Very Basic GSA

GSA Essentials
www.oasys-software.com
GSA – Using Analytical Software
• Introduction
• Getting Started
• Structural Model Types
• Information Required
• Input Data
• Realistic Input
• Tutorial example
Definition of Structural Engineering
• Structural Engineering is the art of designing structures

• to withstand loads that we cannot predict
• using materials whose properties we cannot measure
• by methods of analysis that we cannot prove
• and to do so in a manner that ensures that the public and
client are ignorant of our shortcomings
GSA - Introduction
GSA - Introduction
What is GSA?
“GSA has developed from a program for the static

analysis of three-dimensional structures composed
of skeletal elements, to become a complete analysis
package with connection to spreadsheet, CAD and
design programs.”
GSA - Introduction
What is GSA?
• Written by Oasys for Arup (but also commercially available).
• Based on Stiffness Matrix and Dynamic Relaxation Philosophies
• 3 dimensional - 6 degrees of freedom
• Not material specific
GSA – Getting Started
Graphics
Gateway Window
Object
Viewer
Notes are
very useful
for version
numbers and
memory
prompts
Structural Type:
• Space
• Grid
• Plane
• Plane Stress
• Plane Strain
• Axisymmetric
GSA - Structural Model Types
Space Grid
• 6 degrees of freedom: • 3 degrees of freedom:
• x,y,z translation • z translation
• xx,yy,zz rotation • xx,yy rotation
• Example: Any structural • Example: Floor plate or
with 3D load paths and Bridge Deck where we
loading (Stadia!) are interested in out of
• Note: Most common plane forces and
displacements
Plane Plane Stress

• x,z translation • x,y translation
• yy rotation • zz rotation
• Example: This is used for • Example: Any 2D analysis
modelling for example a such as a frame or support
2D frame. system where we are
interested in in plane
forces
Plane Strain Axisymmetric

• x,y translation • x,y translation
• no rotation • no rotation
• Example: This is a 2D • Example: A continuous
representation (slice) of problem with an axis of
a long problem such as a rotation such as a
tunnel. The slice is cylindrical tank or vessel
constrained in its section
unlike plane stress
GSA – Information Required
Model Structure
GSA
INPUT MODEL OUTPUT
GSA – Information Required
Model Structure
INPUT OUTPUT
• Geometry • Forces
- Nodes • Deflections
- Elements • Stresses
• Properties • Graphics
GSA
- Restraints MODEL
- Materials
• Loads
- Permanent
- Variable
GSA – Input Data
Sequence
You start to create a model in the following sequence:
• Define the nodes – Nodes are points in space represented
by co-ordinates
• Define the elements - Elements are the items that are
analysed. Their position in space is determined by the
nodes which they are connected to.
• Assign properties – Both nodes and elements have
properties.
• Define the loads – Loads can by applied to both nodes and
elements
GSA – Input Data
All menus are duplicated in the

Gateway
For simple models follow the order on

the bottom of the main screen
GSA – Input Data
Method
There are three ways of inputting data into GSA to define
the nodes and elements:
• Manually – inserting data in tabulated format
GSA – Input Data
GSA – Input Data
Method

• Sculpting – using the sculpt toolbar you can define the
geometry in the graphics window
GSA – Input Data
SCULPT TOOLBAR
GSA – Input Data
Method

• Sculpting – using the sculpt toolbar you can define the
geometry in the graphics window
• Copying – alternatively duplicate existing geometry to
extend the model
GSA – Input Data
GSA – Input Data
Properties
• Node Properties
• Restraints
Free Pin Encastre
Six degrees of freedom:
Translational: X Y Z
Rotational: XX YY ZZ
GSA – Input Data
Properties
- The default constraint axis for
• Node Properties a node is the GLOBAL axis.
• Restraints - An user defined axis can be
• Constraint axis created and used to constrain
a node so it can have support
conditions related to the new
axis.
GSA uses the

