This webinar was originally presented on January 20 and 22, 2015.
You can view the recording online in the OnDemand Video Library (Click Here).
The following are the product-related questions and corresponding answers from the webinar.
- Q: Are SACS v5.7 projects backwards compatible?
A: The 5.7 project configuration files are new to v5.7, so they cannot be used with earlier versions.
- Q: Do you need ProjectWise to use SACS projects?
A: Release 5.7 requires ProjectWise to use the new projects feature.
- Q: What kind of files can SACS store in the projects and ProjectWise?
A: All types of files can be stored on ProjectWise including all SACS input and results files, as well as general CAD and MS Office files.
- Q: Where are the piping reactions applied in the SACS model?
A: The piping reactions are applied to joints on the pipe rack. The user should model joints at the pipe support locations.
- Q: Any improvement for the deflections plotting in the View results -3D?
A: Release 5.7 has full deflection plotting capabilities in the new integrated results viewing inside Precede.
- Q: How much time does it take to run if we merge many highly meshed local connections in a fixed jacket structure?
A: A large model will take longer to run; the run time is approximately 4x as long for a model of 2x the size.
- Q: The new joint mesh - does it do wide flange beam to wide flange?
A: Yes, it is possible to mesh a wide flange to a wide flange joint.
- Q: Does v5.7 capture the stability checks in AISC 360-10?
A: The SACS P-Delta analysis can be used to account for the second order effects in accordance with AISC 360-10.
- Q: Can SACS 5.7 auto mesh external ring with WF to tubular column?
A: This feature will be available with release 5.8.
- Q: How do SACS and AutoPIPE handle the stiffness interface between the structure in SACS and the pipes in AutoPIPE?
A: The stiffness between the structure and the pipe model is currently not taken into account.
- Q: Does v5.7 auto-save when you exit the program?
A: The model file prior to the last edit is saved as a .bak file.
- Q: For the meshed joint feature, how is the transition made between the frame members and the meshed joint?
A: The transition between the mesh and the beam joint is modeled using rigid offsets between the end of the beam member and the edges of the generated plate mesh.
- Q: Are there other element types other than the triangular elements with regards to SCF calculations?
A: Both triangular and quad elements are available for joint meshing.
- Q: Can joint mesh be used in fatigue analysis?
A: Yes, this feature is specifically intended for SCF determination for fatigue analysis.
- Q: What about notional loads per AISC 360-10? Can SACS handle it?
A: Notional loads can be introduced via user defined combinations.
- Q: We know that Bentley is making a big push in Asset Lifecycle Information Management and Asset Performance Management. How closely tied are the new corrosion calculation enhancements tied to these and risk assessment management?
A: The corrosion calculation enhancements can be directly used for risk management assessment.
- Q: What are the interfaces with 3D modeling software and are they both ways?
A: The Bentley ISM feature allows for a two way interface between SACS and ProSteel, AutoCAD, Tekla, and Revit.
- Q: Any news about MOSES?
A: New features developed in MOSES allow the user to directly output a SACS TOW input file with either RAO’s or accelerations calculated by MOSES. Also, the SACS model import into MOSES has been enhanced, and SACS and MOSES now share the new Hull Mesher program for stiffened plate modeling.
- Q: How easy will it be if users want to change the highly meshed joints in a SACS model if deleting a member in the joint?
A: The original model file (without the mesh) is retained, so the user can always go back and make changes to the model and re-generate the mesh.
- Q: Can you import ProSteel files into SACS?
A: ProSteel files can be imported into SACS via ISM.
- Q: Do you plan to have any facilities for exporting the model & env data to USFOS?
A: We do not have any plans to do this. If you are interested in collapse analysis, apart from the existing SACS collapse program, we have a new version coming up later this year with a more advanced collapse solver.
- Q: Any changes in the plotting capabilities of SACS?
A: All results data from the SACS SOLVE and POST modules can be transferred directly to EXCEL via a SQLite database. This allows the user full plotting capabilities in EXCEL. There are also new results rendering functions in the new consolidation of Postvue inside Precede.
- Q: Can higher order elements be used for meshing?
A: Currently only triangular and quad elements are available for meshing.
- Q: Will the 5.6 version be automatically upgraded to the 5.7 version? Or is there a process for doing so?
A: The SACS installations between major versions are side by side. Installations within a major version automatically upgrade your installation.
- Q: For non-modeled structures in corrosion zone, do we need to give cd,cm separately?
A: Cd and Cm will automatically be calculated in accordance to the user defined criterion in SACS.
- Q: In scripted installation, can we script the license tool appearing while launching the SACS for the first time?
A: There is no way currently to do this. We are discussing this issue with the licensing group.
- Q: It was mentioned that for modeling corrosion parameters, we can divide the member in to various zone. Kindly explain more about how to perform this.
A: The user can define multiple zones in the vertical direction with either an absolute or a percentage amount of corrosion.
- Q: Can SACS models be opened from ProjectWise directly?
