Advance Design Starting Guide 2021 EN

Starting Guide
ADVANCE DESIGN Starting Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ 4
Welcome to Advance Design ............................................................... 4
About this guide .................................................................................... 5
Where to find information? .................................................................. 5
Contacting technical support .............................................................. 5
WHAT IS ADVANCE DESIGN? ................................................................... 6
INSTALLING ADVANCE DESIGN ............................................................... 7

System requirements ............................................................................ 7
Advance Design installation ................................................................ 7
STARTING ADVANCE DESIGN .................................................................. 9

Project management ............................................................................. 9
ADVANCE DESIGN ENVIRONMENT ........................................................ 10
MODELING: CREATING THE DESCRIPTIVE MODEL ............................ 14

Advance Design elements ................................................................. 14
Creating elements ........................................................................... 15
Definition of element properties...................................................... 16
Systems of elements ...................................................................... 17
CAD functions ................................................................................. 18
Generating Loads ........................................................................... 19
Defining analyses ................................................................................ 21
Model verification ................................................................................ 23
ANALYSIS: MESHING AND CALCULATION ........................................... 24

Creating the analysis model .............................................................. 24
Meshing ................................................................................................ 25
Calculation ........................................................................................... 26
Finite elements calculation ............................................................. 26
Reinforced concrete calculation ..................................................... 27
Steel calculation .............................................................................. 28
2
RESULTS POST-PROCESSING................................................................ 30
Graphical visualization of results ..................................................... 30
Result curves .................................................................................. 33
Stresses diagrams .......................................................................... 34
Post-processing animation ............................................................. 35
Design post-processing ..................................................................... 35
Reinforced concrete results ............................................................ 36
Steel results .................................................................................... 37
Saved post-processing views ........................................................... 39
Reports ................................................................................................. 40
DESIGN ........................................................................................................ 42
Concrete elements .............................................................................. 43
Output: Calculation Results Tab ....................................................... 47
BIM Designer Reports ......................................................................... 48
3
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Advance Design

From modeling to the structure calculation, result post-processing and
structure optimization, Advance Design offers a complete environment for
the static and dynamic analysis of 2D and 3D structures using the finite
elements method.
This software also provides advanced design capabilities for steel,

reinforced concrete and timber structures. The verification of steel
elements starts from an initial dimensioning and may continue with several
successive optimizations. The reinforced concrete design determines, by
several available methods, the theoretical reinforcement area and the
reinforcement ratios of concrete elements.
Advance Design is a new generation analysis software, improved with

powerful and innovative features:
 Complete integration of finite elements / reinforced concrete /
steelwork / timber analysis modules;
 Possibility to perform various tasks, such as:
- Model your structure with the assistance of various CAD
tools (workplane, coordinate systems, snap modes, etc.) and
CAD functions (extrude, subdivide, trim, extend, create
symmetries, etc.);
- Input structure assumptions (materials, cross sections,
loads, analysis types);
- Create a mesh using two powerful mesh engines (Advanced
and Standard Mesh);
- Calculate the structure using a new generation solver
engine;
- View the results choosing from a large set of visualization
options;
- Calculate and optimize reinforced concrete, steel and timber
structures according to standard regulations;
- Generate calculation reports using a variety of predefined
result tables.
4
About this guide

This guide provides a description of the main functions and interface of
Advance Design, and, through a few small examples , the program's
working process. The examples follow each description of Advance Design
functions.
This guide is a brief introduction of Advance Design and not all of its
features are described. For detailed information regarding the program
functions, refer to Advance Design Help, which is accessible from the
interface.
The examples presented in this guide are for learning purpose and do not
conform to specific standards.
Where to find information?

Advance Design has an online help system that offers step-by-step
instructions for every function.
The online help is available from the Advance Design interface with the
following commands:
 Menu: select Help > Online Help...
 From keyboard: press <F1>
Contacting technical support

GRAITEC technical support is available by phone, fax or email. To reach
GRAITEC technical support:
 Ribbon: Manage tab: click Technical support to send an email
to GRAITEC.
 Menu: select Help > Technical support. A template email is
sent to the technical support team who will quickly solve the
problem and provide a precise answer. The model of the current
project is automatically archived and attached to the message.
5
WHAT IS ADVANCE DESIGN?
Advance Design, structural analysis software designed for the civil

engineering field, offers a complete and fully integrated environment from
the structure modeling to the result post-processing and structure
optimization.
It provides a complete range of functions specialized in advanced CAD

modeling, meshing, calculation, verification and optimization of reinforced
concrete, steel and timber structures, result post-processing and
generating high quality reports.
The study of a project in Advance Design environment is designed in four
operating modes: Model, Analysis, Design, and Document.
6
INSTALLING ADVANCE DESIGN
System requirements
To successfully install Advance certain requirements must be met.
For complete details, access the Installation guide or
www.graitec.com/advance-installation.
Advance Design installation

