Offshore Structural Analysis

Is it possible to define a sling/ rope with pretension inside SACS?

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  • Thanks for replying. I want to restrict the bending of an offshore column.
    I have created four slings, diagonally connecting the column (at a height 2/3rd from the base) and the seabed (pinned joints). The slings are gap element (tension only).
    When I run the analysis, I find very low tension on the slings. Whatever displacement the column bends to is compensated by an extension of the sling . Hence the slings do not restrain the bending of the column. I feel if I can add pretension to the slings, I can restrain the column from bending.
  • If your slings are slacking, you may get low tension forces as most of the forces will be taken by the column itself. You may like to model the sling straight so that they will take tension forces the moment column bends. Also, you may like to increase the stiffness of the sling by increasing its diameter/cross section area so that there will be little displacement in the sling itself. Also, release the moment at the end of the sling connecting to the column so that you will get only axial forces in the sling. You can then look at the base shear at the column and axial forces in the slings.