Learn What’s New in Robot Structural Analysis 2020

Autodesk is committed to investing in Robot Structural Analysis to improve your experience with this software and help you maximize the value from your investment in the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection.

I am pleased to share that we have just released Robot Structural Analysis 2020. The 2020 version contains several new features and improvements for structural analysis and code-checking design.

Here is a quick overview of what you can find in Robot Structural Analysis 2020.

Structural Analysis

Code Combinations Regulations Updates

A load combination results when more than one load type acts on the structure. Building codes usually specify a variety of load combinations together with load factors (weightings) for each load type to ensure the safety of the structure under different maximum expected loading scenarios.
Now you can more accurately generate load combinations. The following new code combination regulations have been added into Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2020:

• American Codes: LRFD ASCE 7-16 and ASD ASCE 7-16
• Canadian Code: NBCC 2015.

Enhanced Seismic Analysis

In addition to the seismic load analysis using the Response Spectrum approach, Robot Structural Analysis also contains the Equivalent Lateral Force method. The Equivalent Lateral Force method is an alternative (simplified) approach for determining distribution of seismic base shear force on the height of regular, multistory buildings.
Robot Structural Analysis 2020 contains a new instance of the American standard ASCE 7-16. You can set up a seismic analysis according to ASCE 7-16 for both methods: the Response Spectrum and the Equivalent Lateral Force method.

In addition, a new parameter (Disregard density) in the simplified seismic method (Equivalent Lateral Force) is available. This parameter allows you to exclude the density of the structure element (ρ=0) during the dynamic analysis of the structure. Instead of using self-weight, you may add masses converted from loads. This allows for a control of the mass distribution on a mode.

This feature enables you to more accurately generate seismic loads by referring to the latest building code for the US engineers.

Enhanced Buckling Analysis

Buckling analysis is a technique used to determine buckling loads where a structure becomes unstable. Buckled mode shapes is the characteristic shape associated with a structure’s buckled response.
In Robot Structural Analysis 2020, a new parameter is available in Buckling Analysis (Determine positive critical coefficients only).

This parameter allows you to exclude the non-physical buckling shapes during the buckling analysis of the structure. This new feature gives engineers greater control over the buckling analysis of the structure.

Enhanced Footfall Analysis

Footfall analysis examines the effect of human footfall loading (interpreted as a harmonic force in a certain frequency interval) on structure vibrations.
Footfall response is of interest to users concerned about the vibration induced in their structures due to walking related activities. As advances in structural design result in more efficient and lighter irregular structures, sensitivity to vibration of the structures is becoming increasingly significant.
In Robot Structural Analysis 2020, footfall analysis according to SCI P354 is updated to Revised Edition of February 2009. This update gives you more reliable results of the effect of human footfall loading.

One of the most important results of this analysis is a response factor which specifies how many times the calculated vibrations exceed allowable vibrations. This type of analysis is required for hospitals, laboratories, or sports stadiums.

Code-Checking

New Edition of the American Reinforced Concrete Design Code

Robot Structural Analysis has extensive support for the design of reinforcement in concrete members. This type of design is further divided into two parts: the design of required reinforcement which calculates the required steel section areas for concrete members, and the design of provided reinforcement which can be used to check and design the actual bar counts, types, and layouts for transverse and longitudinal reinforcement in concrete bar elements.

The new ACI 318-14 code is available in the following reinforcement concrete modules: beams, columns, slabs, walls and foundations (isolated and continuous footings). This national standard is also available in the required reinforcement concrete modules for bar and plate elements.

This feature extends the library of international design codes for concrete structures.

Update of Eurocode Design Codes for Reinforced Concrete

The following EN Eurocode National Annexes have been updated:
• EN 1992-1-1:2004/A1:2014 (Main code)
• PN-EN 1992-1-1:2008/A1:2015-03/Ap2:2016-10 (NA Poland)
• SFS EN 1992-1-1:2004/A1:2014 (NA Finland)
• NS-EN 1992-1-1:2004/A1:2014/NA:2008 (NA Norway)
• NF EN 1992-1-1:2004/A1:2014/NA:2007 (NA France)
• UNI EN 1992-1-1:2004/A1:2014 (NA Italy)
• NA to SS EN 1992-1-1:2008/A1:2014 (Singapore)
• NBN EN 1992-1-1/A1:2014 ANB:2010 (NA Belgium)
• SR EN 1992-1-1:2004/A1:2014 NB 2008/A91:2009 (NA Romania)

This update enables you to design concrete structures more accurately by extending international design codes for concrete structures.

New Editions of Steel Design Codes

To support structural steel design, Robot provides a Steel/Aluminum Design workspace with all necessary tools.
Robot Structural Analysis 2020 provides current steel design codes to support American and Canadian markets. US and Canadian based engineers can quickly verify and optimize designs of their steel structures according to the latest building codes.

This feature extends the library of international design codes for steel structures.

These new features and improvements improve the accuracy of structural analysis and code-checking. To see a full list of changes, please read the help document.

The installation is available via Autodesk Desktop Application. We look forward to hearing your feedback.