Before installing Advance Design:
 Make sure you have administrator rights under Windows.
 Close all open applications.
Proceed with the installation as follows:
1. Access Graitec Advantage on your browser and log in with your
credentials. Find product releases sorted by type and year, under the
Downloads section. You can either download a DVD ISO image of the
software or download and run the online installer.
If the AutoPlay tool on the computer is switched off and thus the setup
does not start automatically, use the Run command:
- From the Windows menu, select: Start > Run.
- In the Run dialog box, click Browse to select the
SetupAdvance.exe program. Click <OK>.
2. Select the installation language and click Install products.
3. On the next screen, select Advance Design and click Next.
4. Read the license agreement. Select I accept to agree to the specified
terms and click Next to continue.
5. On the next screen, select the interface language and the installation
path.
- To select the interface language, click Customize. In the next
dialog box, select the interface language and the local settings
for each installed application and click <OK>.
- To change the destination path, click . In the next dialog box,
enter a path or select a different folder in which to install
Advance and click <OK>.
6. Click Install to start the installation.
7. Wait a few moments while Advance Design is installed on the
computer. Click Exit when the installation is complete.
7
After installing Advance Design, a license is required to use the software.

The license is activated based on the activation code and the serial
number provided by the dealer. Once the license is successfully activated,
the software can be used according to the license rights.
Without the authorization code, a temporary license for 15 days may be
installed.
The activation process starts on launching Advance Design. Follow the

procedure described in the Installation guide.
8
STARTING ADVANCE DESIGN
Advance Design can be launched using various methods:

 From the Windows Start menu, select Programs > Graitec >
Advance Design.
 Double click the Advance Design icon on the desktop.
 To start another work session simultaneously:
 Double click an existing .fto file in its disk location.
 Double click the Advance Design icon on the desktop.
Project management
Each time Advance Design is launched, a wizard helps the user to create
and configure new projects and to manage the existent ones.
Example: Configuring a new project
1. On the New tab of the starting wizard, click Configuration.

2. In the "Localization settings" dialog box make the following settings:
- Select the language to be used for the interface and the
calculation reports;
- Select the Combinations standard: EC0 - General;
- Select the Seismic standard: EC8 - General;
- Select the Climatic standard: EC1 - General;
- Select the Reinforced Concrete standard: EC2 - General;
- Select the Steelwork standard: EC3 – General;
- Select the Timber standard: EC5 – General.
9
ADVANCE DESIGN ENVIRONMENT

Advance Design offers a complete environment for modeling, analysis,
design, and result post-processing - all fully integrated in the same
interface.
1. 3. 6.
2.
4.
5.
10. 9. 8. 7.
1. Quick Access Toolbar

This toolbar contains a set of commands specified by the application or
selected by the user.
2. Menu button
You can access the program commands using the menu button available
in the top left corner. The menus are listed from top to bottom considering
the order of the work process steps.
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3. Ribbon
Each tab in the new Advance Design ribbon allows access to several
panels of commands. You can display or hide the tabs and their panels in
the ribbon, by double clicking on each tab.
4. Toolbar
Different types of commands are grouped in toolbars, which can be easily
displayed1 and positioned (i.e., floating or docked) by drag-and-drop in the
application environment. The toolbars that are active only in certain steps
of the project (such as Modeling, Analysis Settings, Analysis - F.E.
Results, etc.) are automatically displayed or hidden, to optimize the
workspace during the work process.
5. Project Browser
The project browser represents the control center of Advance Design that
groups all the components of the model in a tree structure of elements and
provides easy access to the project's working modes: "Model", "Analysis",
"Design", and "Document".
The working mode is changed by clicking the corresponding icon located
on the upper side of the project browser: .
Each item of the project browser has a context menu that provides access
to different commands specific to the current step of the project. The
project browser contents differ for each working mode:
 Model mode: groups the structure elements (which can be
organized in systems and sub-systems), the loads (organized in
family of cases and load cases), analyses settings (load
combinations, envelopes, analyses types) and saved model
views.
 Analysis mode: provides the management of analysis cases,
analysis types, saved analyses, and post-processing views.
 Design mode: only becomes active after an analysis is
performed, and an element is selected in the Design tab of the
Project Browser.
1
Starting with version 2016, the toolbars in Advance Design can be displayed by
selecting Display > Toolbar from the menu button and choosing the desired
toolbar.
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 Document mode: provides access to all documents generated

