User Area

Software Release History for Version 15

Index | Version 15.2 | Version 15.1 | Version 15.0

New Facilities and Improvements in Version 15.0

The latest release incorporates all error fixes and enhancements made in interim updates since the initial V15.0-1 release.

V15.0-8 - made available on 7 January 2015

Change request version.

Error fix and modifications release note for all V15.0 releases

V15.0-7 - made available on 18 December 2014

Change request version.

V15.0-6 - released 4 November 2014

Change request version.

V15.0-5 - released 22 July 2014

Change request version.

V15.0-4 - released 9 July 2014

Change request version.

V15.0-3 - released 18 June 2014

Change request version that also includes the following new facilities and improvements:

• The IMDPlus software option can now carry out moving mass analysis. This allows users to analyse the time domain response of a 2D or 3D structure to the passage of a moving vehicle or train, where spring-mass systems are used to define the configuration of the vehicle. IMDPlus toolbar buttons are now also provided.

V15.0-2 - released 2 June 2014

Change request version that also includes the following improvement:

• A new algorithm for placing global exclusion (GE) bogied traffic loads gives users of the Swedish National Annex to the Eurocodes significant speed improvements when carrying out Traffic Load Optimisation.

V15.0-1 - released 16 April 2014

A substantial new major release of the software. It includes the following new facilities and improvements:

Analysis-related improvements

Solve multiple analyses in one model

A significant change in Version 15.0 is the ability to define and carry out multiple analyses within one model. This removes the need to create separate models, or maintain "clone” copies of a model in order to switch between and create results from linear static analysis and other analysis types. It also overcomes the need to load results files from a variety of different models on top of one model in order to carry out combinations of loadcases from those different models.

Solve selected analyses / loadcases

Cable tuning analysis for linear structures

Specify target criteria for linear structures

The target values facility is a post-processing tool that provides a general method of varying load factors in a linear analysis to try and achieve target values defined for particular feature types or results components. Target values can be set by selecting the Analyses > Target Values menu item. By using the tabbed dialog presented, a solution method is chosen, and model or results loadcases specified to try and achieve the target values defined. An 'exact' method, an optimisation facility and two best-fit solution methods are provided. The target values loadset created is similar to a combination, but the load factors are automatically calculated by the program in response to the defined targets.

Note that while cable tuning analysis is possible using this target values method, it is simplified by using the new Cable Tuning Analysis facility, which automates the definition and assignment of the various loadcases required.

Direct Method influence analysis

Direct Method influence analysis is a general and powerful way of calculating influences for line beam, frame, grillage, slab and deck models. It requires the definition of Direct Method influence attributes. For each assigned attribute the effect of a specified point load is assessed at each node or grid location on a loadable area of a structure. The value of the load effect of interest at each specified location is then used to construct an influence line or surface for that location. Unlike the Reciprocal Method (where influence types are limited to Shear, Moment, Reaction and Displacement) the list of available results entity / components available for influence calculation is only limited by the elements used within the model. The Direct Method can calculate influences for user-defined results components; for 3D beam models including torsional effects; for slice resultants from shells; calculate influence as a post-processing facility; and can calculate influence for many locations and quantities with a single analysis.

Fast Parallel Solvers

A Fast Parallel Direct Solver and a Fast Parallel Iterative Solver have been added to the existing range of solvers. Both new solvers are high-performance, robust, memory efficient solvers for solving large sparse symmetric and non-symmetric linear systems of equations on shared memory multiprocessors.

Design code-related improvements

Traffic Load Optimisation for beams

The use and assignment of direct method influence attributes means that traffic load optimisation for supported design codes can now be carried out for line beam models. For a line beam model where the geometric section represents a beam with a loadable top slab a loading grid of points can be used to represent the slab. Influence shapes are created based upon the loading grid points used and these, together with defining the extent of the carriageway, allow Vehicle Load Optimisation analysis to be carried out for line beams, just as would be carried out for plate/shell models.

A new worked example is provided in the Application Example Manual (Bridge, Civil & Structural).

