Software Verification

PROGRAM NAME: SAP2000

REVISION NO.: 4

EXAMPLE 2-018
SHELL – LARGE AXIAL DISPLACEMENTS

EXAMPLE DESCRIPTION
This example uses a three-hinged arch to test static nonlinear analysis with large
axial displacements in SAP2000. A concentrated vertical downward load, P, is
applied to the center joint of the three-hinge arch. The load P is increased until
the vertical downward deflection at the center joint reaches 1 foot. The resulting
vertical support reaction at joint 1 is compared with independent hand calculated
results.

Note that joints 2 and 5 are in the same location as are joints 3 and 8. Joints 2 and
5 are constrained with an equal constraint for all degrees of freedom except Ry.
Joints 3 and 8 are constrained in a similar manner. The equal constraint creates
the continuity between area objects 1 and 2 and allows for the center hinge of the
three-hinge arch. The load P is applied as joint loads and is equally split between
joints 2, 3, 5 and 8.

Joints 1 and 6 have Ux, Uy and Uz restraints. Joints 4 and 7 have Ux and Uz
restraints. Keeping the Uy degree of freedom free at joints 4 and 7 avoids
imposing any local Poisson’s effect on the analysis and is consistent with the
independent hand analysis.

Buckling is ignored in this problem by setting the area object stiffness modifiers
for m11, m22 and m12 bending equal to 1000.

GEOMETRY, PROPERTIES AND LOADING

P

1 - Joint number Material Properties

1 - Area object number 3 8 E = 3600 k/in2
Z 7
3'

4 1 2 Section Properties
2 5
Y 1 6 Width = 12 in
Thickness = 1 in
X
10' 10' Loading
20' Increase P until downward
deflection at joint 2 is 1 foot

EXAMPLE 2-018 - 1
 Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME: SAP2000
REVISION NO.: 4

TECHNICAL FEATURES OF SAP2000 TESTED

 Static nonlinear analysis of shell structure with large axial displacements
using the SAP2000 P-Delta plus large displacements option
 Joint constraints

RESULTS COMPARISON
The independent results are calculated using basic statics.

Output Percent
Shell Type Parameter SAP2000 Independent Difference
Thin Fz (jt 1) kips 98.303 98.299 0%

Thick Fz (jt 1) kips 98. 303 98.299 0%

COMPUTER FILE: Example 2-018-thick, Example 2-018-thin

CONCLUSION
The SAP2000 results show an acceptable match with the independent results for
both the thick plate and the thin plate option.

EXAMPLE 2-018 - 2
 Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME: SAP2000
REVISION NO.: 4

HAND CALCULATION

EXAMPLE 2-018 - 3
Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME: SAP2000
REVISION NO.: 4

EXAMPLE 2-018 - 4