MEMO

MEMO CONCERNS

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COMMENTS ARE INVITED
FOR YOUR ATTENTION
USFOS AS Release Notes

AS AGREED
USFOS Version 8-6
Phone: +47 905 05 717
www.USFOS.com
DISTRIBUTION
Enterprise No.: NO 986 827 374 MVA
Members of USFOS user group X

FILE CODE CLASSIFICATION

Confidential
REFERENCE NO.

PROJECT NO. DATE PERSON RESPONSIBLE / AUTHOR NUMBER OF PAGES

2012-01-01 Tore Holmas 32

Release Notes

USFOS 8-6, Jan 2012

This memo contains project information and preliminary results as a basis for final report(s).
USFOS AS accepts no responsibility of this memo and no part of it may be copied.
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1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................3

2 IMPORTANT CHANGES IN VERSION 8-6 ......................................................................4

2.1 FINITE ELEMENT MODEL ....................................................................................................4
2.1.1 Restrictions on element length to diameter ratio ......................................................4
2.1.2 Restrictions on eccentricity to element length ratio ..................................................8
2.1.3 Restrictions on Soil thickness to Pile diameter ratio...............................................11
2.2 NEW DEFAULTS ................................................................................................................13
2.2.1 Default Joint Capacity.............................................................................................13
2.2.2 Default Soil model. ..................................................................................................13
2.2.3 Default Hydro accuracy. .........................................................................................13
2.2.4 Default numerical procedure. .................................................................................13
3 NEWS IN USFOS VERSION 8-6 - 2012. ............................................................................14
3.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................14
3.2 HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR USFOS VERSION .........................................................................14
3.3 ENHANCED GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE ........................................................................15
3.3.1 External Pressure ....................................................................................................15
3.3.2 Plot Size / Plot Scaling. ...........................................................................................16
3.4 HYDRODYNAMICS ............................................................................................................17
3.4.1 Buoyancy .................................................................................................................17
3.4.2 Tidal Level ...............................................................................................................17
3.5 TUBULAR JOINT CAPACITY MODELS ................................................................................18
3.5.1 Geometry Modelling................................................................................................18
3.5.2 New Joint Curve default ..........................................................................................19
3.5.3 API RP2A-WSD .......................................................................................................20
3.5.4 ISO 19902................................................................................................................20
3.5.5 Utility tool JntRes ....................................................................................................20
3.6 PILE - SOIL .......................................................................................................................22
3.6.1 Pile Option ..............................................................................................................22
3.6.2 Soil Curve visualization...........................................................................................23
3.6.3 Pile Upper Bound Capacity ....................................................................................24
3.7 MEMBER IMPERFECTIONS .................................................................................................25
3.7.1 Element Imperfection / Dent....................................................................................25
3.7.2 Member Imperfection ..............................................................................................25
3.8 STRAIN CALCULATION .....................................................................................................27
3.9 MISCELLANEOUS ..............................................................................................................28
3.9.1 Spring Property scaling...........................................................................................28
3.9.2 Friction Element......................................................................................................29
3.9.3 Extended Shell element results ................................................................................29
3.9.4 Element eXtra masses..............................................................................................29
3.9.5 Extended Dynres_G.................................................................................................30
3.9.6 New Dynres_X command ........................................................................................30
3.10 SWITCHES, (SPECIAL OPTIONS). ...................................................................................31
3.11 UPDATES USFOS AND UTILITY TOOLS ..............................................................................32
3.12 NEW/MODIFIED INPUT COMMANDS ...................................................................................32
3.13 DOCUMENTATION .............................................................................................................32

Release Notes USFOS version 8-6 USFOS AS 2012-01-01

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1 Introduction
The current official version of USFOS is version 8-6 with release date 2012-01-01. The release
contains the following:

Release Notes (this MEMO)

Updated software on www.usfos.com
Extended examples library on www.usfos.com
Updated manuals on www.usfos.com

Except for this MEMO, no written information will be distributed in connection with this release.
All information is stored on the WEB.

