Comparison of Frame and Shell Finite Element Results in StatiCAD and SAP2000

Comparison of Frame Finite Element Results and Slab (Shell) Load Transfers in StatiCAD V6.0.9.0 and SAP2000

A system consisting of 4 columns and 2 storeys was modelled in StatiCAD, analysed, exported to SAP2000, and analysed there as well, in order to keep it simple and solvable in the demo version.

Slabs (shells) were used in the system and load transfer from slabs to beams and columns was performed using quadrilateral finite elements. The fact that vertical load values are very close demonstrates that the shell elements in StatiCAD also perform correct calculations.

The reason for using columns and beams in the analysed system is to connect the model from their centres without link elements, thereby reducing modelling differences.

Since wall elements are also solved with frame finite elements in StatiCAD, results will be similar whether walls or columns are used.

The G load case in StatiCAD corresponds to the Dead+GL (self-weight + slab covering) load case in SAP2000.

Both StatiCAD and SAP2000 satisfied the total equilibrium conditions FX, Fy, Fz, Mx, My = 0.

Beam results have not been produced since they are not used in masonry performance and strengthening analyses. If desired, the beam reinforcement design option can be activated within StatiCAD to obtain a beam finite element results report.

The StatiCAD analysis performed can be reproduced in the demo version. You can download the demo version from https://www.masonry-software.com/sypgnclm/StatiCAD\_Profesyonel\_Demo\_6\_085\_Setup.exe.

The major axis (axis 2) of column 3 is in the Y direction; the others are in the X direction.

The reason for choosing very different column dimensions is to increase the difference in analysis results, if any, and make it more visible.

Since StatiCAD models columns with 2 nodes and SAP2000 with 3 nodes, the vertical load values at the mid-height of the column in SAP2000 were used for the G (Dead) load case. It can be seen from the Q load case results that there is no significant difference in the vertical load results.

The reason for a high difference ratio in some cases is that the values are very close to zero. Differences of 20 and 30 kilogram-force in the calculation results appear proportionally large because they are very close to zero.

Since the i-end of the column is modelled at the top and the j-end at the bottom in the SAP2000 model, the column bottom-end section values were taken as the values at 300 cm.

Sign differences in the calculations arise from sign conventions. For example, StatiCAD uses the + sign for compressive force while SAP2000 uses the - sign.

