Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
METHODOLOGY
A comprehensive series of test problems, or examples, designed to test the various
elements and analysis features of the program were created. The results produced by
SAP2000 were compared to independent sources, such as hand calculated results,
theoretical or published results, or results obtained from other structural/finite element
programs. The comparison of the SAP2000 results with results obtained from
independent sources is provided in tabular form as part of each example.
Many different equation solver options are available in SAP2000. The different solver
options typically give identical results for most of the verification problems. For a few
numerically sensitive problems the different solver options may give slightly different
results. The results presented in this document are those obtained using the Advanced
equation solver running in-process on a 32 bit Intel Core(TM)2 CPU with the Vista
Business operating system.
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
The comparison of the SAP2000 validation and verification example results with
independent results is typically characterized in one of the following three ways.
Exact: There is no difference between the SAP2000 results and the independent
results within the larger of the accuracy of the typical SAP2000 output and the
accuracy of the independent result.
Acceptable: For force, moment and displacement values, the difference between
the SAP2000 results and the independent results does not exceed five percent
(5%). For internal force and stress values, the difference between the SAP2000
results and the independent results does not exceed ten percent (10%). For
experimental values, the difference between the SAP2000 results and the
independent results does not exceed twenty five percent (25%).
Unacceptable: For force, moment and displacement values, the difference
between the SAP2000 results and the independent results exceeds five percent
(5%). For internal force and stress values, the difference between the SAP2000
results and the independent results exceeds ten percent (10%). For experimental
values, the difference between the SAP2000 results and the independent results
exceeds twenty five percent (25%).
METHODOLOGY - 1
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
The percentage difference between results is typically calculated using the following
formula:
Percent Difference = 100
SAP2000 Result
-1
Independent Result
SUMMARY OF EXAMPLES
The example problems are categorized into seven groups based on the structural
elements used in the example. Table 1 defines the seven groups, illustrates the example
problem numbering system used for each group, and identifies the summary table used
for each group.
TABLE 1: GROUPING OF EXAMPLE PROBLEMS
Group
Structural
Elements Tested
Example Numbering
Summary
Table
Frame
1-001, 1-002, , 1-xxx
Table 2-1
Shell
2-001, 2-002, , 2-xxx
Table 2-2
Plane
3-001, 3-002, , 3-xxx
Table 2-3
Asolid
4-001, 4-002, , 4-xxx
Table 2-4
Solid
5-001, 5-002, , 5-xxx
Table 2-5
Link
6-001, 6-002, , 6-xxx
Table 2-6
Cable
7-001, 7-002, , 7-xxx
Table 2-7
As shown in Table 1, Tables 2-1 through 2-7 summarize the validation and verification
examples for each of the seven categories. Tables 2-1 through 2-7 include the example
number, the problem title, a summary of the program features tested and the method of
independent verification.
METHODOLOGY - 2
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-1: SUMMARY OF GROUP 1 (FRAME) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
1-001
Problem Title
General
Loading
1-002
Temperature
Loading
1-003
Distributed and
Concentrated
Moments
1-004
Rotated Local
Axes
1-005
Displacement
Loading
1-006
Non-Prismatic
Sections and
Automatic
Frame
Subdivision
Program Features Tested
Calculation and application of
Self load
Projected, uniformly distributed load
Application of
Uniformly distributed load in global coordinates
Uniformly distributed load in frame object local
coordinates
Trapezoidal and triangular distributed load on
frames
Joint moments and forces
Static analysis of frames under all of these loading
types
The specification of
Joint patterns
The application of
Temperature increase
Transverse temperature gradient
The calculation of
Displacements in free expansion
Reaction forces in restrained case caused by
temperature loads
Method of
Independent
Verification
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Hand calculation
using standard
thermal expansion
formulas and using
Table 3 items 6a and
6c on page 107 in
Roark and Young
1975.
The application of
Distributed moments (uniform, trapezoidal,
triangular) to frame objects
Concentrated moments to frame objects
Hand calculation
using equation 8.1.3
on page 284 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Frame local axes rotated from global axes
Use of AISC sections
Hand calculation
using the beam
deflection formulas in
Table 3 item 1a and
Table 3 item 2a on
pages 96 and 98,
respectively, in Table
3 in Roark and
Young 1975.
