Intended for

Steel structure designer

Document type

Design procedure
Date

December, 2012

DESIGN PROCEDURE
STEEL STRUCTURES

DESIGN PROCEDURE
STEEL STRUCTURES

Description

01
01-12-2012
TMC
JTA
NTO
Standard procedure for design of steel structures

Ref

[xxxxx]

Revision
Date
Made by
Checked by
Approved by

Ramboll
Olof Palmes All 22
DK-8200 Aarhus N
Denmark
T +45 8944 7700
F +45 8944 7625
www.ramboll.com

STEEL STRUCTURES

CONTENTS

1.
1.1
1.2
2.
2.1
2.2
3.
3.1
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.5
3.2.6
3.2.7
3.3
3.3.1
4.
4.1
4.2

Introduction
General
Scope of document
Step 1- Design Basis
General
Content
Step 2 Standard method for calculations
General
Preparing FE-model
Nodes and elements
Section properties
Loads
Boundary condition
Element releases
Element grouping
Structure integrity verification
FE-model QA
Checking FE-model
Step 3 Structural Calculations
General
Content

APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Basis Structural calculation document
Appendix 2
Example, FE-model Description

Procedure for design of steel structures

1
1
1
3
3
3
5
5
5
5
6
6
7
7
7
9
10
11
12
12
12

STEEL STRUCTURES

1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1

General
This report has been prepared for general use for design of steel structures. The purpose of the
report is to define a general procedure to assure high standard in the structural documentation.
The report concerns complete steel structures such as platforms and buildings.
The report does not concern details and joints. Design procedure for these parts is handled
elsewhere.
The structural documentation must comply with SBI 223. The complete steel structure is
considered a structure section and the structural documentation shall be carried out as SBI 223
doc. no. A2.2 Structural Calculations Section.

SBI 223 Doc no.

Document title
Structural Documentation

A
A1
A2
A2.1
A2.2
A3
A3.1
A3.2
A4
A4.1
A4.2

Structural Design Documentation

Design Basis
Structural Calculations
Structural Calculations - Structure
Structural Calculations - Section
Geometrical Models and/or Drawings
Geometrical Models and/or Drawings - Structure
Geometrical Models and/or Drawings - Section
Structural Changes
Structural Changes - Structure
Structural Changes - Section

B
B1
B2
B2.1
B2.2
B3

Structural Procedure Documentation

Procedure report
Checking Report Design
Checking Report Design - Structure
Checking Report Design - Section
Checking Report Execution

Table 1. SBI 223 documents.

1.2

Scope of document
Basis for the steel structure design procedure is the flow chart in Figure 1. The complete design
documentation consists of one document, A2.2 Structural calculations Sections with a standard
table of Content. This document consists of the two parts Design Basis and Structural
Calculations. The following chapters describe in details the contents of these two parts and the
procedure for the steel structure integrity analysis.

Procedure for design of steel structures

STEEL STRUCTURES

Figure 1 Flow chart.

Procedure for design of steel structures

STEEL STRUCTURES

2.

STEP 1- DESIGN BASIS

2.1

General

Persons involved:
Author
Checker
Approver, Ramboll
Approver, Client

Lead engineer, design engineer or other designated person

Engineer or project manager
Project manager or head of department

The Design Basis chapters are written by the lead engineer, design engineer or another
designated person. The part must comprise sufficient information to design the complete
structure with a minimum of communication with client, project management or any other
involved parties. Before creating static model/Quality Assurance is commenced the design basis
must be approved by the client.

Design Basis prepared

[Ramboll]

Design Basis checked

[Ramboll]

Design Basis
reviewed/approved [Client]

Design Basis approved

[Ramboll]
Figure 2 Flow chart, Design basis

2.2

Content
The Design Basis part has a standard table of contents as shown in Figure 3. Chapters not
relevant for the project can be omitted. References can be made to SBI 223 doc. no. A1 (see
Table 1) if such document has been prepared.

Procedure for design of steel structures

STEEL STRUCTURES

Chapter
1

Content

The structure
1.1

General

Short description of the project such as client, location, purpose, size, ect.

1.2

The structure built-up and

Short description of the bearing structures.

nature

The purpose of the chapter is to give a general understanding of the structure

built-up, foundation and the nature of the structure.

1.3

Interfaces

Description of interfaces to other constructions. .

1.4

Execution

Description of relevant principles regarding fabrication and installation.

Topics as fabrication tolerances and installation sequences are included if
considered critical.

1.5

Descriptions, 3D-models and

Description of how the structure is presented in documents, 3D-models and

drawings

drawings.

