The Extreme Loading® for Structures 3.1 Modeler follows an intuitive process of modeling that allows users to quickly and easily create structures in both 2-D and 3-D modes for with:

• Full 3-D Modeling: build and modify your models in a 3-D environment. All commands are now enabled to work in any view.
• Active Planes: specify active planes to simplify creating 3-D models.
• Enhanced Window Options: create multiple windows with cascade and tile options or dynamically view your model using snippet view.
• Enhanced Show/Hide: select, show, and hide objects using multiple filtering criteria.
• Pick Command: specify the coordinates of any point you need by simply selecting it using the pick command available in all dialog boxes.
• ELS Import/Export: allow users to import and export all or part of an ELS model from one ELS file to another.
• Import 3-D Meshes: save time wasted on creating complex models by importing meshes and input data from industry standard tools. Data exchange options include:
  • Import BIM structural components from Autodesk^® Revit^® Structure (2008/2009/2010)* and Bentley MicroStation (.dgn).
  • Import models from 10 commercial FEM software:
    

    Abaqus	I-DEAS	SAP 2000
    ANSYS	LS-Dyna	STAAD
    ETABS	NASTRAN
    Gambit	Patran

  • Additional import file types include .dxf and .stl.
  • Import reference attach.jpg images or single frames from .avi movies
• Pre-defined Styles (Building Components): saves time by allowing the user to edit standard building components rather than creating them from scratch.
• AISC Steel Sections
• Custom Built-up Steel Sections
• Cold Formed Steel Sections**
• Columns
• Girders
• Slabs
• Walls
• Windows
• Reinforcement
• Templates: create models for trusses, towers, domes, and multi-story buildings with solid or flat slabs using built-in templates.
• Custom reinforcement: model custom reinforcement bars, variably spaced stirrups, and steel sections.
• Built-up Steel Sections: convert draft objects into steel sections.
• Extrusion & Revolution: create objects using the extrusion or surface of revolution commands.
• Re-meshing: re-mesh element selections into square or voronoi (triangle) shaped elements to enhance and optimize element size and shape.
• Pre-stressing: apply pre-stressing in concrete and link elements.
• Cracks & Hole Tool: pre-define existing cracks or holes in structural components.
• Follow-me Option: simply create hollow tubes and pipes using drafting lines and selecting mesh properties.
• Command Line Settings: define custom command line shortcuts.
• Copy Format: copy structural objects with assigned loads and boundary conditions.
• Multiple Level Array: generate multiple copies of levels.
• Snap Options: helps you build your model quickly and accurately.
• Smart recognition of lines and shapes into structural components: helps the user convert lines and shapes either imported or drawn into the modeling window to three-dimensional structural components.
• Automatic mesh adjustment & connectivity between elements: element connectivity is generated automatically by the program without user-intervention. This saves precious time typically lost due to complex connectivity issues.
• Automatic formation of plastic hinges during both static and dynamic loading: the user is not required to make assumptions about which areas are prone to failure as this is determined automatically by the program. This saves time typically lost during trial and error processes.
 

*Special License Required. See the Plug-in's page for more information.

**Cold Formed Steel Library provided courtesy of The Steel Network, Inc.