Settlement of support in frame structures
Rotation of support in frame structures
Settlement of support with linear (translational) spring
Rotation of support with rotational spring
Skewed supports
Skewed support settlement
Structural behavior of a non-prismatic frame section
Self weight calculations
Linear variation of section area
Linear, parabolic and cubic variation of moment of
inertia
Linear variation of section torsional constant
Automatic frame subdivision
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
METHODOLOGY - 3
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-1: SUMMARY OF GROUP 1 (FRAME) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
Problem Title
1-007
End Releases
Program Features Tested
The end releases in a frame element, including
Axial release
Shear release
Bending release
The related frame static analysis
1-008
Partial Fixity
End Releases
1-009
Prestress
Applied To
Frame Objects
1-010
End Offsets
Method of
Independent
Verification
Hand calculation
using basic statics.
The partial fixity end releases in a frame element,
including
Shear partial fixity
Bending partial fixity
The application of gravity load to a frame object
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Prestress tendon with parabolic tendon profile and
different eccentricities at the two ends
Prestress tendon modeled usings loads
Prestress tendon modeled as elements
Prestress losses
Hand calculation
using basic principles
and the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
The use of end offsets in frames, including
Non-rigid offsets
Partially rigid offsets
Fully rigid offsets
The effect of end offsets on the frame static analysis
results
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Cardinal point
Joint offsets
Hand calculation
using statics.
1-011
Insertion Point
1-012
No Tension
and No
Compression
Frame Objects
Tension and compression limits for frame objects
End releases
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985
together with statics.
1-013
Simply
Supported
Beam on
Elastic
Foundation
Frame line spring assignments
Static analysis of beam on elastic foundation
Automatic frame subdivision
Hand calculated
using formulas
presented in Problem
3 on page 23 of
Timoshenko 1956.
Eigenvalue analysis of a frame with unequal moment
of inertia values (I22 I33) for bending modes
Automatic frame subdivision
Hand calculation
based on formulas
presented on page
313 of Clough and
Penzien 1975.
1-014
Eigenvalue
Problem
METHODOLOGY - 4
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-1: SUMMARY OF GROUP 1 (FRAME) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
Problem Title
1-015
Steady State
Harmonic
Loads
1-016
Tension
Stiffening Using
P-Delta
Analysis
1-017
Vibration of a
String Under
Tension
1-018
Bending, Shear
and Axial
Deformations in
a Rigid Frame
1-019
Buckling of a
Rigid Frame
1-020
Response
Spectrum
Analysis of a
TwoDimensional
Rigid Frame
1-021
Bathe and
Wilson
Eigenvalue
Problem
Program Features Tested
Steady state analysis of frame systems
Time history analysis of frame systems with periodic
loading
Line mass assignment to frame objects
Automatic frame subdivision
Method of
Independent
Verification
Comparison with
illustrative example
20.2 on page 434 of
Paz 1985.
P-Delta force assignment to frame objects
Nonlinear static analysis using the P-Delta option
Automatic frame subdivision
Hand calculation
using equation 23 on
page 28 and
equations 43 and 45
on page 43 of
Timoshenko 1956.
Static nonlinear analysis using the P-Delta option to
provide tension stiffening
Modal analysis of frame for eigenvalues
Hand calculation
using vibration theory
presented on pages
506 though 510 of
Kreyszig 1983.
Calculation of bending, shear and axial deformations
in a rigid frame
Frame property modification factors
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Buckling analysis of a rigid frame
Automatic frame subdivision
Hand calculation
using formulas
presented in Article
2.4 on pages 62
though 66 of
Timoshenko and
Gere 1961.
Modal analysis of frame for eigenvalues and time
periods
Response spectrum analysis
Joint masses
Comparison with
example 13.11 on
page 521 of Chopra
1995.