Design basis
2.1

Codes and standards

List of relevant codes and standards used for the design of the structure

2.2

Design classifications

Specification of the design classification in accordance with codes and

2.3

Climate and environmental

Description of the climate and environmental conditions. Specific environment

conditions

classifications relevant for the design of the structure shall be stated.

Software

List of software used in the design and presentation of the structure.

standards listed in chapter 2.1.

2.4

Static calculation software (FEM, MathCAD, Excel, etc)

CAD (TEKLA, AutoCAD, etc)

Structures
3.1

Static system

Description of the static system. Frames, bracings, boundary conditions,

3.2

Design criteria

3.3

Robustness

Specification of the principles for the structure robustness.

3.4

Lifetime

Requirements regarding structure lifetime if it deviates from general practice.

releases, etc. Relevant assumptions to obtain the static system are stated.
Description of design criteria not stated in design codes and standards. E.g.
client defined criteria regarding UR-target and deflection.

Materials

Descriptions of all relevant materials including relevant material parameters.

4.1

Structural steel

4.2

Bolts

4.3

Weld

Load data
5.1

Load combinations

5.2

Basis loads
5.2.1

Permanent loads

5.2.1.1

Structure

5.2.1.2

Cladding

Principals for combining basis load cases

Specification of basis load case

:
5.2.2

Variable loads

5.2.2.1

Live loads

5.2.2.2

Environmental loads

5.2.2.3

Removable machinery and equipment

:
5.2.3

Accidental load

5.2.3.1

Fire

5.2.3.2

Explosion

5.2.3.3

Collision

:
5.2.4

Seismic load

5.2.5

Miscellaneous load

5.2.5.1

Mass load

5.2.5.2

Imperfections/stabilizing forces etc.

Figure 3 Standard Table of Contents

Procedure for design of steel structures

STEEL STRUCTURES

3.

STEP 2 STANDARD METHOD FOR CALCULATIONS

3.1

General

Persons involved.
Design engineer
Check engineer
The static model is generated by use of the FE software Autodesk ROBOT Structural Analysis,
Professional 2012 or newer version. Along with the FE-model a document is prepared describing
the FE-model. This document is for internal use only and serves as supplementary information to
the check engineer.

Preparing FE-model
[Design engineer]
FE-model description
[Design engineer]
FE-model check
[Check engineer]
Figure 4 Flow chart, preparing static model

3.2

Preparing FE-model
The FE-model is built by use of the FE software Autodesk ROBOT Structural Analysis,
Professional 2012 or newer version.

3.2.1

Nodes and elements

There is no specific requirements regarding numbering of nodes and elements. However after
completing modelling the structure, renumbering of both nodes can be done by use of the
numbering application in ROBOT.

Procedure for design of steel structures

STEEL STRUCTURES

Figure 5 Renumbering of nodes and elements.

3.2.2

Section properties

The sectional properties used in the structure are governed by four main points.

Comply with design criteria stated in the Design Basis

Simplify fabrication

Simplify connection details

Simplify installation
To obtain the four main points the choice of section properties shall be based on the
considerations listed below.

Use only one type of sections in a structure. I.e. Standard European sections.

Minimize the number of section properties.

Have a clear definition of sections to be used for specific construction elements.

Columns:
Specific section family e.g. HEA/HEB/SHS/RHS
Beams:
Specific section family e.g. HEA/HEB/SHS/RHS
Braces:
Specific section family e.g. HEA/HEB/SHS/RHS
Web in braced girders:
Specific section family e.g. HEA/HEB/SHS/RHS
Chords in braced girders:
Specific section family e.g. HEA/HEB/SHS/RHS
:
:
:
:
3.2.3

Loads

Basis loads and load cases shall be numbered logic. E.g.

Basis loads
Permanent loads
Variable loads
Accidental loads

Load number 1-100

Load number 1 20
Load number 21 40
Load number 41 60

Load cases

Load number 101 -

Procedure for design of steel structures

STEEL STRUCTURES

3.2.4

Boundary condition

Use only boundary conditions with DoF fixed or free. E.g.

DoF
Support
UX
UY
UZ
RX
Rigid
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Hinged
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
Free
Roler X
Free
Fixed
Fixed
Free
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

RY
Fixed
Free
Free
:
:

RZ
Fixed
Free
Free
:
:

If spring conditions are necessary to obtain a realistic FE-model the spring shall be well
documented and the documentation shall be included in the Structural calculation report.
3.2.5

Element releases

Element releases shall follow a well defined plan. E.g.

