian subsidiary of Graitec, acquired in 2011
+37% turnover in GRAITEC Germany (covering DACH region).
UK +16% including the 2 Graitec entities performances, Adris and Graitec UK.
GRAITEC France gaining market share with 28% growth in the CAD solutions (Advance Steel and Concrete) and reinforcing its BIM Structural Analysis leadership with +11% Growth.
Alexandre Tartas, COO of GRAITEC, comments: “We are very proud to report another solid performance at the end of Q3 2012. Graitec not only grows but does it in a very profitable business model, which is a very remarkable performance. It is difficult to talk about every unique performance, when every subsidiary, every sales office over performs. Graitec continues to reinforce its Structural BIM Specialist position in the market, providing and implementing best-in-class solutions to contribute to the daily challenges of our customers. Of course Q3 is only a stage in 2012 and everyone is actively working on maintaining this level of performance until the end of the year. This year to date 2012 accelerated growth gives Graitec high ambitions and expectations for Q4 and we can expect to over achieve the initial targets in turnover, operating margin and profit.”
Advance Design® is specifically dedicated to structural engineers who require professional and easy-to-use BIM solution for simulating and optimizing all their projects. It includes a user-friendly structural modeler, an automatic load generator, a powerful FEM engine, comprehensive wizards for designing concrete and steel members, and efficient post-processing and report generators. Advance Design® implements the latest European standards, American standards ACI and AISC.
1/ General overview: discover the software in 30 minutes
Tuesday, November 6th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CET to 9:30 AM CET
⇒ 6:00 PM CET to 6:30 PM CET
2/ The advanced post processing tools in Advance Design
We will show you the available post processing tools in Advance Design to make your project’s results post processing step more easy and efficient: isoregions, diagrams, result curves, stresses on sections… You will also see how you can update all the created documents in one click when changing the model using the “result memory” technology.
Advance Steel® is specifically designed for structural engineers and steel detailers who require professional and easy-to-use BIM structural steel detailing software that automates the production of drawings, BOMs and NC files. Advance Steel® drastically increases productivity and drawing quality, while reducing the risk of errors. Advance Steel® can be used with or without AutoCAD®.
1/ General overview: discover the software in 30 minutes
Thursday, November 8th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CET to 9:30 AM CET – Metric
⇒ 6:00 PM CET to 6:30 PM CET – Imperial
2/ Advanced tools for miscellaneous steel
We will show different techniques when using Advance Steel for miscellaneous steel, from the 3D modeling to the automatic creation of all necessary documents for fabrication and erection.
Thursday, November 15th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CET to 9:30 AM CET
⇒ 6:00 PM CET to 6:30 PM CET
3/ Drawing customization
Advance Steel allows users to get high-quality drawings by using presentations delivered by default. We will show in this webinar how block titles and drawing styles can easily be customized to fit the company’s way of providing workshop and general arrangement drawings.
Thursday, November 22th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CET to 9:30 AM CET
⇒ 6:00 PM CET to 6:30 PM CET
4/ StruCad® switchover to Advance Steel
Discover a number of the features and enhancements in Advance Steel that StruCad® customers require.
Advance Concrete® is specifically designed for structural engineers and reinforced concrete detailers who require professional and easy-to-use BIM software that automates the production of drawings, BOMs and NC files. Advance Concrete® drastically increases productivity and drawings quality, while reducing the risk of errors.
1/ General overview: discover the software in 30 minutes
Advance Steel® is specifically designed for structural engineers and steel detailers who require professional and easy-to-use BIM structural steel detailing software that automates the production of drawings, BOMs and NC files. Advance Steel® drastically increases productivity and drawing quality, while reducing the risk of errors. Advance Steel® can be used with or without AutoCAD®.
1/ General overview: discover the software in 30 minutes
Thursday, October 4th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CEST to 9:30 AM CEST – Metric
⇒ 6:00 PM CEST to 6:30 PM CEST – Imperial
2/ StruCad® switchover to Advance Steel
Discover a number of the features and enhancements in Advance Steel that StruCad® customers require.
Thursday, October 11th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CEST to 9:30 AM CEST
⇒ 6:00 PM CEST to 6:30 PM CEST
Thursday, October 25th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CEST to 9:30 AM CEST
⇒ 6:00 PM CEST to 6:30 PM CEST
3/ Advanced tools for miscellaneous steel
We will show different techniques when using Advance Steel for miscellaneous steel, from the 3D modeling to the automatic creation of all necessary documents for fabrication and erection.
Advance Design® is specifically dedicated to structural engineers who require professional and easy-to-use BIM solution for simulating and optimizing all their projects. It includes a user-friendly structural modeler, an automatic load generator, a powerful FEM engine, comprehensive wizards for designing concrete and steel members, and efficient post-processing and report generators. Advance Design® implements the latest European standards, American standards ACI and AISC.
1/ General overview: discover the software in 30 minutes
Tuesday October 9th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CEST to 9:30 AM CEST
⇒ 6:00 PM CEST to 6:30 PM CEST
2/ Seismical analysis EC8
Discover how you can handle a seismical analysis according to EC8 with Advance Design: spectrum generation and modal analysis. During this ½ hour presentation, you will discover how you can benefit from dedicated tools in Advance Design to handle multi-material projects in seismical areas: automatic generation of seismical spectrum, behaviour coefficient definition, additional torsional eccentricity effects, results postprocessing per mode…
Advance Concrete® is specifically designed for structural engineers and reinforced concrete detailers who require professional and easy-to-use BIM software that automates the production of drawings, BOMs and NC files. Advance Concrete® drastically increases productivity and drawings quality, while reducing the risk of errors.
1/ General overview: discover the software in 30 minutes
Wednesday, October 10th, 2012
⇒ 9:00 AM CEST to 9:30 AM CEST
⇒ 6:00 PM CEST to 6:30 PM CEST
2/ Several ways to create reinforcement drawings
Thanks to Advance Concrete, discover different ways to create reinforcement drawings:
• Based on the 3D model elements with reinforcement styles
• Based on the 3D model without using reinforcement styles
• Create the rebar drawings based on a pure 2D drawing
• Rebar symbols, bending details and reinforcement lists
Finally we will create a 3D view of the reinforcement, run a clash check detection and place the reinforcement drawings on a layout.