To consolidate the steps above, let's walk through a concrete scenario: designing a steel portal frame for a small industrial warehouse.
If a profile fails (Work Ratio > 100%) or is over-engineered (Work Ratio < 30%), use the window. Advance Design will suggest lighter, code-compliant shapes from the profile library. You can accept these suggestions to automatically update your analytical model. 9. Step 7: Generating Reports and Drawings
Include model view, load cases, FEM result maps, and steel/concrete design tables 1.2.1. Export: Export to DOCX or PDF for final submission. Tips for Success Use system management to organize large models. Always verify the mesh quality around openings.
Use the to calculate required reinforcement for beams, columns, walls, and slabs.
Advance Design allows for rapid 3D modeling using various CAD tools. Advance Design Starting Guide - Graitec
Before diving into the tutorial, it is crucial to understand the core philosophy of the software. Advance Design is a mature Finite Element Method (FEM) Structural Analysis solution built for BIM environments. Unlike traditional CAD software, it integrates structural analysis, design verification, and reporting within a single platform [6†L3-L5]. For structural engineers, this means a smooth shift from 3D modeling to advanced finite element analysis (FEA), which removes the risk of data loss and cuts modeling time dramatically.
Choose between (for column bases), Linear (for wall bases), or Planar (for soil-structure interaction mat foundations).
This tutorial focuses on a multi-story reinforced concrete administrative building using the "My First Project" training series [11†L5-L6].
An analytical model requires rigid boundary conditions to solve correctly. Go to the Model Ribbon > Supports .
Select the structural elements and use the "Create Mesh" command. Advance Design automates this process.
Select the target Load Case in the Project Browser so it becomes bold (active).
Select Isomaps or Isolines to view stress distribution, principal moments, or deflections across slabs and walls.
Graitec Advance Design is a premier Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and structural design software solution tailored for construction professionals. It delivers a seamless, BIM-centric workflow that allows engineers to model, analyze, and optimize concrete, steel, and timber structures according to the latest international building codes.
A model is only as good as the structural actions acting upon it. Advance Design automates load generation based on climatic codes. Creating Load Cases
You get “Draw a simple frame” and then “Design a 20-story hospital”. There’s a gap – no tutorial on troubleshooting unstable models, interpreting warning messages, or optimizing steel sections manually.
: Create professional calculation notes. You can select specific tables (e.g., "Max Deflection" or "Member Utilization") to be automatically updated if the model changes.
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