Basic Concept Training

Scia Engineer 2013

Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

All information in this document is subject to modification without prior notice. No part of this manual
may be reproduced, stored in a database or retrieval system or published, in any form or in any way,
electronically, mechanically, by print, photo print, microfilm or any other means without prior written
permission from the publisher. Scia is not responsible for any direct or indirect damage because of
imperfections in the documentation and/or the software.

© Copyright 2013 Nemetschek Scia nv. All rights reserved.

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 Table of contents

Table of contents

Table of contents............................................................................................................................... 3
General Information ..................................................................................................................... 5
Modules .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Scia Engineer Support service ........................................................................................................ 5
Website ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Scia Engineer – General environment ............................................................................................ 5
Part 1 – Input of Structural entities ............................................................................................. 8
Example 1: Frame .............................................................................................................................. 8
Example 2: Frame ............................................................................................................................ 10
Example 3: Steel hall ....................................................................................................................... 11
Example 4: Purlins .......................................................................................................................... 14
Example 5: Bridge ........................................................................................................................... 16
Example 6: Carrousel ...................................................................................................................... 17
Part 2 – Loads, Load combinations, Calculation and Results ............................................... 20
Example 7: Beam with 3 spans ...................................................................................................... 20
Example 8: Concrete frame ............................................................................................................ 22
Example 9a: Beam on 2 supports .................................................................................................. 24
Part 3 – Document and Images ................................................................................................. 26
Example 9b: Beam on 2 supports ................................................................................................. 26
Example 10: Bearing frame ............................................................................................................ 28
Part 4 – Introduction to Steel and Concrete code checks ..................................................... 31
Example 11: Steel hall..................................................................................................................... 31
Example 12: Concrete frame .......................................................................................................... 34
Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells .............................................................................................. 38
Example 13: Rectangular plate ...................................................................................................... 38
Example 14: Slab on elastic foundation (subsoil) ....................................................................... 40
Example 15: Slab with ribs ............................................................................................................. 43
Example 16: Prefab wall ................................................................................................................. 45
Example 17: Balcony ...................................................................................................................... 46
Example 18: Tank ............................................................................................................................ 47
Example 19: Swimming pool .......................................................................................................... 49
Example 20: Cooling tower ............................................................................................................ 51
Example 21: Steel hall with concrete plate ................................................................................... 54
Example 22: Detailed study of a column base ............................................................................. 56
Annexes ....................................................................................................................................... 60
Annex 1: Connection of entities .................................................................................................... 60
Annex 2: Conventions for the results on 2D members ............................................................... 61
Annex 3: Results in mesh elements and mesh nodes → 4 Locations ...................................... 64
Annex 4: Free loads ........................................................................................................................ 66
Annex 5: Overview of the icons in windows & toolbars ............................................................. 68
Annex 6: Introduction to openBIM ................................................................................................ 75

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

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 General Information

General Information

Modules
Most of the functionalities presented in this course are available in Scia Engineer Concept Edition.

Other functionalities are not included in this edition and require specific modules. When a section of
this course deals with one of these modules, additional information is given.

Scia Engineer Support service

You can contact the Scia Engineer support service

- by e-mail
Send an e-mail to support@[Link] with a description of the problem and the concerning *.esa file,
and mention the number of the Scia Engineer version you are currently working with.
- by telephone
From Belgium : +32 13 550990
From the Netherlands : +31 26 3201230
- via the Scia Support website
[Link]

Website
[Link]

- Link to eLearning
[Link]
- Link to manuals & tutorials
[Link] > Support & Downloads > Free Downloads > input your e-mail
address > Scia Engineer > Scia Engineer Manuals & Tutorials
- Link to the latest Scia Engineer patch
[Link]

Scia Engineer – General environment

Setup > Options
Help > Contents > Reference guide
File > New > Project data

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

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 General Information

Overview of the menus

Main menu & Properties menu + Actions

Overview of the toolbars

Command line

REMARK: If a menu or toolbar has been (accidentally) removed from the project, it can be re-activated
via the View menu > Toolbars.

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

Part 1 – Input of Structural entities

Example 1: Frame
1_Input of geometry
*Project data: Frame XZ – Steel S235

*Adding cross sections which will be used in the project

Libraries > Cross sections > New cross section, or ‘Project’ toolbar

Adding materials which will be used in the project

Libraries > Materials, or ‘Project’ toolbar

*Input of members: Structure menu > 1D Member

Define nodes via
-Command line Absolute co-ordinates 0 0 of 0;0
Relative co-ordinates @
-Raster points Dot grid, on ‘Tools’ toolbar
Line grid, on ‘Tools’ toolbar
Snap to the raster points by means of Cursor snap settings, on Command line toolbar

After input, you can adapt the geometry of a selected entity via Actions > Table edit geometry
& adapt the properties via Properties menu

*Input of supports: Structure menu > Model data > Support

Select one or more existing nodes

REMARK: Instructions are being shown on the Command line!

2_Display on screen
*Manipulations

-‘View’ toolbar
-Scroll bars, at the right bottom of the work area
-Hotkeys SHIFT + right mouse button > Move
CTRL + right mouse button > Rotate
SHIFT + CTRL + right mouse button > Zoom

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 Part 1 – Input of Structural entities

*Selection of entities

-‘Selection of object’ toolbar

-Left mouse button Frame from left to right > All entities which are located entirely in the frame,
are selected
Frame from right to left > All entities which are located entirely in the frame
or are intersected by the frame, are selected
-At the top of the Properties window
Select elements by property
Select elements by more properties
-Command line > type ‘SEL’ commando + name of entity (e.g. SEL K1)

*Deselection of entities
-Deselect all, using ESC key
-Deselect one entity at a time, via CTRL key + click on entity with left mouse button

*Display of structure
-Limited, via Command line toolbar: Rendering of structure , Display of supports , Display
of names of nodes & beams
-Detailed, via Command line toolbar: Set view parameters for all/for selection , or via right
mouse click in screen

3_Actions AFTER input of geometry

Two actions always have to be performed after input of the geometry, to avoid problems during
calculation:
*Structure menu > Check structure data, or ‘Project’ toolbar
Duplicate nodes and beams, and incorrect entities are detected and removed. Also the additional data
are being checked.

*Structure menu > Model data > Connect members/nodes, or ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar
Nodes which coincide with beams, and edges (of 2D members) which intersect with beams, are
connected to the concerned beams. See also Annex 1.
Attention: Previous to this action everything has to be deselected, only then the entire structure is
connected. In the other case, Scia Engineer looks for connections only in the selection.

In this example the end nodes of the columns are connected to the beam, see the double red lines
around the connecting nodes. To show/hide these lines on the screen, see Command line toolbar

*OR: It is possible to execute both actions at the same time > In the window Connection of structural
entities, select the option Check structure data

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

Example 2: Frame
1_Input of geometry
*Project data: Frame XZ – Steel S235

*Input of members
-Left part of frame, via Structure menu > 1D Member; afterwards Mirror option via ‘Geometry
manipulations’ toolbar
-Complete frame, via Structure menu > Advanced Input > Catalogue blocks; choose for Frame 2D

*Input of supports
-Structure menu > Model data > Support
-Fast input of supports (and hinges) via Command line toolbar

2_Manipulations
To move nodes:
First select node, afterwards
-Drag node with left mouse button
-Change co-ordinates of the node in the Properties menu
-Move node, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar , or via right mouse click in the screen

3_Actions after input

*Check structure data

*Connect members/nodes (Attention: connect the entire structure!)

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 Part 1 – Input of Structural entities

Example 3: Steel hall

1_Input of geometry

*Input of first frame: analogous to Example 2

*Copy the first frame: via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar

-Copy ; input afterwards manually the connecting beams
-Multicopy ; generate the connecting beams automatically
Attention: connecting beams are generated from all of the selected nodes.

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

*Input of supports
Select first the nodes at the bottom of the columns, afterwards
-Filter Properties window > Selection of all nodes with co-ordinates Z = 0
-Select by working plane, see ‘Selection of object’ toolbar > Selection of all elements which lie
exactly in the Active working plane, see at the bottom of the Command line

2_Actions after input

*Check structure data

*Connect members/nodes (Attention: connect the entire structure!)

