Virtuosity Blog

Critical factors and tips for modeling of diaphragms

Written by Samantha Langdeau | Jun 23, 2020 2:13:11 PM
How has the modeling of diaphragms for structural analysis evolved?

This series of articles by Allen Adams, Senior Product Manager at Bentley Systems, provides insight into historical influences on structural analysis methodologies applied today.

History helps with understanding the origin of the how and why of commonly accepted practices and can assist when automated results require verification by manual calculation. Providing historical background helps answer confusion about the methods used, the results obtained, and clarify best practices and methods for particular conditions.

In addition to historical background, the series focuses on types of diaphragm models that can be used, and the corresponding results from each method. Engineers will discover various tips and critical factors to consider when using each type of diaphragm model to mitigate the shortcomings inherent with each.

 

* For more information on software that can be used for modeling diaphragms please visit the RAM Structural System page on virtuosity.com.


  • Post 1: A History of Diaphragms 
    Learn about a brief history of the consideration of diaphragms in hand calculations and analysis programs to understand why diaphragms are considered the way they are in modern analysis programs and even in building codes and specifications.

  • Post 2: Types of Diaphragms 
    Read about the various types of diaphragms used in different types of analysis. This covers flexible diaphragms, rigid diaphragms, semirigid diaphragms and even pseudo-flexible diaphragms. Many of these are covered in the building codes of ASCE 7-16.

  • Post 3: Characteristics and Modeling of Flexible Diaphragms 
    Take a closer look at the characteristics and modeling of flexible diaphragms and how ASCE 7-16 Section 12.3.1.1 describes configurations.

  • Post 4:  Classifying Rigid Diaphragms 
    This blog post dives into rigid diaphragms such as concrete slabs and how ASCE 7-16 Section 12.2.1.2 defines rigid.