5 most important things about Detail
IDEA Concrete Detail is a software tool for the design of discontinuity regions (D-regions).
In structures, they coexist with the so-called B-regions.
The difference between the two is that in D-regions, the Bernoulli-Navier hypothesis that deformed planes remain plane is invalid.
Examples of D-regions include frame corners, regions where concentrated loads are applied, corbels, openings, dapped ends, foundations, and many other things.
What is so unique about it?
Before IDEA Concrete Detail there were 2 methods to analyse a D-region:
1) Strut-and-Tie: which oversimplifies the structure and provides results that are not coherent, because it gives only compressive and tension forces, and doesn’t provide deformation and SLS checks.
2) Advanced FEM analysis: which is very time-consuming, requires a FEM expert to develop concrete behaviour models and doesn’t provide code checks.
Our solution bridges this gap with a new technology that contains a topology optimization tool with energy minimization methods, to reveal stress paths in D-regions, and provide in minutes ULS & SLS checks for any geometry.
What are the applications?
- Bridge Piers
- Bridge Diaphragms
- Prefabricated Beams-columns
- Precast Walls
- Special Structures
- And others…
How does it work?
IDEA StatiCa can create any geometry very easily, either through templates, or general input to have arbitrary geometries.
The scope of the software is to provide a general solution for any type of structure.
After the input of boundary conditions and loads, the topology optimisation is performed, which helps to identify the areas of tension and compression.
This is a fast and easy-to-use tool that can facilitate and speed up the task of reinforcement design significantly since it provides the engineer with precise information for the most critical areas.
Then the detailed reinforcement model can be inserted, by using either predefined templates or manual input of any type of re-bars.
As mentioned, the topology optimisation aids in identifying where exactly the bars need to be positioned.
The final step is the overall check of the structure which is done by non-linear analysis and provides both ULS & SLS checks.
Detailed concrete checks are provided, such as utilisation in stress, stresses in both principal directions, strains and also maps of reduction factors kc.
IDEA StatiCa Detail can also show the results for the bond model and anchorage of bars.
This includes anchorage forces, total forces diagrams along the rebars, bond and slip.
Finally, results for crack width (excessive tensile strains) and deflections are provided, which give you an indication of the detail’s behaviour.
Is it verified?
IDEA StatiCa Detail is the result of years of development, in cooperation with ETH Zurich – one of the most prestigious Universities in the world in Concrete Structures, which has verified and validated the analysis model, including all parameters entered into the calculation.
Professor Kaufmann and his team are working closely with our developers and continue to push the boundaries of structural analysis software, by offering this innovative new approach to practising engineers around the globe.