3_Structural model
*Main menu > Project > Functionality: Structural model
-Activate Rendering, see Command line toolbar
-Generate structural model, see ‘View’ toolbar
-Alter priorities via Setup > Beam types (structural)

*Alternating between Structural model and Analysis model via Select view parameters for all >
Structure > Model type, or via View > Set view parameters

Structural model = Presentation model, but also necessary for the input of steel connections, anchoring
of reinforcement, …
Attention: modifications in the Structural model (e.g. eccentricities) are not taken into account for the
calculation!

4_Display of screen
-Set view parameters for all/for selection, via right mouse click in screen
-Fast adjustment of view parameters, see Command line toolbar

For example: Check if the correct cross-sections have been inputted

Set view parameters for all > Structure > Style & colour = Colour by cross-section

-Alter colours, fonts, background colour etc.

via Setup > Colours/Lines > Palette settings; the settings for Screen, Document and Graphic output are
done via separate tabs

5_Activity & Visibility

*Define layers, via ‘Project’ toolbar

-Current used activity: defines if the layer is visible or not
-Structural model only: when set to ‘yes’ the layer is NOT taken into account for the calculation

*‘Activity’ toolbar > The entire Analysis model is taken into account for the
calculation, but only part of it may be visible

6_Saving a file
Select the option ‘Clean mesh, results of calculation’ if you want to remove these parts from the saved
file. The size of the file is in this way considerably reduced, but when the file is reopened in Scia
Engineer it is necessary to calculate again to view the results.

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Part 1 – Input of Structural entities

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

Example 4: Purlins
1_Input of geometry
*Project data: Frame XYZ – Steel S235 – Purlins IPE 100 – H2 = 1m

*Input of purlins_Method 1
-Input of purlins at the left side
by means of Cursor snap settings > Select option h: divide into 4 parts
-Rotate the purlins, to get them perpendicular to the roof plane
This means: local z-axis of purlins = local z-axis of main girder
Relocation of UCS to roof plane, via ‘Tools’ toolbar
Select the purlins > Properties menu: LCS = z from UCS
-Input of eccentricity
Select the purlins > Properties menu:
Member system line at: relative eccentricity, move member with regard to system line
ey, ez: absolute eccentricity
-Copy the purlins to the right side
Copy and Rotate , via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar
Or use Mirror , via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar
st nd
> Plane of symmetry: 1 direction of plane = Z from UCS; 2 direction = to define by user

*Input of purlins_Method 2
Structure menu > Panel – Load to beams
Result: model of a fictive 2D member and real 1D members

2_Activate Structural model

Main menu > Project > Functionality: Structural model
Generate structural model, see ‘View’ toolbar

Attention: Eccentricities in Analysis model and Structural model have to be inputted seperately in the
Properties menu.

REMARK: It might be necessary to generate the Structural model again after certain actions or
adjustments to the model.

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 Part 1 – Input of Structural entities

3_Input of Haunch
Structure menu > 1D Member > 1D member components > Haunch
Add new cross-section first, type I + Ivar
Afterwards define the haunch as follows:

Haunch = additional data to an entity (just like supports, charges, …)

It is possible to copy additional data
-via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar
-via right mouse click in screen, choose option Copy add data

Extra possibility: Input of Arbitrary profile

Structure menu > 1D Member > 1D member components > Arbitrary profile
Divide member into a number of sections with different cross-sections / different geometrical properties
e.g. Haunch with different dimensions at the beginning and the end of the beam

4_Actions after input

*Check structure data

*Connect members/nodes (Attention: connect the entire structure!)

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

Example 5: Bridge
1_Input of geometry
*Project data: Frame XZ – Concrete & Steel

*Input of curved beam

Structure menu > 1D Member > Member
New circular arc, via Command line toolbar

*Input of steel tension only members

-Cursor snap settings > Select option h
th
In this way it is possible to snap to each 10 part of a member.
-Structure > 1D Member > Column; length of all columns = 3m
-Cut columns at the height of the arc > Trim, see ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar

2_From 2D to 3D
Main menu > Project > Project data: change Structure type

*Frame XYZ
Copy arc: Copy ; spacing is 4m in Y direction (@0;4;0)
Say ‘yes’ to Copy additional data (only the supports in this case)

*General XYZ
Add concrete roadway: Structure > 2D Member > Plate
New rectangle, via Command line toolbar

REMARK: It is only possible to switch to a ‘higher’ Structure type!

3_Actions after input

*Check structure data

*Connect members/nodes (Attention: connect the entire structure!)

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 Part 1 – Input of Structural entities

Example 6: Carrousel
1_Input of geometry
*Project data: Frame XYZ – Steel S235

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

*Input of one frame

Structure menu > 1D Member > Column
Structure menu > Advanced Input > Catalogue blocks: Frame 2D

Move the frame so the bottom node of the left column coincides with co-ordinate 1;0;0
Or move UCS, see ‘Tools’ toolbar

*Multicopy, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar

Copy + Rotation at same time: around current UCS

-Let generate connecting beams automatically

Attention: connecting beams are being generated from all of the selected nodes.
-Copy additional data
In this case only supports; if loads, hinges etc. are added to the original frame, those are copied to the
new frames as well.
Attention: supports are additional data to nodes, not to members.

2_Actions after input

*Check structure data

*Connect members/nodes (Attention: connect the entire structure!)

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Part 1 – Input of Structural entities

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

Part 2 – Loads, Load combinations, Calculation and Results

Example 7: Beam with 3 spans

1_Input of geometry

2_Loads
*Definition of load cases
Main menu > Load cases, Combinations > Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Distributed load (Perm.)

*Input of loads
Main menu > Loads
LC 1: Self weight > Calculated by Scia Engineer
LC 2: Distributed load (Perm.) > Line force on beam 10 kN/m

3_Calculation

Main menu > Calculation, mesh > Calculation or Hidden calculation , see also ‘Project’ toolbar
Difference: When performing a Hidden calculation the windows with the status of the calculation are
suppressed, as a result of which the calculation cannot be interrupted prematurely.

4_Results
After calculation: Main menu > Results

*Graphical display of results

Results > Supports > Reactions
Results > Beams > Internal forces on beam
Results > Beams > Deformations on beam

Specify the desired result in the Properties menu

-Selection: All > result on áll of the members; Current > result on the selected members
-Extreme: Place(s) where the result values are displayed numerically
-Drawing setup: click on > Change the display of the diagrams, display the units, …
After any modification, choose for Actions > Refresh

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 Part 2 – Loads, Load combinations, Calculation and Results

To change unities and number of decimals: go to Setup > Units, or ‘Project’ toolbar

*Numerical display of results

At the bottom of the Properties menu: Actions > Preview

The exact values are calculated in (by default) 10 sections per beam,
see Setup > Solver > Number of sections on average member

*Result on a specific location

Structure > Model data > Section on beam; afterwards it is necessary to calculate again

*Extra information
-Main > Results > Bill of material
Ask for the Mass and Surface of a specific Cross-section or Material type
-Main > Results > Calculation protocol
Consult the Data of calculation, and Sum of loads and reactions

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

Example 8: Concrete frame

1_Input of geometry

2_Loads
*Load cases
Main menu > Load cases, Combinations > Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Wind in direction X (Var.) > Line force on beam 5 kN/m

*Load groups
Main menu > Load cases, Combinations > Load groups
LC 1 > LG 1: Permanent
LC 2 > LG 2: Variable – EC1 load type = Wind

*Input of loads
Main menu > Load

Fast input of loads via Command line toolbar ; modification of properties via
Properties menu

*Load combinations
Main menu > Load cases, Combinations > Combinations
Linear combination: 1,[Link] 1 + 1,[Link] 2

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 Part 2 – Loads, Load combinations, Calculation and Results

*Graphical display of results

-Loads, via Command line toolbar and
-Values of loads, via Command line toolbar > Loads/Masses > Labels of loads

3_Results
*Ask for Results
Main menu > Results

Fast displaying of results via Command line toolbar ; automatic adaptation

in the Properties menu

*Scaling of Results
Via ‘Tools’ toolbar and

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

Example 9a: Beam on 2 supports

1_Input of geometry

*Configuration of the example

Suppose this is the section of a narrow roadway, with a footpath and a traffic lane over which only one
car at a time can drive.

