In the ever-evolving world of structural engineering, precision and efficiency are paramount.
It is essential to have tools that not only meet but exceed industry standards, ensuring the safety and longevity of every construction project. This is where IDEA StatiCa Detail steps in, revolutionising the way engineers approach structural analysis and design of concrete structures.
What is IDEA StatiCa Detail?
IDEA StatiCa Detail is a cutting-edge software solution enables an advanced but quick design and code check of all parts of a reinforced concrete structure which are known as D (discontinuity) regions.
Typically known parts are dapped ends, holes, corbels or support areas. IDEA StatiCa Detail is based on a novel methodology called the Compatible Stress Field Method (CSFM).
This is essentially a materially non-linear FE analysis that consider tension stiffening, effectively accounting for effects that cannot be consistently accounted for by other approaches (hand calculations, Strut & Tie methodology).
It provides results that cover stresses and strains in concrete and reinforcement, bond stresses, etc. These results are clearly presented in a simple and informative way for better understanding of the structure’s behaviour.
Assessment based on valid standards
Similarly to the Strut-and-Tie Method, the specification of input data, reinforcement design, the analysis, and the code assessment are very fast and can be done, contrary to general nonlinear programs in the order of 10 to 20 minutes.
The model has been verified and validated, including all parameters entered the calculation, by the prestigious, ETH Zürich University. Therefore, no special experience or knowledge is needed to understand the input values and the results. These results can serve not only for the assessment of ULS, but also for SLS including crack widths, deflections, and stress limitations.
Real-World Success Story: Kingscote Design
Let's take a look at a real-world case study that demonstrates the transformative power of IDEA StatiCa Detail. During the execution of the 250 City Road project, a doubly challenging situation emerged for the 36 storey tower.
Kingscote Design had to redesign the perforated coupling beams that were connecting two core walls while also accounting for a construction inaccuracy that forced the constructor to drill new holes to extend the designed ones to deal with M&E services piping.
The round openings were small up to 130mm diameter but closely spaced, rendering these beams a long discontinuity region. This would normally be an engineer’s design nightmare. However, with the use of IDEA StatiCa Detail, these beams were modelled accurately from both the perspective of geometry and reinforcement.
The model presented below, is so accurate geometrically that it contains both the original openings and the additional ones drilled on top during construction.
Using this accurate model, the constructed beam was evaluated in IDEA StatiCa Detail. It is very important to emphasise the exact placement of the reinforcement and openings.
After the analysis, several types of results are available, but in this case a particularly important type of result is that of the topology optimisation, which shows the strut and tie paths that clearly develop without being significantly influenced by the discontinuities (openings).
Finally, the design proved to successfully pass the required checks, which are graphically displayed below, denoting the locations of maximum utilisation for the ultimate limit states, including serviceability checks that again, cannot be adequately addressed by the Strut & Tie method.
Conclusion
IDEA StatiCa Detail is more than just a software; it is a game changer for concrete design. It empowers engineers to tackle complex projects with confidence, reduce errors, save time, and stay compliant with industry regulations.
More info: www.ideastatica.uk