This eSeminar was originally presented on May 21st, 2013
You can view the recording online at our BeConnected site.
The following are the product-related questions and corresponding answers from the eSeminar.
1. Q: Can SACS export results into dataspreadsheet/excel format instead of text/image?A:Bentley is currently in the process of developing a new reporting application which will allow the user to do this.2. Q: Is the psi analysis a nonlinear analysis?A: Yes, because the soil load-displacement properties are non-linear.3. Q: The unity check show a lot of members in red. Does it mean that these members are overstressed? Do they need to be resized?A: Not necessarily, the unity check ranges can be adjusted.5. Q: Can the Mesh Joint Utility be used for a joint can review?A: No, this is a meshing application only. Joint can review can be conducted in the Postvue module.6. Q: We did offshore structure project before, however in California there's not much offshore engineering. Is there any sample software for my engineers to learn? A: Currently, demo versions of SACS are not available; however there is online training available on the Bentley LEARN Server. Custom training courses can also be organized on request.7. Q: Can we do meshing of tubular member in SACS 5.4 without FEMGV module?A: Yes, the Joint Mesh Utility does not use FEMGV.8. Q: No mention of PERSET loads for Loadout?A: PERSETS introduce fixities in the model, so each loadout case will require a separate model. 9. Q: Is a large strain FE formulation used in the case of the boat impact analyses on the meshed members?A: Geometric and material nonlinearities resulting from large displacements are used for a boat impact on meshed members.10. Q: Would SACS software be reasonable to design a nearshore coastal pier in breaking wave activity?A: SACS does not currently offer a solution for breaking waves.12. Q: Can you take skid vibration into account (motors, other moving parts) for topside analysis?A: SACS has a special application for “Engine Vibration” which can be used for this purpose.13. Q: Can a Sesam model be extracted into SACS?A: Yes, SACS has a SESAM to SACS convertor.14. Q: In wave loading how do you determine initial crest positions, step size, number of steps, if we are defining in terms of length?A: The idea is to step the entire wave length through the structure. The initial crest position is not that important provided you have a sufficient number of wave steps.15. Q: What do the calculation output files look like?A: ASCII files are generated.16. Q: Can pile analysis be done in SACS?A: Yes, SACS is capable of a full pile/soil interaction analysis.17. Q: I am curious about severe mesh distortions during impact. Please explain.A: This is not a problem provided triangular elements are used. There is a restriction on the twisting of quad elements.18. Q: How many and which programs are needed to design a complete offshore structure and foundation?A: Minimally, SACS Offshore Structure Enterprise, SACS Pile Structure Analysis, and SACS Fatigue Advanced – Wave Response.19. Q: Is it mandatory to joint OR member meshing for ship impact analyses? Does meshing take into account the reduction in CS due to local denting?A: The main reason for meshing is to account for local denting and the subsequent reduction in CS.20. Q: Is Finite Element Mesh auto generated or can it be modified?A: The user has control on the mesh density and the length of members to be meshed.21. Q: When exporting a SACS model to ANSYS, what all information is transferred? Is it just geometry?A: Currently only its geometry.22. Q: Does SACS have the ability to model grating, instead of plates?A: Modeling of grating is not possible in SACS.23. Q: How do you determine hydrodynamic loads caused by seismic events?A: The SACS seismic analysis is able to account for the non-linear fluid damping interaction between the structure and the fluid.24. Q: Is a particular material type and welding process taken into account for mesh analysis, or are basic assumptions used for general analysis?A: Currently welds are not modeled in SACS.25. Q: Is there an option to mesh members other than tubes?A: Currently only tubular members are meshed automatically.26. Q: Does the SACS software provide uplift forces due to waves?A: Vertical particle motion resulting from waves can provide uplift force.27. Q: For strength analysis, are there code check models checked against AISC, etc.?A: The AISC code check is available for strength analysis.28. Q: For pile analysis, can we model the soil or apply the soil springs on