2_Loads
*Load cases & Load groups

By placing Car Left and Car Right in the same load group with type ‘exclusive’, we define that both load
cases can never appear together in a load combination.

*Input of loads
Input all loads as point loads of 1kN. Only the Self Weight is not taken into account for this example.

3_Load combinations
Suppose a combination with content & coefficients as follows:
LC 1 1,35
LC 2 1,20
LC 3 0,50
LC 4 1,50

*Type = Linear combination:

Only one combination is generated
Relationships of the load groups are NOT taken into account + Coefficients as inputted by the user
1,[Link] 1 + 1,[Link] 2 + 0,[Link] 3 + 1,[Link] 4

*Type = Eurocode combination at ULS or SLS:

All possible linear combinations according to the relationships of the load groups are generated
Safety factors according to the Eurocode + Psi-factors according to the Eurocode (see content of the
load groups) + Coefficients as inputted by the user
1,35.1,[Link] 1
1,35.1,[Link] 1 + 1,50.1,[Link] 2
1,35.1,[Link] 1 + 1,50.1,[Link] 2 + 1,05.0,[Link] 3
1,35.1,[Link] 1 + 1,50.1,[Link] 2 + 1,05.1,[Link] 4
…

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 Part 2 – Loads, Load combinations, Calculation and Results

*Type = Envelope combination:

All possible linear combinations according to the relationships of the load groups are generated
Coefficients as inputted by the user
1,[Link] 1
1,[Link] 1 + 1,[Link] 2
1,[Link] 1 + 1,[Link] 2 + 0,50.LC3
1,[Link] 1 + 1,[Link] 2 + 1,50.LC4
…

‘Black Box’: As well for combinations according to the Eurocode as for Envelope combinations, the
generated linear combinations are not shown.
If the user wants to know the content of such combinations, the Action ‘Explode to linear’ has to be
executed.

4_Result classes
Main menu > Load cases, Combinations > Result classes
A Result class makes it possible to make an Envelope combination of an arbitrary amount of
Combinations and/or Load cases.
RC 1: ULS + SLS

5_Results
*Results of EN-ULS / EN-SLS / Envelope combination
Only the envelope of the results is shown → On every section of the structure you will find the most
positive & most negative result.
It is only possible to ask the results of the (in the background generated) linear combinations
separately, if the Action ‘Explode to linear’ has been executed.

*Governing linear combinations

See Actions > Print preview: ULS/1, ULS/2, et cetera
The numbers after the combination name refer to the Combination key, where the governing linear
combinations are fully displayed. This Combination key can only be asked for in the Document.

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

Part 3 – Document and Images

Example 9b: Beam on 2 supports

1_Input of geometry
See Example 9a

2_Document

Main menu > Document, or ‘Project’ toolbar

*Content of document
Via button New at the bottom of the Document menu > New document item

*Refresh of document
After adaptations to data or (content of) tables: grey background > this means the document has to be
refreshed
-Refresh of document, see Document Toolbar
-Refresh of pictures, see Document Toolbar

*Properties of the different components

After selection of a component in the Document menu, its properties can be consulted and adapted in
the Properties menu.

*Combination key: display of governing linear combinations

New document item > Sets > Combination key

Example: Take a look at Internal forces on beam, according to Combinations = ULS; Deformations on
beam, according to Combinations = SLS. In these tables with results is referred to ULS/1 etc., and
SLS/2 etc. The numbers after the combination names refer to the Combination key, where the
governing linear combinations are written out.

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 Part 3 – Document and Images

3_Engineering report

Main menu > Engineering report, or ‘Project’ toolbar

*Content of engineering report

Via button Insert at the top of the Home menu > Show/hide to be added report components
Added report components > Navigator

The above tables can be displaced on the screen.

The components to be inserted can be filtered and it is possible to hide or lock the added parts.

*Refresh of engineering report

After adjustments of data in the project > some components of the engineering report must be
regenerated.

-Refresh of selection, see Engineering Report Toolbal

-Refresh of entire Engineering Report, see Engineering Report Toolbar

With this option, it is possible to not regenerate some components by hiding or locking them.

*Properties if the different components

After selecting an item in the Navigator, some of its properties can be accessed and modified in the
Property menu.

The advanced properties can be customized > see Engineering Report Toolbar

*Combination key: display of governing linear combinations

New Engineering Report item > Sets > Combination key
Example: Take a look at the Internal forces on beam, according to Combinations = ULS; Deformations
on beam, according to Combinations = SLS. In these tables with results is referred to ULS/1 etc., and
SLS/2 etc. The numbers after the combination names refer to the Combination key, where the
governing linear combinations are written out.

*Language Engineering report

The language of both in-and ouput of the Engineering report can be changed using the Properties
menu.

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

Example 10: Bearing frame

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: General XYZ – Steel S235

*Building up a Line grid, see ‘Tools’ toolbar

-As a help to input the structure
-Necessary to generate Overview drawings

*Actions after input!

2_Loads
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Vertical load (Var.) > Point force 50 kN
LC 3: Horizontal load (Var.) > Point force 20 kN

3_Pictures
Following actions are accessible via Main menu > Drawing tools, or ‘Project’ toolbar, or right mouse
click in screen
-Print data
Claim the Preview of a certain table, or send Table to document
-Print picture
Print the picture on the display, after choice of printer, choice of template file and possible editing
-Picture to document
Send the picture on the display directly to the document
-Picture to gallery

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 Part 3 – Document and Images

Send the picture on the display to the Picture gallery, where it can be edited before saving it or adding
it to the document
-Picture gallery
Edit pictures by means of the Gallery editor; e.g. text and dimension lines can be added
-Paperspace gallery
Choose/make a template file for printing + input and arrange the picture(s) to be printed

4_Overview drawings
Main menu > Project > Functionality: Overview drawings
Picture wizard, via Picture gallery > New by wizard , or right mouse click in screen ; choose
Sections by planes of line grid

5_Document

Main menu > Document, or ‘Project’ toolbar

*Compose content of document

Via button New at the bottom of the Document menu > New document item

*Add picture to document

Directly via Picture to document, or after editing via Picture to gallery

*Chapter Maker
Indented tables: Each 2 tables which have a logical relationship, can be linked to each other, e.g. the
tables Nodes and Displacement of nodes. Choose the option Indent, after right mouse click on the item
in the Document menu.

Indented pictures: Also a picture can be linked to a table, e.g. picture of the structure with a particular
load displayed, and table Load cases. Choose the option Indent, after right mouse click on the item in
the Document menu.

*Adapt header template

Simplified table composer, via right mouse click in header
Logo and displayed project properties can be adapted

*Adapt layout of document

Via Document settings, see Document Toolbar > window Visual style is opened

*Save document template/settings

-Actions > Save settings: The settings from the window Visual style are saved as a *.SDS file
-Actions > Save template: The composition (content) of the document is saved as a*.TDO file. If the
option Embed document templates has been selected in the Properties menu, then also the settings
from the window Visual style are saved in the *.TDO file.

6_Engineering report

Main menu > Engineering report, or ‘Project’ toolbar

*Content of engineering report

Via button Insert at the top of the Home menu > Show/hide to be added report components
Added report components > Navigator

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

*Add picture to Engineering report

-Add picture directly into Engineering report

-Add picture into the Inbox in the Item menu

-Picture to report as a printscreen via Screenshot into Engineering report

-Picture to report as a dynamic image via Live picture into Engineering report

Images can first be edited using Picture to gallery

*Add text to Engineering report

Special items > Formatted text

Also special symbols can be entered, example ‘σ’ = ‘σ’

It is possible to insert the contents of a table of for instance Excel via copy-paste.

*Chapter Maker
Indented tables: Each 2 tables which have a logical relationship, can be linked to each other, e.g. the
tables Nodes and Displacement of nodes. Select the item Displacement of nodes > choose the option
Indent

Indented pictures: Also a picture can be linked to a table, e.g. picture of the structure with a particular
load displayed, and table Load cases. Select the picture > choose the option Indent

*Add header and footer

Special items > Header / Footer

Adapt the header and footer properties > see Engineering Report Toolbar

Both text and images can be inserted.

The header and footer can be saved as a template, a .HFX file.

