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As many readers will already know the structural engineering aspects of the extraordinary landmark at London 2012, the ArcelorMittal Orbit, was handled by Arup - who were also involved in many of the other Olympic venues. The software used to analyse the structure was Oasys GSA, developed by the software division within Arup, which covers a wide range of construction applications.

The latest version of the software - Oasys GSA8.7 - has just been released after successful beta testing of a range of new features, including enhanced performance. The analysis speed of GSA has already been described as being "amazing" by users, and GSA8.7 takes it to new levels; besides including advanced tools for analysis of the multiple elements that feature in current architectural design thinking.

MAIN ENHANCEMENTS TO GSA
Oasys has added Geometrically Nonlinear Shell to GASA elements that allow a wider range of structural elements to be analysed. These elements accurately model deflection and rotation problems where nonlinear elements, such as cables and beams, interact with concrete walls and steel plates.

The new curved and explicit members function will make the experience of analysing the many aesthetically- driven structures that Arup has to deal with, such as the ArcleorMittal Orbit, much easier. GSA includes a wide variety and complexity of shapes which can be analysed within GSA or included in model transfers with Autodesk's Revit. The Mesh generation tool, a complex and time consuming part of finite element analysis, has also been improved. This is a development that’s been particularly welcomed by beta testers, providing smaller and better conditioned meshes.

MORE DESIGN CODES
GSA is used throughout the world on major projects, and Oasys therefore remains committed to supporting all major country design codes for Steel design, including EN 1993-1-1:2010 Eurocode 3 (SS), and SANS 10162-1:2011, and for Concrete slabs: ACI 318-11 and ACI 318M-11, and numerous others. Footfall Analysis enhancements include BS6841: 1987. BS6472-1: 2008.

REVIT 2014 COMPATIBILITY
Links with Autodesk software have been updated to provide the compatibility that it has with Revit 2014 with a high integrity of model transfer and increased BIM coordination. Some highlights for this feature are the ability to export Revit marks GSA as names for members, elements and sections, and to export Revit slanted columns to GSA members as column types.

Revit curved members can be transferred as GSA curved members. Additional Section mapping options enable the Mapping database to be edited via GsRevit, and to allow GSA offsets to be imported into Revit.

ASSEMBLIES AND PATTERNS
GSA 8.7 introduces assemblies - a powerful way of combining multiple elements for analysis, and making the analysis and design of structural elements, such as concrete cores, quick and easy, producing overall and local forces, moments, storey drifts, etc. This is especially effective when combined with the improved wall elements.

While pattern loading on single beams is easy, it has long been considered impossible to automatically generate useful pattern loads on floor plates - until now. GSA 8.7 includes the latest research on this to enable users to create pattern loads on floors, no matter how irregular they are.

ABOUT OASYS LIMITED
Established in 1976, Oasys Limited is the software house of Arup, a global organisation of consulting engineers, planners and project managers working in all areas of the built environment (infrastructure, transportation, water, vehicle engineering etc.).

It is subject to the exacting demands of Arup engineers who require efficient, reliable and technically competent tools, and so the Oasys team delivers consistently superior and innovative products. Oasys software is characterised by intuitive user interfaces, ease of use, scalability and affordability.

It is emerging as a leading force in providing practical IT support for collaborative BIM and enables engineers to tackle every conceivable structural and geotechnical engineering challenge. To support this, Oasys has also developed Mail Manager, a tool that streamlines email workflow with two simple but powerful features - an efficient filing tool and a fast, flexible search.

Commenting on the new version of GSA, Peter Debney, applications engineer at Oasys Software, said "GSA offers a world class solution that is continuously improving - our development programme ensuring that it is indispensable at the cutting edge of architectural thinking. The focus on performance ensures that not only can GSA manage data models, but that it can also cost effectively run repeated 'what if' analyses on smaller projects, giving designers more freedom to explore new ideas."

Oasys software is available as a free trial for 30 days when you visit the website below.
www.oasys-software.com