Modal analysis for eigenvalues
Line mass assignment to frame objects
Comparison with
results published in
Bathe and Wilson
1972 and
comparison with
results from another
computer program
published in
Peterson 1981.
METHODOLOGY - 5
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-1: SUMMARY OF GROUP 1 (FRAME) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
1-022
Problem Title
TwoDimensional
Moment Frame
with Static and
Dynamic Loads
Program Features Tested
Method of
Independent
Verification
Diaphragm constraint
Joint force assignments
Joint mass assignments
Modal analysis for eigenvalues
Response spectrum analysis
Modal time history analysis for base excitation
Direct integration time history analysis for base
excitation
Comparison with
results from another
computer program
published by
Engineering/Analysis
and Computers/
Structures
International.
1-023
ASME
Eigenvalue
Problem
Three-dimensional frame analysis
Modal analysis using eigenvectors
Joint mass assignments
Comparison with
results from another
computer program
published in
Peterson 1981 and in
DeSalvo and
Swanson 1977.
1-024
Response
Spectrum
Analysis of a
ThreeDimensional
Moment Frame
Three-dimensional frame analysis
Modal analysis using eigenvectors
Rigid diaphragm constraint
Joint mass assignments
Response spectrum analysis
Comparison with
results from another
computer program
published in
Peterson 1981.
1-025
Response
Spectrum
Analysis of a
ThreeDimensional
Braced Frame
Three-dimensional frame analysis
Modal analysis using eigenvectors
Rigid diaphragm constraint
Joint mass assignments
Response spectrum analysis
Comparison with
results from another
computer program
published in
Peterson 1981.
Static nonlinear analysis of a frame structure using
moment and shear hinges
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985
together with basic
deflection formulas
and superposition.
Nonlinear static analysis using the construction
sequence loading option
Frame end releases
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985
together with basic
deflection formulas.
1-026
1-027
Moment and
Shear Hinges
Construction
Sequence
Loading
METHODOLOGY - 6
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-1: SUMMARY OF GROUP 1 (FRAME) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
1-028
1-029
1-030
Problem Title
Large Axial
Displacements
Large Bending
Displacements
Moving Loads
Program Features Tested
Static nonlinear analysis of frame structure with large
axial displacements using the SAP2000 P-Delta plus
large displacements option
Frame end releases
Method of
Independent
Verification
Hand calculation
using basic statics.
Static nonlinear analysis of frame structure with large
bending displacements using the SAP2000 P-Delta
plus large displacements option
Hand calculation and
Equation 4 in Article
7.1 of Chapter 7 on
page 91 of Roark
and Young 1975.
Moving load case
Multi-step static load case for vehicles
Comparison with
results published in
Appendix A of
AASHTO 1990 and
hand calculation.
METHODOLOGY - 7
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-2: SUMMARY OF GROUP 2 (SHELL) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
2-001
Problem
Description
Patch Test With
Prescribed
Displacements
Program Features Tested
2-002
Straight Beam
with Static
Loads
2-003
2-004
2-005
Curved Beam
with Static
Loads
Twisted Beam
with Static
Loads
Rectangular
Plate with Static
Loads
Method of
Independent
Verification
Membrane analysis using shell elements
Plate bending analysis using shell elements
Thin-plate option
Thick-plate option
Joint displacement loading
Hand calculation
based theory in
Timoshenko and
Goodier 1951 and
Timoshenko and
Woinowsky-Krieger
1959. Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Membrane analysis using shell elements
Plate bending analysis using shell elements
Effect of shell element aspect ratio
Effect of geometrical distortion of shell element from
rectangular
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985 and
using formulas from
Roark and Young
1975. Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Membrane analysis using shell elements
Plate bending analysis using shell elements
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Membrane analysis using shell elements
Plate bending analysis using shell elements
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Plate bending analysis using shell elements
Uniform load applied to shell elements
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
based theory in
Timoshenko and
Woinowsky-Krieger
1959. Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
METHODOLOGY - 8
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-2: SUMMARY OF GROUP 2 (SHELL) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
Problem
Description
Program Features Tested
Method of
Independent
Verification
2-006
Scordelis-Lo
Roof with Static
Loads
Three-dimensional analysis using shell elements
Self weight applied to shell elements
Gravity load applied to shell elements
Uniform load applied to shell elements
Some results
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Other results scaled
from plotted results in
Zienkiewicz 1977
that were calculated
using theory
presented in
Scordelis and Lo
1964.
