In finite element models, the entire structure is often analyzed as if all components and loads are activated simultaneously. In reality, structures are built gradually, and loads – such as self-weight – act incrementally on individual elements. Ignoring this can lead to inaccurate stress and strain distributions.
This comparison presents the deformation and bending moment results caused by distributed load for a multi-storey building, analyzed once in its final stage only and once with consideration of construction stages.
Analyzed in final stage only
Analyzed in STG module
As the results indicate, both deformation and force results are significantly influenced by the fact that the distributed load on the lower storeys causes deformations and internal forces in the elements of the upper storeys before they are built. The difference is influenced by many parameters. In this small example, we experienced 20-30%!
Structures are built gradually and during construction, the deformations are compensated. These phenomena can be accounted for with the STG module.