Beams:
Braces:
Braced girder, at columns
Web in braced girders:
Decking internal
Decking at main steel
3.2.6

Released RX,
Released RX,
Released RX,
No release
No release
Released RX,

RY, RZ
RY, RZ
RY, RZ

RY, RZ

Element grouping

All elements in the FE-model are grouped in such way that all elements in a group have the same
design parameters.
Group
Group name

Design parameter
Global buckling:
Buckling length (y-axis), LGB,Y
Buckling length (z-axis), LGB,z

L,x*L
L,y*L

Lateral buckling:
Load level
Lateral buckling length upper flange, Lcr
Lateral buckling length lower flange, Lcr

Upper/Lower/Centre
L,x*L
L,y*L

Deflection limit
max

d * L

Where,
L
L,x/y
d

Procedure for design of steel structures

is element length.
column length multiplier governed by element length, length between
restraints and nature of restraints.
maximum relative deflection factor

STEEL STRUCTURES

The buckling length for elements in the structure shall mainly be based on the standard cases
described in Figure 6.
If it is necessary to determine the buckling length by calculation, e.g. in frames, ROBOT
can be used. If ROBOT is used in this matter a separate FE-model is created for this
purpose alone.
The procedure for determining buckling length in ROBOT is found on the intranet. See Figure 7.
Standard case

Buckling length

Standard case

Buckling length

lGB = 0.5* l

lGB = 0.7* l

lGB = 1.0* l

lGB = 2.0* l

Figure 6 Buckling length standard cases.

Procedure for design of steel structures

STEEL STRUCTURES

Buckling length procedure

Figure 7 Determination of buckling length procedure.

3.2.7

Structure integrity verification

The complete structure integrity including, all member verifications, is based on the FE-model.

All member verifications are done by the use of the Steel/Aluminum design application in
the FE-software.
All members in the FE-model are grouped in such way that all members in a group have
the same design parameters. See chapter 3.2.6.
Utilization ratio for columns must leave reserve capacity to compensate for missing
bending moments from connections to beams.

Procedure for design of steel structures

STEEL STRUCTURES

10

Figure 8 Steel/Aluminum design application in Autodesk ROBOT Structural Analysis Professional 2012

The Steel/Aluminum design app. in ROBOT does not verify three types of beams correctly. The
three types are listed below:

Cantilevered beams
Beams suppressed to high torsion
Stabilizing sections used for reduction of buckling length

If a member in the structure complies any of the three types it must be verified in
supplementary hand calculations by use of RamSteel.
3.3

FE-model QA
Basis for QA of the FE-model is the standard Ramboll QA-system.
To accommodate a thorough QA the FE-model is accompanied by a document describing the FEmodel. This document is for internal use only and serves as supplementary information to the
check engineer. The document is prepared in the Ramboll Memo template with a standard table
of contents as shown in Figure 9.

Procedure for design of steel structures

STEEL STRUCTURES

11

Chapter
1

Content

The structure
1.1

Design criteria

Description of focus areas for the design optimization. Such as

Light structure (UR-target) or minimizing number of section types (easy
fabrication). Reference is made to the Design Basis.

1.2

Member sections

Description of section types to be used. E.g.

Braces: Standard European sections, SHS
Main columns: Standard open European sections, HEA
Main beams: Standard open European sections, HEB
Latice girders: ......
Etc.

1.3

Releases

Description of element releases to be used in the FE-model.

Braces: Hinged both ends
Main beams: hinged both ends
Decking: Rigid both ends
Lattice girder braces: hinged both ends
Lattice girder chords: hinged at supports
Etc.

1.4

Boundary condition

Clarification of boundary conditions. Where and why.

1.5

Materials

Description of materials used in the FE-model

Grouping of members
2.1

Member groups

List of member groups. E.g.

Brace
Main column
Lattice girder brace
Lattice girder chords
main beam
Deck
Cantilever
Stabilizing beam
Etc.

2.2

Design parameters

Description of design parameters for all member groups.

Global buckling length
Lateral buckling length
Deflection criteria
Etc.

Basis load cases

Description of basis loads.

Load combinations

Table showing all load cases

Members not verified in

List of member groups to be verified by supplementary hand calculations

ROBOT

Figure 9 Standard Table of Contents for FE-model description

3.3.1

Checking FE-model

The FE-model check comprises both commenting the FE-model description document and
checking if the FE-model complies with the document. All the check engineers comments to the
FE-model are noted in the FE-model description document. Special focus shall be on the subjects
below.

Member grouping
Design parameters
Basis loads

Procedure for design of steel structures

Check of Basis loads is performed by comparing reaction forces

from FE-analysis with estimates based on hand calculations.

STEEL STRUCTURES

4.