during the work process: reports, memorized views and AVI
files.
6. Properties window
The attributes of all the model entities can be viewed and modified in the
properties window. The properties are displayed in a tree structure in
various categories. The properties window is displayed dynamically, when
an element (or a drawing tool) is selected, and provides access to the
common properties of a selection of elements of the same type.
7. Status bar
The status bar displays information regarding the program status during
different phases of the project. It also contains buttons that provide access
to the configuration of certain parameters: snap modes, objects tooltips
content, current coordinate system, and working units.
8. Graphic area
The graphic area represents the design area of the application; it provides
an easy and intuitive use of CAD commands and a realistic rendering of
the model. Each element of the graphic area has a context menu that
provides quick access to different specific commands (e.g., select,
generate elements on selection, display / hide elements, etc.).
The graphic area can also be split into several viewports (from one to four);
each of these viewports can have different display settings and a different
view point (i.e., zooms on a certain part of the structure, realistic or
simplified rendering, etc.).
The default workplane of the drawing area assists in the structure
modeling. The workplane's parameters can be defined and the workplane
is easily hidden or displayed during the work process.
9. Command line
The command line informs about the status of an action, assists in the
drawing process, informs about errors, etc. It contains three tabs:
 Information: displays the status of the current operations.
 Errors: displays warnings and error messages.
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 Edit: allows the dialog between user and application; provides

the option to draw / modify objects by typing parameters in the
dialog area of the command line.
10. Coordinate system

The global coordinate system is represented by a three axes symbol
permanently displayed in the graphic area. It is also possible to create one
or several user-defined coordinate systems (Cartesian or polar).
The program interface is intuitive and enhanced for an easier manipulation

of its different components and commands (i.e., advanced docking,
undocking, auto-hiding, tabbing, etc.).
13
MODELING: CREATING THE DESCRIPTIVE MODEL

The structure modeling may be done entirely with the use of various CAD
tools via the graphic area, where a 2D or 3D representation of the model
can be visualized at any time.
The various zoom and view commands (e.g., rotate around the model,
predefined views, etc.) provide fast and easy manipulation of the graphical
elements.
Advance Design elements

Advance Design provides a complete library of structure elements,
supports and geometric entities.
Example Element type

Linear elements (bar, beam, short beam, variable beam,
tie, strut, cable)
Planar elements (membrane, plate, shell, plane strain,
steel deck)
Supports (point, linear and planar supports, which can be
rigid, elastic or traction only / compression only)
Load areas: elements used for the distribution of loads on
the supporting elements
Points
Lines and polylines
Grids
Dimension lines
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Creating elements
Elements are drawn in the graphic area using the keyboard (by typing
coordinates on the command line) or the mouse, relative to the
workplane's points or to existing entities. Advance Design also provides
various automatic drawing tools (e.g., generate elements on selection,
portal frames and vaults generators, etc.).
Example: Creating structure elements

1. Home tab, Linear & Planar panel, select Linear element.
2. In the graphic area (XZ plane): click to define a column at 0 0
coordinates for the first extremity and 0 7 for the second one.
3. With the linear element drawing tool still active, type on the command
line the coordinates for the second column: 12 0 for the first extremity and
12 7 for the second one. Input a space between coordinates and press
Enter after each extremity definition.
4. Draw the upper beam between the two columns, using the "Extremity"
snap mode:
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5. Draw a 3 meters high column placed at 6 0 XZ coordinates.
6. Create a storey beam: with the linear element drawing tool still active,
press <Alt + S> to access the snap modes dialog box; select the
perpendicular snap and draw the beam as shown below.
7. On the Home tab, Supports panel, select Rigid Point; in the drawing
area, click the bottom extremity of each column, to create supports.
Definition of element properties

The attributes of each element are defined in the properties window (e.g.,
name, ID, and different parameters). By default, the properties window
appears when an element is selected and auto-hides when it is empty.’
Example: Defining the element properties

1. Click the two columns and the beam of
the main portal frame to select them.
2. In the properties window make the

following settings:
- Material: C25/30;
- Cross section: R60*90.
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3. Select the storey column, and, in its

properties window, select the S235 material. To
define the element cross section, click to
access the section library and select IPE200
from the "European Profiles".
Proceed in the same way to define the material and cross section for the
storey beam: S235 - HEA200.
Systems of elements
The structure elements that are created (also geometric elements, help
entities, etc.) are stored in the project browser, in the Model mode. The
project browser's context menus for each of its items provide rapid access
to different modeling commands and an advanced management of the
elements (i.e., hide / display, select, delete, group in systems, etc.).
The system concept helps define the behavior of different groups of
elements (e.g., assign design templates). Different operations are easily
performed on a group of elements using their system's context menu
commands. The level function available in the system's properties window
defines the level settings and thus creates faster and easier structure
elements on different altitudes (levels): a column using one click, a wall
using two clicks.
Example: Creating systems of elements
1. In the project browser, right click Structure
and select Systems management / Create a
subsystem from the context menu.
2. Type the system name: Portal frame.
3. Select the Portal frame system, and using
the steps described above, create the following
subsystems: Columns, Beams, Supports, and
Load Areas.
4. Create a Storey system under Structure
with the Columns, Beams, Slabs and
Supports subsystems.
17
5. In the project browser, select the two

columns of the portal frame and drag-and-drop
them to the Portal frame > Columns system.
Using the same method, place all the elements of

the model in the corresponding systems.
CAD functions
The graphical input of the model is very easy and accurate, using the
advanced CAD commands. Easily copy (i.e., by rotation, translation, or
symmetry), move, extrude, trim or extend, subdivide, cut, create openings,
etc. using a large set of commands accessible from various locations (i.e.,
menus, context menus, toolbars, etc.).
Example: Copying elements