2-007
Hemispherical
Shell Structure
with Static
Loads
Three-dimensional analysis using shell elements
Joint local axes
Joint force loads
Results published in
MacNeal and Harder
1985.
2-008
Cantilever Plate
Eigenvalue
Problem
Eigenvalue analysis using shell elements
Area object mass assignment
Area object automatic mesh
Area object stiffness modifiers
Hand calculation
using Table 7.7 on
page 7-30 of Harris
and Crede 1976.
2-009
Plate on Elastic
Foundation
Plate bending analysis using shell elements
Area object spring assignment
Joint force loads
Hand calculation
using equation 185
on page 275 of
Timoshenko and
Woinowsky-Krieger
1959.
2-010
Cylinder with
Internal
Pressure
Three-dimensional analysis using shell elements
Surface pressure load applied to shell elements
Joint local axes
Hand calculation
using item 1b in
Table 29 on page
448 of Roark and
Young 1975.
2-011
ASME Cooling
Tower Problem
with Static Wind
Pressure
Three-dimensional analysis using shell elements
Joint patterns
Shell element surface pressure load using joint
pattern
Results scaled from
plotted results in
Zienkiewicz 1977
that were calculated
using theory
presented in Albasiny
and Martin 1967.
2-012
Plate Bending
when Shear
Deformations
Are Significant
Plate bending analysis of shell elements when shear
deformations are significant
Area object stiffness modifiers
Frame distributed loads
Results published in
example shown on
page 376 of Roark
and Young 1975.
METHODOLOGY - 9
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-2: SUMMARY OF GROUP 2 (SHELL) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
Problem
Description
2-013
Temperature
Load that Is
Constant
Through Shell
Thickness
2-014
Temperature
Gradient
Through Shell
Thickness
2-015
Program Features Tested
Method of
Independent
Verification
Temperature loading for shell elements
Hand calculation
using equation 1.3.4
on page 9 of Cook
and Young 1985.
Temperature gradient loading for shell elements
Area object local axes
Joint local axes
Hand calculation
using formulas
presented in item 8e
of Table 24 on page
361 of Roark and
Young 1975.
Orthotropic
Plate
Plate bending analysis of shells
Orthotropic material properties
Area object stiffness modifiers
Hand calculated
using theory
presented in Chapter
6 of Ugural 1981.
Out-of-Plane
Buckling
Buckling analysis of shells
Automatic area meshing (N x N) with added restraints
Joint springs
Frame property modifiers
Frame distributed load
Frame automatic subdivide at intermediate joints
Hand calculated
using theory
presented in
Timoshenko and
Gere 1961.
2-017
In-Plane
Buckling
Buckling analysis of shells
Joint force loads
Active degrees of freedom
Hand calculated
using equation 2-4
on page 48 of
Timoshenko and
Gere 1961.
2-018
Large Axial
Displacements
Static nonlinear analysis of shell structure with large
axial displacements using the SAP2000 P-Delta plus
large displacements option
Joint constraints
Hand calculation
using basic statics.
Static nonlinear analysis of shell structure with large
bending displacements using the SAP2000 P-Delta
plus large displacements option
Automatic area meshing
Hand calculation and
Equation 4 in Article
7.1 of Chapter 7 on
page 91 of Roark
and Young 1975.
