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NISA DesignStudio

User's Manual


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Disclaimer

Cranes Software, Inc. makes no warranty or representations in connection with

NISA DesignStudio, or any other software program of Cranes Software, Inc.

(hereinafter referred to as "NISA software"), express or implied, including any

implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Cranes

Software, Inc. makes no warranty and assumes no liability for the NISA software.

Cranes Software, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use of the programs or forthe accuracy or validity of any results obtained from the NISA software.Cranes

Software, Inc. shall not be liable for loss of profit, loss of business, or other

financial loss which may be caused directly or indirectly by the NISA software,

when used for any purpose or use, or due to any defect or deficiency therein.

Any questions relating to the use or interpretation of the SOFTWARE or their

operation should be directed to:

Cranes Software, Inc.

1133 E Maple Road, Suite 103

Troy, Michigan, 48083, USA

Tel: (248) 689-0077

Fax: (248) 689-7479

Notice for U.S. government users only: restricted rights legend.

Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set

forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer

Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.

Copyright 2005-2008 by the Cranes Software, Inc. 1133 E Maple Road, Suite 103,Troy, Michigan 48083, U.S.A.

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted in any way without the prior authorization of Cranes

Software, Inc.


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Conten t s

Preface xi

Version 16.0 New Features xvii

1 About NISA DesignStudio 1.1

1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................1.1

1.2 NISA DesignStudio - NISA II ...................................................... 1.3

1.3 NISA II Structural Analysis Types and Loading ........................... 1.4

1.4 Geometric and Finite Element Modeling .......................................1.5

1.5 Graphic Viewer ..............................................................................1.8

1.6 Unit Specification .........................................................................1.10

1.7 Structure Loads ............................................................................ 1.111.8 Load Cases and Combinations .....................................................1.13

1.9 Node/Member/Panel Selection .....................................................1.14

1.10 Properties Specification .............................................................1.15

1.11 Structural Designs ......................................................................1.16

1.12 Design Results ............................................................................1.23

1.13 CAD Drawings ...........................................................................1.26

1.14 Project Directory and File Names ..............................................1.28

1.15 File Structure in NISA DesignStudio ........................................1.30

1.16 User Interface (UI) .....................................................................1.31

1.17 Truly Integrated ..........................................................................1.32

1.18 Help Documentation .................................................................. 1.33


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2 About NISA DesignStudio

Users Interface 2.1

2.1 Introduction .................................................................................... 2.1

2.2 Main Menu ..................................................................................... 2.2

2.2.1 File ........................................................................................2.3

2.2.2 Create Structure .................................................................. 2.10

2.2.3 Define.................................................................................. 2.12

2.2.4 Information ......................................................................... 2.24

2.2.5 View.................................................................................... 2.27

2.2.6 Erase.................................................................................... 2.34

2.2.7 Plot......................................................................................2.38

2.2.8 Select................................................................................... 2.53

2.2.9 Execute................................................................................ 2.56

2.2.10 Output ...............................................................................2.572.2.11 Help.................................................................................. 2.66

2.2.12 Status Bar.......................................................................... 2.67

2.3 Define Slab Panels Form ............................................................. 2.68

2.4 Truss Definition Form .................................................................. 2.70

2.5 Properties Entry Form .................................................................. 2.73

2.6 UI for Structural Design ............................................................... 2.85

3 Create Structure 3.1

3.1 Library ............................................................................................ 3.1

3.1.1 Add and Shift ....................................................................... 3.13.1.2 Add and Superimpose........................................................... 3.2

3.1.3 Primitives..............................................................................3.2

3.1.4 NIS/DATA File..................................................................... 3.4

3.1.5 Industrial Structures.............................................................. 3.6

3.1.6 Structures Gallery ................................................................. 3.8

3.1.7 CShapes | Dome/Cylindrical Shell/Folded Plates............... 3.13


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3.2 Nodes ............................................................................................3.19

3.2.1 Nodes: Create/XYZ Coordinate/Between 2-Nodes ............3.193.2.2 Nodes: Move | Translate/Rotate/Mirror/Scale ....................3.20

3.2.3 Nodes: Copy | Translate/Rotate/Mirror/Scale .....................3.24

3.2.4 Nodes: Erase........................................................................3.29

3.2.5 Nodes: Delete ......................................................................3.29

3.3 Elements .......................................................................................3.30

3.3.1 Elements: Add | Coordinates/Between Nodes/

Perpendicular from Node to Element/Beam Elementsfrom Rigid Links ................................................................3.30

3.3.2 Elements: Modify | Reverse Line Element/Element

Parameters/Rotate Shell Node Sequence/Reverse

Shell Node ..........................................................................3.39

3.3.3 Elements: Move | Translate/Rotate/Mirror/Offset ..............3.43

3.3.4 Elements: Copy | Translate/Rotate/Mirror/Offset ...............3.46

3.3.5 Elements: Split ....................................................................3.51

3.3.6 Elements: Merge .................................................................3.533.3.7 Elements: Extend.................................................................3.54

3.3.8 Elements: Erase...................................................................3.54

3.3.9 Elements: Delete .................................................................3.55

3.4 Connect Elements .........................................................................3.56

3.5 Generate Foundation Springs .......................................................3.58

3.6 Import Structure ............................................................................3.59

3.7 Delete Boundary Conditions ........................................................3.60

3.8 Specify Boundary Conditions .......................................................3.61

3.9 Edit Rigid Links ...........................................................................3.62

3.10 Model Verification .....................................................................3.64

3.11 Transfer Loads ............................................................................3.68

3.12 DXF to NIS .................................................................................3.72

3.13 NIS to SCR .................................................................................3.76

3.14 Set Gravity Direction ..................................................................3.77


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4 Structural Loads 4.1

4.1 Floor Loads on Slabs ..................................................................... 4.1

4.2 Concentrated Loads on Members .................................................. 4.4

4.3 Distributed Loads on Members ...................................................... 4.6

4.4 Concentrated Forces at Joints ........................................................ 4.9

4.5 Boundary Conditions ................................................................... 4.11

4.6 Pressure Load on Shells ............................................................... 4.17

4.7 Prestressing Forces on Members ................................................. 4.18

4.8 Temperature ................................................................................. 4.21

4.9 Member End Releases .................................................................. 4.22

5 Design of Reinforced Concrete

Structural Elements 5.1

5.1 Codes of Practice ........................................................................... 5.1

5.1.1 As per IS - 456: 2000 both Working stress and Limit

state, IRC 21-1966 (Rev 2000) and IS - 3370 - 1967

(Uncracked designs)............................................................. 5.1

5.1.2 As per ACI -318R -2005....................................................... 5.2

5.1.3 As per BS: 8110-1997........................................................... 5.3

5.2 RC Slab Design UI ......................................................................... 5.4

5.2.1 Slab Particulars Tab .............................................................. 5.4

5.2.2 Material and Other Specifications Tab .............................. 5.16

5.2.3 Loads and Safety Factors Tab............................................ 5.17

5.2.4 Command Buttons ..............................................................5.18

5.3 RC Beam Design UI .................................................................... 5.27

5.3.1 General Design Data Tab.................................................... 5.27

5.3.2 Element Data Tab ............................................................... 5.29

5.3.3 Sectional Forces Tab........................................................... 5.31

5.3.4 Auto-Size Tab ..................................................................... 5.31

5.3.5 Command Buttons ..............................................................5.34


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5.3.6 Automatic identification of continuous beams in

selected or all floors along with Alpha-numeric

Group ID definition for beams based on floor

position ex: 1B1..................................................................5.36