First, define a 3D view of the workplane: on the Home tab, Views panel,
click (or press <Alt + 6>).
1. Press <Ctrl + A> to select all the elements of the model.
2. Right click the drawing area and select Copy (or press <Insert>).
3. In the "Multiple copy" dialog box, define the copy parameters:
- Copy by Translation;
- Vector: 0 6 0;
- Number: 3.
4. Click Preview to display the result.
5. Click Copy to apply.
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Create the rest of the storey elements:

- In the project browser, select the Storey > Beams
subsystem.
- Select the linear elements drawing tool and draw two
longitudinal beams (S235 with HEA200 cross section).
- Select the first transverse beam and make 2 copies in the
0 2 0 direction.
- Select the two copied beams and define, in their properties
window, an S235 material and an IPE200 cross section.
- Make 2 copies of the selected beams in the 0 6 0 direction.
Generating Loads
Loads are generated and organized using the project browser. Loads are
grouped in the project browser under "Loading" in load cases (i.e., self
weight, static, seismic, etc.) and case families (permanent loads, live
loads, snow, wind, temperatures, etc.). Each case family may contain
several load cases, and each load case may contain several loads.
Loads are generated via the graphical input, using the

load creation tools available on the Home tab - Load
case & Loads panel, in the project browser or menus.
The automatic tools (i.e., pressure loads generator,
climatic loads generator, loads on selection, etc.) can
also be used.
The parameters of loads, load cases and case families
are defined in their properties windows. The loads are
managed using their context menu commands in the
project browser.
Once loads have been defined, load combinations and
envelopes can be created (using the project browser or
the Analyze menu commands).
Using the combinations manager, combinations are
manually created and the standard combinations
available in Advance Design are loaded.
19
Example: Generating loads

Generate the self weight
From the menu, select Generate > Load > Dead Loads. The "Dead
loads" family and a dead load case are automatically created in the project
browser.
Create a live load
First, create the storey slab. In the project browser:
select the Storey > Slabs subsystem. On the Home
tab, Linear & Planar panel, select Planar element and
draw the slab as shown.
In the slab's properties window define:
- Material: C25/30.
- Thickness: 15 cm.
- Design experts > Cracking > Reinforcement, click Definition
> and make the following settings:
1. In the project browser: right click Loading and

select Create a case family from the context menu.
2. In the displayed window, select Live Loads.
3. Click <OK>.
A live loads family and a corresponding case are
created in the project browser.
4. Select the 2Q live load case in the project
browser.
5. In the drawing area, select the storey slab.
6. Right click and select Loads / selection from the
context menu.
7. The planar loads properties window is
automatically displayed: input the loads intensity on FZ:
- 5 kN.
8. Click <OK>.
Generate snow loads
First, create two beams and a load area on the portal
frame:
- In the Portal frame > Beams subsystem create two
longitudinal portal frame beams, using a C25/30
material and an R40*60 cross section.
20
- In the project browser: select the Portal frame >

Load Areas subsystem. Select the two longitudinal
beams; right click and select Load Areas / selection
from the context menu. On the Home tab, Render
modes panel, click to enable the "Axes" rendering
mode; this provides a view of the span direction on
load areas. In the load area properties window: set the
span direction towards the longitudinal beams,
considering the load area's local axes.
1. In the project browser: right click Loading and

generate a snow family using the same steps described
above.
A snow family and a snow load case are created in the
project browser.
2. In the snow family properties window:
- Enter 0.52 kN/m² in the "Snow load" field.
- Enter 250.00 m in the "Altitude" field.
3. To automatically generate the snow loads on the
load area, select Generate > Load > Climatic loads
from the menu.
Example: Creating load combinations
1. In the project browser, right click

Combinations and select Properties
from the context menu.
2. In the "Combinations" dialog box,
click Simplified Comb.
3. Define the live loads and snow
loads as predominant actions.
4. Click Generate.
Defining analyses
During the modeling step, Advance Design provides commands for
defining several types of analyses (i.e., modal, buckling, static nonlinear)
and also for the concrete and steel design settings.
21
Access the Settings menu to select the desired

analysis. For each type of analysis, a default
analysis case is also automatically created.
Manage analyses using the project browser's
commands. View and select the created analyses
with the project browser.
The analyses cases parameters are defined in the
properties window.
Example: Defining a modal analysis

