Using GSA at The University of Sheffield
Richard Harpin Department of Civil and Structural Engineering r.harpin@sheffield.ac.uk
Overview • Who am I? • Why do we use GSA? • When do we introduce students to GSA? • How do students use GSA? • Lessons learnt
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Who am I? Richard Harpin BEng (Hons) CEng MIStructE • BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Imperial College London 1990-1993 • Structural Engineer, Arup 1993-2010 • Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University 2011-2014 • University Teacher The University of Sheffield 2014 -
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Why Do We Use GSA? • Preparation for future careers • Staff familiarity with GSA • Support from Oasys / Arup
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Why Do We Introduce Students to GSA? • Integrated Design Project (IDP) • Spring semester of third year
• CIV406 Advanced Structural Systems (Dual students) • Autumn semester of final year
• Virtual Design Consultancy • Summer vacations
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Integrated Design Project (IDP) • Bridging the gap between University and Industry • Spring semester of year 3 • Redevelopment of a brownfield site in Sheffield
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Integrated Design Project (IDP) • Site planning and infrastructure • Geotechnics • Contamination remediation • Drainage • Multi storey building • Long span roof structure • Bridge • Footbridge • Supertram extension
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Integrated Design Project (IDP) • Stage 1: Masterplan for Neepsend area (1-2 days) • Stage 2: Concept Design (5 weeks) • Determining structural form, load paths and materials • Approximate hand calculations • Use of analysis software actively discouraged
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Integrated Design Project (IDP) • Stage 3a: Detailed Design (7 weeks) • GSA introduced at start of detailed design
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Integrated Design Project (IDP) • Stage 3b: Model Making (1 week)
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Integrated Design Project (IDP) Introduction to GSA • 3 hour introductory session at start of detailed design • Verification and validation • Good modelling practice • Introduction to modelling in GSA • Resources • MOLE • Oasys website • Youtube
• Encourage students to have a go! 11
Integrated Design Project (IDP) Student Use of GSA - Support • Dedicated GSA tutorials • 2-3 tutorials • Industry support from Oasys / Arup
• Tutorials • 2 x 3 hour tutorials per week • 15 minute slots
• Weekly reviews • 20 minutes per group
• Ad hoc individual support • Open door policy
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Deconstructive Approach Geometrically simple structure • Student models complete structure • Why won’t the model run? • Is the model telling you anything useful? • Would a simpler model have been more useful?
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Deconstructive Approach
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Constructive Approach Geometrically complex structure • Student unsure how to model complex structure • Start with very simple 2d models and compare to hand calculations • Encourage student to increase complexity of model incrementally • Review and understand any changes in behaviour as complexity increases • Investigate sensitivity / parametric studies
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Constructive Approach
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Constructive Approach
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Constructive Approach
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Constructive Approach
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Constructive Approach
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Constructive Approach
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Lessons Learnt • Students are enthusiastic to use analysis software • Need to encourage students to adopt a critical approach to the modelling process • Important to consider load paths / approximate hand calculations before starting to use software • Both constructive and deconstructive approach help students to gain an understanding of the structural modelling process • Constructive approach is probably less painful for the student! • Supporting students through the modelling process can be time intensive
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IDP - Student Use of GSA Lessons Learnt Modelling process • Think before you start • Don’t over complicate models • Build models systematically/iteratively • Carry out simple checks throughout Further reading • ‘What are the benefits of exposing students to structural analysis and design software?’ – J.Carr (TUoS) The Strucutural Engineer March 2016
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Any Questions?
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