5.4 RC Column Design UI .................................................................5.37

5.4.1 General Design Data Tab ....................................................5.37

5.4.2 Element Data Tab................................................................5.39

5.4.3 Sectional Forces Tab ...........................................................5.42

5.4.4 Auto-Size tab.......................................................................5.42

5.4.5 ACI Parameters Tab............................................................5.445.4.6 Design of Generally Shaped Columns(T, L ...)...................5.48

5.5 RC Footings .................................................................................5.50

5.5.1 RC Footing Design UI ........................................................5.50

5.6 RC Retaining Wall Design UI ......................................................5.65

5.6.1 General Tab .........................................................................5.65

5.7 RC Plate/Shell Design UI ............................................................5.725.8 Design of Piles and Pile Caps UI ................................................5.76

5.9 Corbel Design ...............................................................................5.81

5.10 Design of RC Staircase ...............................................................5.84

6 Design of Steel StructuralElements User Interface 6.1

6.1 Codes of Practice ............................................................................6.1

6.1.1 As per IS-800: 1984 ..............................................................6.1

6.2 Structural Steel Elements Design UI ..............................................6.3


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7 Detailing of Reinforced Concrete

Structural Elements 7.1

7.1 RC Slab Detailer UI ....................................................................... 7.1

7.2 RC Beam Detailer UI ..................................................................... 7.7

7.3 RC Column Detailer UI ............................................................... 7.15

7.4 RC Footing Detailer UI ................................................................ 7.267.5 Structure Layout Editor ................................................................ 7.36

7.6 RC Retaining Wall Detailer UI .................................................... 7.39

8 Steel GA Drawings User Interface 8.1

8.1 Structural Steel GA Drawing UI .................................................... 8.1

9 Modeling, Analysis, Design and Detailing

of Flat Slabs 9.1

9.1 Design of Flat Slabs UI .................................................................. 9.1

9.1.1 Design Data Tab ................................................................... 9.2

9.1.2 Slab Details Tab.................................................................... 9.2

9.1.3 Column Details Tab.............................................................. 9.4

9.1.4 Drawing Detailer Tab ........................................................... 9.8


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A Wind Loads Specification on Frames

and Trusses A.1

A.1 (As per Different Codes of Practice) ............................................A.1

B Seismic Load Generation B.1

C Snow Load Specification on Slab Panels C.1

D P Delta Data Specification D.1

E Data Specification for Dynamic Analysis E.1


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Preface

NISA DesignStudio, is a Truly integrated and extremely User friendly software for Civil

engineers for geometric and finite element modeling, structural analysis, design and

detailing of reinforced concrete and steel structures.

NISA DesignStudio incorporates a variety of structural modeling options including

structure primitives and AutoCAD interface. It interfaces with the powerful NISA-II finite

element package for different types of analyses including Static, Eigen value and Shock

Spectrum Analysis. Design results are automatically processed for producing quality

structural engineering drawings in AutoCAD environment.

NISA DesignStudio is developed in windows environment. User Interface (UI) is developed

as per the standards of software engineering. In addition, NISA DesignStudio is specially

designed to meet the requirements of structural engineers. Working with the UI is extremely

simple and is like a guided tour. Following are some of the salient features.

Finite Element Modeling

Using Structure primitives for 2D and 3D rigid frames and trusses. Library of Industrial Structures

Structures Gallery

Civil Engineering friendly Graphical Editor for modeling of skeletal structures,

shell structures & Soil Springs

Interface to AutoCAD: Export geometry data from NISA DesignStudio and Import

DXF data

Two-way communications between NISA DesignStudio and AutoCAD saves considerable

time and effort for FE modeling of complex structures.


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Automatic Load Generation

Floor Loads on members: Two-way or One way distribution, irregular shape panel

load distribution as UDL per perimeter.

Wind loads, Snow Loads, Seismic Loads and Dynamic loads based on Code Provi-

sions or user specified values.

Computation of Loads based on Code provisions is a special feature in NISA DesignStudio.

Option to exclude panels for modeling openings is also available.

Units Specification

SI, MKS, FPS and User Defined.

User Defined option has dual units for length and force. For instance, Length unit for

span: meter, length unit for cross section: millimeter, Force unit for Load as kilo

Newton and Force unit for strength as: Newton. Desired system of units can be specified at the beginning or as and when necessary.

User defined option in NISA DesignStudio is versatile and Civil engineer friendly for data

input.

NISA Analysis

Linear Static

P- analysis

Dynamic: Eigenvalue, Response spectrum

Construction sequence analysis

Active/Inactive Elements

Design Modes

Integrated On line, Integrated Off line and Interactive.

Integrated Off line mode in NISA DesignStudio is a special and Civil Engineer friendly

option. Alternative designs can be easily performed without repetitive analysis. Interactive

option is for design of Individual structural members with user specified member forces.

Interactive option is more functional as multiple elements can be designed in a single

session.


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Structural Design

Design modules are developed as per American, British and Indian standards. Design results

are processed to produce quality structural engineering drawings in AutoCAD. Following

structural elements can be designed and detailed in all the three design modes.

RC Slab panels with different support conditions and Flat slab systems (Interactive

Mode for Codes other than ACI).

RC Beams subjected to Flexure, Shear, Torsion and Axial force for different load

cases and load combinations.

RC Columns subjected to Axial loads with Uniaxial and Biaxial bending.

RC Footings: Isolated footing of constant and varying thickness with or without ped-

estals, Combined footings Solid Slab, Beam and Slab.

RC Plate/Shell: 3,4,6,8, and 12 Node Plate/Shell elements at nodal and centroidalpoints due to Axial, Flexural and Shear stresses

Structural Steel Elements: Code checking of Standard or user defined sections sub-

jected to axial, bending and torsional effects along with recommendations in case of

inadequacies.

RC Retaining Wall T or L shapes with or without keys and batter towards heel or toe

& Counterfort Retaining Walls. (Interactive mode).

Design of RC Pile Foundation (Piles and Pile Cap) in all three design modes. Design

of Pile Caps is based on IS 456.

Design results are reported in the form of Summary, Detailed and customized Output.

CAD Drawings

Separate drawings are made for different structural elements even though all of themare designed in the same session.

NISA DesignStudio has the smart feature to rationalize detailing to generate struc-

tural drawings.

Processing of design results to produce structural engineering drawings along with quantity

take off is a special feature in NISA DesignStudio.


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Pre and Post Processor

Options to view the structure in different planes and isometric view with zoom, pan

and erase facilities.

Online display of FE model data for selected Nodes, Elements and Panels:

(For selected Element, Member Information such as Element ID, associated Node IDS,

material and property IDs, element length, element type (NKTP value), vector x/y/z).

Display of loading diagram for different load cases on the active members in the

selected view (scaled according to magnitude or uniform plot).

Listing of member end forces for different load cases for a selected member

Graphical Display of bending moment, shear force, Member Loads & deflections

along with listing at twenty different sections against different load cases/envelop for

a selected member. Graphic Display of Member forces on the active members against different load

cases/envelop (such as bending moment, shear force, deflection diagrams, Nodal

Results, Shell Results, Mode shapes and Design Information).

Option to list member design results for a selected Beam or Column member.

Option to graphically highlight the members failed in design for Beams, Columns,

Steel Members and Shell Members.Context Help

This help can be invoked by clicking on the help button available on the dialogs which

provides a detailed explanation of all the controls and their functionality.