Prestress tendon with parabolic tendon profile and
different eccentricities at the two ends
Prestress tendon modeled using loads and applied to
area objects
Prestress tendon modeled as elements and applied to
area objects
Prestress losses
Hand calculation
using basic principles
and the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
2-016
2-019
Large Bending
Displacements
2-020
Prestress
Applied to Area
Objects
METHODOLOGY - 10
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-3: SUMMARY OF GROUP 3 (PLANE) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
3-001
3-002
Problem
Description
Patch Test With
Prescribed
Displacements
Straight Beam
with Static
Loads
Program Features Tested
3-003
Curved Beam
with Static
Loads
Method of
Independent
Verification
Membrane analysis using plane stress elements
Incompatible bending mode option for plane elements
Joint displacement loading
Hand calculation
based theory in
Timoshenko and
Goodier 1951.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Membrane analysis using plane elements
Effect of plane element aspect ratio
Effect of geometrical distortion of plane element from
rectangular
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985 and
using formulas from
Roark and Young
1975. Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Membrane analysis using plane stress elements
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
3-004
Thick-Walled
Cylinder
Analysis using plane stress elements
Analysis using plane strain elements
Plane surface pressure load
Hand calculation
based on theory in
Timoshenko 1956
and based on
formulas in Roark
and Young 1975.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
3-005
Pore Pressure
Pore pressure loading for planes
Joint pattern
Hand calculation
using basic
principles.
METHODOLOGY - 11
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-4: SUMMARY OF GROUP 4 (ASOLID) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
Problem
Description
4-001
Soil Supporting
Uniformly
Loaded Circular
Footing
4-002
Thick-Walled
Cylinder
Program Features Tested
Method of
Independent
Verification
Analysis using asolid elements
Asolid surface pressure load
Incompatible bending modes for asolid objects
Hand calculation
based on data
presented in Poulos
and Davis 1974.
Analysis using asolid elements
Asolid surface pressure load
Hand calculation
based on theory in
Timoshenko 1956.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
4-003
Rotating
Annular Disk
Analysis using asolid elements
Asolid rotate load
Hand calculation
based on equations
presented in Item 8
on page 567 of
Roark and Young
1975.
4-004
Pore Pressure
Pore pressure loading for asolids
Joint pattern
Hand calculation
using basic
principles.
METHODOLOGY - 12
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-5: SUMMARY OF GROUP 5 (SOLID) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
Problem
Description
5-001
Patch Test With
Prescribed
Displacements
5-002
Straight Beam
with Static
Loads
Program Features Tested
Patch test using solid elements
Joint displacement loading
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Solid object bending with and without the
incompatible modes option
Effect of solid object aspect ratio
Effect of geometrical distortion of solid object from a
cube
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Solid object bending with the incompatible bending
modes option
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Solid object bending and twist with the incompatible
bending modes option
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Plate bending analysis using solid elements
Surface pressure load applied to solid objects
Joint force loading
Hand calculation
based theory in
Timoshenko and
Woinowsky-Krieger
1959. Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
5-003
5-004
5-005
Curved Beam
with Static
Loads
Twisted Beam
with Static
Loads
Rectangular
Plate with Static
Loads
Method of
Independent
Verification
METHODOLOGY - 13
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-5: SUMMARY OF GROUP 5 (SOLID) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
Problem
Description
Program Features Tested
Method of
Independent
Verification
5-006
Scordelis-Lo
Roof with Static
Loads
Three-dimensional analysis using solid objects
Self weight applied to solid objects
Gravity load applied to shell objects
Some results
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Other results scaled
from plotted results in
Zienkiewicz 1977
that were calculated
using theory
presented in
Scordelis and Lo
1964.
5-007
Hemispherical
Dome Structure
with Static
Loads
Three-dimensional analysis using solid elements
Joint force loads
Results published in
MacNeal and Harder
1985.
Analysis using solid elements
Solid surface pressure load
Joint local axes
Hand calculation
based on theory in
Timoshenko 1956.
Results also
published in MacNeal
and Harder 1985.
Prestress tendon with parabolic tendon profile and
different eccentricities at the two ends
Prestress tendon modeled using loads and applied to
solid objects
Prestress tendon modeled as elements and applied to
solid objects
Prestress losses
Hand calculation
using basic principles
and the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Buckling analysis of solids
Joint force loads
Active degrees of freedom
Hand calculation
using equation 2-4
on page 48 of
Timoshenko and
Gere 1961.
