Service-Pack 2025-0#
SOFiSTiK Structural Desktop#
General Information#
We continued efforts regarding report readability by a consistent revision of the representation of physical units (e.g., A [mm²], ε [‰]).
To promote clarity, units of angular velocities [rad/sec] are consistently differentiated from frequency related quantities [1/sec]. To support this, we also introduced Hertz [Hz] as a new physical unit to the SOFiSTiK unit system.
Feature
Export to DAT
For structural elements the input definition for the interpolation of cross sections is now available (default).
Design Codes#
Feature
New design codes available:
US ACI-318-19 - Building code for Structural Concrete ACI 318-19(22)
US AASHTO-2020 - Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges AASHTO 2020
DIN EN199x-200x-BRIDGE - Modifications due to new DIN EN 1009/NA/A1:2024-05: for road and pedestrian bridges action T psi0 = 0.8, actions settlement gamu = 1.35.
IFC/SAF Data Exchange#
Bugfix
SAF
Enable import of eccentricities on structural members.
The problem that an error occurs due to quad thickness =0 has been fixed. (220340)
Fixing issue where a “.” in path caused failure in writing DAT filesystem.
Cross Sections and Materials#
General
AQUA
Duplicate element IDs should be avoided since result association is no longer distinct. Also, there may be incorrect interpolation of sections, and sections with duplicate element IDs cannot be edited interactively in the Cross Section Editor. AQUA now displays a corresponding warning when duplicate element IDs are explcitly entered. Automatically generated elements, e.g. “QPOL RECT”, are numbered consecutively.
Extended safeguards when using Extended Material Properties (MEXT): If a MEXT property is specified for polygon edges, circles and perimeter reinforcement, that does not exist in the material, an error message is displayed.
The locations of clamped edge are not changed after a c/t calculation (SIG NEFF), so the calculation can be done more than once.
When using line reinforcements (LRF, CRF, CURF), an additional bar may now be inserted in order to better maintain the specified spacing.
Feature
AQUA
Elliptical polygonal cross section: Definition with two radii at the polygonal vertices with tangential points in record VERT.
New standard cross section “Edge beam” (record EDGB): A half-sided T-beam cross-section is created.
Record SREC:
The item BO is used to specify the effective plate width for standard T-beams.
With the new item BDL, the total width of the plate can now also be specified in order to take an additional dead weight into account if BDL > BO (downstanding beam) or BDL > B (upstanding beam).
The torsional effectiveness is shown in the table of the single reinforcement.
SSD
New Dialog for standard cross section “Edge beam”
Dialog for standard T-beam: New possibility is available of the input of total width of the plate in order to take an additional dead weight into account.
Cross Section Editor (SOFiPLUS)
Definition of an elliptical polygonal cross section: Automatic recognition of two radii at a tangential point of an ellipse is now possible.
Bugfix
AQUA
During FEM integration of shear deformation areas and torsional moment of inertias, the influence of the effective base reinforcement was not correctly taken into account.
The areas of the single bars of a line reinforcement in “cm²/m” were sometimes incorrect, as a result of which the total reinforcement area of the layer could become incorrect.
Standard shear walls could not be interpolated.
The shear deformation area Ayz may have negative values.
The resistance values for shear, torsion and warping are now slightly less dependent on the meshing during a FEM calculation (CTRL STYP FEM). (226711)
Standard rectangular cross sections with symmetrical reinforcement lacked the intermediate reinforcements in layer 3.
Dynamic Eigenmode Analysis#
Feature
In addition to mass normalisation, which is the standard procedure for eigenmode scaling, alternative normalisation methods (Maximum Absolute Value, Maximum Nodal Deformation) are available for selection, now (FEABENCH).
For every mode, in addition to the effective masses, also the respective modal masses are reported explicitly.
Various performance optimisations may reduce computation time for the eigenmode analyis significantly. Our benchmarks show an average reduction of total computation time by a factor of approximately 1.5.
Moving Load Train Analysis#
General
New SSD Task Moving Load Train Analysis
When designing a graphical user interface for the dynamic analysis of moving load trains, our ambition was:
To create a tailored workflow, which integrates analysis seamlessly with axis based or structural model based calculation models
To provide guidance and significantly reduce the complexity of input
To assure high quality results and facilitate direct assessment by transparent and customizable result monitoring and a well engineered tooling, e.g., to assist in choosing a qualified and economical time step
The SSD Task Moving Load Train Analysis step-by-step guides you through the analysis process. Among other things, it offers:
Definition of the load trains, either by selecting from a comprehensive built-in library, or by creating user-defined ones
Axis based or structural line based selection of the track
A straight-forward and flexible setup of the series of analyses to be carried out, ruled by definition of the train speed ranges to be considered
Automatic time step selection
Configuration and storage of result envelopes and time histories for analysis assessment and further postprocessing
For more information about the new Moving Load Train Analysis Task see the following tutorial: Dynamic Analysis - Moving Load Trains.
Feature
Calculation by Modal Analysis is now available for the text based input (FEABENCH).