1. Menu: select Settings > Modal Analysis.
2. In the project browser, a modal analysis family and the "Modes" case
are placed in the "Settings" group. Select the "Modes" case to display its
properties window.
3. Define the modes' parameters:
- Number of vibration modes: 10
- Masses definition: select masses obtained by combining static loads
from the drop-down list and, in the "Combinations" field below, click to
access the masses combinations dialog box. Define here the following
combination: 1*1G + 0.6*2Q.
- Mass percentage on Z: 0 %.
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Model verification
At any time during the modeling step, the model's coherence and integrity
can be verified with the verification function. Access the Analyze > Verify
command or click (Verify) on the Home tab. If there are errors or
warnings, they are displayed on the command line.
23
ANALYSIS: MESHING AND CALCULATION

In the next step, after the verification of the model's coherence and validity,
the program creates the analysis model. The structure meshing and the
model calculation are performed using the defined analyses (i.e., finite
elements calculation and concrete / steel verification).
Creating the analysis model

To mesh and calculate the structure, it is necessary to create the analysis
model. Once the model's validity is verified, access the Analyze > Create
the analysis model command, or, in the project browser, click .
A wizard provides
options to combine
the desired operations
(i.e., verify, mesh,
finite elements
calculation, reinforced
concrete calculation,
etc.) into a calculation
sequence that is
automatically
performed.
The analysis model's components are

controlled and viewed in the Analysis mode in
the project browser. The available context
menu commands for each element of the
project browser manage the analysis
operations.
24
After the analysis model creation,

new panels and commands are
available (e.g., the Analysis Model
panel from the Analysis tab), while
the modeling tools are inactive.
Meshing
Two different mesh engines are available in Advance Design: "Grid" and
"Delaunay".
The finite element meshing is performed using the global mesh settings
(defined via the Options > Mesh command) and the mesh parameters
defined for each element (available in the properties window). The mesh
parameters of each element are defined using the simplified method (i.e., a
meshing density along each of the local axes) or the detailed method (i.e.,
a meshing density for each of the element's sides).
Example: Defining the model meshing
Create the analysis model

and the model meshing
1. In the project browser,
click to access the
"Calculation sequence"
dialog box.
2. Select Mesh and click
<OK>.
Advance Design creates the analysis model and automatically performs the
model meshing.
Modify the mesh density

1. From the menu, select Options > Mesh.
2. In the "Mesh options" dialog box, modify
the mesh density: in the "Element size by
default" field, input 0.5 meters.
3. Click <OK>.
25
Recreate the mesh

On the Analysis tab, Analysis Model panel, select
Mesh.
The meshing is modified according to the global settings.
Calculation
After meshing, Advance Design is

ready to calculate the model. The
"Calculate" command provides
access to the "Calculation
sequence" dialog box, where the
calculations to perform are selected.
Finite elements calculation

A powerful finite elements engine performs the model calculation
according to the structure settings:
 Defined analyses (static and dynamic calculation, linear and non-
linear analyses, large displacements, generalized buckling, etc.).
 Finite elements parameters of structure elements (defined in the
properties window).
Before the calculation, it is possible to
select the elements to calculate and the
type of results to obtain, for optimizing the
calculation speed and the memory usage.
During the analysis step, it

is possible to specify the
analyses to calculate (using
the project browser
commands).
26
Advance Design can group analyses in

calculation phases and calculate them step
by step (allowing property modifications for
each phase).
Reinforced concrete calculation

The reinforced concrete engine calculates the reinforcement of concrete
elements by serviceability limit states (ELS) and ultimate limit states (ELU
and ELUA) and verifies the concrete cross sections using interaction
curves.
The reinforced concrete calculation is performed only if the regulatory load
combinations are created and the finite elements calculation was run. The
reinforced concrete calculation considers the global and local concrete
design settings:
Global concrete settings Local concrete settings
Pertains to the calculation methods of The local concrete design settings
reinforced concrete, the columns are defined in the properties
verification, reinforcement and window of the appropriate
buckling parameters, etc. elements.
27
Steel calculation
Advance Design provides a steel calculation engine, which performs the
calculation of steel elements according to standard regulations. The steel
expert verifies deflections, the cross section's resistance, the element's
stability according to second order effects (buckling and lateral-torsional
buckling), and optimizes the steel shapes.
The steel calculation is performed only if the standard load combinations
are created and the finite elements calculation was run.
The steel calculation considers the global and local steel design settings:
Global steel settings Local steel settings
Pertains to the steel calculation The local steel design settings are
methods, the optimization criteria, the defined in the properties window
buckling calculation methods, etc. of the appropriate elements.
Note: After the calculation, the results can be viewed and the element
parameters modified, if necessary. The desired calculations can
be iterated until the appropriate results are obtained.
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Example: Running a complete calculation sequence

