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Version 6 is a major step forward for the analysis module of SAM-LEAP5. The formal release notes have over 100 improvements listed, and read almost like a new product announcement, so to make things easy here are the highlights:
General
- A new navigation pane displays the hierarchical structure of the model, section properties, loading and compilations, giving quick access to the defined data.
- This means that there is a complete new user interface that is in line with industry standards, and is much easier to use.
- Many data tables can be filled by pasting from the clipboard, or importing from SXF or DXF files.
- Some engineers like to manipulate their data outside of the modelling program, and this feature goes a long way in allowing them to do so.
Modelling
- Design lines can be defined via a wizard using a series of lines, arcs and transient curve segments, or the data can be imported from the clipboard (including MX format). Carriageways and optimised load patterns can follow the same geometry.
- This is a unique feature which allows load optimisation along very complex paths.
- 2D or 3D sub models can be moved or copied including all associated data e.g. section data assignments.
- In previous versions associated data was not copied, so this makes submodels much more easy to use
- Joint coordinates can be changed, and joints and members can be renumbered (which is very useful for imported structures), and members can be made inactive.
- These are long awaited enhancements which experienced users will welcome.
- Beam files can now be assigned to transverse beams
- This makes many models much easier to create, especially ladder decks.
- Meshing tools have been enhanced to include creating meshes with non-straight sides.
- Decks with complex edge profiles can now be modelled easily.
- Grillage meshes can now be created in 2D sub-models.
- This makes creating sub-models much easier.
- Loadcases are no longer removed when associated members or joints are deleted, but instead are marked for review.
- This makes it possible to change a model without losing load data.
- The data summary has been revised to give more and clearer details.
- Rather than reporting everything, it is now possible to filter out just that data that is needed, to the level of detail required.
- A table and a plot of load distributions can now be obtained for loadcases and compilations.
- Many engineers want to know how vehicle loads are placed within the model as joint loads, and this feature gives this information.
- Reinforcement sets can now be defined for any 2D sub model. The 'assessment' type has been enhanced to allow for Denton & Burgoyne capacity assessment.
- In previous versions these results could only be calculated for the bridge deck.
Construction Stages
The handling of construction stages has been significantly enhanced. The new interface is
partly responsible for this, and there are other new features that should be very useful:
- Individual supports can be made active / inactive or the stiffness at different stages.
- Beam releases and beam eccentricities can vary between stages.
- Material properties can vary between stages.
- Section assignments can vary between stages.
Installation
SAM-LEAP5 6.00c will be sent out on CD to all customers with a valid maintenance contract.
It is also avaliable to download from this website here.
Contact us
To find out more, please contact us on +44 (0)1565 654300, or you can email us at
bridges@bestech.co.uk so we can arrange to demonstrate
these features in your own office.
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