A strategy for automated modeling of frame structures

Structural analysis involves three main phases, namely, modeling, analysis, and results processing. Computer software exists in order to automate the analysis and results processing phases. However, modeling is still done largely by hand, especially for frame structures.This paper considers automated modeling of frame structures in the context of a computer integrated system for structural engineering design. In this system a structure is defined in terms of its components and connections, and it is necessary to create an analysis model in terms of nodes, elements, boundary conditions, and so on. The paper describes the logic of the modeling process, describes the output from the process, and shows how this output can be used as input data for a structural analysis program. The scope is limited to determination of the structure stiffness properties and assembly of the stiffness matrix.