MODELING OF STRUCTURES IN 2D using GRASP

Presented by

ANDRES W.C. ORETA

Associate Professor in Civil Engineering
De La Salle University – Manila

1. LOADS : DL = 31 kN/m LL = 10 kN/m WL = 40 kN and 20 kN (see figure)

2. LOAD COMBINATIONS:
COMB NO. 1 = 1.4 D + 1.7 L
COMB NO. 2 = 1.05 D + 1.275 L + 1.275 W
3. MATERIAL PROPERTIES:
E = 21 kN/mm2  = 24 kN/m3  = 12E-6
F’c = 27.6 Mpa Fy = 415 Mpa
4. SECTION PROPERTIES
COLUMNS ( 400 mm x 400 mm) BEAMS (Tee – section)
800 mm
20 mm

250 mm
300 mm
GRASP – Graphical Rapid Analysis of Structures Program

GRASP is a user-friendly software for two dimensional analysis of

framed structures. specially developed for the Windows, GRASP
provides an interactive, easy to use, graphical environment for
modeling and analysis. Major features include:
 Modeling and analysis of multiple models in one file
 Presetting of default load cases and load factors
 Internal and automatic tracking of node numbers and member
incidences
 Display the structural model at all times on the screen during
analysis and superimposition of the analysis results on the
model after analysis
 A Structure Wizard provides a step-by-step guideline for the
generation of a multistorey structural models
 Supports SI, US and metric units and use of mixed units
 Apply loads on nodes and on members in multiple load cases.
 View and print the analysis results for the full structure up to 20
sections for a member
 Diagram with value and tables
 Special spring and inclined supports

GRASP allows the user to select different member cross-sections,

material properties and restraint conditions from its library. Member
cross-sections may be any of the eight pre-defined types. Material
properties are defined by the user. Support restraints can be specified
by on-screen selection from several pre-defined.Cross- sections and
restraint identification in GRASP is in a graphical manner

GRASP allows the user to select different member cross-sections,

material properties and restraint conditions from its library. Member
cross-sections may be any of the eight pre-defined types. Material
properties are defined by the user. Support restraints can be specified
by on-screen selection from several pre-defined.Cross- sections and
restraint identification in GRASP is in a graphical manner.

GRASP is ideally suited for rapid and easy analysis of simple

structures and can also be used as an educational tool. GRASP is
primarily based on a graphical means of interaction with the user and
can provide direct feedback and effect of modifications.

(Reference: ACECOMS website : http://www.acecoms.ait.ac.th)

 2D Modeling using GRASP – STEP by STEP
(Reference: ACECOMS Promotion CD)

STEP 2 : Set Units

STEP 1 : Start GRASP (Menu: Options>Unit)

STEP 3: Choose Truss or STEP 4 : Define Material

Frame (Menu: Structure > Material)
(Menu: Structure)
STEP 5: Define Geometry (a) Strucutre > Wizard, or
(b) Draw / Copy Members

STEP 6: Assign Section STEP 7: Assign Support

(Menu: Structure > Member (Menu: Structure > Nodal
Properties or Toolbar Button) Restraint or Toolbar Button)
STEP 8: Define Load Cases &
Combinations (Menu : Loading
> Edit/Change Load Case)
STEP 10: Analyze
(Menu: Perform>Analysis)
STEP 12: Report Set-up
(Menu: File > Report Set-up)
STEP 9: Apply Loads
(Select case from list
and then Menu:
Loading > Member or
Nodal Load)
STEP 11: View Results
(Menu: View>Axial, Moment,
Sheat…)
STEP 13: Preview / Print
(Menu: File> Preview /Report)
 SAMPLE RESULTS OF FRAME PROBLEM

Deflection due to DL Moment Diagram

due to LL
Moment Daigram due to WL Axial Diagram due to
WL

Moment Diagram Combination 1 Moment

Diagram Combination 2
OVERVIEW OF OTHER SOFTWARE FOR STRUCTURAL
ENGINEERS
(Download FREE unlicensed version at http://www.acecoms.ait.ac.th)

 ACECOMS GEAR is an integrated set of easy to use programs for

assisting the Civil and Structural Engineers in their routine design
work, providing quick solutions and can even replace the use of
handbooks.
 Explorer type of interface with the facility to open several
modules simultaneously
 Supports all major systems of units: SI, US and Metric.
 Produces fully customisable and formatted reports with
sketches.
 Can be used with BATS 2000, GRASP, FRAME-2DX and other
software for design of sections

 BATS 2001 is the new version of one of the most popular three-
dimensional building analysis software developed by Asian Center
for Engineering Computations and Software at the Asian Institute
of Technology. BATS is the result of several years of research,
development, and feedback from thousands of engineers from
 several countries. BATS2001 has been enhanced significantly with
many new features to convert it into a more effective building
analysis and design tool. With BATS2001, you can significantly
improve the productivity, making the modeling and analysis
process easier and faster than before.
Main Capabilities of the Programs
 BATS2001 is specially developed to work with Windows
95/98/2000 and Windows NT
 BATS2001 has a fully graphical user interface.
 Supports SI, Metric and US units.
 Static Analysis, Modal Analysis, Response Spectrum Analysis,
Time History Analysis
 Reinforced Concrete Design for beams and columns
 Fully customizable, professional report generation.