LUSAS Traffic Load Optimisation for Australia AS5100 and New Zealand SP/M/022 (2nd and 3rd Edition) codes

Road traffic loading to the Australia design code AS5100-2:2400 and the Transit New Zealand Bridge Manual SP/M/022 is now supported by the LUSAS Traffic Load Optimisation software as used in Vehicle Load Optimisation analysis. It has been implemented with reference to:

• AS5100-2-2004 Australian Standard, Bridge design, Part 2: Design loads.
• AS5100-7: 2004 Australian Standard, Bridge design, Part 7: Rating of existing bridges
• Transit New Zealand Bridge Manual SP/M/022 2nd Edition (June 2003, with amendments June 2004, September 2004, and July 2005), and 3rd Edition (May 2013)

RC Slab Designer updated to support new design codes

The RC Slab Designer can be used for reinforced concrete slabs (without prestressing) that are modelled using plate or shell elements.It enables plotting of contours and values that indicate flexural reinforcement requirements at Ultimate Limit State (ULS) or design crack width at Serviceability Limit State (SLS) for those design codes that support this. The Codes of Practice supported now include:

• AASHTO LRFD 5th edition (2010) and AASHTO LRFD 6th edition (2012)
• AS5100-5-2004 Australian Standard – Bridge Design - Part 5: Concrete and AS3600-2009 Australian Standard - Concrete Structures.
• British Standards BS5400-4 (bridges), BS8007 (Structures retaining aqueous liquids) and BS8110 (buildings).
• CAN/CSA S6-06 - Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code.
• Eurocode EN1992-1-1 (buildings): implemented for Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain and United Kingdom.
• Eurocode EN1992-2 (bridges): implemented for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.
• IRC: 112-2011 - Indian Highway Bridge Design Code.
• IRS: CBC-1997, IRS Concrete Bridge Code 1997
• SS CP65: Part 1 and 2: 1999 – Singapore Code of Practice for Structural Use of Concrete and SS EN1992-1-1 (Singapore National Annex to the Eurocode).

An updated worked example is provided in the Application Example Manual (Bridge, Civil & Structural).

Exporting of data for use with the Composite Deck Designer software option (PontiEC4)

The Composite Deck Designer (PontiEC4) is a software option that enables comprehensive design checks to be made for multiple sections along steel/composite bridge decks to Eurocode EN1994. PontiEC4 carries out design calculations covering ULS bending, stress, shear and interaction; SLS stress, web breathing and cracking and fatigue checks for main members and connectors.

By using the Bridge> PontiEC4> Export menu item LUSAS force and moment results data for selected elements can be exported for use in use in the Composite Deck Designer (PontiEC4).

Loadcase combinations defined within LUSAS are associated with design limit states and phases defined in the Composite Deck Designer (PontiEC4)	The sections selected for a design check are based upon the elements selected prior to selecting the Export menu item.
Forces and moments are exported for each of the sections listed and for each design combination and construction phase selected on the Loadcase details page. The output data can be read directly into the Composite Deck Designer (PontiEC4) to carry out section design checks

See Software Option - Composite Deck Designer for more details.

Prestress Wizards now support AASHTO LRFD 5th Edition, 6th Edition and EN 1992-1-1:2004 Eurocode 2

The Single and Multi-tendon prestress wizards now support AASHTO LRFD 5th Edition, AASHTO LRFD 6th Edition and EN 1992-1-1:2004 Eurocode 2.

Static vehicle loading library extended

Crack width calculation to EN 1992-1-1

The Crack Width calculation facility is accessed using the Bridge / Civil> Crack Widths to EN 1992-1-1 menu item. This is provided in selected Bridge and Civil & Structural software products only. It enables plotting of contours of design crack widths in accordance with the EN 1992-1-1 design code. The calculations carried out are for reinforced concrete structures that are modelled using the Smoothed Multi Crack Concrete Model (Model 102), that have steel reinforcement modelled with reinforcement attributes, using a linear steel material model.