A: Yes - from inside Precede, you can open a model file directly from ProjectWise.
- Q: Explain how to use reports database.
A: The SACS Help in the SACS Executive (under the Support tab) contains full instructions on the use of the Results database. See SACS Report Database in that file.
- Q: If I opened SACS using the default license twice a day, will it be considered as two counts of license usage?
A: No - usage is counted based on the number of unique machines that use the software. Usage on the same machine does not count as additional usage.
- Q: For assigning non-linear material to a model in SACS, do we need to describe the stress-strain points (e.g. Using Ramberg-Osgood law)?
A: The Ramberg-Osgood law may be used to generate the stress-strain points if needed.
- Q: Is it necessary to maintain pipe support coordinate of AutoPIPE and SACS model support coordinate to import pipe loads correctly?
A: Yes, the user should model joints at the pipe support locations on the pipe support.
- Q: How do we apply time history loading for fatigue analysis?
A: A time history joint load can be applied via a time history input file. Both uniform and non-uniform time history inputs are possible.
- Q: Where can I get the tutorials to learn this software?
A: The Bentley LEARN server contains some basic modeling and analysis tutorials. Go to http://learn.bentley.com.
- Q: In SACS 5.6, while modifying member loads from Precede, we can modify one member-load or all member-loads at a time within a specific loading. Can we also modify multiple member-loads (not one/all but few) within a load ID from Precede?
A: The Load Properties feature in Precede will allow the user to edit a single or all Member or Joint loads for each load case.
- Q: Are there any limitations in ProjectWise?
A: There are no limits in ProjectWise. Any number of files can be stored, any size of file can be stored, and any different types of files can be stored.
- Q: How does ProjectWise address joint re-numbering or joint re-ordering?
A: All changes between files can be tracked.
- Q: How do you mesh a joint with I or box cord with Tubular & box brace?
A: The meshing procedure for joints with arbitrary chord and brace sections is the same as meshing a tubular joint.
- Q: Can we put a lock on use of certain type of module for all users? And later if the user request we can only allow him the access to that module?
A: This can be achieved by using custom activation groups. Please see this article in the Bentley communities.
- Q: SACS POST manual refers to appendix F EC-3 1992 to define end restraints for unbraced length for the bottom flange. Is this still applicable to latest EC-3? If not, the SACS manual needs to be updated. How do you define end restraint lengths for compression flange to check lateral buckling of a member in SACS v5.7? Can Lb be defined to top flange & bottom flange separately?
A: The unbraced length of the bottom flange is applicable for the latest EC3 code. The unbraced length is defined in columns 48-51 of the GROUP line. The unbraced length of the compression flange (top) can be defined in columns 60-64 of the MEMBER input line.
- Q: How do you model deck plate continuous over member’s length instead of modeling it between 4/3 nodes?
A: The new Plate – Mesh command in Precede can be used to automatically create a plate mesh which subdivides the members along its side to provide nodal continuity.
- Q: Will the files made in SACS 5.6 version will work for 5.7 version?
A: All input files from 5.6 should be compatible with 5.7 (Postvue database may not be compatible).
- Q: Can we create 3D PDF of SACS Model that contains model information?
A: This is currently not possible.
- Q: Under ProjectWise, how many users at a time can update the file in server?
A: ProjectWise only allows one user at a time to check out, modify, and check in the model. However, any number of users can download the model, compare and merge its changes with their own model.
- Q: Corrosion modeling is applicable to both stiffness analysis and code checks, or can it be used only for code checks?
A: Corrosion modeling is applicable to stiffness, loading and code checking.
- Q: How can we satisfy code requirements in terms of mesh densities for SCF extraction?
A: Currently the user will have to manually search for the maximum stress at the desired locations specified by the code. This will be automated in a future release.
- Q: In reality, corrosion is not uniform, so users wish to include only for code checks and not in stiffness analysis. Is this possible without the help of member overrides in post input file?
A: Corrosion modeling will automatically adjust the member section dimensions for stiffness calculations. It will be necessary to use overrides to maintain the stiffness.
- Q: Do we have a facility for running SACS on servers where users can submit jobs to server? If we do not have this functionality at the moment, are we planning to have this in future?
A: SACS can be run on a local machine or a server. Later this year, we will offer a cloud service which will allow you to run multiple load cases and models across different computers in the cloud.
- Q: How do we get the continuing education credits? How can I get a certificate of attendance?
A: You can earn 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) from Bentley Institute for attending this 1-hour webinar. To review/access your learning history/transcript, log in to your profile or contact your local Bentley LEARN administrator. You may then use your online learning history/transcript to self-report learning to your organization, licensing board, or professional association as proof of your continued professional development to maintain your credentials. Please note that organizations’ requirements vary, and they make the ultimate decision about whether to accept Bentley Institute Professional Development Hours. We recommend you confirm your own board’s or association’s terms and conditions.
- Q: How do I view this webinar again or share it with a colleague?
A: This event has been recorded and can be viewed online in the OnDemand Video Library.