Column Name:DHB01
	P (t)			V2 (t)			V3 (t)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %
G	12,639	-12,61	0,30%	-0,368	0,3676	0,10%	-0,488	0,4914	0,70%
Q	2,812	-2,798	0,50%	-0,087	0,0864	0,70%	-0,16	0,1619	1,20%
EX1	-4,321	4,3281	0,20%	5,758	-5,756	0%	-0,139	0,1387	0,20%
EX1	-4,321	4,3281	0,20%	5,758	-5,756	0%	-0,139	0,1387	0,20%
EY1	-3,915	3,924	0,20%	2,211	-2,215	0,20%	0,721	-0,721	0%
EY1	-3,915	3,924	0,20%	2,211	-2,215	0,20%	0,721	-0,721	0%
	T (tcm)			M2(tcm)			M3 (tcm)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %
G	0,207	0,161	22,20%	-58,75	-59,1	0,60%	-30,42	31,305	2,80%
Q	0,156	0,139	10,90%	-19,42	-19,57	0,70%	-16,36	16,763	2,40%
EX1	-7,345	-7,621	3,60%	-21,64	-21,55	0,40%	-1297	1297,2	0%
EX1	-7,345	-7,621	3,60%	-21,64	-21,55	0,40%	-1297	1297,2	0%
EY1	-8,612	-8,963	3,90%	109,53	109,62	0,10%	-445,5	446,44	0,20%
EY1	-8,612	-8,963	3,90%	109,53	109,62	0,10%	-445,5	446,44	0,20%
Column Name:DHB02
	P (t)			V2 (t)			V3 (t)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %
G	23,39	-23,43	0,20%	0,132	-0,139	5,20%	-1,195	1,1737	1,80%
Q	7,454	-7,472	0,20%	-0,007	0,0043	38,60%	-0,444	0,4352	2%
EX1	4,043	-4,052	0,20%	2,683	-2,678	0,20%	0,461	-0,46	0,20%
EX1	4,043	-4,052	0,20%	2,683	-2,678	0,20%	0,461	-0,46	0,20%
EY1	-3,696	3,6723	0,60%	0,932	-0,931	0,10%	1,955	-1,948	0,40%
EY1	-3,696	3,6723	0,60%	0,932	-0,931	0,10%	1,955	-1,948	0,40%
	T (tcm)			M2(tcm)			M3 (tcm)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %
G	0,263	0,204	22,40%	-138,7	-136,4	1,70%	-30,83	31,821	3,10%
Q	0,199	0,177	11,10%	-51,39	-50,4	1,90%	-6,094	6,498	6,20%
EX1	-9,327	-9,677	3,60%	73,525	73,39	0,20%	-476,1	475,51	0,10%
EX1	-9,327	-9,677	3,60%	73,525	73,39	0,20%	-476,1	475,51	0,10%
EY1	-10,94	-11,38	3,90%	316,33	315,81	0,20%	-158,6	158,51	0,10%
EY1	-10,94	-11,38	3,90%	316,33	315,81	0,20%	-158,6	158,51	0,10%
Column Name:DHB03
	P (t)			V2 (t)			V3 (t)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %
G	16,789	-16,81	0,20%	-0,24	0,2539	5,50%	-0,343	0,3484	1,50%
Q	2,987	-2,997	0,30%	-0,058	0,0632	8,20%	-0,075	0,0774	3,10%
EX1	-5,813	5,7991	0,20%	3,036	-3,027	0,30%	5,061	-5,052	0,20%
EX1	-5,813	5,7991	0,20%	3,036	-3,027	0,30%	5,061	-5,052	0,20%
EY1	3,538	-3,547	0,20%	-9,982	10,004	0,20%	-0,93	0,9278	0,20%
EY1	3,538	-3,547	0,20%	-9,982	10,004	0,20%	-0,93	0,9278	0,20%
	T (tcm)			M2(tcm)			M3 (tcm)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %
G	3,317	2,575	22,40%	85,146	82,909	2,60%	-648,9	646,75	0,30%
Q	2,501	2,231	10,80%	42,244	41,311	2,20%	-222	221,19	0,40%
EX1	-117,5	-121,9	3,60%	1295,1	1294,4	0,10%	-771,7	769,05	0,30%
EX1	-117,5	-121,9	3,60%	1295,1	1294,4	0,10%	-771,7	769,05	0,30%
EY1	-137,7	-143,3	3,90%	-218,8	-218,6	0,10%	3332,9	-3342	0,30%
EY1	-137,7	-143,3	3,90%	-218,8	-218,6	0,10%	3332,9	-3342	0,30%
Column Name:DHB04
	P (t)			V2 (t)			V3 (t)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %
G	29,532	-29,5	0,10%	0,579	-0,577	0,40%	1,442	-1,411	2,10%
Q	8,347	-8,333	0,20%	0,169	-0,168	0,50%	0,547	-0,534	2,40%
EX1	6,092	-6,075	0,30%	12,464	-12,48	0,10%	2,713	-2,706	0,30%
EX1	6,092	-6,075	0,30%	12,464	-12,48	0,10%	2,713	-2,706	0,30%
EY1	4,074	-4,05	0,60%	-2,213	2,2177	0,20%	8,394	-8,378	0,20%
EY1	4,074	-4,05	0,60%	-2,213	2,2177	0,20%	8,394	-8,378	0,20%
	T (tcm)			M2(tcm)			M3 (tcm)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark %
G	3,317	2,575	22,40%	-81,17	-80,44	0,90%	-432,5	427,18	1,20%
Q	2,501	2,231	10,80%	-27,22	-26,92	1,10%	-174,8	172,56	1,30%
EX1	-117,5	-121,9	3,60%	552,72	551,77	0,20%	-3703	3708,6	0,20%
EX1	-117,5	-121,9	3,60%	552,72	551,77	0,20%	-3703	3708,6	0,20%
EY1	-137,7	-143,3	3,90%	2094,1	2094,1	0%	611,64	-612,8	0,20%
EY1	-137,7	-143,3	3,90%	2094,1	2094,1	0%	611,64	-612,8	0,20%
