Getting Started Models

 

Objective

The objective of this exercise is to demonstrate the usefulness of computer modeling in structural analysis.  Computer modeling of structures can increase the speed of analysis, but the engineer must show proper judgment when analyzing the results.

 

To Do

  1. Autodesk purchased Robobat from a French company around 2006 and renamed it Robot Structural Analysis Professional.  It should be available in BCH 115 and 122.  Alternatively, you can:
     
    1. Go to students.autodesk.com and register using your S&T email address.
    2. Download a copy of Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional.  The file size is almost 2 GB, so be sure to check the System Requirements first.
    3. Install the program on your personal computer.
       

  2. Include the following items in a Word file.  Screen captures that show the requested information are encouraged.  This assignment is not intended to be a "formal report" or "lab memo".  The primary goal is that you play with the software, and I simply want proof of that.  You are welcome to include any extra diagrams, tables, etc that you wish beyond the minimum requested items.  This is an individual assignment, but you are encouraged to help one another learn how to use the software.

    1. Your name
    2. Problem A
      • Include a graphic generated by the software (not the graphic below) showing the model and applied loads.
      • Include graphics generated by the software showing the following.  It is acceptable for multiple items to appear in the same graphic.
        1. support (ground) reactions
        2. shear-force diagram
        3. bending-moment diagram
        4. maximum shear-force value
        5. maximum bending-moment value
        6. maximum bending stress value
        7. maximum horizontal shear stress value
        8. maximum deflection value
    3. Problem B
      • Include a graphic generated by the software (not the graphic below) showing the model and applied loads.
      • Include graphics generated by the software showing the following.  It is acceptable for multiple items to appear in the same graphic.
        1. support (ground) reactions
        2. axial force in each truss member
        3. maximum axial stress value anywhere in the truss
        4. vertical displacement of joint C
           
  3. Submit the Word file and two Robot files on Blackboard before 11:59 PM on September 12.  Label the files as your-last-name.doc (or .docx), your-last-name_problem_a.rtd, and your-last-name_problem_b.rtd.  Please note the intentional LACK of capital letters and spaces.
     
  4. Here is a sample Word file: miner.docx

 

Problem A

Determine the following items for the simply-supported beam shown. The beam is made of structural steel (E = 29,000ksi, ν = 0.3) and has a W21x50 cross section.  The self weight of the beam is 50 lb/ft.

Video Tutorials
 		 Step-by-Step Tutorials
 
  1. start
  2. define beam
  3. define supports
  4. define point load
  5. define distributed loads
  6. load table & view options
  7. analysis
  1. start
  2. define beam
  3. define supports
  4. define loads
  5. analysis
  6. print

 

Problem B

Determine the following items for the truss shown.  The truss elements are made of structural steel (E=29,000ksi, ν=0.3).  The upper and lower chords and vertical members BE and CF have a W21x50 cross section.  Diagonal member BF has a W18x40 cross section.

Video Tutorials
 
  1. start & define truss
  2. define supports & loads
  3. analysis

 

You can learn more about Robot here, and Getting Started guides can be found here.