.PDF documents

User's Manual

This manual describes all the features available in NISA DesignStudio User Inter-

face (UI). Section 1 deals with salient features of NISA DesignStudio. Section 2

deals with in depth explanation of UIs. Creating Structural Geometry, Applying

Structural Loads, Design of Concrete, Steel Structural members and Detailing are

explained through Section 3 to 9. Appendices A-E describes UI used for data specifi-

cation for Wind Load, Seismic Load, Snow Load, P-Delta and Dynamic Loads.


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Examples Manual

This manual contains 4 sections - Integrated Online Design, Integrated Offline

Design, Interactive Designs and Verification Problems. Each example problem is

provided with a step by step procedure for easy understanding of the features in the

software.


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Version 16.0 New Features

NISA II:Multi Core Intel PARDISO solver to enhance the speed of Static and

Eigen solutions.

NISA DesignStudio: Automatic Wind Load & Seismic load generation conform-

ing to ASCE 7 -05; Automatic Seismic load generation conforming to BS EN

1998:1-2004; Steel designs as per AISC-2005; Modules to design of Raft, Shear

walls, Corbels, Flat Slabs by Equivalent Frame Method, Concrete Staircase, Eccen-

tric Footings; Enhancements in design of footings; Automatic generation of shell

elements from floor panel definition; Automatic Drawing Generation for Beams of

Unequal Depths, Corbels, Generally shaped columns, Counter fort retaining walls

& Flat slabs with a layout editor; Rebar Rationalization for beams & columns;

Exporting geometry and Analysis results to Excel; Seamless interface to STAAD

& back to NISA DesignStudio; Automatic Selection of Design Size for beams, col-

umns & Isolated footings; IS: 13920 Seismic ductile detailing design provisions

along with automated identification of beam supports & reporting.


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Chapter

1About NISA DesignStudio

1.1 Introduction

NISA DesignStudio, is a Truly integrated and extremely User friendly software for Civilengineers for geometric and finite element modeling, structural analysis, design and

detailing of reinforced concrete and steel structures.

NISA DesignStudio incorporates a variety of structural modeling options including

structure primitives, civil engineering friendly Graphical Editor and AutoCAD. It interfaces

with the powerful NISA-II finite element package for different types of analysis including

Static, Eigen and Shock Spectrum Analysis. NISA II analysis results can be automaticallytransferred to NISA DesignStudio design modules for performing structural designs. Design

results are automatically processed for producing quality structural engineering drawings in

AutoCAD environment.

NISA DesignStudio is developed in windows environment. User interface (UI) is developed

as per the standards of software engineering. In addition, NISA DesignStudio is specially

designed to meet the requirements of structural engineers. Working with the UI is extremelysimple and is like a guided tour. Following are some of the salient features.


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About NISA DesignStudio

Introduction

Three Design Modes

In NISA DesignStudio, structural designs can be performed as per the following modes of

design frequently required in practice.

Integrated Online: Modeling, Analysis, Design and Detailing in Single Sequence.

Integrated Offline: Modeling, Analysis and Design Detailing in separate sequences.

Interactive: Design and Detailing in Single Sequence for individual or groups of struc-tural elements.

Integrated Online mode is useful to perform detailed analysis, design and detailing based on

preliminary design details. The special feature in this mode is that RC slab panels can be

designed automatically as per code provisions. Integrated Offline mode is useful to redesign

elements by changing design parameters without repeated analysis. It is possible to assess

the influence of different design parameters with a view to select the optimum values.

Interactive mode is useful to make preliminary or final designs of individual or group of

structural elements. The special feature in this mode is that multiple structural elements

belonging to a group may be designed and detailed in a single session. RC Retaining Walls

RC Stairs and Corbels are designed and detailed in this mode only.


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NISA DesignStudio - NISA II

1.2 NISA DesignStudio - NISA IIOne of the most important features of NISA DesignStudio is the capability to interface with

the powerful analysis features of NISA II (Numerically Integrated elements for System

Analysis). NISA II is a general-purpose finite element program developed and maintained

by Cranes Software International Limited to analyze a wide spectrum of problems

encountered in engineering mechanics. A brief overview of NISA capabilities is given

below. Detailed description of the capabilities is given in NISA Users Manual.

Besides structural analysis capabilities such as Linear Static, Eigen value extraction,

Response spectrum (Shock), analysis can be used.

NISA II Finite Element Library

2-D and 3-D point mass, spring and spar elements. (NKTP-28, NKTP-21 & NKTP-12

respectively.)

2-D and 3-D prismatic beam elements. (NKTP-12)

3-D general shell. (NKTP-20.)

Tension-only and compression-only members. (NKTP-14.)

Material Models Supported in NISA II

Linear elastic material models (isotropic, orthotropic). Rigid links.

Specified displacement boundary conditions may be changed with loading

conditions.


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NISA II Structural Analysis Types and Loading

1.3 NISA II Structural Analysis Types and LoadingLinear Static Analysis

Loads may consist of concentrated nodal forces, non-zero specified displacement, thermal

loading and body forces due to gravity, angular velocity and angular acceleration. Multiple

load cases with different boundary conditions may be analyzed. Results may be combined

using load combinations.

Eigen Value Analysis

Natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained, including rigid body mode computation

and Sturm sequence check. Consistent or lumped mass formulation may be used.

Shock Spectrum Analysis

Input may be in the form of displacement, velocity and acceleration spectra. The spectra

may be specified independently for each direction and for various damping values. Analysis

can be performed for either uniform or non-uniform excitation at the supports using

*GROUND data card or *MSEXCITATION data card respectively. Cut-off frequency can

be mentioned as an Executive data card to analyze missing mass correction. ABS, RMS,

NRL, CQC, GRP, TPM and DSM rules may be used. Response may also be combined

across directions using absolute or RMS combination rules.


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Geometric and Finite Element Modeling

1.4 Geometric and Finite Element ModelingFollowing options are available in NISA DesignStudio for easy and quick modeling of

structures frequently encountered in practice.

Modeling through Structure Primitives

Following primitives are built into the library of NISA DesignStudio for two and three

dimensional trusses and frames.


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Interface with AutoCAD

Geometric information of finite Element model created using NISA DesignStudio can be

directly sent to AutoCAD through script files. Similarly geometric information from

AutoCAD can be retrieved in NISA DesignStudio and converted to finite element model

data through DXF files.

One of the main advantages of this scheme is that geometry data from different Nis files can

be combined in AutoCAD. This facility can be used to assemble different structure models

into one structure. Example: 3D, 2D frames, 3-D and 2-D trusses can be modeled

independently using NISA DesignStudio Primitives and then into one structure in

AutoCAD. This assembled structure model can then be imported into NISA DesignStudio.

XXX.NIS XXX.SCR

XXX.DXF XXX.NIS


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Graphic Viewer

1.5 Graphic ViewerA graphic viewer to display the created structure is developed in windows environment.

This is designed with a view to fulfilling the requirements of structural engineers regarding

the pre and post analysis interfaces. Following are the salient features.

Display of Node Information such as Node ID and coordinates (x/y/z).

Display of slab panel information

Display of Member Information such as Member ID, associated Node IDS, Material and

Property IDS, Element length, Element type (NKTP value), Vector x/y/z.

There are other two smart features in NISA DesignStudio With Listing of Forces to view

member information with forces for each Load case ID, this will be seen only after

generating Analysis and With Listing of Design Results to view member information with

design results for Beam and Column only, this will be shown only after Analysis and Designof Beams or Columns or both.

The following figure shows all the information for Beam member.

Ab NISA D i S di


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Graphic Viewer

Selection of elements for specifying loads such as concentrated loads on elements, joints,

distributed loads on members and panels.

Display of loading diagrams along with values on beam elements for selected load cases.

Selection of elements for performing structural designs.

Listing of member forces and member information for selected member.

