Answer: Numerical instability warnings indicate that digits of accuracy were lost during computation. CSI software performs computation with 16 digits of accuracy, some of which may be lost when analysis involves systems of significantly different stiffness, in which lower-order values are truncated to suit operations with higher-order values. This is normal for any computational software. Different levels of information are provided depending on the solver used:
The Multi-threaded solver should only be used after the stability of the model has been determined by previous analyses. If the Advanced solver indicates instabilities, re-run with the Standard solver for more details, or consider the methods below to check the model. If the Standard solver or other checks indicate sufficient stability and accuracy, then warnings from the Advanced solver can be ignored.
All three solvers report the number of negative stiffness eigenvalues found during linear equation solving ("number of eigenvalues below the shift"). This should always be zero except when performing an eigen modal analysis with a positive shift, which is not common. If the number of negative stiffness eigenvalues is not zero, a serious problem exists. This could be due to instability, very poor conditioning, or to buckling under P-delta.
A model should always be checked for stability and ill-conditioning without P-delta effects first. If the lost digits or negative stiffness eigenvalues occur only when performing P-delta analysis, please refer to the following information: P-Delta FAQ and troubleshooting.
Certain models may exhibit negative stiffness values even for linear cases in this case Select all deck/shell objects in the model, then select Assign > Shell Elements > Auto Line Constraint and uncheck the Apply to Full Structure option. This will remove auto line constraints and possibly resolve instabilities.
Regardless of the solver used, it is always recommended to carefully review the deformed shape for the gravity load case and the first few eigen-modes of vibration to make sure they are as expected. This can help determine problematic areas. Some situations where numerical instability may occur include:
Note that Eigen modal analysis is recommended for finding instabilities and numerical problems and to better understand your structure, even though Ritz analysis is preferred for performing subsequent dynamic analyses (response-spectrum and modal time-history).
Channel Partner Map & Directory
If you purchased your software through one of our international channel partners and have questions regarding support, upgrades, or maintenance, please contact them directly.
Founded in 1975, Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI) is recognized globally as the pioneering leader in software tools for structural and earthquake engineering. Software from CSI is used by thousands of engineering firms in over 160 countries for the design of major projects, including the Taipei 101 Tower in Taiwan, One World Trade Center in New York, the 2008 Olympics Birds Nest Stadium in Beijing and the cable-stayed Centenario Bridge over the Panama Canal. CSI's software is backed by more than four decades of research and development, making it the trusted choice of sophisticated design professionals everywhere.
Each of these programs offers unique capabilities and tools that are tailored to different types of structures and problems, allowing users to find just the right solution for their work. SAP2000 is intended for use on civil structures such as dams, communication towers, stadiums, industrial plants and buildings. CSiBridge offers powerful parametric design of concrete and steel bridges. ETABS has been developed specifically for multi-story commercial and residential building structures, such as office towers, apartments and hospitals. The SAFE System provides an efficient and powerful program for the analysis and design of concrete slabs and foundations, with or without post-tensioning. PERFORM-3D is a highly focused nonlinear tool offering powerful performance based design capabilities.
With its uniquely qualified staff of professional structural engineers, researchers, academicians, and its worldwide involvement in the structural engineering community, CSI has been at the forefront of structural software development for nearly four decades. With CSI products you can be confident that you have the finest structural engineering software available, backed by a company with an unmatched record of innovation, and an unrivaled commitment to meet the ever-evolving needs of the profession.\r\n\t\t\t
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Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI) has implemented a comprehensive quality management system to ensure that customer expectations and industry requirements are not only met but exceeded. Since 2008, CSI has been certified ISO 9001-compliant by Det Norske Veritas, an independent certification agency accredited by the International Organization for Standardization.
Our quality management system covers processes and procedures for activities specific to the design and development of all of our software products. Sales, licensing, customer support, and purchasing- and distribution-related processes are also controlled under the quality management system.
\r\n\t\t\tCSI offers an enhanced error notification service for customers wishing to comply with reporting regulations set forth by the nuclear industry. With this service, customers receive a customized notification whenever a qualifying error is found in CSI software, including the nature, scope and impact of the error and a workaround whenever possible. Customers may make their own determination as to whether the error is safety-related. Contact CSI Sales for more information about the Error Notification Service or contact sales for pricing. CSI does not report software errors directly to the NRC or any other agency. \r\n\t\t
\r\n CSiXCAD, a CSI developed plug-in for AutoCAD and BricsCAD, streamlines drawing production by directly interacting with ETABS and SAP2000. CSiXCAD provides a live link between structural models defined and maintained in ETABS or SAP2000 and the drawings documenting them in the CAD software. CSiXCAD generates a full 3-D model and automatically generates an initial set of drawings that can then be refined within the CAD software.\r\n
\r\n The link between Tekla Structures and SAP2000 or ETABS allows models to be started in either product, then transferred to the other. Round-tripping of models is possible, including accepting of changes when transferring from SAP2000 or ETABS to Tekla Structures. It is also possible to merge changes to a Tekla Structures model to an existing SAP2000 or ETABS model.\r\n
\r\n Support of IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) data models provides compatibility with other BIM enabled applications. SAP2000, CSiBridge, and ETABS all support import and export of IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 formats.\r\n
\r\n Channel Partner Map & Directory
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\r\n If you purchased your software through one of our international channel partners and have questions regarding support, upgrades, or maintenance, please contact them directly.\r\n
\r\n\t\t\tWith a little programming knowledge, it is possible to create a spreadsheet, plugin or third-party application that can interface with CSI software. The API is compatible with most major programming languages including Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), VB.NET, C#, C++, Visual Fortan, Python, and Matlab. Whether you are a seasoned developer or new to programming, you will find the CSI API syntax easy and intuitive.\r\n\t\t\t
Starting with ETABS v18, SAP2000 v21, CSiBridge v21, and SAFE v20 it is now possible to develop cross-product API tools that work with all three products. This allows you to write the code once and use it in all three products. These versions of the API are also forward compatible to future major versions of these products without the need for recompiling.
\r\n\t\t\tThird-party developers, such as CAD and 3D modeling developers, can use the API to enable their software with all of the sophisticated analysis and design technology of CSI software. Developers can create rich and tight two-way links with CSI software, allowing for accurate transfer of models, complete control of execution, and extraction of analysis and design information, all from within their application. \r\n\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\tThe CSI API offers direct, fast and efficient access to all of the advanced numerical methods of CSI software. It allows direct two-way transfer of information without intermediate files, providing fast throughput for large models. Use of the CSI API by third-party developers all but guarantees that their applications will remain compatible with future releases of CSI software, a nontrivial concern for both developers and users.\r\n\t\t\t
For qualified users and third-party developers who would like technical support to help them build solutions and integrations with CSI Products using the OAPI, CSI has created a subscription-based service, CSI Developer Network (CSIDN). Qualified developers may also be entitled to free licenses of CSI Products for integration development purposes. CSI reserves the right to qualify potential subscribers to CSIDN on a case by case basis.
CSI has long been at the forefront of software development and our products are used by the most sophisticated\r\n design professionals in over 160 countries worldwide. We are a company with an unmatched record of innovation\r\n and an unrivaled commitment to meeting the ever-evolving needs of the structural engineering profession. We are\r\n pleased to offer an excellent salary package plus benefits including 401(k), health coverage, dental coverage,\r\n vision coverage, and more.
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