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P-Delta Analysis Parameters

There are two methods for initial P-Delta analysis in ETABS: 1) A non-iterative method based on mass that is faster but less accurate, modeling the structure as a stick figure. 2) An iterative method based on specified load cases that is more accurate but slower, considering P-Delta on an element level. When gravity loads are specified, the iterative method is generally recommended. Example P-Delta load combinations are provided for a building with dead, live, and wind loads based on typical code requirements. P-Delta effects should be analyzed after initial linear analysis shows realistic results without issues.

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145 views1 page

P-Delta Analysis Parameters

There are two methods for initial P-Delta analysis in ETABS: 1) A non-iterative method based on mass that is faster but less accurate, modeling the structure as a stick figure. 2) An iterative method based on specified load cases that is more accurate but slower, considering P-Delta on an element level. When gravity loads are specified, the iterative method is generally recommended. Example P-Delta load combinations are provided for a building with dead, live, and wind loads based on typical code requirements. P-Delta effects should be analyzed after initial linear analysis shows realistic results without issues.

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mathewsujith31
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P-Delta analysis parameters

Initial P-Delta analysis may be specified in ETABS via Define>P-Delta Options and using either of the following two methods:

1. Non-iterative Based on Mass, in which load is automatically computed from the mass at each level. This is an approximate method which does
not require an iterative solution, providing for faster computation. P-Delta is considered by treating the structure as a simplified stick model, a
process which is most effective with a single rigid diaphragm at each level. Local buckling is not captured as effectively.

The benefit of this non-iterative method is that P-Delta may be considered in load cases which do not specify gravity load. When gravity load is
specified, we generally recommend the Iterative Based on Load Cases method.
2. Iterative Based on Load Cases, in which load is computed from a specified combination of static load cases, then known as the P-Delta load
combination. This is an iterative method which considers P-Delta on an element-by-element basis. Local buckling is captured more effectively. An
example application may be when load includes the dead load case and a fraction of a live load case.

When the iterative method is selected, two additional options become available :

Convergence Tolerance (Relative), Iteration is used to make sure that equilibrium is achieved at each step of the analysis. Use this
parameter to set the relative convergence tolerance that is used to compare the magnitude of force error with the magnitude of the force
acting on the structure. Using a smaller value ensures better equilibrium, although the default value is usually adequate.
P-Delta Load Combination, in which users may specify the single load combination for the initial P-Delta analysis.

For example, suppose that a building code requires the following load combinations:

(1) 1.4 dead load


(2) 1.2 dead load + 1.6 live load
(3) 1.2 dead load + 0.5 live load + 1.3 wind load
(4) 1.2 dead load + 0.5 live load - 1.3 wind load
(5) 0.9 dead load + 1.3 wind load
(6) 0.9 dead load - 1.3 wind load

A P-Delta load combination of 1.2 DL + 0.5 LL is typically conservative when considering P-Delta effect due to the overall sway of a structure.
Combinations (3) and (4) will accurately capture this effect, while (5) and (6) should be conservative. Combinations (1) and (2) have no lateral load,
therefore P-Delta effect should not be of concern. Please notice this is a non-linear static case and should be performed only after the model runs without
any numerical issues for simple linear cases and results of basic variables such as deformations are within realistic or expected values.

P- effect
ETABS may account for P- effect, which is associated with local deformation relative to the chord between member ends. We do not recommend
implementing this method because it will significantly increase computational time without providing the benefit of useful information. Instead, P- may be
captured through either of the following methods:

1. Apply design factors, which ETABS post-processing assumes to be done. These factors are therefore included in design, when applicable.
2. Divide members into segments (at least two per column), then run each load case separately with a different P-Delta load combination for each.

Notes
ETABS uses the same stiffness for all static load cases, response-spectrum analysis, and time-history analysis.

See Also
AISC stability benchmark problems

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