To assess a structure (whether it is sufficiant or not), the following steps must be followed in sequence:
- Schematising the construction
- Determining the internal forces and moments (= global analysis)
- Checking the cross-sections (= design):
- Strength
- Stability
- Stiffness
The explanation below covers the design of steel.
In Diamonds
- Calculate the internal forces (syn. global analysis) F9 or
. - Set the buckling lengths.
Don’t skip this step! Without the correct buckling lengths the stability results have no meaning. - Define the lateral torsional buckling supports (if relevant).
- Select the correct steel standard using the menu Analysis > Steel standard.
A list with all available standards in Diamonds can be found here. - Click on F3 or
to start the verification (more info). - Decide whether global imperfections are necessary or not.
- View the results with
. For the results of the strength check click 
, for those of the stability check click 
.
The results of the strength and stability check are displayed as a percentage of the total capacity (= 100%) of the section.- A structure is sufficient for strength, if the percentage is less than 100% for all bars.
- A structure is sufficient for stability, if the percentage is less than 100% for all bars.
Based on the percentage no judgment can be made on the extent to which a section is sufficient or not. This is because the used formulas are not always linear.
- Optionally, optimize the cross-sections.
You can use the Optimization-function for this
, but it might take a few iterations (and thus time).
We recommend that you change the cross-sections manually to one (or more) size(s) bigger/smaller depending on the result you had then recalculating the model. Exspecially for experienced engineer, this works faster than the Optimization function. - Don’t forget to verify the stiffness! Thus the vertical and horizontal deformation.
Diamonds can calculate the relative deformation, but it’s still up to you to verify it.
A structure is sufficient if the strength, stability and stiffness are sufficient.