STEP 3 STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

4.1

General

Persons involved.
Design engineer
Check engineer
Approver
The Structural Calculations chapters are written by the design engineer. The chapters must
comprise sufficient input and output data from the FE-analysis model and any necessary hand
calculation of members not verified by the Steel/Aluminum design app. in ROBOT to verify the
complete structure integrity.
The document also comprises any necessary supplementary calculation to verify the structure
such as:
Boundary conditions modelled as springs
Capacity of plastic hinges
Etc.
4.2

Content
The Structural calculations are comprised in chapter 6-8 as shown in Figure 10.

Procedure for design of steel structures

12

STEEL STRUCTURES

13

Chapter
6

Content

FE-model - Input
6.1

General

Short description of the FE-model

6.2

Boundary conditions

Description of boundary conditions. Plots from FE-model

6.3

Sectional properties

Plots from FE-model

6.4

Basis loads

Plots from FE-model

6.5

Load cases

Table with all load cases

6.6

Design parameters

Description of member groups and design parameters.

Plots from FE-model

FE-model - Output
7.1

Utilization Ratios

Plots from FE-model showing maximum UR

7.2

Deflection

Plots from FE-model showing deflection for relevant load combinations

7.3

Reaction forces

Plots from FE-model showing maximum reaction forces

7.4

Sectional forces in

Plots from FE-model and tables showing design forces in all relevant connections

connections
8

Members verified by hand

calculations
8.1

General

Description of members not verified in FE-model

8.2

Utilization ratios

Table showing UR for relevant members.

Reference made to relevant appendices.

References

List of references in the Structural calculations

Appendix 1

Drawings, equipment data sheets

Appendix 2

Calculation of environmental loads

Appendix 3

FE-Input

Appendix 4

Nodes

Members

Properties

Groups

Material

Basis loads

Load combinations

FE-Output

Sectional forces

Deflections

Utilization ratio for the highest utilized member in every member group

Reaction forces

Calculation sheets for the highest utilized member in every member

group

Appendix 5

Member verification by hand calculation

Appendix 6

Miscellaneous calculations

Appendix XX

Miscellaneous calculations

Figure 10 Standard Table of Contents for Structural calculations

Procedure for design of steel structures

1-1

APPENDIX 1
BASIS STRUCTURAL CALCULATION DOCUMENT

Procedure for design of steel structures

1-2

[Text]

Procedure for design of steel structures

Intended for

[Text]
Document type

[Text]
Date

[Month, year]
[Optional 1 - If no optional texts is needed then remember to delete the fields.]

[Text - If no optional texts is needed then remember to delete the fields.]

[Optional 2 - If no optional texts is needed then remember to delete the fields.]

[Text - If no optional texts is needed then remember to delete the fields.]

[PROJECT NAME]
STRUCTURAL
CALCULATIONS

[PROJECT NAME]
STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

[Optional 2]

[xx]
26/11/2012
[Name]
[Name]
[Name]
[T]
[Text - If no optional texts is needed then remember to delete the fields.]
[Text - If no optional texts is needed then remember to delete the fields.]

Ref

[xxxxx]

Revision
Date
Made by
Checked by
Approved by
Description
[Optional 1]

Ramboll
Olof Palmes All 22
DK-8200 Aarhus N
Denmark
T +45 8944 7700
F +45 8944 7625
www.ramboll.com

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

CONTENTS

1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.4
3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.
5.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.1.1
5.2.1.2
5.2.2
5.2.2.1
5.2.2.2
5.2.2.3
5.2.3
5.2.3.1
5.2.3.2
5.2.3.3
5.2.4
5.2.5
5.2.5.1
5.2.5.2
6.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6

The Structure
General
The structure built-up and nature
Interfaces
Execution
Descriptions, 3D-models and drawings
Design Basis
Codes and standards
Design classifications
Climate and environmental conditions
Terrain catagory
Thermal conditions
Software
Structures
Static system
Design criteria
Robustness
Lifetime
Materials
Structural steel
Bolts
Weld
load data
Load combinations
Basis loads
Permanent loads
Structure
Cladding
Variable loads
Live loads
Environmental loads
Removable machinery and equipment
Accidental loads
Fire
Explosion
Collision
Seismic loads
Miscellaneous loads
Mass loads
Imperfections/Stabilizing loads
FE-model Input
General
Boundary conditions
Sectional properties
Basis loads
Load cases
Design parameters

Insert Project no.

1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
4
4
4
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
8
8
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
11
11
11
11
11
11
11

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

7.
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
8.
8.1
8.2
9.