right-hand rule to
define axes.
GSA – Input Data
User Axis
- created to
Global constrain nodes for
Axes section of building
that is at an angle
on plan
GSA – Input Data
Properties
• Element Properties Main Types:
• Element Type • Beam – bending, torsion and axial
• Bar – axial only
• Tie – tension only (non-linear)
• Strut – compression only (non-
Struts linear)
Other types:
• Links
Beam • Mass
Bar • 2D (Quad 4, Quad 8, Tri 3 and Tri 6)
• Cable
• Spacer
GSA – Input Data
Properties
• Element Properties - The section property defines
• Element Type the element’s material,
• Section property cross-section, etc
GSA – Input Data
Properties
- End releases define the
• Element Properties restraints at the end of
• Element Type the element in term of its
• Section property
local axis
• End releases
- As with nodes there are
six degrees of freedom.
Simply
supported
connection
Rotation released about the local yy and zz

axis of the element (indicated by cross-hairs)
GSA – Input Data - Properties
Z
z'
z x

y 2
• Element Properties
• Element Type
1 Revised
Global Y
Local
• Section property
axis Axis
• End releases
• Orientation X
X
• Orientation is used to alter the

x
local axis of an element.
Z
Default
2
Local
• The element y and z axes are Axis
rotated from their default positions y'
z
about the element x axis by the 
y
Y
orientation angle (Beta). 1
X
X
GSA – Input Data
Properties
• Element Properties
• Element Type - Alternative to Beta angle
• Section property is to orientate elements to
• End releases a node
• Orientation
ŷ
ŷ ŷ
z ŷ ŷ
x ŷ ŷ
y
GSA – Input Data
Loads
• Beam Loading
- Beam Load
- Prestress
- Distortion
- Thermal Load
GSA – Input Data
Loads
• Beam loading
• Gravity
GSA – Input Data
Loads
• Beam loading
• Gravity
• Node Loading
- Node Loads – Fx, Fy, Fz, Mxx, Myy,
Mzz applied at node in node axis
directions
- Settlement which is a
displacement or rotation applied
at node.
Note that a node should be
restrained in a direction before a
settlement is applied
GSA – Appropriate Modelling
Model Structure
RUBBISH GSA RUBBISH

IN MODEL OUT
Why did the

columns crack
on site?
If the analysis model doesn’t reflect what’s actually built

in terms of DETAILING then it may be meaningless.
Analysis should never be carried out in a vacuum, oblivious

to the practicalities of construction, which in themselves
may vary from region to region.
Make sure that you design for all the induced forces
• Sleipner A Offshore Platform
Ensure that you model is sufficiently detailed to get

accuracy
Make sure that you model is not over-complicated so that

mistakes are not missed
i.e. Design your model to give you the required results
K.I.S.S.
• It is easy to make something difficult

• It is difficult to make something easy
“Things should be made as simple as possible,

but no simpler”
Albert Einstein

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Very Basic GSA

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GSA Essentials

• Structural Engineering is the art of designing structures

“GSA has developed from a program for the static

Plane Plane Stress

Plane Strain Axisymmetric

All menus are duplicated in the

For simple models follow the order on

• Manually – inserting data in tabulated format

• Manually – inserting data in tabulated format

• Manually – inserting data in tabulated format

Six degrees of freedom:

GSA uses the

Rotation released about the local yy and zz

• Orientation is used to alter the

orientation angle (Beta). 1

RUBBISH GSA RUBBISH

Why did the

If the analysis model doesn’t reflect what’s actually built

Analysis should never be carried out in a vacuum, oblivious

• Sleipner A Offshore Platform

• Sleipner A Offshore Platform

• Sleipner A Offshore Platform

Ensure that you model is sufficiently detailed to get

Make sure that you model is not over-complicated so that

i.e. Design your model to give you the required results

• It is easy to make something difficult

“Things should be made as simple as possible,

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