Display of bending moment and shear force diagrams for selected load cases or load

combinations and also force envelop diagrams.

Ab t NISA D i St di


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Unit Specification

1.6 Unit SpecificationNISA DesignStudio has the flexibility to set up desired system of units for specifying data at

the beginning or as and when necessary. In addition to conventional system of units such as

SI, MKS and FPS, a more Civil Engineer friendly option named as User defined is

introduced.

For instance you may specify Length unit as Meter, Length unit for cross section asMillimeter, Force unit for Load as kiloNewton and Force unit for strength as Newton. Units

for other quantities are derived as follows:

Cross sectional area: mm2, Moment of Inertia: mm4, Section Modulus: mm3, Volume: m3,

Distributed loads on beams: kN/m, Loads on slab panels, Safe bearing capacity and

pressure: kN/m2, Moments: kNm, Strength and stresses: N/mm2, Unit weight: kN/m3.

Dual units adopted in NISA DesignStudio for linear and force measurements are very

versatile for data input and output and are specially developed for use by Civil Engineers.



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Structure Loads

1.7 Structure LoadsLoads acting on a structure may be specified in the following ways:

Distributed over a unit area

As loads on joints and members

With the first option, loads on elements and joints are automatically computed based oncontributing area. This is used to specify Dead, Live and Wind loads on frames and trusses.

The second option can be used to specify concentrated loads on elements or joints and

distributed loads on elements (Beams or Shells).

NISA DesignStudio has the options to specify Wind, Seismic loads either based on code

provisions or user defined. Velocity pressures for wind loads can be computed based on

code provisions. Alternatively the user can directly specify the velocity pressure. Similarly

for seismic loads the user can either use code provisions to compute seismic coefficient or

specify this coefficient directly.

In NISA DesignStudio, the modal dynamic analysis is a two-step procedure. The first step is

an Eigen value analysis to determine the dynamic characteristics of the structure in terms of

its natural frequencies, mode shapes, participation factors, modal stresses, etc. In the next

step, this information is used to perform modal analysis Shock or Response Spectrum

analysis. Dynamic load cannot be specified in the first load case. This can be defined after

establishing at least one load case with primary loads (Dead load, Live load, Snow load,

Wind load). All existing Static load case Ids can be included prior to the definition of

Dynamic load case Id. NISA DesignStudio automatically computes the mass corresponding

to static load case by using load case data, load factors and mass factors and lumped at

conforming nodes as linear mass elements.

NISA DesignStudio has the option to specify input to automatically generate secondaryforces on a framed structure due to combined effect of gravitational and lateral loads based

on guidelines suggested in codes of practice. Multiple P-Delta load cases can be defined for

analysis. P-Delta load cannot be specified in the first load case. This can be defined after

establishing at least one load case with primary loads (Dead load, Live load, Snow load,

Wind load). Inter storey displacements (Delta) cause additional gravity-load moments

known as P-Delta moments. This effect is negligible for frames of a few stories. But it

becomes significant in high-rise frames.



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Structure Loads

NISA DesignStudio has the option to specify input data such as cable force, cable profileand type of prestress so as to compute automatically the loads on members induced due to

prestressing force. Cable profile can be specified as either parabolic or linear and type of

prestress as either Stressed Before placing or After placing. Stressed Before placing option

cannot be the only load within a load case. There is a option to view graphically the

individual cable profile.

NISA DesignStudio has the option to inactivate selected members for a particular Load Case

whileperforming analysis. This feature is particularly useful for performing Construction

sequence analysis or to exclude some members (say tension/compression only members as

in the case of Load dependent structures) for a particular loading condition. You need not

create different types of structures and perform independent analysis as Members specified

as inactive will not be included while formulating stiffness matrix and the load vector.

NISA DesignStudio has the option to specify Thermal Loads on joints. Thermal loads can

cause axial and bending deformation of the beam element. Nodal temperatures are used to

compute axial expansion or contraction. Nodal temperature differences will be used in

conjunction with sectional dimensions to compute bending in local XY and YZ planes.

Temperature difference can also be specified to only some members meeting at a point.

In the present version following Codes of practice are supported.

ANSI/ASCE 7-05, ASCE Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and OtherStructures.

IS:18931984, Indian Standard Criteria for EarthQuake Resistant Design of

Structures (Forth Revision)

IS:18932002, Indian Standard Criteria for EarthQuake Resistant Design of

Structures (Forth Revision)

IS:8751975, Part 3 Wind Loads

BS6399 Part2:1997, British Standard Loading for Buildings, Part2: Code of

Practice for Wind Loads.

BS6399 Part3:1998, British Standard Loading for Buildings, Part3: Code of

Practice for Imposed Roof Loads.

CP3: Chapter V, Part 2:1972, Code of Basic Data for the design of Buildings. Chapter

V Loading Part2 Wind Loads.



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g

Load Cases and Combinations

1.8 Load Cases and CombinationsIn NISA DesignStudio, depending upon load classification (dead, live, wind and seismic)

different load cases can be defined with unique ID numbers. These are identified as primary

load cases for which analysis will be performed. It is possible to include as many types of

loads (concentrated or distributed) as required in a particular load case.

The following classification of loads is supported:

Primary Loads

Dead Load

Live Load

Snow Load

Wind Load

Temperature Loads

Prestress

Secondary Loads

P-Delta Load

Dynamic Load

Seismic Load

Secondary loads can be selected after establishing atleast one primary load. Also only

primary load cases entered before a secondary load case can be used in the secondary load

case. For example the P-Delta load case uses the listed Primary load cases and

corresponding factors.

It is possible to define as many load combinations as required from primary load cases along

with load factors. Factored stress resultants (FX, FY, FZ, MX, MY, MZ) for each of the load

combinations are obtained from corresponding load cases and load factors. Structural

designs are made for the specified load cases and load combinations.

Design results are also reported for the critical one.



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Node/Member/Panel Selection

1.9 Node/Member/Panel SelectionOne of the powerful and important features of NISA DesignStudio is the system adopted for

selecting entities whether be it for load specification or for design specification. This system

has two approaches for selection. One is a non graphical approach and the other graphical.

The non-graphical approach for entity selection has the following advantages:

1. Finite element model need not exist at the time of using this feature. For example the

user can associate certain loads with all elements belonging to particular material ID or

property ID or a region of space. At a later stage only during geometric modeling the

user has to actually associate this ID with corresponding elements.

2. In a large project most of the computational time is spent in the graphical representationof the model. Repeated updates and modifications require considerable time for regen-

eration. This time can be totally saved using this Non-graphical approach.3. Loading templates can be developed so that different projects can be associated with

these templates and considerable modeling time can be saved.

The graphical approach automatically considers non-graphical data given. Another major

advantage of the selection system is that the actual selection process in logged. Thus

alterations, deletions can be made to any particular selection sequence instead of deselecting

and reselecting the complete model afresh. The following selections can be performed.

Non-graphical

1. Node/Element ID list as appropriate or

2. Material or Property ID or

3. Coordinates within which elements are located.

Graphical

1. Graphical selection using popular options such as cursor pick or window selection.



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Properties Specification

1.10 Properties SpecificationMaterial and physical properties can be specified in NISA DesignStudio. Options in NISA

DesignStudio are more civil engineer friendly. You can specify physical properties for

standard sections frequently encountered in practice. In addition, user defined option may be

used to cover special shapes. The properties given in NISA DesignStudio are automatically

transferred to respective elements during designs.



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Structural Designs

1.11 Structural DesignsUsing NISA DesignStudio, Reinforced concrete and Structural Steel elements can be

designed as per the following codes of practice.

