Functionality settings
SCIA Engineer offers a wide range of capabilities. In order to make the operation of the program as clear and simple as possible, the project settings allow for selection of those features that are needed and required.
The Functionality settings dialogue comprises options that control both the appearance and function of the program. That means that until some advanced feature is selected in this dialogue, the program neither performs the specific task nor even offers it in the menu.
The functionality options are divided into several groups.
Functionality settings have been simplified in SCIA Engineer 18.0. A detailed list of the changes can be found here.
Property modifiers
Certain properties of both 1D and 2D members can be modified for the calculation using special attribute called Property m. Properties that can be altered include: stiffness, self weight, mass.
Model modifiers
If ON Absences and Stiffness modifications are available in the project. Certain properties of both 1D and 2D members can be modified per load case for the linear calculation using 1D and 2D stiffness modification add data. Properties that can be altered include: stiffness, self weight.
Parametric input
Advanced users of SCIA Engineer may find it very useful to define some of the program input values as parameters. Parameters, if applied, provide for fast, easy and simple change of e.g. structure dimensions, load values, etc. One single modification of the appropriate parameter leads to automatic regeneration of the model with the new defined value.
Climatic loads
If wind or snow loads are supposed to act on the structure, this functionality option must be set ON.
Mobile load
If ON, the model of the structure can be subjected to different types of mobile load.
Subsoil
The Subsoil functionality represents an important and powerful feature of the program especially if the interaction of the analysed structure with its subsoil must be taken into account. The Subsoil functionality is always ON. The following subfeatures can be enabled:
Soil interaction
The interaction between the structure and subsoil can be analysed using the structure-soil interaction module.
Pad foundations can be checkes using the relevant code regulations.
Dynamics
When ticked the option makes the dynamic analysis features available to the user. The appropriate dynamics-related functions and parameters become available in menus and solver adjustment dialogues.
Modal & harmonic analysis
If this option is ON, modal analysis and dynamic calculation with harmonic loading can be performed.
Seismic spectral analysis
If this option is ON, seismic calculations can be performed.
Dynamic time-history analysis
One or more time-dependant dynamic load cases can be defined with name, mass combination, damping, total time and integration steps. Multiple time-dependant dynamic load functions can be used as modal and basic functions. It is possible to use the results in combination with other (static) load cases for further post-processing.
Non-proportional damping
This option enables the user to define separate damping for selected parts of structure.
Dynamic wind
Available only for CSN.
Stability
This option allows the user to calculate stability problems.
Non-linearity
This option controls whether the non-linear analysis is available in solver options and, therefore, whether the user can perform a non-linear calculation of his/her problem. The Non-linearity functionality comprises several sub-items. These sub-items are independent on each other and only some of them may be selected for a particular project.
If this option is ON, functions for non-linear analysis of 1D members are available (e.g. 1D member acting only under compression, etc. may be analysed).
Support non-linearity/basic soil spring
If this option is ON, functions for non-linear analysis of supports are available.
Initial imperfections
If this option is ON, functions for introduction of initial deformations before calculation are available.
Geometrical nonlinearity
If this option is ON, functions for geometrically non-linear calculation are available.
General plasticity
General plastic analysis of 2D members; several material models are available, such as Tresca, Von Mises, Mohr-Coulomb, Drucker-Prager.
Compression-only 2D members
Masonry or plain concrete walls and similar structural elements can be analysed using this option.
Cables
Specific 1D member nonlinearity for the analysis of cables; combines the behaviours tension only, no bending stiffness, initial stress and initial curved geometry.
Friction support/Soil spring
If ON, friction supports may be defined in the model, as well as advanced line soil springs
Membrane elements
Thin plates can be calculated as membranes.
Sequential analysis
Two types of calculation can be combined in one analysis.
Dynamic relaxation
Dynamic relaxation can be used as an alternative solver method for nonlinear problems.
Structural model
This option enables the user to use two different "shapes" in his/her model. Normally, the calculation model is created and used for calculations, evaluation of results and design and checking to a particular technical standard.
In addition, the user may also define a structural shape that is derived from the calculation shape and can be used for impressive drawings and is also useful during the design of connections.
IFC properties
This option is useful when the project is imported through the IFC format. The architect may have provided his/her model with some requirements such as required fire resistance, fact that the member transfers no load, etc.
Advanced concrete checks
If ON, old concrete checks (see "Concrete Code Check") are still visible in tree as Concrete Advanced. Otherwise Concrete is there only.
Some settings are available also for the "material" used in the project.
Prestressing
This option provides for calculation of prestressing.
Bridge design
Load combinations
Handling of specific EN code combinations for bridges
Concrete checks extension
Extension of standard concrete code checks for bridges
Slabs with void formers
This option is necessary when slabs with void formers are to be analysed.
Excel checks
If ON, checks in external applications can be performed and the results displayed directly in SCIA Engineer.
Document
This setting enables using of "old" document. Please note this "old" document is not maintained and fixed any more. it is recommended to use Engineering Report instead.
Steel
This option enables nonlinear analysis of steel frame structures with plastic hinges.
Fire resistance checks
The type of fire resistance for steel members may be defined after this option has been selected.
Steel connections
This option opens possibility for the definition and check of steel connections.
Scaffolding
Enables the user to design and check scaffoldings.
7DoF 2nd order analysis for LTB
Enables the user to either calculate the elastic critical moment for lateral torsional buckling numerically or to perform a 2nd order analysis which includes lateral torsional buckling.
ArcelorMittal
Enables the user to check cellular beams using the ArcelorMittal ACB software.
Girders with sinusoidal webs
Enables the user to check welded sections with sinusoidal webs.
Aluminium
Scaffolding
Enables the user to design and check aluminium scaffoldings.
7DoF 2nd order analysis for LTB
Enables the user to either calculate the elastic critical moment for lateral torsional buckling numerically or to perform a 2nd order analysis which includes lateral torsional buckling.
Concrete
Fire resistance
The type of fire resistance for steel members may be defined after this option has been selected.
Available only when Old concrete checks are active.
Hollow core slab checks
This option is necessary when hollow core slabs are to be designed.
Available only when Advanced concrete checks are active.
1D physical nonlinearity
The material nonlinearity can be taken into account in the nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete frame structures.
2D physical nonlinearity
Plate or shell nonlinearity of SFRC 2D members can be accounted for.
CADS Composite add-on
A Composite beam or column can be designed using the CADS composite functionality when this option is set ON. Also fire resistance of the composite elements can be checked if required.
Composite beam
Design of composite beams.
Composite column checks
Design of composite columns.
Fire resistance checks
Fire resistance check of composite members.
Important: the Composite Analysis Model uses a different method and is not compatible with this setting. See the chapter about the Composite Analysis Model for more information.
Pipelines
Pipeline systems can be calculated.
The procedure for setting the parameters is the same as for other project parameters.