5-008
5-009
Thick-Walled
Cylinder
Prestress
Applied to Solid
Objects
5-010
Buckling
5-011
Temperature
Load
Temperature loading for solid elements
Hand calculation
using equation 1.3.4
on page 9 of Cook
and Young 1985.
Plate on Elastic
Foundation
Plate bending analysis using solid elements
Solid object surface spring assignment
Solid object automatic mesh
Joint force loads
Hand calculation
using equation 185
on page 275 of
Timoshenko and
Woinowsky-Krieger
1959.
5-012
METHODOLOGY - 14
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-5: SUMMARY OF GROUP 5 (SOLID) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
Problem
Description
5-013
Pore Pressure
Program Features Tested
Pore pressure loading for solids
Solid local axis assignments
Joint pattern
Method of
Independent
Verification
Hand calculation
using basic
principles.
METHODOLOGY - 15
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:
SAP2000
7
TABLE 2-6: SUMMARY OF GROUP 6 (LINK) EXAMPLES
Exam.
No.
Problem
Description
Program Features Tested
Linear links
Modal load case for eigenvectors
Modal time history load case
Direct integration time history load case
Ramp loading
6-001
Linear Link with
Ramp Loading
6-002
Multi-linear
Elastic Link
Multi-linear links
Displacement-controlled nonlinear static analysis
Gap Element
6-004
Hook Element
Hook element links
Force-controlled nonlinear static analysis
Frame temperature loads
6-005
Damper
Element Under
Harmonic
Loading
6-003
6-006
SUNY Buffalo
Damper with
Linear Velocity
Exponent
6-007
SUNY Buffalo
Damper with
Nonlinear
Velocity
Exponent
Gap element links
Force-controlled nonlinear static analysis
Nonlinear modal time history analysis
Nonlinear direct time history analysis
Frame point loads
Joint force loads
Joint mass assignments
Ramp loading for time histories
Damper element links
Linear link elements
Nonlinear modal time history analysis
Nonlinear direct integration time history analysis
Joint force loads
Damper links with linear velocity exponents
Frame end length offsets
Joint mass assignments
Modal analysis for ritz vectors
Linear modal time history analysis
Nonlinear modal time history analysis
Linear direct integration time history analysis
Nonlinear direct integration time history analysis
Generalized displacements
Damper links with nonlinear velocity exponents
Frame end length offsets
Joint mass assignments
Modal analysis for ritz vectors
Nonlinear modal time history analysis
Nonlinear direct integration time history analysis
Generalized displacements
Method of
Independent
Verification
Hand calculation
using theory
presented in section
4.5 on pages 126
through 129 of
Chopra 1995.
Comparison with
defined link forcedeformation
characteristics.
Hand calculation
using the unit load
method described on
page 244 in Cook
and Young 1985.
Hand calculation
using standard
thermal expansion
formulas.
Hand calculation
using equation 3.2.6
on page 70 in
Chopra 1995.
Comparison with
experimental results
from shake table
tests published in
Section 5, pages 61
through 73, of
Scheller and
Constantinou 1999.
Comparison with
experimental results
from shake table
tests published in
Section 5, pages 61
through 73, of
Scheller and
Constantinou 1999.
METHODOLOGY - 16
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TABLE 2-6: SUMMARY OF GROUP 6 (LINK) EXAMPLES
Method of
Independent
Verification
Exam.
No.
Problem
Description
6-008
Plastic Wen
Link
Plastic Wen links
Displacement-controlled nonlinear static analysis
Link local axis assignments
Link gravity load
Comparison with
defined link forcedeformation
characteristics.
6-009
Plastic
Kinematic Link
Plastic kinematic links
Displacement-controlled nonlinear static analysis
Link gravity load
Comparison with
defined link forcedeformation
characteristics.
6-010
6-011
6-012
Program Features Tested
SUNY Buffalo
Eight-Story
Building with
Rubber
Isolators
Rubber isolator links
Linear links
Zero-length, two-joint link elements
Diaphragm constraints
Modal analysis for ritz vectors
Nonlinear modal time history analysis
Nonlinear direct integration time history analysis
Generalized displacements
Comparison with
results from the
computer program
3D-BASIS-ME (see
Tsopelas,
Constantinou and
Reinhorn 1994)
published in Section
2, pages 5 through
23, of Scheller and
Constantinou 1999.