Reinforced Concrete

BS8110:Part1:1997, Structural Use of Concrete, Part1. Code of Practice for design

and construction ACI-318R2005,Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete, (Revised 2005)

IS-456-2000, Indian Standard Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete

Structural Steel

AISC-ASD, Manual of Steel ConstructionAllowable Stress Design, Ninth edition,

1989.

AISC-LRFD-2002,Manual of Steel ConstructionLoad and Resistance Factor Design,

III Edition, 2002

BS449:Part2:1969, Specification for the use of Structural Steel in Building (Allow-

able Stress Design)

BS5950:Part1:2000, Specification for the use of Structural Steel in Building (Plastic

Design)

IS:8001984, Indian Standard Code of Practice for General Construction in Steel

(Second revision)

Following types of structural elements can be designed and structural drawings can be

generated in AutoCAD environment. Design results are also reported as summary and

detailed outputs for documentation. Design Reports can also be generated in Text, MS

Word, MS Excel format.

RC Slab Panels

Slab panels are one of the major structural elements involving design and extensive detailing

in view of structural and practical requirements. This module is developed to satisfy these

requirements. Another important aspect of slab panels is that they are not normally included

in structural analysis. Structural designs are generally made based on methods suggested in

codes-of-practice. Following types of slab panels can be designed.



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Structural Designs

1. One way slab panels

2. Two way slab panels using moment coefficient method

3. Two way slab panels using Flat Slab analogy

4. Flat slabs supported on rectangular and circular columns with or without capitals anddrops by Direct Design method.

5. Sector, circular, triangular and skew panels, waffle slabs and spherical domes based ontheory of plates and shells.

RC slab panels can be designed in all the three design modes of NISA DesignStudio. In

Integrated Online or Offline design modes, information regarding geometry, support

conditions and loads on slab panels are directly obtained from finite element model data.

Additional design parameters such as concrete strength, steel strength, bar size and cover

need to be quantified. It is interesting to note that the designs are still made as per code

recommendations. This is one such feature amongst several ones to highlight about NISA

DesignStudio being Civil engineer friendly.

Note:

Flat Slab by Direct Design Method, Sector, Circular, Triangular and Skew Panels, Waffle

slabs and Spherical domes based on theory of plates and Shells can be designed only in

interactive mode.

RC Beams

Using NISA DesignStudio it is possible to design Rectangular and flanged sections

subjected to either individual or combined effects of flexure, shear and torsion. Only local

Mz moment is considered in design. Effect of axial force on shear is included. By default

structural designs are made at left support, right support and mid span. In addition it is

possible to design at first and third quarter spans. Designs are also made for critical load

combinations. Re-bar arrangements in terms of bar size, numbers, combinations and number

of rows are reported at each section. Bar size selection may be either automatic or user

defined.

RC beams can be designed in all the three design modes of NISA DesignStudio. In

Integrated Online or Offline design mode, information regarding geometry and element

forces are directly obtained from finite element model data and analysis results. Additional

design parameters such as concrete strength, steel strength, bar size and cover need to be



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Structural Designs

RC Columns

Using NISA DesignStudio it is possible to design Rectangular and Circular columns

subjected to axial loads with uni-axial and bi-axial bending effects. Reinforcement may be

arranged either along two faces or four faces or can be exactly located by specifying

coordinates. By specifying exact number of bars and their positions actual column designs

can be performed. It is possible to design columns as long or short, braced or unbraced, bent

in single or double curvature with or without moment magnification and sway moments.

Re-bar arrangements in terms of bar size, numbers, combinations and number of rows are

reported. Bar size selection may be either automatic or user defined. Additional bars based

on spacing requirements, column ties and links are also reported. The Interaction curve

details (for the percentage of steel obtained in design) are listed in detailed output.

RC columns can be designed in all the three design modes of NISA DesignStudio. In

Integrated Online or Offline design mode, information regarding geometry and elementforces are directly obtained from finite element model data and analysis results. Additional


quantified. Following is the typical output regarding re-bar arrangement in columns with

two-face reinforcement.


St t l D i


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Structural Designs

RC Footings

Using NISA DesignStudio following types of footings can be designed:

1. Isolated footing constant thickness with or without pedestals

2. Isolated footing varying thickness with or without pedestals/column offsets

3. Combined footing solid slab with or without pedestals

4. Combined footing beam and slab.

5. Common mat for Expansion joint Columns with or without pedestals

6. Raft Foundation

RC footings can be designed in all the three design modes of NISA DesignStudio. In

Integrated Online or Offline design mode, information regarding column dimensions and


design parameters such as footing type, concrete strength, steel strength, bar size and cover

need to be specified.


Structural Designs


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Structural Designs

Footing dimensions are worked out either automatically or dimensions may be specified. If

these are found adequate structural designs are performed. Comparative designs between

different types of footings such as constant or variable thickness, with or without pedestals

etc., may be performed very easily.

RC Plate/Shell

Using NISA DesignStudio it is possible to design 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12-Noded Plate/Shell

Elements at nodal and centroidal points due to Axial, Flexural and Shear stresses. By defaultstructural designs are carried out at nodal points for all the specified Load cases. The

maximum reinforcement steel required in each direction will be reported. Re-bar may be

oriented in any global direction. Rebar arrangement can be either at Top or bottom

depending upon the nature of stress resultants. In addition you can specify rebar

arrangement to be located either at Top and Bottom or at mid depth in both directions.

RC Plate/Shell can be designed in all the three design modes of NISA DesignStudio. InIntegrated on line or off line design mode, information regarding geometry and element



quantified.

RC Retaining Wall

Cantilever retaining wall of following types may be designed as per limit state concepts.

1. T shaped with key, batter towards heel or toe

2. T shaped without key, batter towards heel or toe

3. L shaped with key, batter towards heel or toe

4. L shaped without key, batter towards heel or toe.

Counterforts (Heel) and Counterforts (Heel and toe) can also be designed using NISA

DesignStudio.

Earth pressure calculations can be made as per Rankines or Coulombs theory. Wall

proportioning can be either automatic or as per user specified values. RC retaining walls can

be designed in interactive mode only.


Structural Designs


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Structural Designs

Pile Foundation

Design of Pile Foundation (Piles and Pile Cap) is a feature added in all three design modes.

Design of Pile Caps is based on IS 456. The following types of Piles can be designed in

NISA DesignStudio.

1. Bored Cast Insitu Piles

2. Friction Piles

3. End Bearing Piles

4. Under Reamed Piles

5. Precast Driven Piles

RC Corbel

In NISA DesignStudio, Corbels can be designed as per Indian, British and American

Standards. Design results are reported as detailed output, for documentation. Corresponding

structural drawings can be generated in AutoCAD environment. This item is activated only

in Interactive Design Mode.

RC Stairs

In NISA DesignStudio, Stairs can be designed as per Indian, British and American

Standards. Design results are reported as detailed output, for documentation. Correspondingstructural drawings can be generated in AutoCAD environment. This item is activated only

in Interactive Design Mode.

Flat Slabs

In NISA DesignStudio, 'Flat Slabs' can be modeled, analysed by Equivalent Frame Method

and Shell Element Method and designed as per Indian, British and American Standards.

Design results are reported as detailed output, for documentation. Corresponding structural

drawings can be generated in AutoCAD environment. This method is supported only in

Integrated Online Mode of Design. The Direct Design Method is supported in Interactive

Mode of Design.

