Tendon Optimisation for Beam with Multiple Load Cases

[lucy_colemanC2A6Q]

I have a file with two different design beam models. The geometry of each beam is the same, but there are differences in the loading (one has a temperature restraint load corresponding to contraction and the other expansion). Is there a way to run the tendon optimisation process to find a single tendon arrangement which works for both the expansion and contraction case? Or is it necessary to perform the tendon optimisation separately for each and then manually alter the tendons to find an arrangement that works for both?

[dave_geeves · Accepted solution]

Hi Lucy,

I don't think there is a way to optimise tendons automatically for the two sets of load cases as you describe.  I think you will need to use a bit of trial and error here by optimising for one case and then check that this works for the second case If this does not work then adjustment will need to be made and the iterations continued.  I don't generally tend to use the tendon optimisation feature as I'm a bit of a "Dinosaur" and get the tendon arrangement manually using the trial and error method.  I seem to get a better understanding of the calculations used.  However the optimisation is a great starting point.

I notice that you say you have two separate design beams to analyse both loading sets - which is absolutely fine.  The way I tend to work is to have a single design beam and save my loading data to two separate ASCII data files which I can swap in and out.  This tends to make the iterative process a little quicker and smoother.

I hope this helps.  If this has answered your query then please mark my reply as a solution so that others may benefit.  Thanks.

Kind regards

Dave Geeves