FE-model Output
Utilization Ratios
Deflection
Reaction Forces
Sectional Forces in Connections
Elements Verified by Hand Calculations
General
Utilization Ratios
References

APPENDICES
Appendix 1
[Drawings, equipment data sheets]
Appendix 2
Environmental loads
Appendix 3
FE-Input
Appendix 4
FE-Output
Appendix 5
Hand Calculations

Insert Project no.

12
12
12
12
12
13
13
13
14

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

1.

THE STRUCTURE

1.1

General
[Short description of the project such as client, location, purpose, size, etc.]

1.2

The structure built-up and nature

[Short description of the bearing structures]

1.3

Interfaces
[Description of interfaces to other constructions]

1.4

Execution
[Description of relevant principles regarding fabrication and installation. Topics as fabrication
tolerances and installation sequences are included if considered critical]

1.5

Descriptions, 3D-models and drawings

[Description of how the structure is presented in documents, 3D-models and drawings]

Insert Project no.

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

2.

DESIGN BASIS

2.1

Codes and standards

The design is executed in compliance with Eurocode and the relevant national annexes.
[Only relevant parts to be listed]
Basis

Eurocode 0 (EC0):
DS/EN 1990:
Eurocode Basis of structural design.
EN 1990 DK NA
Danish National Annex for eurocode 0

Action on structure

Eurocode 1 (EC1):
Actions on structures General actions
DS/EN 1991-1-1:
Densities, self-weight, imposed loads for buildings
EN 1991-1-1 DK NA
Danish National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1991-1-2:
Actions on structures exposed to fire.
EN 1991-1-2 DK NA
Danish National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1991-1-3:
Snow loads.
EN 1991-1-3 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1991-1-4:
Wind actions.
EN 1991-1-4 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.

DS/EN 1991-1-5:
Thermal actions.
EN 1991-1-5 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1991-1-6:
Actions during execution.
EN 1991-1-6 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1991-1-7:
Accidental actions.
EN 1991-1-7 DK NA
National Anneks for eurocode.
Design of steel structures

Insert Project no.

Eurocode 3 (EC3):
DS/EN 1993-1-1:
General rules and rules for buildings.
EN 1993-1-1 DK NA

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

National Annex for eurocode:

DS/EN 1993-1-2:
Structural fire design.
EN 1993-1-2 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode
DS/EN 1993-1-3
Supplementary rules for coldformed members and sheeting
DS/EN 1993-1-4
Supplementary rules for stainless steel
EN 1993-1-4 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1993-1-5
Plated structural elements
EN 1993-1-5 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1993-1-6
Strength and stability of shell structures
EN 1993-1-6 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1993-1-7
Plated structures subject to out of plane loading
EN 1993-1-7 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1993-1-8
Design of joints
EN 1993-1-8 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1993-1-9
Fatigue
EN 1993-1-9 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1993-1-10
Material toughness and through-thickness properties
EN 1993-1-10 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1993-1-11
Design of structures with tension components
EN 1993-1-11 DK NA
National Annex for eurocode.
DS/EN 1993-1-12
Additional rules for the extension of EN 1993 up to steel grade S 700
DS/EN 1090-2:2008
Technical requirements for steel structures

Insert Project no.

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

2.2

Design classifications
Structure section
Climate protection
Decks
Equipment support
:
:

Consequence class
CC1/CC2/CC3/CC3+
CC1/CC2/CC3/CC3+
CC1/CC2/CC3/CC3+
:
:

2.3

Climate and environmental conditions

2.3.1

Terrain catagory

Figure 1 Terrain catagories

The structure is located in terrain category [0/I/II/III/IV].

Insert Project no.

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

2.3.2

Thermal conditions

Outside temperature (shade)

TMin
TMax

-31 C
36 C

Inside temperature (shade)

TI

25 C

Fabrication temperature
TFab

20 C

Table 1 Thermal conditions

2.4

Software
Software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Mathcad
Robot Millennium
Tekla Structures
AutoCad
Table 2 Software

Insert Project no.

Version
2007
2007
15.0
v. 20.1
14.0.3
2007

Operating system
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows 7

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

3.

STRUCTURES

3.1

Static system
[Description of the static system. Frames, bracings, boundary conditions, releases, etc. Relevant
assumptions to obtain the static system are stated]

3.2

Design criteria
[Description of design criteria not stated in design codes and standards. E.g. client defined
criteria regarding UR-target and deflection]

3.3

Robustness
[Specification of the principles for the structure robustness]

3.4

Lifetime
[Requirements regarding structure lifetime if it deviates from general practice]

Insert Project no.

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

4.

