STRUCTURAL

ANALYSIS
Structural Analysis is the determination of the effects of loads on physical
structure and their components.

The Prokon suite provides quick and reliable answers

to everyday structural engineering problems.

The analysis modules include;

Sumo, Frame Analysis, Plane Stress / Strain Analysis,
Beam Analysis, Beam on Elastic Support Analysis

Prokon Software Consultants (Pty) Ltd.

+27 12 346 2231 | info@prokon.com | www.prokon.com
10 Guild House, 239 Bronkhorst Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, South Africa
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P RO K O N S TR U CTU RA L A NA LYSI S

SUMO P3

Frame Analysis P4

Plane Stress / Strain Analysis P5

Beam Analysis P6

Beam on Elastic Support Analysis P7

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 SUMO
Structural Analysis

Sumo is the new flagship module and

is an intuitive 3D modelling environment
that enables you to build and analyse
complex structural models.
Interpretation and post processing of the analysis results have
been enhanced and simplified. The user can view combinations
of results on one graphic screen and sort filter tabular results on
the fly. Sumo ships with a free copy of all the Frame Modules.

Key features:

• Easier access to detailed analysis results.

• Link to BIM tools an Prokon's design links.
• Fast and easy input.

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 FRAME ANALYSIS
Structural Analysis

General-purpose finite element analysis (FEA) software can be complex and difficult to use. Software complexity
either leads to time lost learning to use the software or too costly errors.

Frame is easy to learn, simple to use and has been the analysis
workhorse of structural engineers worldwide for over two decades.

Frame has a modular, extensible structure thus en-
abling users to license only the features they need. The
base edition of Frame supports the linear analysis of
two-dimensional frames consisting of beam elements.
This includes moment frames, trusses and grillages.
Frame can be extended in several ways:
Concrete design calculations can be done on the shell
element output. Reinforcement contours can be export-
ed to Padds (or Autopadds using Padds as middleware)
for detailing. Analysis results can be exported to var-
ious other modules for member or connection design.
Results can be viewed and added to a Calcsheet, both
in graphic format or analysis reports.

• 3D extension: Enables analysis in three dimen- Frame analysis also links to other software by way of
sions. DXF, DWG, CIS/2 and SNF (Strucad) files. Frame
• Finite element extension: Adds shell and solid finite models can also be exported to and imported from Au-
elements as well as catenary cable elements. todesk Revit Structure using Prodesk.
• Second order & buckling extension: Second order
analyses include the effect of member end dis-
Key features:
placements and buckling analyses compute the
elastic critical load factor of each load case and
• Beam, shell and solid finite elements.
combination.
• Linear, second-order, non-linear and
• Non-linear extension: Non-linear analyses include
buckling analysis.
both geometric and/or material non-linear effects.
• Modal, harmonic and seismic analysis.
• Dynamics extension: Adds the calculation of mode
• Reinforced concrete design.
shapes and natural frequencies in a modal anal-
• Design links.
ysis. Seismic (response spectrum) and harmonic
• Link to BIM tools.
analyses are also possible.

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 PLANE STRESS / STRAIN ANALYSIS
Analyse plane elasticity problems

Many complex three-dimensional problems are amenable to simplification to plane elasticity problems, e.g. regions
of a dam wall far away from the edges can be analysed as a slice of unit thickness. Plane strain problems, such as
the dam wall example, as well as plane stress problems are the domain of PS.

You can deal with both classes of problems in either Sumo or Frame, although plane strain requires modification of
the elastic constants, but the simplicity of PS makes it an attractive lightweight alternative.

You combine simple polygons to model complex geometries, and the pro-
gram automatically generates a suitable mesh for the analysis. Multiple
load cases comprising point loads and UDLs can be applied to the outline
of the model.

Key features:

• Plane strain and plane stress.

• Simple input.
• Automatic mesh generation.

You can define your structure by entering one or more
shapes comprising of straight lines and arcs. When
more than one shape is entered the shape will accu-
mulate and form one structure. Often, a complicated
section is easier defined using more than one shape.
During the analysis, the program generates a rectangu-
lar grid of nodes in which rectangular and, where nec-
essary, triangular finite elements are placed. The grid
spacing can be set independently in the horisontal and
vertical directions

Point supports, distributed supports and prescribed dis-
placements can be defined anywhere along the edges
of the structure, as well as point loads and distribute
loads. As many lines as necessary can be used to de-
fine the loads.
The following analysis results can be viewed and print-
ed in tabular or graphical format under the View tab.
• Maximum elastic deflections.
• Maximum and minimum stress.
• Von mises stress.
• Stress vectors.

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 BEAM ANALYSIS
Single span / cantilever beam analysis

The humble beam is one of the most important tools in the structural
engineering toolbox.

You can often decompose intricate structural systems into assemblages of struts, ties and beams. Beam excels at
the rapid analysis of single span beams.

Beam avoids copying errors by importing beam sections directly from the section database and produces an
output file for Combine that can be used to optimise the beam section size.

Analysis is restricted to in-plane bending due to point loads and distributed loads, so input is much simpler than an
equivalent model in Frame or Sumo. Loading input may be simple, but an unlimited number of loads can be used.
Maximum values and distributions of shear forces, moments and deflections are instantly available.

Key features:

• Simple input.
• Integrates with section database and design modules.
• Unlimited number of loads.

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 BEAM ON ELASTIC SUPPORT ANALYSIS
Analyse beams on elastic support

Elas was developed for rapid analysis of a beam or a slab on an elastic

foundation.

This module allows for the analysis of beams or slabs with varying cross-sections along their lengths and the
elastic foundation can include variations or gaps in the elastic medium and rigid supports. An unlimited number of
loads may be entered.

A linear analysis is performed in which the beam is modelled as a two-dimensional frame on a series of at least
fifty closely spaced springs. Rigid supports are placed at the specified positions and gaps in the elastic supports
where the supporting width is set to zero. Nodes are taken at close intervals along the length of the beam as well
as at every support and load position.

There is also the option to not allow negative pressures (i.e. uplift), the program will then remove springs with neg-
ative reactions and repeat the analysis Likewise, previously removed springs are restored if downward deflections
are calculated at the points concerned. The analysis procedure is repeated until the iteration converges to a stable
solution. A beam will be considered unstable, i.e. to overturn under the applied load, if the analysis yields less than
two springs with compressive forces.

The analysis output includes diagrams for soil pressure, bending moment, and shear force.

Key features:

• Varying cross-section.
• Gaps and Rigid Supports.
• Unlimited number of loads.

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 FOR MORE INFO

www.prokon.co.za

Prokon Software Consultants (Pty) Ltd.

+27 12 346 2231 | info@prokon.com | www.prokon.com
10 Guild House, 239 Bronkhorst Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, South Africa
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