NOTE, USFOS 8-6 comes with some important changes. Please read the section:

Important Changes in version 8-6

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2 Important Changes in version 8-6

In order to improve the quality of the analysis results, several important changes are made. The
changes could be split into two main groups:

1. More strict checking of the finite element model

2. New defaults and accuracy parameters

2.1 Finite Element model

2.1.1 Restrictions on element length to diameter ratio

The USFOS beam element is designed for being able to describe the behaviour of the physical
member with only one element. Using very short element could cause unnecessary numerical
problems and should be avoided. Element lengths as shown in Figure 2-1 is not recommended.

Figure 2-1 Illegal small Length-to-diameter ratio. Standard Beam element

Extreme small element-length –to – diameter ratios is checked for.

The ratio: L/D (D is set to height of I- and Box sections)

is computed for all standard beam elements (not special). If the ratio is less than 0.5, USFOS will
report this as an illegal short element and stop with an error message.

Following information are given:

• The elements are printed in the “out” file (see Figure 2-5)
• The USFOS label file: “prefix”_illegal_short_elements.usl” could be opened in xact and the
illegal elements are shown. (see Figure 2-6)

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The best option is always to modify the structural model and remove unnecessary sub-divisions of
members, (or even better: create a good model from the beginning). However, if the user decides
to keep the short elements the “ILLEGAL” command could be used to bypass the check.

Figure 2-2 describes the recommended “bypassing”: Specification one-by-one. This option means
that the user has an overview over important and less important elements, (which f ex remain
elastic and therefore are not so vulnerable for short length).

The option works as follows:

• A new minimum L/D ration is defined by the user

• The element to accept are listed

The minimum L/D could be re-defined several times. The commands are executed in the specified
sequence.

‘ Key-1 Opt Value

Illegal BeamLength Accept 0.3 ! Redefine Min L/D

‘ Key-1 Opt IDs

Illegal BeamLength Elem 1001 1002 ! Accept elem 1001 and 1002
2001 2002 ! Accept elem 2001 and 2002
3001 3002 ! Accept elem 3001 and 3002

‘ Key-1 Opt Value

Illegal BeamLength Accept 0.1 ! Redefine Min L/D

‘ Key-1 Opt IDs

Illegal BeamLength Elem 7001 7002 ! Accept elem 7001 and 7002

Figure 2-2 Accepting short elements. Specification element-by-element

The “lazy” (not recommended) version is to accept all short elements without any specification. A
warning will be printed in the output file, (see Figure 2-4).

‘ Key-1 Opt Value

Illegal BeamLength Accept 0.001 ! Redefine Min L/D

‘ Key-1 Opt
Illegal BeamLength UsersRisk ON ! Accepting everything unchecked

Figure 2-3 Accepting short elements without element specification

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------------------------------------------------
-- * * * W A R N I N G * * * --
-- Unconditionally Acceptance of --
-- Very Short Beams on Users own Risk --
------------------------------------------------

Figure 2-4 The warning is printed in the output file.

In the output file (.out), the results from element checking are printed. If illegal short elements are
found, the L/D is printed. The shortest element is printed, which in this example has a L/D ratio of
less than 2%.

---- C H E C K I N G B E A M - E L E M E N T L E N G T H -----

Minimum Length/Diam for struct elem : 0.500

Minimum Length/Diam for pile elem : 1.000
Maximum Ecc/Length ratio : 0.500
Model to use for short elements : 0

----------------------------------
.... Checking Structural Elements
----------------------------------
Illegal short struct element : 605163 , L/D = 0.20
Illegal short struct element : 108100 , L/D = 0.17
Illegal short struct element : 118100 , L/D = 0.02
Illegal short struct element : 403458 , L/D = 0.30

......
......

Illegal short struct element : 403642 , L/D = 0.30

Illegal short struct element : 503200 , L/D = 0.40
Illegal short struct element : 503295 , L/D = 0.40
Illegal short struct element : 503456 , L/D = 0.40
Illegal short struct element : 503636 , L/D = 0.40

Checking of struct elements completed.

Smallest L/D found : 0.01706

Figure 2-5 The Errors and list of illegal elements are printed in the output file.

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The “Label file” describes where the illegal elements are located, and the Illegal Length to
Diameter ratio is printed for each element.