MATERIALS

4.1

Structural steel
Steel quality

Thickness

fy (MPa)

fu (MPa)

S235

t 16 mm

235

360

16 < t 40 mm

225

360

40< t 63 mm

215

360

t 16 mm

355

470

16 < t 40 mm

345

470

40< t 63 mm

335

470

S355

4.2

=
=
=
=
=

0.21*106 MPa
0.3
81000 MPa
12 * 10-6 C-1
7.85*103 kg/m3

Bolts
Quality
8.8
10.9

4.3

fu (MPa)
800
1000

Weld
All weld material to be of same quality as base material.

Insert Project no.

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

5.

LOAD DATA

5.1

Load combinations
[Below load combinations for both DS EN 1990 and EN 1990]
Load combinations according to EN 1990 for:
Serviceability Limit State (SLS)
Ultimate Limit State (ULS)
Accidental Limit State (ALS)
Design situation

Permanent actions Gd

Variable actions Qd

Unfavourable

Favourable

Leading

Others

SLS
(Eq. 6.14b)*

Gkj,sup

Gkj,inf

Qk,1

0,iQk,i

SLS
(Eq. 6.15b)**

Gkj,sup

Gkj,inf

1,1 Qk,1

2,iQk,i

SLS
(Eq. 6.16b)***

Gkj,sup

Gkj,inf

2,1 Qk,1

2,iQk,i

* The equation (called the the characteristic combination) is normally used for irreversible limit states.
** The equation (called the the frequent combination) is normally used for reversible limit states.
*** The equation (called the the quasi-permanent combination) is normally used for long-term effects and the appearance of the
structure.

Design
situation
ULS
(Eq. 6.10a)

Permanent actions
Unfavourable

Favourable

Leading
variable
action

Gj.supGkj,sup

Gj.infGkj,inf

ULS
Gj.infGkj,inf
Q,1Qk,1
Gj.supGkj,sup
(Eq. 6.10b)
Gj.sup = 1.35
Gj.inf = 1.00
Q,1 = 1.50 when unfavourable (0 when favourable)
Q,i = 1.50 when unfavourable (0 when favourable)
= 0.85 (so that Gj.sup = 0.85 1.35 1.15
See also EN1991 to EN 1999 for values used for imposed deformations

Design
situation
ALS (*)
(Eg. 6.11)

Permanent actions
Unfavourable

Favourable

Leading
accidental or
seismic action

Gkj,sup

Gkj,inf

Ad

Accompanying variable
actions
Main
(if any)

Others

Q,10,1Qk,1

Q,i0,i Qk,i

Q,i0,iQk,i

Accompanying variable
actions (**)
Main
(if any)

Others

11 or 22 Qk1

2,i Qk,i

ALS
2,i Qk,i
IAEK or AEd
Gkj,sup
Gkj,inf
(Eg. 6.12)
In the case of accidental design situations, the main variable action may be taken with its frequent or, as
in seismic combinations of actions, its quasi-permanent values. The choise will be in the national annex,
depending on the accidental action under consideration. See also EN 1991-1-2.

(**) Variable actions are those considered in Table 3.

Insert Project no.

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

Load combinations according to DS EN 1990 for:

Serviceability Limit State (SLS)
Ultimate Limit State (ULS)
Accidental Limit State (ALS)
Permanent actions Gd

Design situation

Variable actions Qd

Unfavourable

Favourable

Leading

Others

SLS
(Eq. 6.14b)*

Gkj,sup

Gkj,inf

Qk,1

0,iQk,i

SLS
(Eq. 6.15b)**

Gkj,sup

Gkj,inf

1,1 Qk,1

2,iQk,i

SLS
(Eq. 6.16b)***

Gkj,sup

Gkj,inf

2,1 Qk,1

2,iQk,i

* The equation (called the the characteristic combination) is normally used for irreversible limit states.
** The equation (called the the frequent combination) is normally used for reversible limit states.
*** The equation (called the the quasi-permanent combination) is normally used for long-term effects and the appearance of the
structure.

Leading
variable action
(*)

Permanent actions

Design
situation
ULS
(Eq. 6.10a)

Unfavourable

Favourable

KFIGj.supGkj,sup

Gj.infGkj,inf

ULS
Gj.infGkj,inf
KFIGj.supGkj,sup
(Eq. 6.10b)
(*)Variable actions are those considered in Table 3.