*Adapt layout of Engineering report

-Change page orientation > Special items > Page format

-Adapt the general layout of the report > Special items > Style
Note: The Nemetschek Scia logo can not be removed.

-Adapt tables:
Empty cells may be hidden.
Multiple properties displayed in one row > Template Header

Select the table > Edit: adjustments can be saved and copied to the other tables in the engineering
report. These templates are saved as .TLX files.

*Export and print of Engineering report

-Print: Engineering report setup > Print

-Export: Engineering report setup > Export

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 Part 4 – Introduction to Steel and Concrete code checks

Part 4 – Introduction to Steel and Concrete code checks

Example 11: Steel hall

1_Input of geometry
*See Example 3

*Modification of the geometry: see picture above

*Actions after input! These are necessary to connect the newly added beams.

2_Loads
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Roof load (Perm.) > Line force 5 kN/m
LC 3: Wind load X direction (Var., Exclusive)> Line force 2 kN/m
LC 4: Wind load –X direction (Var., Exclusive) > Line force 2 kN/m

3_Load Combinations
CO1: EN-ULS (STR/GEO) Set B
CO2: EN-SLS Characteristic

4_Steel Setup
Main menu > Steel

a) General settings
All of the input in the section Steel > Beams > Setup is valid for the whole project.
-Setup > Member check
A steel structure is by default sway for buckling around the Y-Y axis, and non-sway for buckling around
the Z-Z axis.
-Setup > Relative deformation
The user can per beam type impose a limit for permissible relative deformation.

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Basic Concept Training – Scia Engineer 2013

-Setup > Buckling defaults

The ky and kz factors are by default calculated by Scia Engineer. Attention, this is only valid for simple
structures! In other cases: input buckling factor or buckling length yourself.

b) Specific settings
-It is possible to overwrite a number of general settings per member, by means of the option Steel >
Beams > Steel member data.
-To overwrite buckling data: Select a beam, and click on behind Buckling and relative lengths in the
Properties menu. Buckling data BC1 are created and can be edited.

5_Steel Checks
a) ULS check
Steel > Beams > Check
Combinations = ULS; Values = Section check, Stability check, Unity check (=maximum of both
previous checks); Extreme = Member

Actions > Preview: Summarizing overview

Selection = Current: select 1 column; Output = Detailed

Actions > Single Check: Detailed information per member

Actions > Autodesign: Optimize one cross-section group at a time, to obtain “1” as maximal value for
the unity check
Attention: After optimization the structure has to be recalculated!

b) SLS check
Steel > Relative deformation
Combinations = SLS; Values = Check uz (= unity check with regard to the inputted values in Steel >
Beams > Setup > Relative deformation)

6_Steel Connections

*Input of steel connection

 This option is not included in the Concept Edition. You need the module esa.18 that is also
available with Professional or Expert Editions

Main menu > Project > Functionality: Steel – Frame rigid connections
The functionality Structural model is automatically activated.
-Generate structural model, see ‘View’ toolbar
-Main menu > Steel > Connections > Frame bolted/welded – strong axis; select connecting node and
beams
-Input properties of the connection in the Properties menu
-Display label of steel connection, via Set view parameters for all > Connections > Steel connections
label > Display label + Name

*Check of steel connection

 This option is not included in the Concept Edition. You need the module esasd.02 that is
also available with Professional or Expert Editions

Actions > Results; verify if the unity checks satisfy

*Transfer stiffness of connection to analysis model

-In the Properties menu of the steel connection, select the option Update stiffness
-Recalculate the structure
-Display analysis model, via Set view parameters for all > Structure > Model type; Show model data,
via Command line toolbar : Hinge with adapted stiffness has been added to the connecting node

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Since connections and hinges are additional data, it is possible to copy these, via ‘Geometry
manipulations’ toolbar or via right mouse click in screen.

7_Steel connection monodrawings

 This option is not included in the Concept Edition. You need the module esadt.02 that is also
available with Professional or Expert Editions

Main menu > Project > Functionality: Steel – Connection monodrawings

Picture wizard, via Picture gallery > New by wizard , or right mouse click in screen

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Example 12: Concrete frame

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: Frame XZ – Concrete C30/37 – Reinforcement steel B500A

2_Actions after input

*Check structure data

*Connect members/nodes (Attention: connect the entire structure!)

3_Loads
*Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Roof load (Perm.) > Line force 33 kN/m

*Load combinations
CO 1: EN-ULS (STR/GEO) Set B
CO 2: EN-SLS Quasi-Permanent

4_Concrete Settings
Main menu > Concrete

a) General settings
All of the input in the section Concrete > 1D member > Setup is valid for the whole project.
-Setup > Design defaults
Concrete beams and columns are by default sway for buckling around both the Y-Y and Z-Z axis.
-Setup > Design defaults > Tab Beams
Choose for upper and lower reinforcement: diameter 16mm

b) Specific settings
It is possible to overwrite a number of general settings per member, by means of the option Concrete >
1D member > Member data.
A label is displayed on each member with Member data, e.g. DC1. This label can be selected to view
or edit the settings in the Properties menu. Since Member data are additional data, it is possible to
copy these to other beams, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar or via right mouse click in screen.

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5_Reinforcement design of beam

a) Theoretical reinforcement
Internal forces
Concrete > 1D member > Internal forces

*1D member > Setup > General > Calculation > Tab Beams; select the options Moment capping &
Shear force capping at supports

*1D member > Internal forces; view for Class = All ULS (created by Scia Engineer) the Values = My
and My,recalc

Theoretically required reinforcement

Concrete > 1D member > Member design - Design; select the beam and view for Class = All ULS the
Value = As,total req

Actions > Preview: Summarizing overview

-As,req = theoretically needed reinforcement
-Reinf. (no.) = suggested by Scia Engineer as practical reinforcement, taking into account the diameter
inputted in Concrete > 1D member > Setup > Design defaults > Tab Beams (upper and lower
reinforcement: diameter 16mm)

Actions > Calculation info: Description of errors and warnings

When asking results for Member design – Design, the option Print explanation of errors and warnings
can be selected in the Properties menu. In that case the explanation is shown when opening the
Preview.

Actions > Single check: Detailed information per member; select a member and then the Single cross-
section window is opened. Choose an extreme internal force and click on the Calculation button at the
left.

Adding basic reinforcement = along the length of the beam

*1D member > Member data; select the beam and set Upper reinforcement to 2x diameter 14mm,
Lower reinforcement to 2x diameter 12mm. Scia Engineer is then forced to use at least this amount of
reinforcement.

*1D member > Member design - Design; Class = All ULS

Actions > Preview
-As,user = specified basic reinforcement in the Member data
-As,req = As,additional req = what is needed supplementary (on top of As,user) to obtain the
theoretically needed reinforcement
In this case: extra reinforcement is needed above the middle column
-Reinf. (no.) = what is specified in the Member data as basic reinforcement + what Scia Engineer
proposes as supplementary reinforcement to obtain the theoretically needed reinforcement

b) Practical reinforcement
Adding additional reinforcement = on specific location(s) on the beam
*1D member > Redes (without As) > New reinforcement: add supplementary reinforcement where
necessary (both stirrups and longitudinal reinforcement)
In this case: select the span over the middle column, where extra reinforcement is needed.

*Adopt the user basic reinforcement: Yes > The basic (theoretical) reinforcement of 2x 14mm (Upper
reinforcement) and 2x 12mm (Lower reinforcement) is now transferred to practical reinforcement.

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*Stirrup shape manager: choose predefined stirrup shape

*Longitudinal reinforcement window:

-In the upper right corner: already defined layers, sc. L1 and L2. This is the transferred basic
reinforcement, respectively at the top and bottom of the beam.
-Add additional reinforcement: via “New reinforcement parameters”; set Number of bars to 1, Profile to
14mm, Stirrup name to S1, Edge index to 2. After a click on [New layer], layer L3 is added.