Various performance optimisations may reduce computation time significantly. Our benchmarks show an average reduction of total computation time by a factor of more than 2.
Earthquake RSA - Buildings#
Feature
Upon request, rigid diaphragms from COR computation can now be consistently maintained throughout the whole analysis workflow. This alternative modeling option facilitates straightforward assessment of the actual storey performance compared to the rigid diaphragm model representation, e.g., in a comparative study. For more information see the following tutorial: Assess the conformity of the real model with the rigid diaphragm concept.
Differentiated stiffness modifiers (full stiffness vs. shear and bending stiffness) provide more flexibility in engineering judgement for adequately resolving structural behavior (stiffness reduction due to concrete cracking).
The extended mass summary report now features a differentiated listing of mass contributions from self-weight and possible additional nodal masses, e.g., due to load-to-mass conversion.
Various performance optimisations may reduce computation time for the actual modal and directional combination analysis step (RSA) significantly. Our benchmarks show an average reduction of total computation time for this analysis step by a factor of approximately 2.
Plastic Hinges & Performance Categories#
Feature
The generation of concentrated plasticity material models for pushover analysis now also supports composite and structural steel cross sections.
Consequently, the task Concrete Plastic Hinge has been renamed to Plastic Hinge.
The new task Plastic Hinge - Performance Categories supports the definition of performance categories and criteria, a concept described in the section Pushover Analysis for Bridge Piers.
The Plastic Hinge task has been extended to include the limit strain inputs associated with the performance criteria.
Pushover Analysis for Bridge Piers#
Feature
New concept of performance categories and associated performance criteria is now available for the pushover analysis of bridge piers.
This approach facilitates the performance-based seismic assessment of plastic hinges, in accordance with standards and guidelines such as AASHTO and ASCE/COPRI61-14.
Category represents a set of performance criteria which describe specific damage levels or states (e.g., spalling of the concrete cover) and are associated with corresponding limit strains.
During the analysis, information on whether a certain criterion is reached within a category will be stored and can be used for later evaluation.
In this way, structural performance states (associated with a certain damage) can be easily identified on a global level and assessed by directly relating them to demand requirements. This can be achieved using Interactive Graphics or tailored performance evaluation checks, as indicated by the following capacity curve.
For more information about the performance categories and criteria workflow see the following tutorial: Pushover Analysis Bridge Piers - Performance Categories and Criteria.
Combinations and Superpositions#
Feature
MAXIMA and Task ‘Superpositioning for Combination Rules’
Selection of secondary groups for design elements for output. (222443)
Design of Concrete Columns#
Feature
Task Column Design Assistant
Clearer representation of stored reinforcement and the related design cases.
Task Column System
Align the functions of the Load Case Manager to other modules.
Bugfix
Task Column Design Assistant
The information about a user defined effective length got lost after opening the task again.
Task Column System
When deleting a load case the loads where moved into another load case.
Now the dead load will be considered correctly according the load case manager.
Task Column Fire Design
The graphic for elliptic cross sections is now shown correctly in the task.
Fire design according to EN 1992-1-2 table 5.2a
In some cases, the reinforcement was not increased so that the design check failed. (226432)
Design of Concrete Beams#
Feature
Design Groups for BEAMs
The newly introduced concept of design groups allows grouping of geometrically similar beams to achieve a common design.
The output transparently highlights decisive reinforcements for each design group. This allows a straightforward assessment of the conducted design group arrangement.
For serviceability limit state checks the decisive reinforcement per design group is used.
Load Case Combinations for design
The definition of load case combinations has been improved and simplified.
The definition now works by referencing load cases by their number and the corresponding factor.
It is also possible to adopt previously stored load combinations from the database.
Definition of combinations via the title is deprecated and will be removed in future versions.
Improvements in deflection calculation
The curvature required for the deformation calculation can now be calculated numerically using the appropriate work law in addition to the calculation using analytical formulas.
Defining and controlling reinforcement layout
The basic reinforcement from the cross section definition is now set to zero by default. It can be controlled with CTRL AMIN.
The new input record CTRL LSWC can now be used to control the switching of reinforcement layers 1 and 2 according to the acting bending moments. The layers are not switched by default.
The definition of reinforcement for serviceability limit state checks has been improved so that the maximum is now always applied at the transition between two different values.
Handling of design section types in BEAM
Design section types defined in program DECREATOR are now clearly shown in the report.
The shear reinforcement at the shear cut is now considered along the beam towards the center of the support.
Sections with TYPE HFAC are now always used for the design at the face of the support, regardless of the HDIV value.
Design Checks for Composite Cross Sections#
General
Ultimate Limit State design checks for section classes 1 through 4
We continued our efforts in providing dedicated design checks for composite bridges. Tailored ULS design checks for composite cross sections are now consistently supported for cross section classes 1 through 4. For this purpose we extended the functionality of module COMPOSITE to include:
Calculation of elastic stresses with consideration of the construction process, the cracking of concrete (no tensile strength) and the effects of creep and shrinkage
Cross-section classification for section classes 3 and 4
Ultimate Limit State design checks for section classes 3 and 4
Local buckling effects of the cross-section (section class 4, shear buckling) are considered in the checks by the Reduced Stress Method (EN 1993-1-5, section 10).