Figure 2-6 The short elements are documented in the Label File.

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2.1.2 Restrictions on eccentricity to element length ratio

Another source for numerical inaccuracies/problems is using extreme eccentricities. Figure 2-7
describes an element, where the eccentricities are very big compared with the length of the
element (the flexible part).

Element
Ecc.

Nodes

Figure 2-7 Illegal big Eccentricity-to-BeamLength ratio

Extreme big eccentricity –to – element lengths are checked for.

The ratio: (e1+e2) / L (e1+e2 is the sum of eccentricities)

is computed for all standard beam elements. If the ratio exceeds 0.5, USFOS will report this as an
illegal big eccentricity and stop with an error message.

Following information are given:

• The elements are printed in the “out” file, (see Figure 2-11)
• The USFOS label file: “prefix”_illegal_big_eccentricities.usl” could be opened in xact and
the illegal elements are shown. (see Figure 2-12)

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‘ Key-1 Opt Value

Illegal Eccentricity Accept 3 ! Redefine Max e/L

‘ Key-1 Opt IDs

Illegal Eccentricity Elem 1001 1002 ! Accept elem 1001 and 1002
2001 2002 ! Accept elem 2001 and 2002
3001 3002 ! Accept elem 3001 and 3002

‘ Key-1 Opt Value

Illegal Eccentricity Accept 10 ! Redefine Max e/L

‘ Key-1 Opt IDs

Illegal Eccentricity Elem 7001 7002 ! Accept elem 7001 and 7002

Figure 2-8 Accepting big eccentricities elements. Specification element-by-element

The “lazy” (not recommended) version is to accept elements with big eccentricities without any
specification. A warning will be printed in the output file, (see Figure 2-10).

‘ Key-1 Opt Value

Illegal Eccentricities Accept 10 ! Redefine Max e/L

‘ Key-1 Opt
Illegal Eccentricities UsersRisk ON ! Accepting everything unchecked

Figure 2-9 Accepting big eccentricities without element specification

------------------------------------------------
-- * * * W A R N I N G * * * --
-- Unconditionally Acceptance of --
-- Very big E/L ratios on Users own Risk --
------------------------------------------------

Figure 2-10 The warning is printed in the output file.

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----------------------------------
.... Checking Eccentricities
----------------------------------
Illegal big E/L ratio for element : 501110 , E/L = 0.75
Illegal big E/L ratio for element : 505160 , E/L = 1.22
Illegal big E/L ratio for element : 503190 , E/L = 0.78
Illegal big E/L ratio for element : 425822 , E/L = 4.61

.......
.......

Illegal big E/L ratio for element : 435822 , E/L = 4.61

Illegal big E/L ratio for element : 445822 , E/L = 4.61
Illegal big E/L ratio for element : 515822 , E/L = 4.61

Checking of eccentricities completed.

Biggest E/L found : 14.82887

Figure 2-11 The Errors and list of illegal elements are printed in the output file.

Figure 2-12 Elements with illegal big eccentricities are shown

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2.1.3 Restrictions on Soil thickness to Pile diameter ratio

In order to ensure that the finite element model does not contain very short elements, the pile-soil
model is checked for “too-thin-soil-layers”.

In a normal pile-soil model, the soil thickness is typically 3-10 times the pile diameter.

If the ratio is less than 1.0, USFOS will report this as an illegal thin soil layer and stop with an error
message. The piles are printed in the “out” file.

Thick-1
Thick-2

Thick-3

Thick-4

Figure 2-13 Illegal small Soil thickness to pile diameter ratio

The minimum thick/diameter ratio could be re-defined several times. The commands are executed
in the specified sequence.

‘ Key-1 Opt Value

Illegal SoilThick Accept 0.3 ! Redefine Min t/D

‘ Key-1 Opt IDs

Illegal Soilthick Pile 10 20 ! Accept pile 10,20,30 40
30 40

Figure 2-14 Accepting thin soil layers. Specification pile-by-pile

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The “lazy” (not recommended) version is to accept all short elements without any specification. A
warning will be printed in the output file, (see Figure 2-17).

