Introduction to Computer Aided Structural Analysis:

PROKON Structural Analysis and Design

1. Introduction

Prokon is a structural analysis software developed by South African structural engineers Karl
Eschberger and Jacques Piennar. Initially launched in 1989 as a software running on DOS-based
personal computers, currently Prokon contains modules for a wide range of engineering analysis
and designs, including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering and water networks.

In this course we will be using the Frame module in Prokon to calculate design forces in a 2D
frame structure. Sections 2 to 6 guide you through the process of using Prokon for structural
analysis. The general procedure explained here is the same for any other structural analysis
program.

Figure 1 - Prokon 2.4 Graphical User Interface

The newer versions of the software contain parametric models (or Wizards) for typical structures
(e.g. roof trusses) where the software would generate the definition of the structure with a few
inputs of geometric and material data. Prokon also includes design modules for steel, concrete
and timber design. You are directed to the Prokon user manual (and other online resources) to
further explore these features available in Prokon.

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Since we are analysing a framed structure, first select the Frame module under Analysis tab.

2. Preliminaries

2.1. Units

Prokon allows you to work with either metric or imperial units. You can check the units in use (and
change them if necessary) using the Convert Units button in Settings page. Select the preferred
units and be consistent when entering values, being especially careful of parameters with
compound units (e.g. stress)

Figure 2 – Settings Page

2.2. Problem settings

Within the Settings page (Figure 2), you can specify the domain of your problem and the type
of analysis you want to carry out. This essentially simplify (or generalize if you so choose) the
problem. The appropriate choice of domain will be based on the specific problem at hand and
what you expect to do from the results. For the analysis of a 2D frame under static loading
condition we can select XY Plane (Domain) and Linear (Analysis type).

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3. Define the structure

Different structural analysis programs would have different preferred sequence in entering
geometry data. Although Prokon lists the pages (under Input tab) in a certain order, it does not
care about the order if you have entered all the necessary data before you run the analysis. It will
point you to missing data through the Error List button

3.1. Nodes and members

First you need to define the nodal locations (this is where you make use of the initial desk work
you did at the tutorial class). You need not input coordinates of every node; you can make use of
the (i) node increment (Node Inc) or (ii) increment to end (Inc to End) option in the Nodes table.

Figure 3 – Node input table

Once all the nodes are defined, you can move on to Beams/Cables to define the members by
specifying the terminal nodes. Members can be defined (i) individually as nodal pairs (e.g. 1-2) or
(ii) as a group by defining a string of nodes (e.g. 1-2-3-4-5). The latter can be written in a simplified
manner if the node increments are constant (e.g. 1-2--5).

Figure 4 – Beam/Cables input table

The section to be represented by the line connecting the nodes must also be defined here, under
Section Name. However, we will only define sections in Section 3.2. You can leave this column
blank and fill it once the sections are defined. Considering the above, it is preferred to define
beam elements grouped together by the section types to be used.

It is required to define the end fixity (Releases) of the members; F denotes fixed (full rotational
continuity), P denotes pinned (no rotational restraint), T denotes torsional fixity (rotational restraint
about element axis only). The program assumes full fixity (F) if this entry is left blank

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Beta (β) is the rotation of the section about its longitudinal axis (local y-z plane is considered
vertical – see Figure 5). This will be useful if you need to change the orientation of a UC section
in a 3D column-beam framed structure.

Figure 5 – Definition of local axis and β

The graphic window below the data table will update real-time as you define the nodes and
members. You can use this to verify that you are properly entering the geometry.

3.2. Sections and materials

Beam sections of appropriate material need to be defined such that beam sections can be
assigned to members defined in section 3.1. Sections and materials can be either (i) manually
defined or (ii) directly extracted from global databases by clicking Sections and Materials
buttons.

Selection of sections from the database will inherit beam section designation, section properties
and material properties. You are free to give an appropriate section name, which will then be used
in Beam/Cables input table.

Figure 6 – Beam sections input table

There is also an option to define tension only members. This is useful when you have cables in
your structure.

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4. Define boundary conditions

4.1. Support conditions

Support conditions can be specified for relevant nodes. The notation used is uppercase letters to
denote translational fixity and lowercase letters to denote rotational fixity. The option of prescribing
the same fixity to a set of nodes at regular increment is available.

You can also (i) prescribe nodal displacements (P) and (ii) apply spring support (S) – see Figure
7.

Figure 7 – Supports input table

4.2. External forces (loads)

Loads can be added to nodes or to members. A load case (e.g. permeant action, variable action)
can be defined as a set of nodal or beam loads. Load cases can then be combined to define load
combinations considered.

Nodal loads can also be defined on a sequence of regularly incrementing nodes (see Table 8).

Figure 8 – Nodal Loads input table

Beam loads include both (i) nodal loads and (ii) uniformly varying loads (uniformly distributed
loads being a special case of this) applied to a beam. The direction of the loading can be in global
X, Y or Z directions or perpendicular to the member (i.e. parallel to local axis y) by specifying the
direction as L. Note that load start point (a for point load P) is measured from the first node (of
the nodal pair defining beam element).

Figure 9 – Beam Loads input table

You can also add temperature loads (i.e. expansion or contraction due to temperature variations)
to a beam.

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A load combination is a weighted linear sum of load cases. The partial factors of safety for
ultimate limit state (ULS) and serviceability limit state (SLS) for each load case, for each load
combination needs to be entered.

Figure 10 – Combinations input table

If a density value is given in the material definition, the program can

automatically account for self-weight. This can be done by selecting a
load case under “add own weight to load case” in General page in
Input. In some versions of Prokon software this will be under Settings)

5. Analysis

Once all the appropriate entries in the Input tab are filled, you can move
onto the analysis tab. Before you run the analysis, it is advisable to
check for Warning and Errors, and resolve if any. Figure 11 - General
page under Input tab
6. Output

There are four main outputs from Prokon static analysis;

(i) deflected pattern of the structure

(ii) support reactions
(iii) beam forces (axial forces, bending moments and shear forces), including force
envelopes

Force envelopes give a graphical representation of member forces under all load
cases/combinations considered and critical member forces can be easily identified from this.

Before you use the above output data for design it is important to validate your model. For the
case of a 2D frame you can (i) check if the deflected pattern to be of appropriate shape and order
of magnitude (ii) check the values of support reactions (iii) check axial force of members (under
a simple test load case).

Prokon software allows you to design the members of the structure and take the design outputs
and calculations in typical design calculation sheets.