The last post in the current series compares results from the py_Conbeam function with beam analysis results from the Strand7 FEA software.

There have been further  significant changes to the Python code and the spreadsheet, so please download the latest versions from:

py_ConBeamU.zip

Also, see Python and pyxll for details of the pyxll package required to link the Python code to Excel, including a 10% discount code for new users.

The Strand7 models, with bending moment results, are shown below:

• Three spans with cantilevers at each end and supports fixed or with spring stiffness for translation and rotation, or a specified vertical displacement.
• The beams were analysed with and without allowance for shear deflections.

• Two spans and one span with cantilevers at both ends, and a single cantilever fixed at the left-hand end.
• Applied loads and section properties (other than allowance for shear deflections) were the same for all five cases.

To ensure results matching as closely as possible, the beam section properties calculated in the Strand7 analysis were copied to the spreadsheet:

Data input for the single span beam is shown below. The same loads and beam segment lengths and EI values were used in all analyses. The supports were adjusted as required, and the section GA values were set to zero for the beam not including shear deflections.

Support data is shown below for the three span beam, with results from the spreadsheet and Strand7 analyses.

The analyses were found to be in exact agreement, to machine accuracy, for all cases, including beam actions, deflections and rotations, and support reactions:

The download zip file includes the latest versions of the Python files, copies of the spreadsheet with and without the Strand7 results, and a copy of the Strand7 data and results files.