Dear all,
I have a question that relates to the type of beam element in SACS.
As I know SACS uses the Finite Element Method and thus it should have a library of Finite elements. Where can I find the FE library of SACS? For example, as in many other FEM-based softwares you can have linear or quadratic beam elements to model beam-like structural components. The same is for 2D and 3D elements. Is is possible to choose between different types of FE in SACS? I looked into the documentation of SACS (which is located in SACS Installation folder) but did not find any information about that.
Another question is that how the FE mesh is generated in SACS?
I tried a simple beam supported on its 2 ends and found that only one FE was generated, which means that SACS did not divide the beam into multiple finite elements. I really need more information on this aspect.
Many thanks
Beam elements are linear for axial, shear, torsion behavior and cubic for moment. By default, SACS uses Euler-Bernoulli beams, but Timoshenko beams may be enabled using the Include member shear effects option in the SACS Analysis options. That is really the only option you have with the behavior of the beam elements in SACS.
SACS does not automatically subdivide beam elements into multiple finite elements. We do provided some tools to subdivide the elements, like Member > Divide > Equal Parts, to facilitate this.
Regards,
Geoff
Hi Please could confirm if Timoshenko beam effects could also be included for the piles as well.