SAP 2000 PROCEDURE FOR TRUSSES
The following is a step-by-step procedure for analysis a two-dimensional truss
structure using SAP 2000. The order of some of these steps is not critical; however,
all step should be completed before execution of the analysis.
The analysis of trusses is usually based on the following simplifying assumptions:
1. Set Problem Dimensions -On the bottom on the interface window, set the
desired units for the problem using the pull-down menu. In this example, the
units are KiloNewton and meter..
2. When you select new model on the menu, window will appear showing
different templates such as, beam, 2D &3D trusses, 2D frames etc. For our
problem we can define it by two ways;
a. By directly taking given template for 2D truss
b. By using grid only template.
3. For this problem we will do it by using grid only template. Determine the
appropriate number of grid line and grid spacing to locate the joints of the
truss.
4. After clicking Ok button, By default SAP 2000 show two views of your
problem, typically a 3-D view and an x-y plane view. To adjust the views,
select a window and click on the appropriate view button located along the top
edge of the interface window.
5. Locate Truss Joints -To define the joint locations, select the Draw Special
Joint button on the left tool bar (or go to draw>draw special joint). Click on grid
intersection lines to define joints. For this problem the joint locations are
shown below.
6. Draw Frame Elements -To define each frame element, select the Draw
Frame Element button on the lower tool bar. To define an element, click on a
joint at the beginning of the element and then on the joint at the end of the
element. For this truss problem, the frame elements are shown below.
7. Define Structural Supports -To define the location and type of structural
support, select the support location by clicking on the joint with the pointer. A
yellow "X" should appear at the joint to indicate that it is currently selected.
Next click on the Joint Restraint button (go to assign>joint>joint restraints) &
then assign the support given in the problem.
8. Apply Forces at Joints -To apply forces at a joint, select the joint with the
pointer and click on the Assign Joint Loadings button & put ___ KN in the x
direction.
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9. Release Internal Moments at Joints -SAP 2000 assumes that all structures
are frames, therefore to analyze a truss structure we should convert each joint
from a fixed connection to a pin connection. To ensure that every joint in the
structure is pin connected, select all the members by clicking the Select All
button on the left tool bar. Next click on Assign menu >Frame > Releases
/partial fixity and then Frame Releases window will appear.
10. Define & Assign Material Properties
a. To define the properties of a material, select the Define menu located
along the top the SAP 2000 interface window and then click on
Materials. The Define Materials window will appear. On this menu you
can change the properties of materials. In this example, select add new
material and change the properties as shown. And go to switch to
advanced property display.
b. Change the value in the Weight per unit Volume & mass per unit
volume input field to zero. In our project, put the given values of
Modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio & yield stress (250Mpa). Now we
have a material named STEEL, change the nonlinear material data as
shown in figure. Then select all>assign>material property
overwrites>STEEL.
11. Define Frame Sections -To define the cross-section properties of a structural
element click on the Define menu located along the top the SAP 2000
interface window and then click on Frame Sections. We can Define sections
in 3 different ways;
a. Define>Section properties>Frame sections>Import new
property>I/Wide flange>sections.pro
b. Define>Section properties>Frame sections>Add new property>Frame
section property type(other)>general>fill section properties (Area,
Moment of inertia. etc)>Enter depth & Width
c. Define>Section properties>Frame sections>Add new property>Frame
section property type(other)>general>Section designer. For this project
we will use option b) to define sections.
12. Assign Frame sections-To assign the frame section, first select all member
then go to Assign>Frame>Frame sections>Frame properties and then click
ok.
13. Set Analysis Options and Run Analysis -In this example, the truss structure
is modeled in the x-z plane. To limit analysis to variables in the x-z plane click
on the Analyze menu located along the top the SAP 2000 interface window
and then click on Set Options. The truss structure is now ready for analysis.
To analyze the model, press the Run Analysis button. After the Analysis
Complete window has been closed, typically SAP 2000 displays the deflected
shape of the structure.
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14. Print Truss Forces -To get a quick feel for the relative magnitude of the
forces in the truss, select the Member Force Diagram for Frames button along
the top tool bar.