‘ Key-1 Opt Value

Illegal SoilThick Accept 0.1 ! Redefine Min t/D

‘ Key-1 Opt
Illegal Soilthick UsersRisk ON ! Accepting everything unchecked

Figure 2-15 Accepting thin soil layers without specification

----------------------------------
.... Checking Pile Elements
----------------------------------
Illegal short element on pile : 1 , L/D = 0.12
Illegal short element on pile : 1 , L/D = 0.12
Illegal short element on pile : 1 , L/D = 0.12
………….
…………
Illegal short element on pile : 8 , L/D = 0.95
Illegal short element on pile : 8 , L/D = 0.95
Illegal short element on pile : 8 , L/D = 0.95

Checking of pile elements completed.

Smallest L/D found : 0.12432

Figure 2-16 The Errors and list of illegal elements are printed in the output file.

------------------------------------------------
-- * * * W A R N I N G * * * --
-- UnConditionally Acceptance of --
-- Very Thin Soil Layers on Users own Risk --
------------------------------------------------

Figure 2-17 The warning is printed in the output file.

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2.2 New defaults

Version 8-6 has several important changes, which means that the results may differ from previous
versions of USFOS.

2.2.1 Default Joint Capacity.

The default joint capacity is “NORSOK”, and this also means following defaults:

• Element formulation “plasticity” is ON (same as the command Jnt_Form 3)

• Classification every step (same as the command JntClass 1)
• One equilibrium iteration (same as the command Liter)

2.2.2 Default Soil model.

The default soil model is set to the special “plasticity” model (same as “Spri_mod 1”). This
formulation requires iterations, and iteration is switched on, (same as “Liter”)

2.2.3 Default Hydro accuracy.

The default calculation procedure for buoyancy is set to accuracy level 1. This means that the
following are included by default:

• The buoyancy of the wall of a submerged pipe will be included, (minor impact on steel
pipes).
• Weight of marine growth.
Substantial change in vertical force when the MG goes in and out of water.
• Weight of internal fluid.
Substantial change in vertical force if a flooded member goes in and out of water.

2.2.4 Default numerical procedure.

Iterations are switched on automatically if the model contains either joint capacity, (chjoint) or
pile-soil model.

In addition is the model for strain estimation, (which are derived from the plastic hinge
displacements and rotations), changed to an incremental solution. The incremental solution is
more numerical stable, (f ex during unloading after a boat impact).

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3 News in USFOS version 8-6 - 2012.

3.1 Introduction
The new features are described by examples in this memo and in the updated manuals.

3.2 How to upgrade your USFOS version

From release 8-5, USFOS could be upgrades in two different ways:

Alt 1: Download the new “setup.exe” and u-install/install USFOS, (same as for release 8-5).
This operation requires administrator rights on the PC.

Alt 2: Download module by module and copy into the application folder, (typical
“C:\Program Files\USFOS\bin”. This operation requires write access on C:, but no
administrator rights are required since no installation operations are performed, (just file
copy).

With alternative 1, all modules and the on-line manuals are updated. For alternative 2, following
should be done:

Download USFOS module , unzip and copy into C:\Program Files\USFOS\bin

Download xact, (complete package) , unzip and copy into C:\Program Files\USFOS\bin
Download USFOS and xact user’s manuals. Copy into C:\Program Files\USFOS\bin

Alternative 2 means that the existing files located on the Application folder will be over-written,
(take a backup copy of the actual files if you want to keep your existing USFOS modules).

Similar procedure for other USFOS modules (for example STRUMAN).

Figure 3-1 Download complete USFOS installation setup or the modules one by one

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3.3 Enhanced Graphical User Interface

The graphical user interface (xact) has been enhanced since last year’s release. The GUI version
released together with USFOS 8-6 is “2.6”. Check under help/about to ensure that the latest version
is installed.

3.3.1 External Pressure

External pressure will reduce the section capacity for non-flooded members. In order to verify the
reduction (0 means no reduction), the option shown in Figure 3-2 could be used. The result type is
found under:

• Verify
o ExtPress Q/Qcr

Figure 3-2 Verify External Pressure Effects

Also note that the input is simplified substantially:

'
ExtPres Auto

USFOS will then automatically compute the external pressure effect relative to the surface defined
under WAVEDATA. Flooded members get no external presssure effect.