 SAP2000 represents the state-of-the-art in three dimensional finite

element technology for structural engineering. This SAP is
completely integrated within Windows 95/NT, and offers an easy-to-
use graphical interface along with the latest developments in
analytical techniques.
Key Benefits
 Fully integrated interface within Windows (95, 98 and NT)
 Element types range from Frame/Truss to Shell/Plate
 Capabilities for modeling a wide range of structures
 Multiple base response spectums
 Nonlinear and Pushover analysis option
 AISC, ACI, AASHTO, British and Eurocodes
 Multiple views in 3D perspective

 STRAND 7: Fully integrated visual environment, combined with

powerful solvers gives an unparalleled functionality to this general
purpose Finite Element Analysis Software. Strand7 helps you to
build models quickly, create, delete and manipulate elements with
a comprehensive set of tools, automated meshing and unlimited
undo. Organize a complicated model into a simple set of parts
using the Group Tree. Define your own coordinate systems and
beam cross sections. Check the mesh quality with aspect and
warping contours and free edge detection.

 SYSDesigner, which stands for 'Siam Yamato Steel Designer', is a

software developed by ACECOMS, AIT for Siam Yamato Co. Ltd.
Thailand. This software, to be used under windows platform
(Win95/98 and WinNT), has been developed for the design of
structural steel members for hot rolled steel specifically those
produced by SYS. The software carries out it internal calculations
based on working stress design method (AISC/ASD). The three
main modules are the modules for the design of axial member,
beams and columns. The software uses concept of segments and
unified code stress ratio approach for both design and investigation
(verification). These concepts have been explained in the following
sections. All Siam Yamato Steel hot rolled sections are built into
the program. It also provides the data importing facility from the
GRASP and Microfeap An Auto Design Wizard allows the easy way
to design multiple member in one run. In addition to the main
design modules, it includes many general and civil engineering
tools like Unit converter, engineering constants, K factor
calculations, code coefficient calculations etc. Most of these tools
can be used together with the main modules or as independent
'calculator like' way. The Section Property modules allows the
designer to view on the screen or send for printing, the section
properties sorted and sorted in various form like based on width,
depth, designation, weight etc. The report manager can generate
professional quality design reports.

ACECOMS Membership

We invite you to join ACECOMS as a Member and enjoy enormous

benefits and privileges. We feel that by joining ACECOMS you can
further develop your professional skills and update your knowledge
with the current developments in Computer Application in Civil
Engineering, Construction Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering
and in Structural Engineering.

Annual Membership (US$ 30/ US$15 for Students)

Basic member benefits
 Saving up to 20% on regular prices of software
 Get a free Newsletter of total worth US$ 12 per year
 Saving up to 20% on regular registration fee of Workshops/Training/Seminar
Free 7 modules of ACECOMS GEAR software worth over US$320 (1. Converter,
2. Engineering Constants, 3. Dead Load Reference, 4. Factored Load Reference,
5. Solving Polygons, 6. Solving Triangles, 7. Solving Circles)
 Membership Certificate
 Many other benefits belonging to a professional group

Life Membership (Fee: US$ 150)

Life Membership Benefits
 Basic membership benefits PLUS
 Get 2 Free Items (See sofware offer list below)
 Get 2 Free Publications (See list from right column/ Valid for 2 years)
 Get All Basic Membership Benefits (as shown below)
Software Offers
A) GEAR: :Beam Section Design
B) GEAR: Column Section Design
C) GEAR: Flat Slab Design
D) GEAR: Driven Pile Capacity
 E) GEAR: Design of RC Pilecaps
F) GEAR: Design of TWSLab
G) GEAR: Design of Steel Strut
H) GEAR: Design of Steel Beam
I) GEAR: Design of Steel Column
J) SYSDesigner
K) BATS2000
L) 30% Discount on SAP2000, ETABS, SAFE (Any one or more)
M) 40% Discount on BATS, GEAR, GRASP (Any one or more)

For inquiries on membership and special discounted price on software,

contact:

De La Salle University, Department of Civil Engineering,

2401 Taft Ave., Manila, Philippines
Tel: 524-4611 loc. 226 / Fax 524-0563
Email: coejsr@dlsu.edu.ph / coeaco@dlsu.edu.ph

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – Center for Engineering Research,

Training & Consultancy (DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING) is an ACECOMS Satellite Center

ACECOMS started organizing a series of international seminar at

various locations outside Thailand to provide interested professional
with an opportunity to interact directly with its experts in their own
cities. From the feedback received from the participants and
suggestions from peoples involved in similar fields of operations, it
was realized that it is always inadequate to provide information and
supports from one center. This led to the inception of new
representative centers called as 'ACECOMS Satellite Centers' in
various cities of Asia and other regions.
Every satellite center will act as ACECOMS fully authorized
representative to extend activities in the specified region which will
comprise of fully trained, certified and experienced professionals to
provide all necessary authoritative support on behalf of ACECOMS.
These centers in addition to work in close association with ACECOMS
for major activities including the promotion and technical support for
ACECOMS software, dissemination of information on computer
application in civil engineering, research, consulting and projects,
they will also form an international network of professional dedicated
to computer application in civil engineering.