Structural Steel Elements

A unified module is developed in NISA DesignStudio to design steel structural elementssubjected to axial forces and moments NISA DesignStudio has an exhaustive database for


Structural Designs


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Structural Designs

standard steel sections. Sectional properties for the specified section are directly obtained

from database. The required effective lengths are automatically computed. The user can also

change the lengths thus computed. Multiple elements in a member are also into account.

During code checking, if suggested section is found inadequate, NISA DesignStudio

recommends an appropriate section. Structural drawings are automatically generated at the

end of design session.

Steel structural elements can be designed in all the three design modes of NISA

DesignStudio. In Integrated Online or Offline design mode, information regarding geometry

and element forces is directly obtained from finite element model data and analysis results.

Additional design parameters such as Yield strength, Modulus of elasticity etc has to be

quantified.


Design Results


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1.12 Design ResultsIn NISA DesignStudio, design results are reported in following formats. They can be viewed

immediately at the end of design session or as and when needed.

Summary Output in a file with .SMT extension

Detailed Output in a file with .DET extension

Customized Output

Summary Output

In summary output, some important results are reported so as to get quick information about

design results. This may be used for concise documentation purposes. Following is the

typical summary output for isolated footing of constant thickness.


Design Results


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Detailed Output

The detailed output, reports almost step-by-step structural design calculations. This is

particularly suitable for proof checking design results. The black-box syndrome generally

associated with software is circumvented in NISA DesignStudio by adopting a glass-box

approach while reporting detailed output. Following is the typical detailed output for

isolated footing of constant thickness.


Design Results


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Customized Output

The customized output, reports almost step-by-step structural design calculations for each

design Group Id and also Summary results for all Designed Group Ids. This output for

selected items can be viewed in three different formats such as Note pad/ Word Pad, MS

Word, and MS Excel. Following is the typical detailed output for isolated footing of

constant thickness.


CAD Drawings


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1.13 CAD DrawingsIn NISA DesignStudio post-processing is not limited to analysis results only. At the click of

a button, Design results are processed to produce design drawings of good quality in

AutoCAD environment. Separate drawings are made for different structural elements even

though all of them are designed in the same session. In addition to structural details,

quantities of concrete and steel are also reported for every individual structural element.

Drawing templates regarding text height, dimension text height and style are available for

different structural elements. They can be changed as per requirements. These are some of

the unique features incorporated in NISA DesignStudio to make it civil engineer friendly.

CAD drawings can be made in all the three design modes. Following sectional views can be

drawn using NISA DesignStudio.

RC Slab Panels Sectional top view indicating top and bottom reinforcement at different floor levels.

Typical cross section showing the curtailment or bending of bars near the edge and inter-

mediate beams.Steel and Concrete Quantities are shown in tabular form.

RC Beams Beam Layout plan at different floor levels showing with beam dimensions.

Longitudinal Section and Cross sections at support and span regions indicating rebar

arrangement and stirrup details.

Note:NISA DesignStudio is smart enough

To show cross sectional details to the left and right at a support section in cases of beams of

different depths.

To make structural engineering drawings in cases of beams with or without overhangs or

beams of different depths with top or bottom flush and with different types of supports

such as beams and columns

To show column locations either at top and bottom or only at top or bottom depending

upon input.

Steel and Concrete Quantities are shown in tabular form.

RC Columns Column layout plan at different floor levels.

Cross section along with reinforcement details in tabular form.

Figure showing typical tie spacing details.



CAD Drawings


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Note:

The design drawings are generated only incase of -Y and -Z gravity directions.

RC Footings Plan showing the footing layout.Sectional top and front views indicating reinforcement details for Isolated and combined

footing of solid slab type and cross sections in beam and slab footing.

Reinforcement details in column in a tabular form if column design is performed.

Figure showing typical tie spacing details.


RC Retaining

Walls

Longitudinal and cross sectional views indicating reinforcement details in stem, base and

keys if any.


Piles and Pile Caps Plan showing the Pile layout.

Typical Sections at top and front views indicating reinforcement details for Piles.

Reinforcement details for designed group Id for Piles and Pile Caps are shown in tabular

form.

RC Corbel Cross sections showing reinforcement details.


RC Stairs Plan, Flight sectional view, Cross sections showing reinforcement details, Bar Bending

Schedule and Steel Quantity table.

Flat Slabs Sectional top view indicating top and bottom reinforcement at different floor levels.

Typical cross section showing the curtailment of bars near the edge and at intermediate col-

umns.

Typical Cross section showing the reinforcement details in Drop Panels and Column Capi-

tals.

Steel and Concrete Quantities

Steel Structural

Elements

Plan showing the sections and their designations.

Front view and side views along with section designation, sectional details and profile of

the section of individual elements

Cross Sectional details of members are in a tabular form


Project Directory and File Names


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1.14 Project Directory and File NamesIn a Civil engineering project involving structural analysis, design and making engineering

drawings it is necessary to store information in an organized manner such that input and

output files can be easily identified and retrieved. In addition it may be necessary to handle

different projects simultaneously. Giving distinct and meaningful names is an arduous task.

Chances of accidental overwriting are also high. In NISA DesignStudio, a unique concept is

introduced in the form of project directory, structured filename and a project title.

Project Directory

The structure is of the following format:

New session in NISA DesignStudio starts with an existing name for project directory. Toensure that a new project directory is created with the same project name prefix in every new

session, value inside the parenthesis is incremented by one. The index i corresponds to the

value of i+1 of previous session. Indexing the project directory is automatic. Following

are some illustrations to highlight this unique feature.

Suppose project name prefix is Prj and the current session happens to be the first, then

project directory is named as Prj_1. If it happens to be the seventeenth session (which youmay not know, but NISA DesignStudio keeps count of it) then project directory is

automatically named as Prj_17, if directories 1 to 16 are existing.

If some directories between the first and last session are deleted say Prj_8, Prj_4 and Prj_16

then NISA DesignStudio assigns name of project directory for the current session as Prj_4,

and the sessions to follow as Prj_8 and Prj_16 and then onwards increments by one!

Suppose project name prefix is changed say to Proj, and the current session happens to be

the first then project directory is named as Proj_1. Let us suppose that you continue to work

with this name for project directory for couple of sessions and again change the name to Prj

for the current session, then NISA DesignStudio assigns project directory as Prj_17, if

project directories 1 to 16 are existing.

Project name prefix_i+1


Project Directory and File Names


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Note:

It is possible to specify new project name prefix instead of default or existing name before

commencing a project. It is also possible to directly edit the existing name to change

temporarily for the current session.

Project Title

In NISA DesignStudio It is possible to specify a more descriptive title for a project. This isreported in all input and output files of the project.

File Names

To have distinct and meaningful file names following format is adopted.

NISA DesignStudio assumes Prefix for file names to be the project name prefix and can be

changed. Qualifier and Extension are automatically fixed by NISA DesignStudio depending

upon structural element and contents of the file. For instance, if the project directory is Prj_5

and structural element designed is Beam then:

Thus naming a file is completely automatic and is Civil engineer friendly. All files

belonging to a particular session are stored in the Project directory. The concepts of project

directory and structured file names adopted in NISA DesignStudio lead to a logical and

well-organized approach for retrieving the information as and when necessary. You are

completely shielded from the arduous task of creating a directory, naming a file and so on.

Prefix_Qualifier. Extension

Prj5_BEAM.SMT: file name of summary output filePrj5_BEAM.DET: file name of detailed output file


File Structure in NISA DesignStudio


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1.15 File Structure in NISA DesignStudioThere are several types of files created in a project. These are listed below.

Notes:

1. Project name is the one selected by you or generated automatically.

2. Qualifiers indicate the structural element. Following are the qualifier names SLAB,BEAM, COL, FOOT, WALL, PILE, CORBELS, STAIRS, FLATSLAB and STEEL.

