software

Moving loads may be generated on any Microstran model, typically to generate service loads for bridge structures. Options are available to apply loads automatically to continuous beams or grillages in the Microstran model.

A number of different load types are available, including fixed distributed and concentrated loads, area loads, truck loadings (for standard trucks and user-defined trucks), lane loads, longitudinal loads, and lateral line loads. Multiple load cases can be specified (load types may be grouped to form a load case), and loads can be generated automatically to represent the movement of a specified load pattern across the structure.

For more product information see the Microstran website at: microstran.com.au

Or for quotes and purchasing information talk to Chris at: chris.blair@geosystems.co.nz

Microstran offers design of members to several steel design codes including AS3990, AS4100, NZS3404, BS5950, AISC ASD Ed. 9, and SSCJ/AIJ. These modules provide unprecedented scope for design productivity. They offer:

• A new standard in ease of use
• Graphical application of restraints
• Color-coded display of design results
• Rigorous application of code provisions

For more product information see the Microstran website at: microstran.com.au

Or for quotes and purchasing information talk to Chris at: chris.blair@geosystems.co.nz

Microstran's catenary cable element permits the analysis of guyed masts, cable networks, and other cable structures. The catenary formulation of the cable element permits the accurate computation of the equilibrium position of each cable under load. On input, the unstrained length, which defaults to the chord length, may be specified for each cable member. Variation of the unstrained length changes the initial tension of the cable. Cable members may be subjected to acceleration loads, uniformly distributed loads, temperature loads, and axial distortions. Additional nodes may be introduced within cables if it is necessary to apply concentrated loads. The initial tension determined by the unstrained cable length is taken into account automatically.

For more product information see the Microstran website at: microstran.com.au

Or for quotes and purchasing information talk to Chris at: chris.blair@geosystems.co.nz

Response Spectrum Analysis is used to determine peak displacements and member forces due to support accelerations. The "Complete Quadratic Combination" method (CQC) of combining modal responses is used to determine the peak response. This is equivalent to the "Square Root of the Sum of Squares" (SRSS) method if all modal damping ratios are zero.

Static analysis results are updated with the results of the response spectrum analysis and the sum of the reactions for each dynamic load case will be displayed. You may enter factors for scaling the results to ensure compliance with minimum base shears specified in earthquake loading codes.

A library of digitized response spectrum curves is available for the Australian and New Zealand earthquake loading codes.

For more product information see the Microstran website at: microstran.com.au

Or for quotes and purchasing information talk to Chris at: chris.blair@geosystems.co.nz

Dynamic Analysis computes the frequencies and mode shapes of the natural vibration modes of the structural model. Only the mass and stiffness of the model are considered in computing natural frequencies and mode shapes. The mass of the members is computed automatically and additional mass may be specified at nodes.

Animation is available to assist in visualizing the mode shapes.

For more product information see the Microstran website at: microstran.com.au

Or for quotes and purchasing information talk to Chris at: chris.blair@geosystems.co.nz

This feature provides the capability of imposing "master-slave" relationships between displacement components at different nodes. Displacement components at a "slave" node may be constrained to conform to those of other nodes, designated "master" nodes. Each degree of freedom at a slave node may be related to the corresponding degree of freedom at a different master node.

One of the main applications of the master-slave feature is in modelling floors in multi-storey buildings where these may be considered to be rigid in their own plane. There is one master node at each level and all other nodes at that level are slaves for the in-plane degrees of freedom. In effect, in-plane degrees of freedom are not required for each slave node because the three components of displacement in the horizontal plane can be determined from the in-plane displacements of the master node.

For more product information see the Microstran website at: microstran.com.au

Or for quotes and purchasing information talk to Chris at: chris.blair@geosystems.co.nz

Elastic Critical Load Analysis (also referred to as stability, or buckling analysis) computes the elastic critical load factor, lambdac, for a structure subjected to a particular set of applied loads. This load factor is the ratio by which the axial forces in the members of the structure must be increased to cause the structure to become unstable due to the flexural buckling of one or more members (lateral torsional buckling of individual members is not taken into account). The elastic critical load of the structure is a function of the elastic properties of the structure and the pattern of loading.

For more product information see the Microstran website at: microstran.com.au

Or for quotes and purchasing information talk to Chris at: chris.blair@geosystems.co.nz

Gap and fuse members – this advanced option allows the member type to be set to gap, brittle fuse, or plastic fuse.Gap members are used to model slotted members or situations where one part of a structure bears on another after a certain relative displacement. Brittle fuse members are used to model members that fail in a non-ductile manner (e.g. rupture or buckling), while plastic fuse members are used to model elastoplastic members.

For more product information see the Microstran website at: microstran.com.au

Or for quotes and purchasing information talk to Chris at: chris.blair@geosystems.co.nz