Buckling Resistance of Steel Members#
General
The TYPE option from CTRL input in BDK is obsolete.
Feature
The intermediate boundary conditions are set automatically when the task Steel Buckling Resistance is initialized for the first time.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)#
Feature
We have added the new task Life Cycle Assessment to all our current SOFiSTiK FEM packages
Graphical input of Global Warming Potential (GWP) values per life cycle phase for the materials in the system.
The GWP values can be set manually or by linking with data sets from the ÖKOBAUDAT according to DIN EN 15804+A1 and +A2.
Default GWP values can be set for concrete and reinforcement steel.
GWP Assessment for predefined phases, the phase D recycling potential can be selected on request.
The task allows the control of several calculation options for element types, evaluation of materials and (secondary) groups and for the consideration of reinforcement and tendons.
Different model variants can easily be compared using the the export facility to MS Excel.
Improvements in the printout of the Life Cycle Assessment
The designations of the phases A1-A3, C3 and D according to EN 15804+A2 have been added to the caption of the tables.
It is now possible to calculate the Life Cycle Assessment and save the values in the database without creating a printout.
Interactive Pre- and Postprocessors#
Viewer#
Interactive System Visualization Tool
General
Initial release of the program Viewer, the new SOFiSTiK interactive visualization tool.
Feature
Visualization of the FE model.
Visualization and animation of the deformed FE model.
Real time filtering of the structure by primary and/or secondary groups.
Visualization and inspection of the generated towers and storey levels.
Save and load rendering settings to views.
Automatic update notification mechanism.
Image capture up to 8K resolution.
Compatibility with a wide range of GPUs as well as RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol).
Result Viewer#
Graphical and Tabular Post-Processing
Feature
New results are available:
ID in the BIM/CAD model for structural points, structural lines, structural areas, design elements and storey levels.
Stresses and utilisations on thin-walled cross-sections from the program COMPOSITE.
Secondary groups and their assignment to the elements.
Added new option to quickly sum up the values of a table column. (210793)
MAX, MIN and SUM values can now be printed in the PLB output.
Process multi-selection for diagram graph selection. (220474)
Using free color for new graph. (220474)
For the text input workflow, the Result Viewer drop-down menu shows now all available databases (.CDB) and Result Viewer (.RESULTS) files, for a quick access directly from Teddy ribbon menu.
Graphic#
Graphical Representation of FE Structures and Results
General
When displaying the “structural lines”, all numbers referenced at this line are now used again.
Feature
The input loads from load take down from another (Revit) database can be filtered.
It is possible to display the utilisation results of program COMPOSITE.
It is possible to display the performance indices of criteria of a pushover analysis.
Bugfix
Scale of the filling colours for hinges had no text.
The text offset had no effect on line representation.
The merging of overlapping loads has been improved. (219492, 182545)
Some local line loads (e.g. temperature) were missing in the “Free loads” selection.
When displaying vectors, the scale was sometimes not determined correctly.
Changing colours of performance indices did not worked.
The command ‘dimension info’ did not show the information for the current layer, but always for the last one.
FEA Modules for Batch Processing#
SOFiMSHC#
Geometric Modelling
Feature
Secondary groups are automatically generated for each Tower / Storey in the system. Printout information available with ECHO SYST EXTR.
Secondary groups can be exported from database to a DAT input file. (224492)
Bugfix
Corrected marking of cross-sections to be interpolated in AQUA. (219940)
Disable conditional subdivision of edges, when a single span has been explicitly requested. (226603)
DECREATOR#
Generation of Design Elements
General
When a Design Element is created from Structural Line sequences (using multiple input DGEO SLN), its direction is now always determined from the first Structural Line to the second.
Feature
Export of Design Element geometric definitions from database to CADINP text-input is now possible using the “Export to DAT” Dialog or the EXPO command in DECREATOR.
Bugfix
When the Design Element geometry is curved, the transformation of forces from intersected beam elements is now corrected. (227430)
The group selection option DSEL GRP is now corrected to work as an additional group filter when used in combination with DSEL BEAM.
SOFiLOAD#
Loads and Load Functions
Feature
Introducing new command LTD (Load Take Down) to transfer support forces from a source to a target system. This can be used, for example, when designing floors of a multi level building independently.
Available types of source-to-target assignments: Falldown, explicit n:m relation, automatic selection.
Transferred reactions are smoothened and placed constant or trapezoidal.
Introducing new command GUID to assign a Globally Unique Identifier to a load. Furthermore, with the option TAG, it is possible to mark loads. For example, line and point loads from a load take down can be tagged as “walls” or “columns” and summarized in a table using the ECHO command.
TENDON#
Geometry and Forces of Tendons
Bugfix
Missing quad intersections: Refer
gap_tolerancetoarc_lengthnot to parameters. (227309)