Plant-4D Structurals
Plant-4D Structurals is the latest modular state-of-the-art technology for integrated modeling, analyzing, designing and detailing 2D and 3D steel structures in the process & building industry. Plant-4D Structurals introduces the concept of modeling and analyzing structures with intelligent parametric objects (instead of by rules). These objects have CAD and CAE properties and dependencies open to the user, allowing him to adapt the structure in real-time to meet his client-specific needs. The modeler obtains an improved and more complete virtual 3D perception of the project and the precise behavior of the structure.
The analyzer is using a fast finite element-computing engine, allowing the application to include seamless plate and shell elements for a preliminary and final design. Besides the "every day"; static analysis, Plant-4D Structurals provides extensive calculation possibilities (linear, second order, dynamic)parametric modeling and optimization of the structure.
The program offers significant added value thanks to its comprehensive and professional calculation reports and the dynamic 2D drawings that are automatically generated from the 3D model. These section drawings can be added in a paper-space environment and easily adapted in a dwg-format.
Functionalities of Plant-4D Structurals
Plant-4D Structurals is independent of any CAD system since the main CAD functions are integrated, which results in:
- Faster & more direct 3D modeling of steel structures (without overhead)
- Working graphically with intelligent structural objects (beams, columns, walls, floors�)
- Intuitive and easy to learn user interface
- Automatic regeneration of drawings and calculation results after modification of the structure
- The program offers significant added value thanks to its comprehensive and professional approach
Plant-4D Structurals has a modular approach with:
- Open library for steel sections incl. arbitrary user-defined sections, bolts, plates, stiffeners
- Advanced modeling capabilities (curves, plates, shells)
- An optional integrated analysis & design module according to international steel codes
- Optional design module for families of bolted and welded connections
- Dynamic and stability analysis, finite element calculations
- Increase your profit margin by reacting quickly on each modification to the structure on each level
Plant-4D Structurals modules
Plant-4D Structural Modeler+
The Plant-4D Structural Modeler+ is intended for 2D/3D modeling of various steel structures. The use of intelligent objects and parametrical templates generates constructions at a glance. The cross section library has a large number of standard rolled profiles. Any arbitrary shape may be drafted to form a user-defined section that is eventually composed of different materials and complex geometry. The program also calculates and stores the static properties of all sections. Structural members are numerically or graphically positioned in a 3D space. In addition, can be extracted or imported from DWG and DXF. The user may introduce specific CAD and CAE parameters (coordinates, values, distances, eccentricities, etc.). Plant-4D Structural Modeler+ offers a series of facilities to generate drawings. Finally, tools for rendering, animation and virtual walk-through are implemented using the latest technology.
Plant-4D Structural Analyzer +
Plant-4D Structural Analyzer + comes with several calculation methods. Non-linear analysis (tension only members, non-linear supports�), dynamic and stability analysis can be done on frame, plate, shell and mixed structures. After the analysis your results are presented in a customizable and professional way using a dynamically regenerated report.
Plant-4D Structural Designer+
The Plant-4D Structural Designer+ has an interactive, graphical tool for automatic stress and stability checks. Following the structural analysis a choice of national codes is offered: AISC, British Standard, Eurocode, DIN, etc. All common connections are supported by the Plant-4D Structural Designer+ and can be customized by the user. Furthermore, details of critical failure conditions are provided to the user.
Plant-4D Structural Detailer
The objective of Plant-4D Structurals Detailer+, is to rapidly auto-generate quality overview drawings, automatically regenerated when structural changes occur and exportable to the dwg-format. This module combines structural data from the 3D model, defined with Plant-4D Structural Modeler+
Advantages of Plant-4D Structurals
- Various structures from simple to complex geometry
- Parametric modeling and optimization of the design
- An open library of parametric models for fast generation of new projects
- Fast production of 2D overview drawings from the 3D model
- Full integration between CAD and FEM model with analysis and design
- Extensive calculation possibilities (linear, second order, dynamic, �)
- Multiple codes and languages are supported
- Fast, integrated and user-friendly steel design package
- Complete and detailed control of the calculations and all results
- Clear visualization, calculation functionalities and output
- Easily (re)generated calculation report
- Object oriented technology
- Excellent integration and communication (XML, various industry interfaces)
- Open program interface for customization by professional users
- Integration with other Plant-4D modules ensures sharing of data, thus minimizing data input and maximizing fault reduction.