3. One of the three types of project databases is present in a project (.CON, .COF &.CIN). If more than one type of database is created under a project, care should be takento rename the results/output files, as these are likely to be either over-written orappended.

Project name.CON contains data for online analysis and design in binary form

Project name.COF contains data specified for offline design in binary form

Project name.CIN contains data specified for interactive design in binary form

Project name.PRC Text file for input from Gui

Project name.NIS NISA Analysis file

Project name-Qualifier.DET Design output file in detailed format

Project name-Qualifier.SMT Design output file in Summary format

Project name.OUT NISA Analysis output file

Project name-Qualifier.RPT/Doc/XLS Customized Design output in Text/Word/Excel format


User Interface (UI)


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1.16 User Interface (UI)NISA DesignStudio UI is designed to provide a truly integrated environment for performing

following tasks.

To input data in Civil Engineer friendly ways.

To review existing data in graphical or in respective UI.

To have options for performing NISA Analysis, Structural Designs and drawing.

To modify existing data

To save the work during session

Viewing the output results in graphical or text form of current or previous sessions.

Sending information to AutoCAD for making drawings.

To obtain both textual and graphical printouts To access on line Help for working with UI

To either append or replace existing output file or save the output with a different file

name prefix.

NISA DesignStudio UI is designed to be smart enough

To trap errors at first occurrence and display error message.

To accept valid data only. (special feature)

NISA DesignStudio UI is

Versatile as Combo Boxes have features to add or remove entries. This helps in perform-

ing design of multiple elements in a single interactive session.

Extremely simple to use, as related entities are grouped in a single form or a Tab withcontext driven controls for being, visible or invisible, enabled or disabled, locked or

unlocked.


Truly Integrated


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1.17 Truly IntegratedNISA DesignStudio is designed in such a way that it is possible to invoke NISA, AutoCAD

and Text editors without exiting from environment. They automatically access related files.

You can also view and print output results (.SMT, .DET and .DWG files etc.,) of current or

previous sessions without leaving the environment. An extremely simple menu structure is

designed to execute these options. This is in conformity with software engineering

standards. Details about NISA DesignStudio UI are given in Section-2.


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About NISA DesignStudio Users Interface

Main Menu


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2.2 Main Menu

Following are the Salient features:

1. Organized file structure which collects all files of a project into a directory.

2. Selection of different codes of practice for concrete and steel.

3. Three different modes of design encompassing all the needs of a Civil engineer.

4. Library for creating any type of structure required and various features for editing thecreated model or for creating from scratch.

5. Definition of units, groups, panels, trusses, Loads & Boundary conditions and proper-ties and options for deleting them.

6. Design specifications for various Reinforced concrete element and Steel and optionsfor deleting them.

7. Required information about the model, details about the failed elements and designsummary for structural elements.

8. Various options for view, erase, selection and plot.

9. Options to generate the Analysis data file and binary results file or solve existing NISfile and to execute analysis and design.

10. Options to view analysis and design reports, design results for individual or failed ele-ments and drawings.

11. There are four Combo boxes on the display such as Property ID used to display prop-erty details in a dialog for the selected property ID, Material ID used to view materialdetails in a dialog for the selected material ID, Combo box with views to select some ofStandard and Customized view to display FE model for the visible entities and Levelsused to view members for the selected level.

Options available in Main Menu are shown in the following figure. You can use Icon buttons

to directly access some of the options available in sub menu.


Main Menu


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These Icons can be used for editing the model like adding nodes

and elements, Copying or Moving Nodes and Elements etc. TheTool Tips will be available for each Icon when the cursor is

focused on respective Icon.

The Icons for viewing different Forces and Moments will be

available when the BMD is plotted for the Frame. Click on arrow

mark to select the Grids along which the BMD is to be plotted.

Generate the Grid Lines before to use this option.

2.2.1 File

This menu item leads to a submenu with following options.

New Project File

Using this option you can start a new project. This invokes the following dialog.


Main Menu


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Each project is started in separate Project directory.

Name of the Project directory is used as prefix for file names. This organization helps in

identifying files related to a project.

You have the option to choose different names for directory, or prefix for file names for

the project.

You can set up these as defaults for your future works through Default Settings available

in File menu.

Other optional information regarding Clients name, Project title, Model name, name of

the designer and reviewer can be entered in the respective text boxes.

R i d D i d d UCS b l t d f th li t


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Main Menu


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*.CIN: Files relating to Interactive Design Mode

Required Directory can be selected from the Look in list box and the selected directory

is displayed in the Select Folder text box. Double clicking on the directory name displays

all the folders in it and double clicking on any specific folder displays all the .CON or

.COF or .CIN available in it in Select File Name list box and the required file can be

selected.

Preview of the structural model of the respective .CON or .COF file selected from the

Select File Name list box is displayed in the picture box as Show Preview check box is

checked by default and can be unchecked if required.

Recently opened .CON or .COF or .CIN files can be selected if needed by clicking on

Recent tab which lists the file names along with its respective Project Title, Folder, Date

and Time of creation.

Save: Saves the project into a binary file with extensions as .CON or .COF or .CIN

depending upon design mode.

Save As: With this option you can save the project with a new name.

Save in NISA DesignStudio 3.0 Format:With this option you can save the project in the

previous version format.

Save in STAAD Pro Format:Saves the project in the STAAD Pro format.

Code of Practice

You can select country name to indicate the Code of Practice for designs. Whenever there is

more than one code of practice a Select Code dialog is invoked. For example Steel structures

as per AISC are designed, based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) or Load and Resistance

Factor Design (LRFD). The required Code can be selected from the list displayed.


Main Menu


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Note:

Separate codes can be specified for design of concrete and steel structures. But they must

refer to same country.

Design Modes

This sub menu has following options:

Integrated Online

In this option, you have to provide data required for analysis, design, and drawing. The

forces required for design will be obtained automatically at the end of analysis. Design

information is processed to produce structural drawings. The program executes largely

unattended. This mode is very useful to produce final designs and drawings.

Integrated Offline

In this mode you have to select .NIS file. Structural analysis can be carried out if results are

not available. From graphic display you can select members for design. Member forces are

automatically obtained from analysis results and may be viewed prior to design. Data

required for designs may be given at this stage. By changing design parameters members

may be redesigned. Structural drawings can be made at the end of design session. Only Slab

panels can be designed without FE analysis.


Main Menu


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Note:

Input data required for Analysis and Executing NISA Analysis can only be specified using

Integrated Online option.

Interactive Design

In this option complete data required for designs including design forces will have to be

given. This option is very useful for performing preliminary designs or in cases where

analysis results are not required. Examples: Retaining walls, Slab panels. Structural

drawings may be made at the end of design session.

Open Nisa File

This is used to select a NISA File for graphic display of structure. Clicking on this item

opens Select a Nisa File dialog. This menu is not accessible during the selection.

Save Nisa File

Clicking on this invokes NISA DesignStudio dialog and the required name for the Nisa File

can be specified in the text box.

Print

Click on this item to invoke a dialog and specify the Title for print outs and click on OK toprint the displayed information

View Project Files

Click on this item invokes NISA DesignStudio dialog which consist of all pre and post

analysis and design files and could be viewed in Notepad.

Using this option you can select .NIS, .OUT, .SMT, .DET, .NCR, .TKF, .FRC and .PRC files

to view or print.

Auto CAD:Click on this invokes AutoCAD environment.

Exit: This option is used to exit from NISA DesignStudio environment.


Main Menu


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Note:

A dialog is invoked indicating the options to exit with or without saving the data base.

