SAP2000

Ever since its introduction over 30 years ago SAP is internationally acknowledged as the most advanced software in 3D analysis and design of structures. SAP2000 follows in the same tradition, being a state-of-the-art, multifunctional software, fully compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Besides the extremely user friendly GUI environment, it combines the most advanced calculation techniques with a powerful modeling engine and when it comes to analysis, load schemes, design and non-linear plastic analysis (pushover analysis), SAP2000 is the point of reference for engineers working on transportation, industrial, public works, sports, and other facilities. Furthermore, SAP2000 supports all European, International and US Codes.

Modeling Capabilities

SAP 2000 provides extraordinary capabilities for the modeling of a vast variety of structures including bridges, dams, tanks and buildings while at the same time the Windows based graphic environment allows the user to generate models through the use of templates. The generation and editing of the model, the execution of the analysis and its results as well as the optimization of the design are all integrated in the same environment.

Analysis capabilities

• Beam/truss elements
• Shell/plate elements
• Nonlinear link elements
• Beam element with variable cross section along its length
• Many types of loads including prestressing
• 3D shell element with out-of-plane rotational stiffness
• 3D 8-node Solid element with non-isotropic material properties
• Nonlinear Link Elements for simulating seismic base isolators, dampers, hook and damp elements in dynamic analysis

Loads Schemes

• Static loads (gravity loads, uniformly distributed loads, temperature loads, prestressing)
• Nodal point loads
• Node displacements
• Multiple base spectral response/ Time dependent/Base excitation dynamic loads
• Eigenvector and Ritz vector analysis
• SRSS, CQC and GMC eigenvectors combination
• Vehicle loads, lane loads and train loads

Design capabilities

SAP2000 provides the user with a complete set of design capabilities. Design and optimization of steel members is performed, among others, according to AISC (ASD, LRFD) and EC3, while RC members are designed according to both American Codes and Eurocode 2. Finally, SAP2000 can also design area elements.

Pushover analysis

New programming techniques incorporated in the Advanced version of SAP2000 allow static pushover analysis to be performed in a very simple and practical way. The user can assign non linear hinges (plastic hinges) to any point of a beam element while the properties of the hinges can either be defined be the user or automatically calculated by the program. The analysis can be governed either by external forces or deformations and the results are available either in tabular or graphical form. The following are just a fraction of the vast features of SAP2000 Advanced:

• The only 3D Performance Based Design tool for the design of RC structures through non linear plastic analysis according to ATC-40 and FEMA-273 has been developed entirely with SAP2000
• The same model can be used for static, dynamic and non linear time-history analysis
• After the non linear pushover analysis is completed the results can then be used for design
• Non linear plastic hinges for axial, flexural, shear and torsional behaviour
• Hinges offer P-M-M Interaction with Moment-Curvature
• Pushover analysis results are available step-by-step either in tabular or graphical form
• The spectral capacity curves with the exceptional interaction properties they possess, permit the investigation of the effect any parameter modification has on the structure

Available SAP2000 versions

SAP2000 Basic: the current version includes

• Static and Dynamic Spectral Analysis of structures consisting of both beam or erea elements
• Design of RC and steel frame structures

Limitations: 1500 nodes

SAP2000 PLUS

 Additional to Basic, this version includes:

• Dynamic Time History Analysis
• Plane, Solid and Asolid elements
• Bridge analysis

Limitations: practically none

SAP2000 Advanced

Additional to Plus, this version includes:

• Dynamic non linear Time history Analysis with non linear elements (dampers, base isolators, gap/hook)

Limitations: practically none

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