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TRM254 Computer Modelling Check List

This document provides a checklist for computer modelling in civil and structural engineering, emphasizing the importance of experience, software limitations, and model appropriateness. It outlines necessary steps for verifying input data, analyzing results, and conducting sensitivity checks to ensure accuracy. The document also stresses the need for proper documentation of assumptions and data used during the modelling process.

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4 views2 pages

TRM254 Computer Modelling Check List

This document provides a checklist for computer modelling in civil and structural engineering, emphasizing the importance of experience, software limitations, and model appropriateness. It outlines necessary steps for verifying input data, analyzing results, and conducting sensitivity checks to ensure accuracy. The document also stresses the need for proper documentation of assumptions and data used during the modelling process.

Uploaded by

kejspm
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

TRM 254

TECHNICAL REFERENCE Rev 1

MANUAL Date 5/08


Civil & Structural
Page 1 of 2
COMPUTER MODELLING CHECK LIST

INTRODUCTION

This TRM sets out a check list which should be followed for all calculations carried out by computer
analysis. It should be read and understood by the computer modeller before any computer modelling
is carried out.

CHECK LIST

System
Has the designer sufficient experience and training to create a structural concept model and
develop it through the software package?
Are there the skills and experience within WSP available to complete the verification at the various
stages?

Software
What are the limitations of the software?
Is the software appropriate for the analysis?

Analysis model
Is the computer model appropriate for the structural form being considered?
Beam elements or finite elements?
Should the model be 2D or 3D?
Are the input data correct?
dimensions
section properties - values, beam orientations
finite element shapes
eccentricities
material properties - cracked or uncracked concrete?
units
restraints / springs
loads - magnitudes, directions
has self weight been calculated correctly?
combinations.
If data has been transferred electronically into the analysis package, has it arrived correctly?
Are there gaps in the model? Are two nodes / members defined at the same place?
Are there internal restraints (eg fixed supports at both ends)?
Are large stiff elements connected to less stiff elements (danger of ill conditioning or rounding
errors)?
Carry out linear static analysis before non-linear or dynamic analysis
Keep a careful track of which model is the most up to date. Save old models in a sub-folder.

Results
Have warnings and error messages been resolved satisfactorily?
Do the results look right:
Applied loads and reactions in balance? (check all load cases individually)
Deflected shape?
Deflection values?
Internal forces and moments in balance?
If the model is symmetrical, are the results also symmetrical?

© WSP Group
TRM 254
TECHNICAL REFERENCE Rev 1

MANUAL Date 5/08


Civil & Structural
Page 2 of 2
COMPUTER MODELLING CHECK LIST

Review
Sensitivity checks - vary critical parameters such as:
FE models - mesh size
spring stiffnesses
degree of concrete cracking (see TRM 235 Cracked section factors).
Check overall results and individual member results using simple hand calculations.
Assume the answers are wrong until you have convinced yourself otherwise!

Design
Record:
assumptions made
input data used
diagrams of geometry, loads, principal results
file name and location on system of current model.
Ensure forces and moments are followed through.
For example, check:
combined compression and bending
torsion moments.

Author: John Parker, London Holborn


Sponsor: Group Technical Centre
Revision record:
5/08 First issue (rev 1)

© WSP Group

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