*1D member > Member design - Design; select the beam and view for Class = All ULS the Value =
As,add req

c) Checks
Concrete > 1D member > Member check – Check of non-prestressed concrete

*Crack control: for Class = All SLS

Possible for both theoretical and practical reinforcement, see Concrete > 1D member > Setup >
General > Calculation > For stiffness, allowable stress, punching and crack-proof calculation use
reinforcement

*Check response: for Class = All ULS

Only possible for practical reinforcement, because for this check the exact location and diameter of
each reinforcement bar has to be known

*Check capacity: for Class = All ULS

Only possible for practical reinforcement, because for this check the exact location and diameter of
each reinforcement bar has to be known

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Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

Example 13: Rectangular plate

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: Plate XY – Project level Advanced

*Input plate: Structure menu > 2D Member > Plate

New rectangle, via Command line toolbar ; define the 2 nodes on a
diagonal of the rectangle

After input, you can adapt the geometry of a selected entity via Actions > Table edit geometry
& adapt the properties via Properties menu

*Input supports: Structure menu > Model data > Support > Line on 2D member edge

2_Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Walls on long edges (Perm.)> Line force 10 kN/m
LC 3: Service load (Var.) > Surface load 2 kN/m²

3_Finite elements mesh

*Mesh generation
Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Mesh generation, or ‘Project’ toolbar

*Graphical display of mesh

Set view parameters for all, via right mouse click or Command line toolbar
> Structure > Mesh > Draw mesh
> Labels > Mesh > Display label

*Mesh refinement
Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Mesh setup, or Setup > Mesh
Average size of 2D elements, by default = 1m

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4_Check of input data

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Calculation; option Test of input data is sufficient. With this function,
the applied loads are redistributed to the mesh elements and mesh nodes.

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > 2D data viewer

Surface loads: Values = qz, System = Global
LC 1 & 3: Uniform distribution over the mesh elements
LC 2: Line forces are redistributed to point forces in the mesh nodes

5_Results
*Results on the plate
Main menu > Results > 2D Members > Displacement of nodes
Main menu > Results > 2D Members > Internal forces
Main menu > Results > 2D Members > Stresses

Specify the desired results in the Properties menu

-System
Local: according to the local axes of the mesh elements
LCS – Member 2D: according to the axes of the LCS of the 2D member
Attention when using curved shell elements!
-Location: 4 ways to ask for the results, see Annex 3
-Type forces: Basic, Principal or Dimensional magnitudes, see Annex 2
-Drawing setup: Click on > Adapt display of 2D results, Minimum and maximum settings, …

After adaptations, always perform Actions > Refresh

*Accuracy of the results

If the results at the 4 locations differ a lot, then the results are inaccurate and the mesh has to be
refined.
Basic rule for size of mesh elements = 1 to 2 times the thickness of the plate

*Reactions in the line support

Results > Supports > Intensity

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Example 14: Slab on elastic foundation (subsoil)

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: Concrete C20/25 – Plate thickness 200mm

*Input plate
Input by means of a Line grid, see ‘Tools’ toolbar
Snap to the points of the line grid by means of the Cursor snap settings, see Command line toolbar

Structure > 2D Member > Plate

New polygon, via Command line toolbar ; choose options New
straight line & New circular arc

*Input extra parts

Structure > 2D Member > 2D member components > Opening
New rectangle
Structure > 2D Member > 2D member components > Subregion
New circle (centre - radius) with radius = 1m; define centre point + point on circle @1;0;0

REMARK: Instructions are being shown on the Command line!

*Input supports
Main menu > Project > Functionality: Subsoil
Structure > Model data > Support > Surface (elas. foundation)

2_Loads
*Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Walls on the outer edges (Perm.) > Line force 10 kN/m
LC 3: Freestanding walls (Perm.) > Line force 6,5 kN/m

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

LC 4: Service load (Var.) > Surface load 2 kN/m²

LC 5: Service load on subregion (Var.) > Surface load 1,5 kN/m²

*Load combinations
CO 1: EN-ULS (STR/GEO) Set B
CO 2: EN-SLS Quasi-Permanent

3_Finite elements mesh

*Mesh generation
Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Mesh generation, or ‘Project’ toolbar

*Mesh refinement
Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Mesh setup;
Average size of 2D elements = 1 to 2 times the thickness of the plate

4_Check of input data

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Calculation; option Test of input data

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > 2D data viewer

5_Results
*Results on the plate
Results > 2D Members > Internal forces

*Result on specific place

Results > 2D Members > Section on 2D member; it is not necessary to calculate again
Attention: Properties of a section
-Draw = direction for the graphical display of the results on the section
nd st
-Direction of cut = 2 co-ordinate of a direction vector which defines the direction of the section (1 co-
ordinate is the origin)

*Elastic foundation
Results > 2D Members > Contact stresses

REMARK: Convention for soil stresses: positive value = compressive stress, negative value = tensile
stress.

6_Eliminate tension in subsoil

 This option is not included in the Concept Edition. This is the module esas.44 that is
available with Professional or Expert Editions

*Main menu > Project > Functionality: Nonlinearity + Support nonlinearity/Soil spring

*Main menu > Load cases, Combinations > Nonlinear combinations

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Calculation; option Nonlinear calculation

*Take a look at the new results > Contact stresses: tension has been eliminated

7_Concrete Settings
Main menu > Concrete

a) General settings
All of the input in the section Concrete > 2D member > Setup is valid for the whole project.
2D member > Setup > Design defaults > 2D structures and slabs
Choose for upper and lower reinforcement: diameter 10mm

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b) Specific settings
It is possible to overwrite a number of general settings per 2D member, by means of the option
Concrete > 2D member > Member data.
A label is displayed on each 2D member with Member data, e.g. DSC1. This label can be selected to
view or edit the settings in the Properties menu. Since Member data are additional data, it is possible to
copy these to other 2D members, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar or via right mouse click in
screen.

8_ Reinforcement design of plate

a) Theoretical reinforcement
Internal forces
see Main menu > Results

Theoretically required reinforcement

Concrete > 2D member > Member design – Design – ULS; view for Class = All ULS the Reinforcement
= Required reinforcement, with Value = As

Actions > Preview: Summarizing overview

-As_up = theoretically needed upper reinforcement, As_lo = theoretically needed lower reinforcement
-direction 1 is by default = x direction of LCS of the plate, direction 2 is by default = y direction of LCS
of the plate

Adding basic reinforcement = on the whole plate

*2D member > Member data; select the plate, choose under Basic data for the option User
reinforcement, and fill in diameter and basic distance for directions 1 and 2

*2D member > Member design – Design – ULS; view for Class = All ULS the Reinforcement = User
reinforcement/Additional reinforcement, with Value = As

b) Practical reinforcement
*2D member > Reinforcement 2D: Adopt the user basic reinforcement as practical reinforcement: Yes

Adding additional reinforcement = on specific location(s) on the plate

*2D member > Reinforcement 2D: Where necessary, add extra reinforcement layers – the layout of the
geometry can be chosen by the user

*2D member > Member design – Design – ULS; view for Class = All ULS the Reinforcement = User
reinforcement/Additional reinforcement, with Value = As

c) Checks
*Concrete > 2D member > Member check – Design – Crack width: for Class = All ULS+SLS, Type
values = Required areas/Maximal diameters/Maximal distances/Shear stresses
Possible for both theoretical and practical reinforcement, see Concrete > 2D member > Setup >
General > Calculation > For stiffness, allowable stress, punching and crack-proof calculation, use
reinforcement

*Concrete > Punching > Punching check: for Class = All ULS
Possible for both theoretical and practical reinforcement, see Concrete > 2D member > Setup >
General > Calculation > For stiffness, allowable stress, punching and crack-proof calculation, use
reinforcement

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

Example 15: Slab with ribs

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: General XYZ > necessary because of eccentricity of the ribs
Concrete C20/25 – Plate thickness 200mm – Ribs R 200mm x 400mm

*Input plate + ribs (Method 1):

Structure > 2D Member > Plate
New rectangle, via Command line toolbar

Structure > 2D Member > 2D member components > Rib

Effective width = Default, Number of plate thickness, or Width in mm

Default: see Setup > Solver > Number of thicknesses of plate rib

Graphical display of effective width (T-section ribs)

via Set view parameters for all > Structure > Draw cross-section

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* Input plate + ribs (Method 2):

Structure > 2D Member > Ribbed slab

*Input supports: hinged

Structure > Model data > Support > Line on 2D member edge

2_Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Service load (Var.) > Surface load 5 kN/m²

3_Finite elements mesh

Refine mesh via Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Mesh setup; size of 2D mesh elements = 0,25m

4_Results
*Results > Beams > Internal forces on beam; Values = N
Option Rib off: Results on the rectangular sections
Option Rib on: Results on the T-sections

*Results > 2D members > Internal forces; Values = nx

Option Rib off: Results on the entire plate
Option Rib on: Results on the pieces of plate between the T-sections

5_Reinforcement in T-sections
The effective width is an approximation from the norm, where the connection beam-plate is replaced by
a T-beam for the design of the reinforcement. By selecting the option Rib, the internal forces in the
beam are adapted. These adapted forces represent the forces in the T-section, so they can be used to
design the reinforcement in the T-beam.

