(07.18.2013) Structural eSeminar: SACS Offshore Structural Analysis Methods Q&A
This eSeminar was originally presented on July 18th, 2013
You can view the recording online at our BeConnected site. (coming soon)
The following are the product-related questions and corresponding answers from the eSeminar.
1. Q: How can I load Barge from library and use it?
A: With new SACS Marine Enterprise package the barge library is available through the following: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\SACS\SACS5.5\Vessel Library.
2. Q: How did you manage to see the pile geometry?
A: You can view the pile geometry through Precede via the File/Import/PSI Input File.
3. Q: How do you get Line Assist window for Data Gen file ?
A: With the new data generator in the SACS 5.5 release, it should automatically appear in the window on the RHS once you click on any line in the input file.
4. Q: Where are the earthquake time histories applied? At the top of the piles?
A: A seismic analysis is a base driven analysis and therefore the time histories are applied at the bottom of the jacket structure.
5. Q: Will all these analyses be able to combined with AutoPIPE model and analysis?
A: Bentley is hoping to build an interface to AutoPIPE in the near future for pipe loads to the piping support structure in SACS and later on to pass back load combinations to AutoPIPE for pipe design.
6. Q: Is Line Assist a new feature, and if so, where can we get the latest version of SACS?
A: Yes, download SACS 5.5 from the Bentley Server.
7. Q: Can you analyze a large dropped object impacting more than one joint?
A: Yes, with the quasi-static approach this is possible, simply refer to the dropped object load case and omit the joint names. For the dynamic approach, this is currently not possible, however, one can use a spreader structure with appropriate end releases and stiffness’s to spread the loads.
8. Q: How were the dynamic results from earthquake time history analyses combined with static gravity results?
A: The SACS Combine module can be used to combine the static and dynamic load results.
9. Q:: Does SACS do an underwater dropped object analysis?
A: Yes, by accounting for the damping/buoyancy/viscosity effects.
10. Q: If new to SACS, is there any step by step example or manual available?
A: The SACS Manuals come with worked examples. Sample and Demo Files are also available with the SACS software.
11. Q: Do we always have to mesh x brace connection for impact analysis in collapse?
A: You should mesh any type of a brace for a joint impact to account for local deformation.
12. Q: Is there a trial version for SACS?
A: SACS is available for evaluation purpose by request.
13. Q: Can we do the global analysis for jack up rigs? Even fatigue?
A: Global analysis for Jack Up rig legs is possible with Fatigue.
14. Q: Is it possible to use the dynamic analysis to analyze lifting of heavy structures offshore? More specifically, heavy lifitng on a vessel.
A: Vessel Motion study with inertial loads on the lift structure is possible for various lift conditions.
15. Q: When I run any SACS model in SACS V5.3 and then in V5.4 the results are different. Do you know why?
A: The results may be different to the following reasons: Improvements in the analysis methodology, bug fixes, new compilers. The latter is very important of iterative analysis types. Please contact Bentley tech support to evaluate your situation further.
16. Q: Is it possible to convert hull from Hull modeler to Launch analysis ?
A: Currently there is no direct way to enter the hull geometry from the Hull Modeler to the Launch Program.
17. Q: Can I use SACS for Splash Zone analysis? I need the crane boom acceleration, wave and current loads...
A: SACS currently does not have a capability to conduct a wave slam/slap analysis.
18. Q: Are the piles and pile-soil required to be linearized?
A: This is only required for a Modal analysis. This is not necessary for a regular PSI or a wave response analysis.
19. Q: Is there a publication available for SACS learners containing step by step tutorials for various types of analyses?
A: The SACS software comes with a whole variety of Demos and Samples for different analysis types.
20. Q: Can we make the LOAD card to act like a WEIGHT card which can be later used for acceleration in global x and y direction?
A: For dynamic analysis given load conditions can be converted to mass by using the load case select line and using the dynamic option.
21. Q: Are the models and examples that you used available anywhere if we want to review them later?
A: Our presenter can make them available by request. Please email him directly at: Parvinder.Jhita@Bentley.com.
22. Q: Is there a way to show piles in precede (SACS version 5.3)?
A: Check the File/Import menu to see if the PSI import feature is available.
23. Q: Can you put flow charts like you had in you presentation in the manual?
A: Yes this is possible, thank you for the feedback. Bentley will add this as an important upgrade to the manuals.
24. Q: Can the earthquake motions be input at the far end of the pile spring? Or do motions have to be input at the pile top?
A: This is a base driven analysis and therefore the motions are input at the bottom of the jacket structure.
25. Q: I've heard that STAAD.offshore will no longer be supported now that SACS is available through Bentley. Is this true and what is the future of using STAAD for offshore analysis such as transportation?
A: Yes, it is true that STAAD.offshore will not be developed any further as we now offer the SACS solution. The SACS software is available for offshore transportation analysis.
26. Q: How do we learn more about last year’s Be Inspired Award winner and finalists in the Offshore category?
A: Bentley is proud to have received a number of great use cases for this new category. The Innovation in Offshore Enginering finalists and winner were outstanding uses of Bentley products for their offshore projects. Consider attending the 2013 event in London this October. More information at www.bentley.com/beinspired. And keep your project in mind for 2014!
27. 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 eSeminar. 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.
28. Q: How do I view this eSeminar again or share it with a colleague?
A: This event along with the live Q&A were recorded and it is available online. (coming soon)