CU4201

TECHNOLOGY focus
IDEA StatiCa
Winners of the Innovation of the Year category at the 2023 Construction Computing Awards, IDEA
StatiCa revolutionises the structural design of steel connections
In the world of structural engineering,
the design and analysis of steel
connections play a pivotal role in
ensuring the safety and integrity of
buildings and infrastructure. Over the
years, advancements in software
technology have significantly
contributed to streamlining and
enhancing the design process.
Among these innovations, IDEA
StatiCa, a leading provider of structural
engineering software tools, has
developed a comprehensive set of
features specifically designed for the
design, optimisation, and analysis of
steel connections - a groundbreaking
solution that revolutionises the
structural design of steel connections.
The software combines the power of
finite element analysis (FEA) with a
user-friendly interface, enabling
engineers to efficiently design and
assess complex connections.
IDEA StatiCa incorporates the
innovative Component-based Finite
Element Method (CBFEM), combining
the accuracy of finite element analysis
with the efficiency of component-based
modelling. The CBFEM method breaks
down the complex steel connections
into individual components, such as
plates, bolts, and welds. Each
component is modelled using finite
elements, capturing its specific
behaviour and interaction with other
components, providing a detailed
analysis of the connection's
performance and ensuring accurate
predictions of structural response.
By using the CBFEM method, IDEA
StatiCa overcomes the limitations of
traditional design approaches that rely
on simplified hand calculations or
empirical formulas. The software
considers the geometric complexity,
material nonlinearity, and load
distribution in a connection, resulting
in more precise and reliable design
results.
Furthermore, IDEA StatiCa's CBFEM
method accounts for various factors
that influence connection behaviour,
such as joint stiffness, stress
concentrations, and load redistribution.
It accurately predicts stress
distribution, deformation, and failure
modes within the connection, enabling
engineers to optimise the design for
maximum strength and efficiency.
By integrating CBFEM into IDEA
StatiCa, engineers can benefit from a
more holistic and accurate design
approach. They can analyse
connections under different load
scenarios, assess the influence of
various design parameters, and
optimise connections for costeffectiveness
and structural
performance. This method empowers
engineers to design connections that
not only meet safety requirements but
also provide optimal solutions in terms
of material usage and construction
feasibility.
UNLIMITED STEEL CONNECTIONS
One of the key strengths of IDEA
StatiCa is its ability to handle a wide
range of connection types, including
welded, bolted, and composite
connections. The software provides
extensive libraries of standardised
connections, allowing engineers to
choose from a vast selection of predefined
templates. Furthermore, IDEA
StatiCa offers customisation options,
enabling engineers to tailor
connections to specific project
requirements, without any limitations in
the geometry.
By automating the design process,
IDEA StatiCa significantly reduces the
time required for connection design.
Engineers can quickly generate
optimised designs based on
predefined templates or customise
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January/February 2024