Suppose: effective width = distance between the ribs

Define reinforcement:
Main menu > Concrete > 1D Member > Redes (without As) > New reinforcement

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

Example 16: Prefab wall

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: Wall XY – Project level Advanced

*Input wall
Structure > 2D Member > Plate
Structure > 2D Member > 2D member components > Opening

2_Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Prefab plates (Perm.) > Line force 13,2 kN/m

3_Finite Elements Mesh

*Global mesh = 0,3m
Set view parameters for all > Structure > Mesh > Draw mesh

*Mesh refinement around the openings

Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Local mesh refinement > 2D member edge mesh refinement; Size =
0,1m

4_Results
Display the direction of the principal stresses as follows:
Results > 2D Members > Stresses
For LC 2: Type forces = Principal magnitudes, Values = sig1 or sig2, Drawing = Trajectories

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Example 17: Balcony

1_Input of geometry
* Project data: General XYZ – Project level Advanced

*Input balcony
Structure > 2D Member > Wall
Structure > 2D Member > Plate; Thickness type = Variable, Member system plane at = Top

2_Actions after input

*Check structure data

*Connect members/nodes (Attention: connect the entire structure!)
This action is necessary to connect 2D members to each other, see Annex 1

3_Load cases
LC 1: Balustrade (Perm.) > Line force 10 kN/m

4_Results
Check as follows if the structure is completely connected:
Results > 2D Members > Displacement of nodes
For LC 1: Structure = Initial, Values = Deformed mesh

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

Example 18: Tank

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: General XYZ – Project level Advanced

*Input tank
Base plate: Structure > 2D Member > Plate
New circle (centre – radius)
Wall: Structure > 2D Member > Wall
Select line ; select edge of base plate

Display local axes of the 2D members, via Set view parameters for all > Structure > Local axes >
Members 2D

*Input supports
Main menu > Project > Functionality: Subsoil
Structure > Model data > Support > Surface (elast. foundation)

2_Loads
*Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Varied pressure (Var.) > Surface load 0 to 50 kN/m²

*Free surface load

Input of varied pressure as a free surface load

a)The geometry of a free load always has to be inputted in the XY plane of the current UCS > Define
UCS at first, via ‘Tools’ toolbar , so the XY plane is vertical and e.g. the Y axis is pointing upwards
Set Plane XY = Active working plane, see at the bottom of the Command line

b)Surface load > Free

-Surface load acts in the direction of the local z axis of the 2D members
Direction = Z, System = Member LCS

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-Linear variation of the load over the height

Distribution = Direction Y

Input the geometry of the free load as a New rectangle in the XY plane

After input: change positions P1 and P2 in the Properties menu if necessary; since these are
dependent of the way of inputting the geometry

- Select yourself the members on which the free load has to act
Select = Select
Actions > Update 2D members selection > Select 2D members

See also Annex 4: Free loads

3_Finite Elements Mesh

Refine mesh; size of mesh elements = 0,2m

4_Check of input data

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Calculation; Test of input data

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > 2D data viewer > Surface loads
LC 1: Values = qz, System = Global
LC 2: Values = qz, System = Local

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

Example 19: Swimming pool

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: General XYZ – Project level Advanced

*Input swimming pool

Structure > 2D Member > Plate
Structure > 2D Member > Wall; Select line

*Input supports
Main menu > Project > Functionality: Subsoil
Structure > Model data > Support > Surface (elast. foundation); select plate and walls
Structure > Model data > Support > Line on 2D member edge; select edges of ground plate

Select 2D members
-All members at once: via ‘Selection of object’ toolbar
-Specific element: Simple (single) selection of member, via ‘Selection of object’ toolbar

A subsoil is always added at the negative side of the local z axis of the 2D member.
-Check orientation of the local z axes, via Set view parameters for all > Structure > Local axes >
Members 2D
-Select the elements for which the local z axis is not pointed at the middle of the swimming pool > in
Properties menu: select option Swap orientation

2_Loads
*Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Water pressure (Var.) > Surface load 0 to 25 kN/m²

*Free surface load

Input of water pressure as a free surface load

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a)The geometry of a free load always has to be inputted in the XY plane > Define UCS at first, via
‘Tools’ toolbar , so the XY plane is vertical and for instance the Y axis is pointing upwards
Set Plane XY = Active working plane, see at the bottom of the Command line

b)Surface load > Free

-Surface load acts in the direction of the local z axis of the 2D members
Direction = Z, System = Member LCS

-Linear variation of the load over the height

Distribution = Direction Y

Input the geometry of the free load as a New rectangle in the XY plane

After input: change positions P1 and P2 in the Properties menu if necessary; since these are
dependent of the way of inputting the geometry

-Select yourself the members on which the free load has to act
Select = Select
Actions > Update 2D members selection > Select 2D members

3_Finite elements mesh

Refine mesh; size of mesh elements = 0,3m

4_Check of input data

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Calculation; Test of input data

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > 2D data viewer > Surface loads
LC 1: Values = qz, System = Global
LC 2: Values = qz, System = Local

5_Results
Section on wall: Results > 2D Members > Section on 2D member
nd
Direction of cut = 1;0;0 (for section in X direction) or 0;1;0 (for section in Y direction) = 2 co-ordinate
st
of a direction vector which defines the direction of the section (1 co-ordinate is the origin)

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

Example 20: Cooling tower

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: General XYZ – Project level Advanced
Concrete C30/37 – Shell thickness 200mm – Height of pillars 5m – Height of tower 35m
Radius base plate 15m – Radius tower Bottom 13,5m / Top 9m – V-pillars CIRC (500)

*Input of base plate

Structure > 2D Member > Plate; New circle with radius 15m

*Input of tower
Structure > 2D Member > Shell – surface of revolution

Define line of revolution:

New parabolic arc,
see Command line toolbar

Start point 13,5;0;5

Intermediate point 8;0;25
End point 9;0;40

*Input of 20 V-pillars
Cursor snap settings > Select option h
Structure > 1D Member > Beam; input 2 bars to form a V-shape
Multicopy, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar

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*Input of support
Structure > Model data > Support > Line on 2D member edge

2_Actions after input

*Check structure data

*Connect members/nodes (Attention: connect the entire structure!)

3_Loads
*Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Temperature load (Var.) > Thermal on 2D member, Delta = 40 K
LC 3: Wind load (Var.) > Surface load 0 to 1,4 kN/m²

*Load groups
LG 1: Permanent
LG 2: Variable, EC1 Load type = Temperature
LG 3: Variable, EC1 Load type = Wind

*Free surface load

Input of wind load as a free surface load

a)The geometry of a free load always has to be inputted in the XY plane > Define UCS at first, via
‘Tools’ toolbar , so the XY plane is vertical and for instance the Y axis is pointing upwards
Set Plane XY = Active working plane, see at the bottom of the Command line

b)Surface load > Free

-Surface load acts in the direction of the Y axis of the GCS
Direction = Y, System = GCS

-Linear variation of the load over the height

Distribution = Direction Y

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

Input the geometry of the free load as a New polygon in the XY plane

-Select yourself the members on which the free load has to act
Select = Select
Actions > Update 2D members selection > Select 2D members

-Only one side of the cooling tower is loaded by the wind

Validity = +Z

-Location = Projection

4_Check of applied loads

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Calculation; Test of input data
Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > 2D data viewer > Surface loads
LC 1: Values = qz, System = Global
LC 3: Values = qy, System = Global

*Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Calculation; Linear calculation

Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > 2D data viewer > Temperature load
LC 2: Values = epsilon

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Example 21: Steel hall with concrete plate

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: General XYZ – Project level Advanced – Concrete & Steel

*Input hall
-First frame, via Structure > Advanced input > Catalogue blocks; choose Frame 2D
-Multicopy, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar > Automatic generation of connecting bars from
the selected nodes

