The SACS Executive webinar was hosted for users in June and August.
You can view the recording online at our BeConnected site (Click Here).
The following are the product-related questions and corresponding answers from the June 20th webinar.
- Q: What is the significant difference between SACS5.3 and SACS5.4?
A : You can look in the Executive under the SACS News tab and you will see all the major updates and enhancements. - Q: Can we import 3D models from other software into SACS?
A Yes, Precede can import or export with all Integrated Structure Modeling (ISM; http://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/w/structural__wiki/integrated-structural-modeling-home.aspx) compatible solutions like Revit, Tekla, Dlubal, RAM, STAAD. We also can import an sdnf or FEMSYS file. - Q: Any graphic output for the example?
A: Yes. After running the bladed file it created a model file that we can open in Precede. - Q: Is there going to be an option to automatically check in network licenses?
A: Yes. If you are in automatic mode it will automatically check in or checkout the license when you are in or not in use. If in manual mode it will check out the license chosen for two days unless you manually check it back in. These options can be found under the SACS License Explorer tab in the executive. - Q: What is ISM?
A: Integrated Structural Modeler. (ISM; http://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/w/structural__wiki/integrated-structural-modeling-home.aspx) - Q: Is it possible to import from STAAD/ANSYS files?
A: 1. User can export STAAD model into ISM, SACS can import the ISM file.
2. SACS has a converter which can be used to convert an ANSYS model into a SACS model.
Please note that only the structure itself can be converted between STAAD/ANSYS and SACS. - Q: Can we convert Pro-E files to SACS?
A: No. - Q: Can I import from Xsteel or PDS?
A: If the model can be put into an SDNF file or ISM we can import it. Otherwise we cannot import it. - Q: Can a PDMS model be imported into SACS?
A: If the model can be put into an SDNF file or ISM we can import it. Otherwise we cannot import it. Precede can export to PDMS. - Q: Can PDMS model be imported into SACS?
A: Yes. In Precede you can choose Import-PDMS. - Q: In the demo folder there are different files types such as ldf. demo 02, pile.demo02, seainp.demo2, sacinp.demo02. Is there's a way I can find out what all of those names mean? (ex. ldf, pile, sacinp, saclst, etc.)
A: In the Executive, under the SACS System Setting, you can click on the Program Labels. There is will give the labels for each program name. See below:
The following are the product-related questions and corresponding answers from the August 7th webinar. - Q: What design codes are supported in this software?
A: SACS supports API, API-LRFD, AISC, AISC-LRFD, NPD, DnV, Eurocode 3, ISO19902, BS, and Danish codes. - Q: I'm new to SACS and I want to know how do we export model to other tools like PDMS?ow do you apply the wind load?
A: SACS supports many structural export formats including DXF, ISM and SDNF. SDNF would most likely be best for import to PDMS. - Q: Is SACS 5.4 capable of using Multiple Response Spectra (e.g., Wind & Wave together) in a time-history analysis?
A: Yes. In the Analysis generator you can create an Analysis Category of Dynamic and then choose an Analysis Class of Time History Wave, Wind, Force. - Q: Any plans to include AS4100, AS3990 in supported design codes?
A: We have added support for the Australian AS1170 wind code. Design code support for AS4100 is under consideration for the future depending on user demand. - Q: Can we change any section properties in Line assistant window itself?
A: Yes, if you edit a SECT section line, you can override the section properties. - Q: Precede manual is not found?
A: The Precede manual can be loaded from the manuals tab in the Executive. - Q: How do we give input to wind induced fatigue with Spectra?
A: Enter a range of wind speeds and load cases and stresses for each will be generated. - Q: Do we need to generate transfer function for wind induced fatigue also?
A: The user inputs a range of wind speeds, SACS calculates the Weibull distribution automatically. - Q: We just completed a design of a flare tower constructed with tubular members using DNV for fatigue check. Is SACS be able to do this?
A: Yes. This is just the kind of structure that SACS is commonly used for. - Q: More specifically, the current fatigue analysis is based on hot spot stress with stress concentration. Can SACS considered this?
A: Yes. - Q: Does this version include Mooring line analysis for offshore vessels?
A: No. Later this year, we will debut the first of our solutions for floating systems. Next year we plan to include mooring capabilities in that. - Q: If we calculate mooring line stiffness separately, how can we apply them to SACS model?
A: As a user defined external load to the SACS model. - Q: Are you planning to include joint connection design (tubular section to rolled section) for topside design?
A: SACS currently has support for local design of tubular to tubular connection. We do plan to include non-tubular to tubular in the future. - Q: How does SACS calculate allowable STRENGTH UC for tubular joints?
A: Analysis results for each brace at the joint are combined as a percentage of K, X, or T&Y joint. For Strength UC, the load part will be 50% of the buckling strength for compression or the yield strength for tension. The capacities will be calculated using the same equations as Load UC except we set the safety factor FS=1.0 in this case. - Q: How do we get the continuing education credits? How can I get a certificate of attendance of CEU's?
A: Bentley Learning Units (BLU), Bentley Institute’s equivalent to Professional Development Hours (PDH), are granted for the live and recorded webinar. Within 2-4 weeks of watching the presentation, Learning Units are added to your transcript. To access your transcript, go to www.bentley.com/mylearninghistory. On the "My Learning History" page, there is a detailed how-to guide related to Learning Units and transcripts, in addition to the link to the user’s online transcript. In most states, users can submit their Bentley transcripts for consideration for continuing education credit toward their registration renewals. - Q: How do I view this webinar again or share it with a colleague?
A: This event has been recorded and you can view the recording by clicking here.