Bar reinforcement attributes

For use with the crack width calculation facility, reinforcement bar attributes are used to model the steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete. They can be defined by using the by Attributes> Geometric> Bar reinforcement menu item. When used with the Smoothed Multi Crack Concrete Model (Model 102) and the Crack Widths calculation utility, contours and values of crack widths can be plotted in accordance with EN 1992-1-1:2004 Eurocode 2. Reinforcement attributes are similar to geometric line attributes but need to be assigned to lines meshed with bar elements for a chosen analysis to enable a crack width calculation to be carried out. 

Bar attributes may be defined for a single reinforcing bar (Discrete bar method), as would be used in a 3D model, or be defined with suitable properties to represent a bundle or simplified arrangement of bars (Equivalent bar method) as would be used typically in a 2D plane strain analysis. 

Crack widths to EN1992-1-1 dialog	Reinforcement attribute dialog

Results-related improvements

Management of results files

In Version 15.0 the locations of all intermediate and results files created during the building and solving of a model can now be specified. These files can be located either within a folder for each model, in the same folder as the model, or a specific location dependent upon the model file location used.

Results files for models created prior to Version 15.0 will be listed in the Analyses Treeview in sequence beneath the Analysis 1 entry. This effectively provides the Version 14.7 working environment for old models within the new multiple analysis capability of Version 15.0, but means that the results files included in the Analyses Treeview can only be updated by opening and solving each relevant model (as was the case in pre-Version 15.0 releases).

View Settings panel added to Layers Treeview

Expandable basic combinations

LUSAS assumes superposition is valid when envelopes and combinations are assembled. In situations when superposition may not hold true (as when lift-off supports are present) a nonlinear solution may be required. The factored loadcases from a basic combination (as shown below for cable tuning results) may now be created as a new loadcase from the basic combination definition provided the basic combination does not include any smart combinations or envelopes. 

This is done by using the context menu for a combination, or for the post- processing folder as shown below.

Plotting results for envelopes and combinations

Top, middle and bottom results components and principal and equivalent stresses can be now be selected as primary components when plotting results for envelopes and combinations.

IMD Plus Peak Results and Group Results

Enhancements to the user interface for the IMDPlus software option allow the peak response to be obtained for a selection of nodes or elements. Summaries are output that detail the magnitude, time and location of the positive, negative and absolute peak results for each component of a set of nodes or elements. These results describe the overall behaviour of the structure and allow time histories of locations that correspond to the reported peaks to be specifically investigated. In addition, it is possible to calculate node or element set quantities such as the sum and average of the result time histories, together with their associated maxima and minima.

Animations

• The resolution and aspect ratio of an animation can now be set by specifying the number of pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions. Initial default values are related to the model view window size and are set to be either 800 pixels horizontally or 600 pixels vertically according the view window aspect ratio.
• Once created, a new save button on the animation dialog saves the animation as an AVI file and automatically uses the Microsoft Video 1 compressor with 0.75 compression quality.
• When animating an active loadcase a Ramp deformation function has been added to the existing Sine, Square and Saw tooth options.

64-bit Solver results files

64-bit Solver results files can now be read in the 32-bit version of LUSAS Modeller.

Plotting of crack width contours and values

Crack width calculations and plotting of crack width contours and values can now be carried out:

• For plane strain and solid models, when using the Smoothed Multi Crack Concrete Model (Model 102).
• For slabs, for design codes that support crack width calculation using the RC Slab Designer.
• In accordance with EN 1992-1-1:2004 Eurocode 2 when using the Crack Widths calculation utility with the Smoothed Multi Crack Concrete Model (Model 102).

Element-related changes

New 3D three-noded beam elements

A new group of 3D isoparametric thick beam elements has been added to the element library. For use within Modeller:

• BMI21 and BMI31 are straight and curved isoparametric degenerate thick beam elements in 3D for which shearing deformations are included. The elements can accommodate varying geometric properties along their length. The elements may be used for linear and material nonlinear analysis of three dimensional beam, frame and arch structures, and can also be used to model cables in cable stayed structures. BMI21 may also be used as a stiffener for the QTS4 shell element; while BMI31 may be used as a stiffener for the QTS8 shell element. When Solver options 403 and 404 are turned on (as they are by default) the BMI21 element behaves the same as the 2-noded straight beam element BMS3 for linear analysis of structures containing straight members of constant cross-section. BMI21 is now the element selected by default when a 3D Thick Beam element is chosen on the line mesh dialog.
• BMX21 and BMX31 are straight and curved isoparametric degenerate thick beam elements in 3D for which shearing deformations are included. The element has a quadrilateral cross section which may vary along the element length.