*Input slab
Structure > 2D Member > Plate
-New rectangle: only possible to input this geometry in the Active working plane
Move GCS at first to the first story, via ‘Tools’ toolbar + Set Plane XY = Active working plane
-New polygon: input of this geometry is independent of the Active working plane
Input of the geometry line by line

2_Connections between entities

*Connection of the whole structure
Connect members/nodes, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar
+ Select option Check structure data

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

*Connection beam – plate

Concerning a beam which does not coincide with the edge of a plate, the connection beam – plate has
to be created manually by means of an internal edge. See also Annex 1
Structure > 2D Member > 2D Member components > Internal edge

REMARK: When a beam has been inputted as a plate rib, it is by default connected rigidly to the plate.
The use of an internal edge is in that case superfluous, see also Ex. 15

3_Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Service load (Var.) > Surface load 2 kN/m²

4_Check connections
After calculation, check as follows if the construction has been completely connected:

*Compare deformation Uz of beams & plate

-Results > Beams > Deformations on beam
-Results > 2D Members > Displacement of nodes
Make sections on the plate at the connections with the beams: Results > 2D Members > Section on 2D
member

*Check the deformed mesh

Results > 2D Members > Displacement of nodes
Choose a Load case: Structure = Initial, Values = Deformed mesh
The beams are displayed in red, check if they deform along with the mesh of the plate.

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Example 22: Detailed study of a column base

1_Input of geometry
*Project data: General XYZ – Project level Advanced

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

*Input column base

Base plate: Structure > 2D Member > Plate
Column: Structure > 2D Member > Wall; New circle (centre – radius) with midpoint (0,5;0,5) and point
at circle (@0,3;0)

Connect members/nodes > Intersection column – base plate is generated automatically, an

internal edge is superfluous

*Input bolt holes

Margin is neglected > diameter of the bolt holes = 32mm
-Input by means of a Line grid, see ‘Tools’ toolbar
Snap to the dots of the Line grid by means of Cursor snap settings, see Command line toolbar or
via right mouse click in screen
-First bolt hole, via Structure > 2D Member > 2D member components > Opening; New circle (centre –
radius) with point at circle (@0,016;0)
-Copy bolt holes, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar

*Input stiffeners
-First fin: Structure > 2D Member > Wall; input of fin on line grid or at random position
-Move fin, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar ; Start point = midpoint of bottom side of fin, End
point = midpoint of column
-Multicopy, via ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar
Attention: Rotation around current UCS > Move UCS beforehand to the midpoint of the circle, via
‘Tools’ toolbar

Connect members/nodes > Intersections are generated automatically, an internal edge is

superfluous

-Remove the part of the stiffeners at the inside of the column

Structure > 2D Member > 2D Member components > Cut-out

*Input supports
Main menu > Project > Functionality: Subsoil

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Structure > Model data > Support

Base plate: Surface (elas. foundation); Default subsoil Subsoil 1
Bolt holes: Line on 2D member edge; all translations fixed

2_Actions after input

*Check structure data

*Connect members/nodes (Attention: connect the entire structure!)

3_Loads
*Load cases
LC 1: Self weight
LC 2: Normal force: –60 kN/m at the top edge of the column
LC 3: Moment: 20 kNm/m at the top edge of the column in the Y direction (lever arm = height of column
= 1m)

*Load combinations
Linear – ULS: 1,[Link] 1 + 1,[Link] 2 + 1,[Link] 3

3_Finite elements mesh

*Global mesh refinement
Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Mesh setup; size of the mesh elements = 0,025m

*Local mesh refinement around the bolt holes

Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Local mesh refinement > Node mesh refinement; around midpoint of
bolt holes, Radius = 0,050m en Ratio = 0,01

*Mesh generation
Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Mesh generation, or ‘Project’ toolbar
Graphical display: Set view parameters for all > Structure > Mesh > Draw mesh
Verify that the inner parts of the stiffeners will not be taken into account for the calculation: no mesh is
being generated on these parts

4_Results
Results > 2D Members > Displacement of nodes
Choose a Load case: Structure = Initial, Values = Deformed mesh
Check if the structure is entirely connected

Results > 2D Members > Stresses

Look at the concentration of stresses around bolt holes and stiffeners

5_Link 2D (detail column base) – 1D (entire structure)

*Structure > 1D Member > Column; Add a 1D column with the same properties as the 2D column,
insertion point = 0,5;0,5;1

*Transfer of the internal forces from the 1D structure to the 2D column base:
Structure > Model data > Line rigid arms; master node = insertion point of 1D column, slave edge = top
edge of 2D column

A rigid arm is a very stiff 1D member which transfers all displacements from 1 master node to one or
more other nodes, or to a (2D member) edge, without any change in the values of the displacements.

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 Part 5 – Plates, Walls and Shells

6_Extra
For advanced calculations, this analysis model can be expanded further on by means of e.g.
-Horizontal pressure only supports at the bolt holes
-Taking into account the tolerance of the bolt holes
-Stiffness parameters subsoil
-Pressure only subsoil
-Bevelling the stiffeners
-…

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Annexes

Annex 1: Connection of entities

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Annex 2: Conventions for the results on 2D members

1_ Basic magnitudes = Characteristic values

Beams 1D

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Bending (plates, shells)

*Bending moments mx, my

*Torsion moment mxy

*Shear forces qx, qy (=vx, vy)

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Membrane effects (walls, shells)

*Membrane forces nx, ny

*Shear force qxy (=nxy)

2_Principal magnitudes
The principal magnitudes give the results according to the axes of the directions of the largest stresses
(principal directions). These directions are defined with the help of the Mohr’s circle.

3_Dimensional magnitudes = Design values

To derive the dimensional magnitudes from the basic magnitudes, formulas from the Eurocode are
used.
See also Help > Contents > Reference guide for these formulas.

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Annex 3: Results in mesh elements and mesh nodes → 4 Locations

During a calculation in Scia Engineer, the node deformations and the reactions are calculated exactly
(by means of the displacement method). The stresses and internal forces are derived from these
magnitudes by means of the assumed basic functions, and are therefore in the Finite Elements Method
always less accurate.

The Finite Elements Mesh in Scia Engineer exists of linear 3- and/or 4-angular elements. Per mesh
element 3 or 4 results are calculated, one in each node. When asking the results on 2D members, the
option ‘Location’ in the Properties window gives the possibility to display these results in 4 ways.

1_ In nodes, no average
All of the values of the results are taken into account, there is no averaging. In each node are therefore
the 4 values of the adjacent mesh elements shown. If these 4 results differ a lot from each other, it is
an indication that the chosen mesh size is too large.
This display of results therefore gives a good idea of the discretisation error in the calculation model.

2_ In centres
Per finite element, the mean value of the results in the nodes of that element is calculated. Since there
is only 1 result per element, the display of isobands becomes a mosaic. The course over a section is a
curve with a constant step per mesh element.

3_ In nodes, average
The values of the results of adjacent finite elements are averaged in the common node. Because of
this, the graphical display is a smooth course of isobands.

In certain cases, it is not permissible to average the values of the results in the common node:

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- At the transition between 2D members (plates, walls, shells) with different local axes.
- If a result is really discontinuous, like the shear force at the place of a line support in a plate. The
peaks will disappear completely by the averaging of positive and negative shear forces.

4_ In nodes, average on macro

The values of the results are averaged per node only over mesh elements which belong to the same
2D member ánd which have the same directions of their local axes. This resolves the problems
mentioned at the option ‘In nodes, average’.

Accuracy of the results

If the results according to the 4 locations differ a lot, then the results are inaccurate and the mesh has
to be refined. A basic rule for a good size of the mesh elements, is to take 1 to 2 times the thickness of
the plate.

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Annex 4: Free loads

Definition
A free load differs from a ‘regular load’ by the fact that it is NOT attributed as an additional data to a
specific 2D member. A free load can be created at an arbitrary position in space, and afterwards the
user can specify to which element(s) the projection of this load is attributed to.

Attention: The geometry of a free load always has to be inputted in the XY plane of the current UCS. It
is thus necessary to adapt the UCS in advance, and to assign the XY plane as the Active working
plane.