= 1.0

ULS
(Eq. 6.10a)

Gj.sup

Gj.inf

ALS (*)
(Eg. 6.11)

(i > 1)

KFIQ,1Qk,1

Q,1

Self weight
soil

Self weight
structure

Self weight
soil

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.0

0.9

1.0

1.5#

KFI depends on consequence class

Concequence class CC3/CC3+:
Concequence class CC2:
Concequence class CC1:

Design
situation

KFIQ,i0,i Qk,i

Self weight
structure

ULS
1.0
1.0
(Eq. 6.10b)
#) when unfavourable (0 when favourable)

Accompanying
variable actions

KFIQ,i0,iQk,i

Q,i

1.5#

KFI = 1.1
KFI = 1.0
KFI = 0.9

Permanent actions
Unfavourable

Favourable

Leading
accidental or
seismic action

Gkj,sup

Gkj,inf

Ad

Accompanying variable
actions (**)
Main
(if any)

Others

11 or 22 Qk1

2,i Qk,i

ALS
2,i Qk,i
IAEK or AEd
Gkj,sup
Gkj,inf
(Eg. 6.12)
In the case of accidental design situations, the main variable action may be taken with its frequent or, as
in seismic combinations of actions, its quasi-permanent values. The choise will be in the national annex,
depending on the accidental action under consideration.See also EN 1991-1-2.

(**) Variable actions are those considered in Table 3.

Insert Project no.

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

10

Values of :
Load

Live load

1.0
0.6
0.5
1.0
:
:

0.9
0.2
0.2
1.0
:
:

0.8
0.0
0.0
1.0
:
:

Wind load
Snow load
Internal design pressure
:
:
Table 3 -factors

5.2

Basis loads

5.2.1

Permanent loads

5.2.1.1

Structure

Part
Steel structure
Grating
5.2.1.2

Cladding

Part
Roof
Cladding
5.2.2

Load
7850 kg/m3
0.5 kN/m2

Load
1.0 kN/m2
1.0 kN/m2

Variable loads

5.2.2.1

Live loads

5.2.2.2

Environmental loads

5.2.2.3

Removable machinery and equipment

5.2.3

Accidental loads

5.2.3.1

Fire

5.2.3.2

Explosion

5.2.3.3

Collision

5.2.4

Seismic loads

5.2.5

Miscellaneous loads

5.2.5.1

Mass loads

5.2.5.2

Imperfections/Stabilizing loads

Insert Project no.

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

11

6.

FE-MODEL INPUT

6.1

General
[Short description of the FE-model. Plots form ROBOT Showing node numbers, element numbers
and releases]

6.2

Boundary conditions
Support
no.
1
2
3
:
:

UX

UY

UZ

Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
:
:

Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
:
:

Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
:
:

DoF
RX
Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
:
:

RY

RZ

Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
:
:

Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
Fixed/Free
:
:

[Plots from ROBOT showing boundary conditions]

6.3

Sectional properties
[Plots from ROBOT]

6.4

Basis loads
[Plots from ROBOT]

6.5

Load cases
[Table with all load cases]

6.6

Design parameters
Group
[ROBOT Group
Name]

Group
[ROBOT Group
Name]

Insert Project no.

Design parameter
Global buckling:
Buckling length (y-axis), LGB,Y
Buckling length (z-axis), LGB,z

1.0*Lmember
1.0*Lmember

Lateral buckling:
Load level
Lateral buckling length upper flange, Lcr
Lateral buckling length lower flange, Lcr

Upper flange
1.0*Lmember
1.0*Lmember

Deflection limit
max

1/200* Lmember

Design parameter
Global buckling:
Buckling length (y-axis), LGB,Y
Buckling length (z-axis), LGB,z

1.0*Lmember
1.0*Lmember

Lateral buckling:
Load level
Lateral buckling length upper flange, Lcr
Lateral buckling length lower flange, Lcr

Upper flange
1.0*Lmember
1.0*Lmember

Deflection limit
max

1/200* Lmember

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

7.

FE-MODEL OUTPUT

7.1

Utilization Ratios
[Plots from ROBOT]

7.2

Deflection
[Plots from ROBOT]

7.3

Reaction Forces
[Plots from ROBOT, Table with design reactions]

7.4

Sectional Forces in Connections

[Plots from ROBOT, Table with design forces]

Insert Project no.

12

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

13

8.

ELEMENTS VERIFIED BY HAND CALCULATIONS

8.1

General
[Description of the elements not verified by ROBOT. Plots from ROBOT showing location of the
elements]

8.2

Utilization Ratios
Element no.
UR

Insert Project no.

Load case

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

9.

14

REFERENCES
/1/
/2/
/3/
/4/

[Title],
[Title],
[Title],
[Title],

[Edition
[Edition
[Edition
[Edition

no]
no]
no]
no]

,
,
,
,

[Year]
[Year]
[Year]
[Year]

[T - Do not delete the following line since it contains a section break.]

