I was watching a video about structural calculation, where the example was a beam. The material introduced was the standard for concrete in Brazil, and then the goal was ‘how to extract results and transform it into a performance index.’ My question is: Is it correct to use that 1.4 for gamma_{M0} and gamma_{M1} there for material utilization? if not where in the calculation process?
Also, what other safety factors should be used ¿one for loads? Would I have to sum the permanent and variable loads and multiply them by a factor according to Eurocode/CTE in Spain couse i never see it in tutorials or examples…
And another doubt: If I want to calculate wind, I use a mesh load, but on one face, I would input pressure as a force in kN/m2, and then on the opposite face, another suction load also in kN/m2.I understand that this pressure and suction can also be applied as point or linear loads, for example, if I’m only calculating a frame/portal. Would the way of implementing the wind load be correct?
And finally, the most basic question that I’m not 100% sure about: The typical and basic supports are: fixed, where I should mark Tx, Ty, Tz, Rx, Ry, Rz; then pinned, where I should mark Tx, Ty, Tz, Rx; and for a roller,Tz andRz? I might be missing something here… and would it be the same logic but by unchecking the box for joints, which means allowing movement?
PD: is there a really detail simulation with all posible loads, all eurocodes and safety factors etc etc..
ad 1.) For reinforced concrete components, the material safety factor is 1.5, which is already incorporated into Karamba3D’s concrete material properties.
The 1.4 factor on the load side is a simplification: according to Eurocode for Ultimate Limit State (ULS), the safety factor for dead loads is 1.35, and for variable loads typically 1.5. When multiple variable loads act simultaneously, the 1.5 factor may be reduced. For a typical reinforced concrete structure, an overall load-side factor of 1.4 is a reasonable approximation.
Therefore, in Karamba3D, simplified calculations for displacement criteria can use characteristic loads (without safety factors), while for ULS, the factor of 1.4 is applied by limiting the maximum utilization of structural elements to 70% (since 0.7 ≈ 1/1.4).
ad 2.) The magnitude of wind loads depends heavily on the structure’s shape and the ratio of openings to closed surfaces. If you are uncertain about applying wind loads, please consult relevant textbooks. On the Karamba3D side, we plan to introduce a wind-load “wizard,” but this feature is still in the planning stage.
ad 3.) A dark spot in the center of a support radio button indicates that the corresponding degree of freedom (DOF) is fixed—that is, the support exists. For joints, a dark spot means a hinge is defined at that DOF. Further details on defining supports can be found here, and information on hinges here.