Default Settings

Using this menu item you can set up defaults regarding AutoCAD version, Path, Country

code, Project name prefix, value for Acceleration due to gravity and system of units for

Input, Output and NISA file. Following dialog form is invoked. AutoCAD is automatically

extracted from the Windows registry. The user can also make entry. Available country codes

are listed from which default code can be selected. All these entries are stored in the

Defaults. set file and are automatically loaded in new sessions.


Main Menu


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All the forms will be seen in Cascade format.

There are two types of FE Solvers as FRONT and PARADISO.

2.2.2 Create Structure

This may be used to create 2D or 3D Rigid Frames and Trusses, either using structure

primitives or specifying NISA file name containing geometry definition, to generate Shell

structures from Shapes Library and to edit the existing model or create it from scratchusing the available editing features.


Main Menu


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Library

This may be used to create FE Model from various Structural libraries and shapes library

available with NISA DesignStudio. Details about this form are given in Section 3.1.3.

Note:

Before creating the structure gravity axis should be specified.

Nodes (Joints)/Elements (Members)/Connect Elements/Generate Foundation Springs/

Import Structure/Delete Boundary Conditions/Specify Boundary Conditions/Edit

Rigid Links/Model Verification/Transfer Loads/Create Vector

With these civil engineer friendly graphic editing features, the existing FE model can either

be edited or created from scratch.

Model can be generated by adding model from Import structure (from other .NIS File).


Main Menu

d l b ifi d i d l ifi i if C i id d l i


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Model can be verified using Model Verification to rectify Coincidence Nodes, Floating

Nodes, and Duplicate Elements etc.

Details about this form are given in Section 3.2to Section 3.11.

DXF to NIS / NIS to SCR / Set Gravity Directions

Details about these options are given in Section 3.12to Section 3.14.

2.2.3 Define

Units

Using these options you can setup desired system of units. Click on this option to invoke

Unit Specification form as shown below to setup units for data input as well as output.

SI, MKS, FPS and User Defined Units are available. Primary units of measurements

include Length Unit, Length Unit for Cross Section, Force Unit for Load and Force Unit

f St th With SI MKS d FPS t i it fi d I d fi d


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Main Menu

This feature is available under the menu item Define/Groups in Main menu form Click


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This feature is available under the menu item Define/Groups , in Main menu form. Click

on the desired option among Element Selection/Node Selection/Panel Selection/ShellElements, from the list, in order to group Elements/Nodes/Panels/Shell Elements. The

Selection Group Manager form is loaded as shown below.

Click command button Add, to add a new group to the list. This invokes Selection

Method form. Select Elements/Nodes/Panels/Shell Elements, so as to include them in

the new group with a default name.

Note:

You can specify a descriptive name in the Selection Method form for the new group. The

selected entities are stored with this name.

Group names that are already defined are listed in the list box. You can select, the requiredgroup from the list by clicking on it. Selected item appears in the text box at the top of the

list.

Click command button View/Modify, to either view or modify the entities of a selected

group from the list. This invokes Selection Method form. You can either add new enti-

ties or delete the existing ones from the flex grid.


Main Menu

To rename a selected group from the list click command button Rename This invokes


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To rename a selected group from the list, click command button Rename . This invokes

Group Re-Namedialog. You can specify the desired name in the text field. Entitiesbelonging to the group, are automatically stored with this name.

In order to delete a selected group from the list, click command button Delete. This

invokes confirmation dialog. You can either delete (click OK) or retain (click Cancel)

the group.

To select the entities with respect to Group name

In order to specify either loads, material and physical properties or to perform structural

designs etc., you can select the entities by their group names. In the Selection Method

form; from the or By Group frame, select the group name required by clicking on it and

click on Store Load button to post the associated entities Idsto the flex grid. Click OK to

return.

Panels

This is used to define slab panels for specifying loads on panels and to design slabs based on

Codes of practice. Details about this form are given inSection 2.3.

Note:

Generally Slab panels are not included in Modeling of Structure for analysis.

Trusses

This is used to define trusses for automatic generation of loads.

2D and 3D trusses in a structure may be specified. However, the gravity axis of these

trusses is assumed identical with that of the structure specified through Geometry.

For analyzing and designing an individual truss for different load cases including deadloads, live loads, and wind loads, this menu item is not invoked. In such cases, Create

Structure option in Main Menu item may be used to specify geometry of truss either

through Primitives. Details about this form are given in Section 2.4.


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Main Menu

(ii) However, it is possible to specify each load case separately through menu item 'On


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(ii) However, it is possible to specify each load case separately through menu item On

General Frames'.Auto-Assign Frame Loads

This option can be used to generate Dead, Live, Wind and Seismic loads for 3D Building

frames. Clicking on || Define| Loads &Boundary Conditions| Auto-Assign Frame Loads||

invokes Auto Loading on Frames form as shown below.

This form consists of three frames: Dead Loads and Live Loads frame, Wind Loads frame

and Seismic Loads frame.


Main Menu

Dead Loads and Live Loads frame


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This frame consists of text boxes to specify the input for the computation of dead andlive load on the structure. All these text boxes are loaded with default values which can

be changed as per requirements. Load factors for dead and live loads can be specified in

the respective text boxes for generation of load combinations and are loaded with default

values.

Wind Loads frame

Wind direction can be checked from the options listed against check boxes in the SelectWind Direction list box. Default values are loaded for Design Wind Pressure and Load

factors for dead, live and wind loads for generation of load combinations in the respec-

tive text boxes.

Seismic Loads Frame

Ground Motion direction can be checked from the options listed against check boxes in

the Select Ground Motion list box. Default values are loaded for Design Seismic Coeffi-

cient and Load factors for dead, live and Seismic loads for generation of load combina-

tions in the respective text boxes.

Note:

To view the Auto generated loads click On General Frames.


Main Menu

Copy Loads Across Levels


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This option can be used to copy the loads that are applied in a floor to different levels in a

structure. Clicking on || Define| Loads & Boundary Conditions| Copy Loads Across Levels ||

invokes 'Copy Loads Across Levels' form as shown below.

Select a level from the list box corresponding to "Select Level to Copy Loads from" to

select the level from which the loads are to be copied to other levels.

In "Select Levels to Which Loads Are Copied" frame, a list of levels with check boxes

are given. Check against the levels to which the copied loads are to be applied.

The "Select Load Type" frame consists of a list of loads with check boxes. Check thetype of loads that are to be copied from the selected level to other levels.

From the Select Load Cases frame check the Load Cases that are to be copied.


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Main Menu

Material and Physical Properties


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This option can be used to specify material and physical properties for the structural

members. Details about this form are given in Section 2.5.

Delete Panels, Trusses,.

Using this friendly feature, you can easily delete the data associated to the structure withrespect to panels, trusses, loads and material & physical properties definition.

Click on || Define | Delete Panels, Trusses|| to invoke a pull down menu, with items as

Panels, Trusses, Loads and Material & Physical Properties.

Click on the required item for which the data are to be deleted.

A message box pops up, asking for confirmation for the action.

Click OK to execute or Cancel to terminate the operation.

After the command is executed, click on || Execute | Generate Analysis Data (NISA) File

||, so as to modify the .NIS file accordingly.

All the data with respect to the selected option gets deleted from the .NIS file.


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Main Menu

Delete Design Data


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This deletes the data specified for designs. Option is provided to delete the data either for

Individual structural element or All Design data.


Main Menu

2.2.4 Information


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Member

This is to view Member Information like ID, Connectivity, Material ID, Property ID, section

designation, Length of Member, Element Type, Vector, memb

Documents

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