New 2D axisymmetric two phase elements

A new family of 2D axisymmetric solid two phase continuum elements (TAX6P and QAX6P) has been added to join the existing 3D axisymmetric solid two phase continuum elements used for drained and undrained soil modelling.

Change to thin beam elements

For thin beam elements section properties are no longer input relative to the nodal line. Instead, and as always defined for thick beams, section properties are now defined with respect to a beam's neutral axis, and an eccentricity can be defined when necessary.

New Material Models

Piecewise linear joint material model

Piecewise linear (Axial force dependent) joint material model

Trilinear Earth Pressure joint material

Modified Cam-clay material model

A modified Cam-clay material model has been added. The modified Cam-clay model is a variant of the classic Cam-clay model used for the modelling of clays, and is capable of modelling the strength and deformation trends of clay realistically. The model can be used with standard continuum elements as well as the two-phase elements which include the effects of pore water pressure. 

A new worked example is provided in the Application Example Manual (Bridge, Civil & Structural).

Modified Mohr-Coulomb material model

A modified Mohr-Coulomb material model has been added to the material library. The modified Mohr-Coulomb model applies a tensile and/or a compressive cut-off to the standard Mohr-Coulomb model. When the standard Mohr-Coulomb model would potentially predict tensile stresses beyond the uniaxial tensile limit of the material, the tension cap may be used to prevent such stresses occurring. In compression the cut-off results in irreversible deformations once the maximum compressive stress is exceeded. The cut-off can be applied to either a single principal stress component or to the mean pressure.

Concrete creep and shrinkage to Eurocode 2

Creep and shrinkage models as specified in Eurocode 2 have been implemented in LUSAS. This material model can be used with beam elements, 2/3D continuum elements, shell elements and continuum composite elements.

New Smoothed Multi Crack Concrete material model

The new Smoothed Multi Crack Concrete model (Model 102) is similar to the Multi Crack Concrete model (Model 94), but it converges more rapidly, is more robust and allows crack widths to calculated and plotted for the Contours and Values layers as component 'Plastic Strain'. As with Model 94, crack/crush results can be plotted and planes representing the cracks can be displayed are displayed in two and three-dimensions.

Piecewise linear bar material model

Two-phase material enhanced

The Two-phase material model has been extended to model partially saturated fluid flow through porous medium as, for example, when investigating seepage of water through an earth dam, where the position of the phreatic surface (the boundary between fully saturated and partially saturated soil) is of interest.

Draining and filling curves can now be specified for partially drained materials by defining the rate of water extraction, weight factor, air entry and permeability values. Manually-defined (piecewise linear ) draining and filling curves can be defined for partially drained materials by specifying pore pressure, relative permeability and effective saturation values.

Overall the coupled pore fluid diffusion/stress analysis capability in LUSAS has been enhanced to:

• Establish the initial equilibrium state via a geostatic analysis step.
• Model partially saturated fluid flow through porous medium, e.g. seepage of water through an earth dam, where the position of the phreatic surface (the boundary between fully saturated and partially saturated soil) is of interest.
• Include the influence of the pore fluid weight on the solid skeleton only (excess pore pressure solution) or on both the solid skeleton and fluid (total pore pressure solution).
• Use a default analytical capillary pressure relationship or define a piece-wise relationship in a tabular form, as the accuracy of simulation depends on the use of an accurate relationship.
• Specify different filling (or absorption) and draining (or exsorption) capillary (or pore water) pressure – effective saturation curves, which can exhibit hysteresis behaviour, as well as a scanning curve for transition between absorption and exsorption.
• In addition to prescribed head (pressure) and impervious (closed) boundary conditions, inflow/outflow over a boundary can be considered. It is also possible to control the boundary condition automatically when a phreatic surface meets a boundary surface using lift-off supports.