DHZ01	P (t)			V2 (t)			V3 (t)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %
G	5,979	-5,962	0,30%	-1,342	1,3378	0,30%	-1,208	1,2156	0,60%
Q	1,374	-1,367	0,50%	-0,35	0,3478	0,60%	-0,399	0,4021	0,80%
EX1	-1,779	1,7834	0,20%	3,942	-3,942	0%	-0,167	0,1667	0,20%
EX1	-1,779	1,7834	0,20%	3,942	-3,942	0%	-0,167	0,1667	0,20%
EY1	-1,695	1,6999	0,30%	0,634	-0,636	0,40%	1,315	-1,319	0,30%
EY1	-1,695	1,6999	0,30%	0,634	-0,636	0,40%	1,315	-1,319	0,30%
	T (tcm)			M2(tcm)			M3 (tcm)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %
G	0,933	0,824	11,70%	-175	-176,1	0,70%	157,44	-156,3	0,70%
Q	0,572	0,534	6,60%	-57,74	-58,21	0,80%	40,214	-39,65	1,40%
EX1	-6,69	-6,94	3,60%	-24,27	-24,25	0,10%	-499,6	499,73	0%
EX1	-6,69	-6,94	3,60%	-24,27	-24,25	0,10%	-499,6	499,73	0%
EY1	-8,667	-9,038	4,10%	191,66	192,13	0,20%	-45,5	45,578	0,20%
EY1	-8,667	-9,038	4,10%	191,66	192,13	0,20%	-45,5	45,578	0,20%
DHZ02	P (t)			V2 (t)			V3 (t)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %
G	11,446	-11,47	0,20%	0,368	-0,392	6,10%	-3,109	3,0572	1,70%
Q	3,723	-3,732	0,20%	-0,018	0,0077	57,20%	-1,157	1,1345	1,90%
EX1	1,734	-1,739	0,30%	3,107	-3,107	0%	0,296	-0,295	0,20%
EX1	1,734	-1,739	0,30%	3,107	-3,107	0%	0,296	-0,295	0,20%
EY1	-1,657	1,6489	0,50%	0,624	-0,621	0,40%	2,797	-2,792	0,20%
EY1	-1,657	1,6489	0,50%	0,624	-0,621	0,40%	2,797	-2,792	0,20%
	T (tcm)			M2(tcm)			M3 (tcm)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %
G	1,184	1,047	11,60%	-443	-435,6	1,70%	-52,11	55,495	6,10%
Q	0,727	0,678	6,70%	-164,8	-161,6	1,90%	1,907	-0,532	72,10%
EX1	-8,495	-8,812	3,60%	41,96	41,879	0,20%	-436	436,05	0%
EX1	-8,495	-8,812	3,60%	41,96	41,879	0,20%	-436	436,05	0%
EY1	-11,01	-11,48	4,10%	403,31	402,45	0,20%	-83,35	83,017	0,40%
EY1	-11,01	-11,48	4,10%	403,31	402,45	0,20%	-83,35	83,017	0,40%
DHZ03	P (t)			V2 (t)			V3 (t)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %
G	7,481	-7,495	0,20%	-0,18	0,2228	19,20%	-0,934	0,9597	2,70%
Q	1,464	-1,47	0,40%	0,002	0,0161	87,60%	-0,158	0,1689	6,50%
EX1	-2,768	2,7619	0,20%	0,36	-0,345	4,10%	4,402	-4,404	0%
EX1	-2,768	2,7619	0,20%	0,36	-0,345	4,10%	4,402	-4,404	0%
EY1	1,657	-1,661	0,30%	-4,951	4,9681	0,30%	-0,685	0,6813	0,50%
EY1	1,657	-1,661	0,30%	-4,951	4,9681	0,30%	-0,685	0,6813	0,50%
	T (tcm)			M2(tcm)			M3 (tcm)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %
G	14,912	13,185	11,60%	-80,79	-84,66	4,60%	-316,1	310,7	1,70%
Q	9,153	8,539	6,70%	-4,069	-5,655	28%	-114,2	111,98	2%
EX1	-107	-111	3,60%	587,26	588,12	0,10%	0,442	-2,859	84,50%
EX1	-107	-111	3,60%	587,26	588,12	0,10%	0,442	-2,859	84,50%
EY1	-138,6	-144,5	4,10%	-84,93	-84,64	0,30%	912,06	-915,9	0,40%
EY1	-138,6	-144,5	4,10%	-84,93	-84,64	0,30%	912,06	-915,9	0,40%
DHZ04	P (t)			V2 (t)			V3 (t)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %
G	14,094	-14,08	0,10%	1,908	-1,905	0,10%	4,136	-4,05	2,10%
Q	4,238	-4,231	0,20%	0,526	-0,524	0,30%	1,557	-1,521	2,30%
EX1	2,813	-2,806	0,20%	5,424	-5,421	0,10%	0,231	-0,217	6,20%
EX1	2,813	-2,806	0,20%	5,424	-5,421	0,10%	0,231	-0,217	6,20%
EY1	1,695	-1,687	0,40%	-0,574	0,5764	0,40%	4,617	-4,601	0,30%
EY1	1,695	-1,687	0,40%	-0,574	0,5764	0,40%	4,617	-4,601	0,30%
	T (tcm)			M2(tcm)			M3 (tcm)
Load Case	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %	StatiCAD	SAP2000	Fark oranı %
G	14,912	13,185	11,60%	409,18	399,91	2,30%	-387,2	384,55	0,70%
Q	9,153	8,539	6,70%	155,1	151,18	2,50%	-129,3	128,11	0,90%
EX1	-107	-111	3,60%	-45,1	-47,2	4,50%	-811,4	811,27	0%
EX1	-107	-111	3,60%	-45,1	-47,2	4,50%	-811,4	811,27	0%
EY1	-138,6	-144,5	4,10%	585,87	584,44	0,20%	66,922	-67,09	0,30%
EY1	-138,6	-144,5	4,10%	585,87	584,44	0,20%	66,922	-67,09	0,30%