Insert Project no.

1-1

APPENDIX 1
[DRAWINGS, EQUIPMENT DATA SHEETS]

Insert Project no.

1-2

[Text]

Insert Project no.

2-1

APPENDIX 2
ENVIRONMENTAL LOADS

Insert Project no.

2-2

[Text - Do not delete the following line since it contains a section break.]

Insert Project no.

3-1

APPENDIX 3
FE-INPUT

Insert Project no.

3-2

[Text - Do not delete the following line since it contains a section break.]

Insert Project no.

4-1

APPENDIX 4
FE-OUTPUT

Insert Project no.

4-2

[Text - Do not delete the following line since it contains a section break.]

Insert Project no.

5-1

APPENDIX 5
HAND CALCULATIONS

Insert Project no.

5-2

[Text - Do not delete the following line since it contains a section break.]

Insert Project no.

2-1

APPENDIX 2
EXAMPLE, FE-MODEL DESCRIPTION

Procedure for design of steel structures

2-2

Procedure for design of steel structures

FE-MODEL DESCRIPTION
[Text]
[Name]
[xx]
[dd/mm/yyyy]

To
From
Copy to

[Check Engineer]
[Design Engineer]
[Name]

1.

The Structure

1.1

Design criteria
Design
Siri Permanent Support Project
basis:
Design Basis Temporary Structure, Winch
Platform
[Ramboll doc. no.]

Ex

Job
Customer
Memo no.
Date

am

Structure to have a robust design.

Flexible to late and severe change in loadings acting on the
structure.
Minimize number of section types.
Member sections
Standard European sections.
Built-up sections

1.3

Releases
Primary structure:
Hinged in all bolted connections except internal connections in
inner and outer ring beams where connections are rigid.
All other joints are rigid.

Ramboll
Olof Palmes All 22
DK-8200 Aarhus N
Denmark
T +45 8944 7700
F +45 8944 7625
www.ramboll.com

pl

1.2

Date 01/11/2012

Secondary structure:
All joints are rigid.
Primary Secondary connections:
Bolted connections are assumed plastic hinges. In the FE-model the
connections are considered by applying link elements with various
capacities. The capacity of these link elements are based on
detailed FE-models and engineering assessment. The capacities are
documented in separate document.
1.4

1/5

Boundary conditions

Rambll Danmark A/S

DK reg.no. 35128417
Member of FRI

The structure is supported by the Siri Legs with use of drift mandrels in the jacking holes. All
boundary conditions in the FE-model are as described below with respect to the local
coordinate axis.
Drift Mandrel in Jacking Hole

Free
1.5

Translation
y-axis

z-axis

x-axis

Rotation
y-axis

z-axis

Restraint

Free

Free

Free

Ex

x-axis

Restraint

Material
Structural steel:
Bolts:

S355
8.8

pl

am
2/5

2.

Grouping of members

2.1

Member groups
Main steel
Secondary steel
Link elements

2.2

Design parameters
Group
Main steel

Design parameter
Global buckling:
Buckling length (y-axis), LGB,Y
Buckling length (z-axis), LGB,z

1.0*Lmember
1.0*Lmember

Lateral buckling:
Upper flange
1.0*Lmember
1.0*Lmember

Deflection limit
max

1/200* Lmember

Ex

Load level
Lateral buckling length upper flange, Lcr
Lateral buckling length lower flange, Lcr

Secondary steel

Design parameter

am

Group

Global buckling:
Buckling length (y-axis), LGB,Y
Buckling length (z-axis), LGB,z

1.0*Lmember
1.0*Lmember

Lateral buckling:

Upper flange
1.0*Lmember
1.0*Lmember

Deflection limit
max

1/200* Lmember

pl

Load level
Lateral buckling length upper flange, Lcr
Lateral buckling length lower flange, Lcr

Group

Design parameter

Link elements

Global buckling:
Buckling length (y-axis), LGB,Y
Buckling length (z-axis), LGB,z

N/A
N/A

Lateral buckling:

3/5

Load level
Lateral buckling length upper flange, Lcr
Lateral buckling length lower flange, Lcr

N/A
N/A
N/A

Deflection limit
max

N/A

2.3

Members not verified in ROBOT

None.

pl

am

Ex
4/5

3.

4.

Basis load cases

Dead load

Structure
Each equipment item is modelled as a basis load case

Live load

Personnel
All equipment items have individual basis load case. P=SWL
All strong points have individual basis load cases. P=SWL
Most critical installation load cases. See Design Basis

Load test

Considered to be included in the live load.

Environmental
loads

Wind load

Load combinations

pl

am

Ex
5/5