Geostatic control

A geostatic analysis control step has been introduced to establish the initial equilibrium state in an analysis involving a two-phase material.

Modelling-related improvements

Lift-off / contacting supports

The existing structural support dialog has been updated to allow lift-off and touchdown supports to be defined.

A lift-off support can be easily specified by setting an appropriate lift-off control type, such as Force, Moment, Hinge rotation, or Pore pressure, for a chosen degree of freedom. Lift-off will take place once a stated value for that control type has been exceeded. After lift-off has occurred the behaviour can be set to release only the specified restraint, leaving all other restraints applied, or release all restraints.

A contacting support can be specified by setting the appropriate contact conditions such as either Force, Moment, Hinge rotation, Pore pressure, or for a Gap. Contact will be deemed to be taking place once a stated value has been reached, or when the contact control type lies within a range of specified values. After contact has occurred the behaviour can be set to release only the specified restraint, leaving all other restraints applied, or release all restraints.

User-defined feature, node and element numbering

Modelling units: input, conversion and reporting

On dialogs with grid cells for dimensional input, the units expected are now displayed as a tool tip when the cursor is hovered over the input cell.

Units can be converted at the time of input on all dialogs where dimensional input is expected by clicking inside the right-hand edge of the edit box or grid cell and accessing the Units Converter and Variation Utility. A range of conversion units are supplied according to the type of input expected. Model units stated are those previously set.

Reporting of expected model units and accessing the Units Convertor dialog

For edit boxes or grid cells that support coordinate entry the conversion utility allows conversion of multiple comma separated values in the one text box. So, for instance, a coordinate entered as 100,200,300 would be converted to (0.1, 0.2, 0.3) if a millimetres to metres conversion was selected.

When Imperial modelling units have been set coordinates and lengths can be input in feet and inches, instead of just feet or just inches. For example, a distance of 5 feet, 11 ans a half inches can now be input and output as 5:11.5 (or more awkwardly as 5'11.5"), rather than either 71.5" or 5.92'.

Displaying and reporting of model and results data (both to a View window and to print file output) is done in accordance with the consistent set of units stated on the Model Properties dialog. A new setting on this dialog provides an option for Imperial modelling units to output coordinate and lengths in feet and inches (e.g. 5'11.5") format.

Modelling units are now written to the Contour key in the format "Component: Sx (units: N/mm2)", and similarly into the window summary annotation for the diagrams, values and contours layers.

Timescale units

Timescale units are now specified as part of the creation of a new model and can be changed on the Model Properties dialog. Choosing a timescale unit dictates how time-based values are displayed on dialogs during modelling, and how they are output when processing results. Setting a timescale unit does not change the consistent set of model units defined for a model, it simply permits the input or display of chosen timescale units in a different unit of time to that defined by the model units, wherever they are expected to be defined or displayed/output.

Timescale units may be input in seconds, minutes, hours or days. By default, seconds are initially selected to comply with the consistent modelling units options provided.

Timescale units can also be converted at the time of input on all dialogs where dimensional input is expected

Improved Activation / Deactivation of elements

Fixed line control	Horizontal line control
Tangential line control

OpenGL speed-up

Version 15.0 improves the OpenGL graphics driver for LUSAS:

• Changes made to the OpenGL implementation have reduced a noticeable pause that was seen after very large models had been rotated in the View window.

Section Library and Section Property Calculator improvements and changes

Creation of holes in arbitrary sections

When creating 2D models with holes for section property calculation purposes the Delete geometry defining holes option no longer needs to be de-selected prior to carrying out the section property calculation. Instead, the properties of the surfaces representing holes are automatically deducted from the overall section property calculation. Additionally the previous requirement of grouping all holes together into a group named Holes is no longer required where a single surface contains one or more holes totally inside its boundaries, or for when a hole exists between two surfaces.