1. From the menu, select Analyze >
Calculate.
2. In the "Calculation sequence" dialog
box, select:
- Finite elements calculation,
- Reinforced Concrete calculation,
- Steel calculation.
3. Click <OK> to launch the selected
operations.
The command line displays the
performed operations and a message
when the calculations are done.
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RESULTS POST-PROCESSING
The phase following the model calculation, also called the post-processing
step, displays the results on the graphical model or as calculation reports,
result curves on the selected elements, etc.
Graphical visualization of results

A new set of tools and commands are active during the results post-
processing step. They provide different modes to display the desired
results. Several results visualization commands are available:
 On the panels in the
Results tab, which
appear automatically
once the
corresponding
calculation is done.
 From the element's context menu: it is

possible to display in the graphic area the
results on selection. When a selection is
not defined, the results are displayed on
the entire structure.
 Using the results

configuration dialog box,
that provides a detailed
configuration of results
display. Different
visualization modes are
available: colors, values,
deformed shape, iso-
values, iso-regions,
vectors, etc.
30
Example: Creating a graphical post-processing of FE results

View the displacement results on the storey slab
1. First, right click in the graphic area and disable Display nodes from
the context menu. Define a top view of the workplane: press <Alt + 3>. On
the FEM Results panel, select the Displacements result type, the D
planar elements results and the combination no. 101. Click to perform
the post-processing.
2. Define a (-1, -1, 1) view of the workplane: on the Home tab, Views
panel, click . In the result settings dialog box - Options tab: select
Display results on the deformed and Automatic scale of the deformed.
3. Right click the graphic area and deselect Display the mesh from the
context menu.
4. Open the results configuration dialog box (press <Alt + Z>), access the
Options tab and select Extreme values.
View forces results on the concrete linear elements
1. Select the concrete elements using the selection by criteria: press <Alt
+ S>; in the "Elements selection" dialog box, access the Materials tab and
select C25/30. Click <OK> to apply.
31
2. On the FEM Results panel, select the Forces result type, the My
linear elements results and the combination no. 101. Click to perform
View stresses on steel elements

First, right click the drawing area and select Cancel selection from the
context menu.
1. Define a new selection by criteria: press <Alt + S>; in the "Elements
selection" dialog box, access the Materials tab and select S235. Click
<OK> to apply.
2. On the FEM Results panel, select the Stresses result type, the Sxx
linear elements results and the combination no. 101. Click to perform
To clear the results displayed on the screen: hold down the <Esc> key for
a few seconds.
32
Result curves
Different results (i.e., FE results as displacements, forces, stresses and
concrete reinforcement area) can be viewed using the "Result curves"
command available in the post-processing step of the project.
Result curves can be obtained on linear and planar elements using section
cuts. The result curves diagram is configured using various options
available from the diagram's dialog box. The diagram can be saved as an
image or it can be printed using specific commands.
Example: Displaying result curves on a section cut

First, create a section cut:
- Right click the drawing area and select Generate an
entity > Create a section cut from the context menu.
- Draw the section cut on the length of the storey slab as
shown in the figure.
Then, select the analyses displayed on the curve and view the results:
1. Press <Alt + Q> to access the "Analyses and combinations" dialog
box.
2. On the Forces tab click
None to unselect all loads
combinations, and then
select only the 101 loads
combination.
3. Select the section cut.

4. Click in the Results tab,
Post-Processing panel. The
default result curves (Mxx and
Myy) for the selected analyses are
automatically displayed.
33
Stresses diagrams
The analysis of the stresses distribution on a given section is performed
using the section stresses command. A stresses diagram is obtained. The
diagram dynamically displays the stresses results on each point of the
linear element.
Example: Displaying a stresses diagram
1. Select the storey beam on which to display the section stresses
results:
- Position the mouse cursor above the desired beam; the tooltip
displays the details of the element focused by the cursor.
- Press the <Tab> key to snap to different elements placed on the
cursor trajectory; when the cursor focuses the beam of interest (i.e.,
S235 material, HEA200 cross section) - click to select it.
2. From the menu button, select Analyze > Cross Section Stresses.
The sections stresses diagram is displayed in a new window. Use the

slider to view the stresses on each point on the beam's length.
34
Post-processing animation
An animation can be created in Advance Design, starting from the
graphical results post-processing, following the results distribution and the
deformed shape of the structure.
The Animation panel in the Utilities tab provides
access to all necessary commands for creating and
recording animations.
Example: Creating a post-processing animation

1. On the FEM Results panel, define the following results post-
processing:
- Select the Eigen modes result type.
- Select Eigen mode 3 from the analyses drop-down list.
- Click to perform the post-processing.
2. Define a front view of the workplane: on the Home tab, Views panel,
click .
3. On the Results tab, Post Processing panel, open the ColorMap

