10-21-2010, 07:06 AM
There are two methods to model any type of culvert, small or large.
1. Unit strip method. (2-D Model)
In this method one ft or one meter portion of culvert is modeled using beam-column members. This method is same like analysis of one-way slab with the exception that in one-way slab only beam member is required while in culvert top slab of unit width is modeled as beam and walls of unit width are modeled as columns.
For this method any software (STRAP, SAP2000, Etabs, StaadPro, Visualanalysis etc) can be used.
2. 3-D Model.
In this method, 3-d model of culvert is made using shell elements.
For this method only those software can be used which give results for moments as well as in-plane forces. STRAP is the software that not only gives results for in-plane forces but also designs reinforcement taking into account in-plane forces. Other software like SAP2000, Etabs, StaadPro, Visualanalysis etc. cannot be used.
Similarly, for analysis and design of over-head water tanks (using shell elements) software like SAP2000, Etabs, StaadPro, Visualanalysis etc. must not be used because these give results without in-plane forces.
1. Unit strip method. (2-D Model)
In this method one ft or one meter portion of culvert is modeled using beam-column members. This method is same like analysis of one-way slab with the exception that in one-way slab only beam member is required while in culvert top slab of unit width is modeled as beam and walls of unit width are modeled as columns.
For this method any software (STRAP, SAP2000, Etabs, StaadPro, Visualanalysis etc) can be used.
2. 3-D Model.
In this method, 3-d model of culvert is made using shell elements.
For this method only those software can be used which give results for moments as well as in-plane forces. STRAP is the software that not only gives results for in-plane forces but also designs reinforcement taking into account in-plane forces. Other software like SAP2000, Etabs, StaadPro, Visualanalysis etc. cannot be used.
Similarly, for analysis and design of over-head water tanks (using shell elements) software like SAP2000, Etabs, StaadPro, Visualanalysis etc. must not be used because these give results without in-plane forces.