SUNY Buffalo
Seven-Story
Building with
Friction
Pendulum
Isolators
Friction pendulum link elements
Damper link elements
Zero-length, two-joint link elements
Diaphragm constraints
Frame end length offsets
Modal analysis for ritz vectors
Nonlinear modal time history analysis
Nonlinear direct integration time history analysis
Joint masses
Comparison with
experimental results
from shake table
tests published in
Section 4, pages 43
through 59, of
Scheller and
Constantinou 1999.
Frequency
Dependent
Links
Frequency dependent links
Steady state analysis
Hand calculation
using formulas and
theory presented in
section 3.2 on pages
68 through 69 of
Chopra 1995.
METHODOLOGY - 17
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TABLE 2-7: SUMMARY OF GROUP 7 (CABLE) EXAMPLES
Method of
Independent
Verification
Exam.
No.
Problem
Description
7-001
Uniform and
Temperature
Loading
Uniform load applied to cable elements
Temperature load applied to cable elements
Joint displacement loading
Nonlinear static analysis
Comparison with
results published in
Figure 5 of Peyrot
and Goulois, 1979.
7-002
Uniform and
Concentrated
Loading
Uniform load applied to cable elements
Concentrated load applied to cable elements
Response combination results
Nonlinear static analysis
Comparison with
results published in
Section 4.6.2, Table
4.2, of Tibert, 1999.
7-003
Prestressed
Cable Net
Uniform load applied to cable nets
Concentrated load applied to cable nets
Nonlinear static analysis
Comparison with
results published in
Section 4.6.3, Table
4.4, of Tibert, 1999.
Program Features Tested
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MATRIX OF PROGRAM FEATURES COVERED IN EXAMPLES
This section presents tables illustrating which element assignments, including loads, and
which load case types are addressed in each of the examples. Table 3 shows the contents
of the matrix tables.
TABLE 3: CONTENTS OF MATRIX TABLES
Features
Table
Joint assignments including loads
Table 4-1
Frame object assignments including loads
Table 4-2
Area object assignments including loads
Table 4-3
Solid object assignments including loads
Table 4-4
Link object assignments including loads
Table 4-5
Cable object assignment including loads
Table 4-6
Load case types
Table 4-7
As illustrated in Table 3, the program features matrices are presented in tables 4-1
though 4-6. These tables are shown on the following pages.
METHODOLOGY - 19
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TABLE 4-1: JOINT ASSIGNMENT MATRIX
Joint Assignments
Example Problems
Restraints
Most
Constraints
1-022, 1-024, 1-025, 2-018, 6-010, 6-011
Springs
1-005, 2-016
Masses
1-020, 1-022, 1-023, 1-024, 1-025, 6-003, 6-006, 6-007, 6-011
Local axes
1-005, 2-007, 2-010, 2-014, 5-008
Panel zones
Joint patterns
1-002, 2-011, 3-005, 4-004, 5-013
Joint forces
1-001, 1-003, 1-004, 1-006, 1-010, 1-011, 1-012, 1-016, 1-019,
1-022, 1-026, 1-027, 1-028, 1-029, 2-002, 2-003, 2-004, 2-005,
2-007, 2-009, 2-017, 3-002, 3-003, 5-003, 5-004, 5-005, 5-012,
6-003, 6-005
Joint displacements
1-005, 2-001, 3-001
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TABLE 4-2: FRAME OBJECT ASSIGNMENT MATRIX
Frame Assignments
Example Problems
Non-prismatic section
1-006
Frame property modifiers
1-001, 1-002, 1-004, 1-005, 1-006, 1-013, 1-014, 1-018, 1-020,
1-021, 1-024, 2-016
End releases
1-007, 1-012, 1-028
Partial fixity
1-008
Local axes
1-004
End length offsets
1-010, 6-006, 6-007, 6-011