Configuration drop-down list and select Animation to view the post-
processing results in animation.
To stop the animation: press <Esc> key.
Design post-processing
In the post-processing phase, once the corresponding calculations are
performed, the results of the concrete / steel verifications can be viewed.
Moreover, the concrete and steel members of the structure can be
optimized using the functions provided by these design modules.
35
For this purpose, a set of specialized panels and commands are available,
fully integrated within the same interface.
Reinforced concrete results

The reinforcement results on concrete elements (i.e., reinforcement area,
buckling lengths, reinforcement ratios) are viewed using the Results tab,
RC Design Results panel, which is available when the concrete
calculation is completed.
In the properties window of certain concrete elements (columns), the

interaction curves issued from the reinforcement parameters, which are
either determined automatically by the concrete module or set by the user,
can be viewed. Therefore, it is possible to adjust, for example, a highly
slender column exposed to oblique bending.
Example: Viewing the longitudinal reinforcement on beams
1. Define a (-1, -1, 1) view of the workplane by pressing <Alt + 6>.
2. In the project browser, select Portal frame > Beams system and
press <Space>.
3. On the Results tab, RC Design Results panel:
- Select the result type: Reinforcement.
- Select the result on linear elements: Az.
- Click to perform the post-processing.
The longitudinal reinforcement is automatically displayed as diagrams. The
result values appear in the color legend displayed in the graphic area.
36
Example: Viewing the reinforcement results on a column
1. Select one column of the

portal frame.
2. In the element properties
window, go to the Design Experts
category - Reinforcement field.
3. Click to open the

"Modification of longitudinal
reinforcement" dialog box. The values
of the real reinforcement and the
calculated reinforcement for the
selected column can be viewed.
4. Click Interaction curves to access the

interaction curves window.
It is possible to view the position of the force
component relative to the interaction area. For
advanced visualization options, double click the
diagram and the interaction curve is displayed in
a new window.
Steel results
During the post-processing step, after the steel calculation, the steel expert
module performs the verification of deflections, section's resistance,
element's stability according to second order effects (buckling and lateral-
torsional buckling), and the optimization of steel shapes.
37
The steel results post-processing commands are available on the Results

tab, Steel Design Results panel, once the steel calculation is done.
The calculated buckling and lateral-torsional buckling parameters for each

steel element can be viewed in the properties window.
Example: Verifying the steel elements stability

1. On the Steel Design Results panel:
- Select the result type: Stability.

- Select the result: Work ratio.
- Click .
2. Access the "Results" dialog box by
pressing <Alt + Z>.
3. Access the Options tab and select
Extreme values.
4. Click <OK>.
Steel elements optimization

The steel design module verifies the
steel elements according to
parameters specified by the global
steel settings.
The program identifies the steel

shapes with a higher / lower work
ratio than specified and suggests
more appropriate cross sections.
The suggested shapes can be accepted in whole or in part. Then, it is

necessary to rerun the FE calculation and the structure optimization.
These operations can be iterated until the appropriate work ratio is
obtained for all steel shapes.
38
Example: Optimization of steel shapes

1. On the Results tab, Steel Design Results panel, click . The
"Suggested shapes" dialog box appears. The steel sections with a work
ratio out of the specified range are displayed in red.
2. Click Accept all to accept the suggested shapes.

3. Click <OK> to close and apply.
4. Rerun the finite elements calculation and the steel calculation.
After the calculation, open the "Suggested shapes" dialog box. If there are
other suggested shapes, repeat the above steps until you obtain the work
ratio comprised in the specified range for all steel shapes.
Saved post-processing views

A post-processing view saves the entire post-
processing scenario (i.e., result type, result
component, selected analyses and elements,
results visualization settings) together with the
display settings of the model (i.e., view point,
rendering, etc.). For each post-processing view, a
corresponding image file is saved to disk. The
saved images are in the Document mode of the
project browser.
Post-processing views automatically replay the
saved post-processing, without having to
manually recreate the post-processing scenario.
Moreover, if the structure settings were changed
and the results were modified, the updated post-
processing views display the new results.
39
Example: Creating a post-processing view

1. Define a (1, -1, 1) view of the workplane: press <Alt + 5>.
2. Set a ghost display of the descriptive model: on the Home tab,
Render Modes panel, click .
3. Access the "Results" dialog box by pressing <Alt + Z>. On the FE
tab, select:
- Forces result type;
- My result on linear elements;
- Mxx result on planar elements;
- 101 loads combination.
4. Click <OK>.
5. On the Results tab, click to save the post-processing.
To access a saved post-processing view: double click it in the project

browser.
Reports
Advance Design provides an advanced and powerful report generator tool,
with which the desired reports are easily defined. The available report
templates can be used or new templates can be defined. The report
generator filters its content according to the current settings and available
results. At the same time, the report content takes the selection of
elements (if any) into account.
40
Example: Generating a report

1. From the menu, select Documents > Standard Report; the report
generator automatically loads the standard report template.
2. On the Post-processing tab of the report generator, select the post-

processing view.
3. In the report's content section, select the table with forces on planar
elements and click to insert the post-processing right below.
4. Click Case / Combinations and select only combination 101 in the

