… or perhaps one more. Following the previous post I have modified the py_BeamAct3D function to fix some problems with the non-linear analysis.

The latest version, together with an additional spreadsheet comparing results with Strand7, can be downloaded 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 screenshots below show results for a 32 metre long beam with 2 different cross sections loaded with a uniform transverse load, and a high axial load.

The function allows for the beam alignment to be defined in 3 dimensions, but for the purposes of comparison with Strand7 results it was aligned with the X axis:

Output results (for the first 12 metres) are shown below for a linear analysis, ignoring geometric non-linear effects:

Setting the analysis to non-linear significantly increased the beam action and deflections:

Beam deflections and actions are plotted below comparing the linear and non-linear results with Strand7 geometric non-linear results: