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In 2024, advancements in structural design and analysis software transform engineering projects across various industries. This article explores recent case studies to illustrate how structural design software enhances project accuracy, speeds up timelines, and reduces costs.
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SDC Verifier excels in verifying compliance with industry standards, such as Eurocode 3 and ASME, streamlining the process of ensuring safety and regulatory adherence. Its 2024 R1 release introduced cutting-edge features like Rainflow Counting for fatigue analysis and significant updates to standards, including ABS Offshore Structures and Bureau Veritas Plate Buckling. These enhancements empower engineers to optimize designs, improve durability, and reduce manual verification effort.
SDC Verifier played a pivotal role in extending the lifetime of the Haewene Brim FPSO, a floating offshore platform. During its retrofitting process, the software was used to validate compliance with updated fatigue and buckling standards, ensuring the structure could withstand operational stresses.
The software’s ability to integrate seamlessly with FEA tools like Ansys allowed engineers to simulate real-world scenarios, including dynamic offshore conditions. Additionally, SDC Verifier’s automated reporting features enabled clear documentation of the compliance checks, saving time and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders.
This case study demonstrates how SDC Verifier software helped resolve a critical crack issue in a straddle carrier’s steering pin, improving its performance and durability. The original design showed stress concentrations that led to fatigue damage, prompting the need for a reinforced design. FEA simulations using SDC Verifier revealed that increasing the plate thickness in critical areas effectively reduced stress and improved fatigue life.
The initial analysis confirmed the severity of the cracking problem, with the fatigue utilization factor (UF) exceeding 1, indicating a high risk of failure. In contrast, the reinforced design showed a significant reduction in stress levels and a UF well below 1, confirming the design’s improved safety. These findings validated the structural improvements and demonstrated the reinforced design’s ability to extend the steering pin’s service life.
The successful application of SDC Verifier’s FEA tools helped mitigate immediate safety risks and ensured the long-term reliability of the component.
A recent case study involved performing a plate and stiffener buckling check in a large offshore platform structure using SDC Verifier, fully aligned with the DNV RP-C201 standard. This check is crucial for ensuring the stability of stiffened plates, which are vital for maintaining the overall strength of offshore structures under extreme environmental conditions.
The case study focused on using SDC Verifier’s advanced features for identifying plate elements, modifying them for precise analysis, and applying predefined standards for consistency and reliability. The analysis incorporated complex load cases, including dynamic and static loads typical for offshore environments. By using the standard and integrating the buckling results into a comprehensive analysis, the engineering team ensured the design met all safety criteria and identified critical regions in the structure for reinforcement.
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In this case, SDC Verifier streamlines the process by integrating both theoretical calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), minimizing manual errors. The software’s Beam Member Finder tool automatically identifies beam members, while manual inputs allow for precise refinement. Engineers can input critical parameters like material properties, section build type, and brace type, which ensures accurate simulation of real-world conditions.
The software supports handling complex geometries and asymmetric designs, with features to adjust for non-standard limits. By comparing FEA results with traditional hand calculations, engineers can validate their designs and achieve optimal safety margins. This process ensures compliance with ASME BTH-1, enhancing both design verification and operational safety.
In the upcoming years, structural design and analysis software will apply more Artificial intelligence (AI), revolutionizing construction by optimizing design, planning, and resource allocation. AI-powered tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and generative design software enhance efficiency, reduce material waste, and streamline cost estimations. On construction sites, AI systems predict equipment maintenance needs and manage supply chains to prevent delays.
AI also improves safety through real-time monitoring, identifying hazards, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Moreover, open digital platforms equipped with AI enable remote management of building operations, optimizing energy use and sustainability. These advancements collectively enhance construction efficiency while reducing costs and environmental impact
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In 2024, structural design and analysis software continues to redefine engineering practices, driving efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness across industries. As we’ve seen in the case studies presented, tools like SDC Verifier are pivotal in improving project outcomes by enhancing design accuracy, reducing manual effort, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
From extending the life of offshore platforms to resolving critical fatigue issues, these advancements in structural design software are enabling engineers to optimize designs, mitigate risks, and improve the reliability of their projects. Looking ahead, the integration of AI into these software solutions promises to further revolutionize the industry, making projects smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient.
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