Precast sections without a slab

Automatic computation of length of section boundary for concrete creep and shrinkage analysis

For the CEB-FIP Model Code 1990 and the EN1992-1-1:2004 concrete creep and shrinkage models, and for beams, the length of section boundary (the nominal size) is now computed automatically for each element by LUSAS and for tapered sections will vary along the beam. For voided cross-sections a default internal perimeter factor of 0.5 is used, but the means to specify a different internal perimeter factor is provided. Outer and inner perimeters are calculated automatically by the LUSAS section property generators.

Rationalisation of model files on disk

In Version 15.0 the location of files that are created and saved in the course of a building a model and running the various analyses that may be associated with it can now be specified. For each model files such as results files (.mys), solver output files (.out), solver data files (.dat) may be saved:

• Within a folder for each model, called "Associated Model Data"
• Within a folder with the same name as the model
• Within the same folder as the model (V14.7 behaviour)
• To a specified (user-defined) folder

The Associated Model Data folder for a model additionally contains two sub-folders called 'Backups' and 'Sessions'. A copy of the original model is preserved in the Backups folder when the model is loaded for editing. The Backups folder can contain any user-defined number of backup copies of a model. The Sessions folder contains all session files (.ses) and model recovery files (.rcv) for the model. This provides a more structured file system and simplifies searching for, and opening, associated model data on disk.

In addition to the Backups folder it is also possible to maintain an additional copy of the model file in another location. The Backups tab on the Modeller Properties dialog controls where and how many backup versions (revisions) are saved.

Reference paths now more widely used

The use of reference paths has been extended from their initial use (modelling of multiple varying sections) into two new areas:

• They are used in the definition of a Direct Method influence attribute (where for grillages they aid in the calculation of influences for, and the identification of longitudinal and transverse members), and also in the definition of a loading grid that can be used as an alternative to using the nodes or points present in the model for an influence analysis.
• The specification of a reference path provides an easy way of transforming results relative to the angle or route of the defined path.

Prestress definition in 2D planes

The tendon profile and the multi-tendon profile dialogs now permit defining a tendon profile in two 2D planes as well as defining it in 3D space. This two 2D plane method is preferred in certain countries, and requires tendon profile coordinates to be defined in both ZX and XY planes. Projection and rotation angles can additionally be defined to cope with inclined webs and rotated sections.

Reporting of tendon setting-out information

Assigning an attribute to all relevant features

A new context menu item Assign to all is available for all attributes in the Attributes Treeview. When chosen, the attribute is automatically assigned to all relevant geometric features (or to mesh objects in a mesh-only model) for a particular analysis and loadcase without those features having to be selected prior to the assignment.

Assign to all is different in use from the Set Default context menu item, which is also available for attributes, in that when it is clicked the attribute is assigned to all relevant features in the model regardless of whether they have been assigned an attribute of the same type previously or not. The Set Default menu item only applies the attribute to any features created after the default was set.

Assigning a load attribute to multiple loadcases

New options to enable assigning a load attribute to All loadcases or a Range of loadcases have been added to the loading assignment dialog.

Attribute/Utilities data transfer between models

The library browser allows users to transfer attribute data (such as mesh, geometric, material, loading, and supports) and associated utilities and report data between models. It is accessed using the File > Library menu item.

The library browser displays a list of the attributes and utilities for the currently open model, alongside a list of attributes and utilities that have been saved in the selected LUSAS model data library file. Selected attribute data can be exported from a model to the library, or imported to a model from the library. Checks take place to ensure that data is not unknowingly overwritten. Attributes can also be deleted from the mode,l or library, using this facility. 

The dialog below shows the selection of five geometric line attributes in readiness for improting from the library to the model. Checkboxes are disabled (as shown by ) according to whether import or export of data has been chosen. 