the pile?A: The SACS PSI module allows for the full modeling of non-linear soils.29. Q: Can the Mesh Joint Utility be used for a joint can review?A: No, this is purely a meshing utility.30. Q: What guidelines does SACS use to assist user in establishing mesh sizes and time steps?A: Usually finer meshes and small time steps provide better answers but also take longer to run. 31. Q: Does SACS have a redesign option?A: Redesign options for member/joint strength in addition to fatigue are available in SACS.32. Q: Can SACS perform design retrofit? And how the strength property reductions are estimated? A: The SACS Collapse module is often used to conduct retrofit design.33. Q: What design codes does SACS design to?A: SACS has a large array of structural codes available for offshore structural design.34. Q: So in the future it may be possible to model an FE check on an I-beam coming into a tubular?A:Correct, Bentley is currently in the process of developing this capability.35. Q: Can you link ship hull modeling and design with topsides - such as FPSO's?A:Currently it is only possible to design topsides for floating structures. However, Bentley is in the process of developing capabilities for hull design.36. Q: Does SACS have an ability to analyze suction piles, using for example API stability design for cylindrical shells?A: The SACS user defined force-deflection GAP elements can be used to model suction piles.37. Q: Are ENSOFT INC APILE OR LPILE compatible with SACS? A: No, they are not.38. Q: Where can I find out more information on the mesh joint utility?A: The SACS Utility manual contains a guide on the joint mesh utility.39. Q: Does PWHT (post weld heat) effect in any member can be incorporated by applying thermal loads? Does SACS account for reduction in yield strength in such cases? A: Thermal loads cannot be used to reduction in yield stress due to welding.40. Q: In the wall you showed, is that considered an example of an explosion? A: This is a typical blast wall model.41. Q: You mentioned export of SACS to ANSYS. Is the same possible with Abaqus?A: SACS does not currently have the ability to export do not have the ability to import or export Abaqus files.42. Q: Is Bentley planning on releasing some a book on SACS? A: Not a technical publication, but please note that the SACS software comes with full documentation on all SACS modules. 43. Q: Is SACS considered a standalone package or is it to be used in conjunction with other software?A: SACS is a standalone package, but it can work with other Bentley and third party software to expand its’ functionality.44. Q: Can plate stiffener direction be defined along global instead of local alone?A: Currently the plate stiffener directions can only be described in the plate local axis system.45. Q: Can SACS increase wave height and current speeds instead of just loads one wave height for the analysis of collapse?A: Currently only a constant wave height and current speed can be applied in Collapse.46. Q: Can SACS model FPSO's?A: Currently only FPSO topside design is possible.47. Q: How do we connect members to the meshed plates? A: Members can be connected to meshed members via offsets.48. Q: How do we learn more about last year’s Be Inspired Award winner and finalists in the Offshore category? A: Bentley is proud to have received a number of great use cases for this new category. The Innovation in Offshore Engineering finalists and winner were outstanding uses of Bentley products for their offshore projects. Consider entering your innovative project in next year’s competition. More information at www.bentley.com/beinspired. Submissions due by July 19, 2013 with winners awarded in October 2013 in London!
49. Q: How do we get the continuing education credits? How can I get a certificate of attendance of CEU's?A: Bentley Learning Units (BLU), Bentley Institute’s equivalent to Professional Development Hours (PDH), are granted for the live and recorded eSeminar. Within 2-4 weeks of watching the presentation, Learning Units are added to your transcript. To access your transcript, go to www.bentley.com/mylearninghistory. On the "My Learning History" page, there is a detailed how-to guide related to Learning Units and transcripts, in addition to the link to the user’s online transcript. In most states, users can submit their Bentley transcripts for consideration for continuing education credit toward their registration renewals.
50. Q: How do I view this eSeminar again or share it with a colleague? A: This event along with the live Q&A were recorded and are available online.