STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY

First and second order static and dynamic analyses are performed by an incremental displacement method. Subjected to external loads, the structure is maintained in a state of motion as the forces propagate from joint to joint, until static equilibrium is achieved or instability is encountered.

The end result of the propagation process consists of joint rotations and translations in the 3 orthogonal directions, from which the first and second order moments and forces are calculated for each member.

The member stiffness formulations include flexural, shear and axial distortions. Each member is considered as a non-prismatic member with rigid or deformable links at each end and with elastic connections, if so specified.

Higher accuracy solutions and substantial savings in construction costs are assured by this method of non-linear and segmental analysis. This includes the P-delta effect, member cracking, axial-flexural interaction, progressive loading and simulation of the construction.

AMECO-17 eliminates the need for assumptions about whether the structure is braced or unbraced, estimates of the column length K factors, and approximate magnification factors.