A free load can load all elements which are cut by the projection of the free load. Which elements will
be actually loaded by the free load, depends on the parameters Select: Auto(matically), Select; and
Validity: All, -Z, Z=0, +Z, From-to.
Validity = -Z means: Only the elements situated under the free load (situated in the half-space
defined by the negative Z direction of the UCS at input), can be loaded.
Validity = +Z means: Only the elements situated above the free load (situated in the half-space
defined by the positive Z direction of the UCS at input), can be loaded.

Example
An apartment building, where it is likely that the same load configuration acts on more than one storey
floor.

Let’s suppose: Four plates situated right above each other, and a free surface load inputted exactly IN
rd
the plane of the 3 plate.

Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > Calculation; choose ‘Test of input data’
Main menu > Calculation, Mesh > 2D data viewer > Surface loads

1) Select = Auto, Validity = All

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 Annexes

2) Select = Auto, Validity = +Z Validity = –Z

rd
(Attention: The free surface load is placed exactly IN the plane of the 3 plate.)

3) Select = Auto, Validity = Z=0

rd
(Attention: The free surface load is placed exactly IN the plane of the 3 plate.)

4) Select = Select, Validity = All

st rd
Actions > Update 2D members selection > Select the 1 and 3 plate
Result: The load only acts on the manually selected plates.

Attention when Select is put to Select, and Validity to e.g. +Z or -Z !

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Annex 5: Overview of the icons in windows & toolbars

1_Main window
In the Main window one can find the links to the most used menus and actions. Some of those links are
only activated when they can be effectively used in the project: e.g. the link to the Results menu is only
shown after a calculation has been performed, and the Steel and/or Concrete menus are visible
depending on the materials applied in the project.

2_Properties window
The Properties window gives information about selected objects and/or actions. Moreover it is possible
to adjust the properties of each object directly via this menu. When several kinds of objects or actions
are selected at the same time, it is possible to switch between their properties by means of the little
arrow behind the object name. The number between brackets behind the object name represents the
number of objects of this kind that is selected at this moment. If the number is larger than 1, only the
corresponding properties are shown.

Select elements by more properties

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 Annexes

Select elements by property

3_Menu bar

These ‘written’ menus group all actions by subject. A large number of these actions is also available in
the Main menu and/or as icon in the toolbars.

4_Standard toolbars

The ‘Activity’ toolbar provides options for the visibility / invisibility of specific parts of the structure,
which increase the ease of working and the readability of the project.

Activity toggle
Activity by layers
Activity by selection (Selected members On)
Activity by selection (Selected members Off)
Activity by working plane
Activity by clipping box
Invert current activity
Draw inactive members

The ‘Basic’ toolbar contains a number of primary actions with regard to the current project and allows
to modify the basic settings of the program (Setup Options).

New (Ctrl+N)
Open (Ctrl+O)
Save (Ctrl+S)
Undo
Redo
Setup
About Scia Engineer
Name of the opened *.esa file

The ‘View’ toolbar allows for the execution of a whole lot of simple view manipulations.

View in direction X
View in direction Y
View in direction Z

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View in direction AXO

View perpendicular to working plane
Zoom in
Zoom out
Zoom by cut out
Zoom all
Zoom selection
Perspective view
Undo view change
Redo view change
Generate structural model
Regenerate view

In the ‘Geometry manipulations’ toolbar one can find manipulations with basic entities (nodes, 1D
members, 2D members), as well as with additional data.

Move
Copy
Multicopy
Rotate
Scale
Stretch
Mirror
Trim
Extend
Enlarge by defined length
Break in defined points
Join
Break in intersections
Reverse orientation
Polyline edit
Curves edit
Calculate member end-cuts
Connect members/nodes
Disconnect linked nodes
Copy additional data
Move additional data

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 Annexes

The ‘Modelling tools’ toolbar provides for manipulations with general solids.

Union of solids
Subtraction of solids
Intersection of solids
Division of solids
Generate vertexes
Clash check of solids
Move vertexes/points

The ‘Project’ toolbar collects various actions, from the definition of databases (layers, materials, cross-
sections) for the project, to several options for the output.

Units
Layers
Materials
Cross-sections
Check structure data
Mesh generation
Calculation
Hidden calculation
Print data
Print picture
Document
Picture gallery
Paperspace gallery

The ‘Selection of object’ toolbar contains different possibilities to select a specific part of the structure.
A selection can also be saved and loaded again later on.

Selection by mouse
Selection by cut out
Selection by intersecting line
Selection by polygonal cut out
Select all
Selection by working plane

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Previous selection
Cancel selection
Selection mode toggle (Select or Deselect)
Single selection mode toggle (All found or First found)
Save selection
Load selection
Filter for selection on/off
Filter by service tree on/off

In the ‘Tools’ toolbar a number of clever means can be found for the input and graphical display of a
structure.

Setup UCS
Clipping box
Dot grid setting
Line grid
Scale factor
Scale manager
Coordinates info

5_Command line toolbars

On the Command line itself, a number of commands for the operation of the program can be inputted.
Also, during running actions, instructions on the next steps are shown.
Apart from that, quite a number of toolbars can be found here; some of them are only available during
a certain action or in a specific menu.

Show/Hide surfaces
Render geometry
Show/Hide supports
Show/Hide loads
Show/Hide other model data
Show/Hide labels of nodes
Show/Hide labels of members
Show/Hide dot grid
Set load case for display
Fast adjustment of view parameters on whole model

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 Annexes

Fast adjustment of view parameters on selection

Cursor snap settings

Fast adjustment of cursor snap settings

Change insertion point, available during input of geometry

Definition of new form, available during input of geometry

Fast input of supports & hinges, available in Structure menu

Fast input of loads, available in Load menu

Fast display of results, available in Results menu

Adjust Units of length

Change Active working plane
Adjust Cursor snap settings
Adjust UCS (=User Co-ordinates System)
Change Active code

6_Document window
The Document window gives an overview of the content of the document. The places of the added
items can be switched by dragging their names. Clicking on the name of an item makes appear the
properties of the concerned table or image in the Properties window. Via the [New] button a New
document item can be added.

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7_Document toolbar

The Document Toolbar is only available in the document working area and contains specific actions for
putting together, styling and exporting the document.

Export
Document settings
Printer setup
Print
Pagination options
Refresh of document
Refresh of pictures

Combo box Visual styles

Visual style manager

Combo box Table styles

Table composer
Table manager

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 Annexes

Annex 6: Introduction to openBIM

Open BIM is a universal approach to collaborative design, realization and operation of buildings based
on open standards and workflows. This means that Open BIM and even BIM in general are all about
processes and not about software. Still, we need software to enable BIM. 3D modelling and adding
information to these 3D models require dedicated software.
As far as the engineering market is concerned, the Nemetschek group offers several high performance
solutions. One of them is Scia Engineer.

Whereas for CAD software the additional data

in a BIM model is often equally important as the
geometrical data, the CAE model can do with
far less. A general CAE model is built up out of
centre lines (1D), mid planes (2D), cross
sections, code compliant materials, supports...
No need for textures, catalogue-ID’s, unit
prices...
Scia Engineer, however, is unique in its kind as
if offers you two (parallel) models in the same
project. On the one hand, you have the analy-
sis model dealing with all the information which
is related to the analysis. On the other hand,
you have the structural model at your disposal,
which is dealing with all geometrical relations in
the model.

CAD models primarily focus on the geometry.

When importing them into a CAE software,
there is little interest in irrelevant additional
data. And when it comes down to importing or
exporting the geometry, the IFC format is the
best way to go.
All imported IFC models can be converted into
the analysis models and fine-tuned for
structural analysis purposes. We call this
process Structure2Analysis. Scia Engineer is
packed with features which guide you through
the whole conversion and make it a piece of
cake. The structural model, however, remains
as it is, allowing you to export it with or without
changes.
Separate service called BIM Toolbox consists
of all necessary functions for model conversion,
align and clash check.

As IFC does not yet support analysis models, we have a number of proprietary links at your disposal.
• ETABS
• Steel Detailing Neutral File (SDNF)
• Prosteel
• STEPSTEEL
• DSTV
• general XML
Next to this we also link directly to some CAD-oriented software programs which have the analysis
model.
• Allplan Engineering
• Tekla Structures
• Revit Structure

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