Insertion point
1-011
Prestress definition
1-009
P-Delta force
1-016
Tension/compression limits
1-012
Hinges
1-026
Line springs
1-013
Line mass
1-015, 1-021
Automatic frame subdivide
1-006, 1-013, 1-014, 1-015, 1-017, 1-019, 2-016
Gravity load
1-008
Point load
1-001, 1-004, 1-007, 1-011, 1-013, 6-003
Distributed load
1-001, 1-003, 1-008, 1-015, 1-016, 1-018, 2-012, 2-016
Temperature load
1-002, 6-004
Prestress load
1-009
Frame self weight
1-006, 1-009
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TABLE 4-3: AREA OBJECT TYPE AND ASSIGNMENT MATRIX
Area Type and Assignments
Example Problems
Shell type area object
2-001 through 2-020
Plane type area object
3-001 through 3-005
Asolid type area object
4-001 through 4-004
Stiffness modifiers
2-008, 2-012, 2-015
Local axes
2-014
Area springs
2-009
Area Mass
2-008
Automatic area mesh
2-008, 2-016, 2-019
Gravity load (all)
2-006
Uniform load (shell)
2-005, 2-006
Uniform load to frames (shell)
Surface pressure (all)
2-010, 2-011,3-004, 4-001, 4-002
Pore pressure (plane, asolid)
3-005, 4-004
Temperature load (all)
2-013, 2-014
Rotate load (asolid)
4-003
Wind pressure coefficients
(shell)
General prestress applied to
area objects
2-020
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TABLE 4-4: SOLID OBJECT ASSIGNMENT MATRIX
Solid Assignments
Example Problems
Local axes
5-013
Surface springs
5-012
Automatic solid mesh
5-012
Gravity load
5-006
Surface pressure load
5-005, 5-008
Pore pressure load
5-013
Temperature load
5-011
General prestress applied to
solid objects
5-009
METHODOLOGY - 23
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PROGRAM NAME:
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TABLE 4-5: LINK OBJECT TYPE AND ASSIGNMENT MATRIX
Link Type and Assignments
Example Problems
Linear link
6-001, 6-005, 6-010
Multilinear elastic link
6-002
Gap (compression only) link
6-003
Hook (tension only) link
6-004
Damper link
6-005, 6-006, 6-007, 6-011
Plastic (Wen) link
6-008
Plastic (kinematic) link
6-009
Rubber isolator link
6-010
Friction isolator link
6-011
Frequency dependent link
6-012
Local axes
6-008
Gravity load
6-008, 6-009
TABLE 4-6: CABLE OBJECT TYPE AND ASSIGNMENT MATRIX
Link Type and Assignments
Example Problems
Cable element
7-001, 7-002
Cable net
7-003
Rubber isolator link
6-010
Friction isolator link
6-011
Frequency dependent link
6-012
Uniform load
7-001, 7-002
Temperature load
7-001
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TABLE 4-7: LOAD CASE TYPE MATRIX
Load case type
Example Problems
Linear static
Most
Multi-step static
1-030
Nonlinear static
1-012, 1-016, 1-017, 1-026, 6-002, 6-003, 6-004, 6-008, 6-009,
7-001, 7-002, 7-003
Nonlinear static with
construction sequence loading
1-027
Nonlinear static with large
displacements
1-028, 1-029, 2-018, 2-019
Modal for eigenvectors
1-014, 1-017, 1-020, 1-021, 1-022, 1-023, 1-024, 1-025, 2-008
6-001
Modal for ritz vectors
6-006, 6-007, 6-010, 6-011
Response spectrum
1-020, 1-022, 1-024, 1-025
Linear transient modal time
history
1-022, 6-001, 6-006
Linear periodic modal time
history
1-015
Nonlinear transient modal time
history
6-003, 6-005, 6-006, 6-007, 6-010, 6-011
Linear direct integration time
history
1-022, 6-001, 6-006
Nonlinear direct integration time
history
6-003, 6-005, 6-006, 6-007, 6-010, 6-011
Moving load
1-030
Buckling
1-019, 2-016, 2-017, 5-010
Steady state
1-015, 6-012
Power spectral density
METHODOLOGY - 25