Displacements, Forces and Stresses tabs.
5. Click Generate to start the report creation. When finished, the report
is automatically displayed with the document viewer application.
41
DESIGN
Starting with version 2017, Advance Design includes a new Project
Browser mode called Design:
Note: This mode is only available after the FEM analysis is completed.
A corresponding Ribbon tab was consequently introduced: the Design

ribbon, which only becomes active after an analysis is performed, and an
element is selected in the Design tab of the Project Browser by double
clicking on it.
The Design tab of the Advance Design Ribbon provides you with access to
commands from RC BIM Designers and Steel Connection Designer.
You can achieve the entire design process within Advance Design:
42
Concrete elements
Once the FEM analysis is complete, the user can open any element from
the model by:
 applying the new “Open with BIM Designers” command from the
contextual menu:
 by clicking on the “Design” tab in the Project Browser:
Four types of concrete elements can be calculated using the Advance BIM
Designers: footings (continuous and isolated), beams, columns and walls.
43
The unavoidable step before running a structural design session is to

define the structural design assumptions.
Structural design assumptions can be split in two different families:
 Design codes assumptions (Design Settings)
44
 Constructive dispositions for the automatic placement of bars

inside concrete members (Reinforcement Settings)
Both assumption families (Design and Reinforcement) are country-code

dependent (Eurocodes with different national appendixes, US codes,
Canadian codes, NTC codes).
When all assumptions are set, the user can calculate the model. Advance
BIM Designers will automatically generate the reinforcement needed for
the efforts transferred from Advance Design.
45
After the reinforcement is generated, the user still has the option to adjust
it. The reinforcement can easily be modified or new bars can be added,
with the possibility to see if the area of modified bars exceeds the
theoretical area calculated by Advance BIM Designers.
The calculated reinforcement can be restored at any point by using the

“Restore from calculation” option.
46
Output: Calculation Results Tab

For each performed verification, the "Calculation results" tab displays the
verification type, combination, value, limit, and work ratio.
Once the element is calculated, the user can display the drawing on
screen, print it or save the drawing on the computer.
On the drawing, the program automatically creates a bar schedule and a

title block with all the information about the project and the element (this
information will be imposed in “Drawing Settings” from Advance BIM
Designers).
47
BIM Designer Reports

One of the greatest features of Advance BIM Designers is producing a set
of available reports.
Users can preview reports using the Report Designer tool, or export them
in DOC or PDF format.
48

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Starting Guide

ADVANCE DESIGN Starting Guide

WHAT IS ADVANCE DESIGN? ................................................................... 6

INSTALLING ADVANCE DESIGN ............................................................... 7

STARTING ADVANCE DESIGN .................................................................. 9

ADVANCE DESIGN ENVIRONMENT ........................................................ 10

MODELING: CREATING THE DESCRIPTIVE MODEL ............................ 14

ANALYSIS: MESHING AND CALCULATION ........................................... 24

Welcome to Advance Design

This software also provides advanced design capabilities for steel,

Advance Design is a new generation analysis software, improved with

About this guide

Where to find information?

Contacting technical support

WHAT IS ADVANCE DESIGN?

Advance Design, structural analysis software designed for the civil

It provides a complete range of functions specialized in advanced CAD

INSTALLING ADVANCE DESIGN

Advance Design installation

After installing Advance Design, a license is required to use the software.

The activation process starts on launching Advance Design. Follow the

STARTING ADVANCE DESIGN

Advance Design can be launched using various methods:

Example: Configuring a new project

1. On the New tab of the starting wizard, click Configuration.

ADVANCE DESIGN ENVIRONMENT

1. Quick Access Toolbar

 Document mode: provides access to all documents generated

 Edit: allows the dialog between user and application; provides

10. Coordinate system

The program interface is intuitive and enhanced for an easier manipulation

MODELING: CREATING THE DESCRIPTIVE MODEL

Advance Design elements

Example Element type

Lines and polylines

Example: Creating structure elements

5. Draw a 3 meters high column placed at 6 0 XZ coordinates.

Definition of element properties

Example: Defining the element properties

2. In the properties window make the

3. Select the storey column, and, in its

5. In the project browser, select the two

Using the same method, place all the elements of

Example: Copying elements

Create the rest of the storey elements:

- Make 2 copies of the selected beams in the 0 6 0 direction.

Loads are generated via the graphical input, using the

Example: Generating loads

1. In the project browser: right click Loading and

- In the project browser: select the Portal frame >

1. In the project browser: right click Loading and

Example: Creating load combinations

1. In the project browser, right click

Access the Settings menu to select the desired

Example: Defining a modal analysis

ANALYSIS: MESHING AND CALCULATION

Creating the analysis model

The analysis model's components are

After the analysis model creation,