Defining Variations

The definition of variations (the means of varying attributes over features) can now be done from inside all dialogs that support the use of the variations facility by selecting the New... entry on the drop-down list that is displayed. Currently this only applies to:

• Defining variations in general
• Transformations - such as when assigning discrete loads
• Local coordinates - such as when defining geometry

Mapping of Keyboard Modifiers for Cursor and Area Selection

The Cursor drop-down menu contains a Keyboard Mapping... menu item that allows the default Windows-based cursor and area selection keyboard modifiers to be changed to user-defined shortcuts. This feature makes the use of LUSAS Modeller more familiar to those used to CAD modelling systems.

Cylindrical / Spherical Local Coordinates

The definition of cylindrical and spherical coordinates has been rationalised.

• A cylindrical coordinate system is based on the axes of a cylinder defined by a radius, angle and distance along the cylinder axis.
• A spherical coordinate system is based on the axes of a sphere defined by a radius, tangential angle and angle around a meridian.

Improvements to Prescribed Loading

Prior to Version 15 the assignment of a prescribed displacement of zero to a freedom of a node (in order to return it to an original undeformed position) also required the assignment of a support in order for the displacement to be effective. Now, in Version 15, the support need no longer be assigned by a user. Instead Modeller creates a 'hidden' support that remains active in all following loadcases, until it is superceded by either another prescribed displacement load, or another support assigned to a following loadcase. So a Prescribed Loading entry within an analysis loadcase in the Attributes Treeview effectively represents a support condition.

64-bit version of LUSAS

A 64-bit version of LUSAS Modeller and LUSAS Solver is now available and this provided as an independent installation file. The 64-bit version of LUSAS Modeller has no geometry engine so only allows for assignments to be made to the mesh (known within LUSAS as ‘mesh only modelling’) and results processing. The 64-bit version of LUSAS Solver is functionally the same as the 32-bit version. Results files from the 64-bit Solver can be processed in either the 32-bit or the 64-bit version of LUSAS Modeller.

In order to use the 64-bit versions a 64-bit operating system must be installed.

General improvements

Automated error reporting

LUSAS Modeller makes use of a third party crash reporting facility (CrashRpt) to allow users to optionally submit crash reports to LUSAS for investigation. If a crash occurs a crash dump is also assembled.

An option to Restart LUSAS Modeller after submitting the error report is also provided. This enables a model recovery to be carried out.

Other user change requests

In addition to the range of new facilities and improvements listed, many user change requests have also been implemented. The originators of all requested changes to the software (some of which are included in the above list of enhancements) have been incorporated in this release will be notified individually.

User Manuals

User manuals

All online and printed documentation has been updated for this new release. Manuals are provided in PDF format as part of any V15 software download file or on the V15 software CD.

Worked Examples

All worked examples have been updated for this release to ensure that the examples match changes made to the software and (where possible) to illustrate new facilities.

• The Nonlinear Concrete beam example has been moved from the Examples Manual to the Application Examples M\anual (Bridge, Civil & Structural)

New Worked Examples

The following examples have been added to the Application Examples Manual (Bridge, Civil & Structural) to illustrate new facilities added in V15.0

• Cable tuning analysis of a pedestrian bridge - showing the use of cable tuning with a linear analysis.
• Vehicle load optimisation of a box beam bridge - showing use of vehicle load optimisation using Direct Method Influence attributes,
• Embedded retaining wall - showing use of the new trilinear earth pressure material,
• Trapezoidal earth dam with a drainage toe - showing use of two-phase material, consolidation, pore pressure and seepage modelling and the use of a geostatic step,

Manuals of Worked Examples are provided in PDF format as part of the LUSAS software download file or release CD.

Potential issues opening PDF files referenced in CHM files

On some PCs, and for certain operating systems, the installation of security updates as released by Microsoft can affect the opening of PDF files from the table of contents panel within the CHM file-based help. Any links to PDF files from within help topic pages may similarly be affected.

If problems are found when attempting to open these files from within the online CHM file supplied please note the following:

• All manuals are supplied in PDF format on the installation kit and these are normally installed into the <LUSAS Installation Folder> /Programs/PDF_Manuals folder.

• Workarounds/solutions may be provided by Microsoft during the availability and support of this particular LUSAS software release.

• LUSAS is looking into producing online help in alternative formats.

Retired elements, material models and facilities

• None.