NOTE! This automatic option is only valid when the USFOS hydrodynamic module is defined and
activated.

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3.3.2 Plot Size / Plot Scaling.

If a certain plot size should be kept for all new plot windows, the “Keep Last Plot Size” should be
activated, (found under File / Preferences / Plot Settings, see Figure 3-3).

All plots will then keep the actual size.

Figure 3-3 Switch ON "Keep Last Plot Size"

In order to increase the readability of plots, the same plot scale (min/max) should be used. By
default, the “auto scale” option will scale both X- and Y axes every time the plot is updated. To
keep the same scale, the following should be done:

• Switch off “auto scale” and define the wanted Min / Max
• Select “Update Plot” when a new curve is plotted

Figure 3-4 Select “Auto Scale” or “Fixed Scale”

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3.4 Hydrodynamics
The hydrodynamic module has been improved and extended in release 8-6. The extensions covers
the following:

3.4.1 Buoyancy
The default buoyancy accuracy is set to “1”, which means that the vertical (downward) forces
from the structural steel, the marine growth and the internal fluid are computed always. The
masses are multiplied with the instantaneous level of the gravity (NOTE, the correct gravity
constant should be specified).

The vertical (upward) forces from the buoyancy will depend on the elements position in the water.
This means that a flooded member with marine growth will become substantial heavier when the
member becomes “dry”.

See the document, (which is found on the web):

“USFOS Buoyancy and Hydrodynamic Mass”,

3.4.2 Tidal Level

The tidal level could be specified by the command:

‘ Key Opt Value

Switches WaveData TidalLevel +3

In practice this means that the surface elevation, (and the water depth), are increased with the
actual level. The adjusted parameters are printed in the out file.

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3.5 Tubular Joint Capacity Models

3.5.1 Geometry Modelling

When the joint option is used, each joint will be re-modelled by USFOS automatically. For example
will a K-joint get two extra nodes (on the chord surface) and two extra special elements (with
behaviour according to selected capacity curve). USFOS will compute the gap automatically based
on the actual geometry input. If eccentricity is needed in order to get correct joint shape, the
solution shown in Figure 3-6 is recommended. This model ensures that the special element gets a
reasonable length, which again ensures that the local coordinate system of the element could be
established and updated correctly.

User’s model Modified by USFOS

Figure 3-5 Automatic generation of extra nodes and elements of joints without eccentricity

Two extra
elements
Original Eccentricity
Node Two extra nodes

User’s model with Modified by USFOS

eccentricity

Figure 3-6 Automatic generation of extra nodes and elements of joints with eccentricity

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The solution shown in Figure 3-7 is not recommended. The “flushing option” in the mesh
generator will insert an infinite connection between the centre node of the chord (leg) and the
chord surface. The special element inserted by USFOS will therefore become extremely short and
may introduce following problems:

• Local coordinate system may rotate much for a small element deformation
• Element axis could rotate 180° if the special element yields in compression and gets
substantial plastic deformations, (element axis is based on the flexible part of the element)

Eccentricity

Gives extremely short

special elements

User’s model. Modified by USFOS

NOT recommended NOT recommended

Figure 3-7 Not recommended User’s model. “Flushing” gives extremely short elements

3.5.2 New Joint Curve default

The default joint curve is changed to NORSOK. (Previous default is now accessed using the
keyword oldAPI).

‘ Node Ch1 Ch2

ChJoint 101 10 20

Figure 3-8 If no joint curve is specified (minimum input), the NORSOK is used.

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3.5.3 API RP2A-WSD

A new capacity curve is added to the joint option: API RP2A-WSD. This option is activated for
the following ChJoint command:

‘ Node Ch1 Ch2 Geo Rule

ChJoint 101 10 20 0 APIWSD

Figure 3-9 Activating API-WSD joint capacity

3.5.4 ISO 19902

A new capacity curve is added to the joint option: ISO 19902. This option is activated for the
following ChJoint command:

‘ Node Ch1 Ch2 Geo Rule

ChJoint 101 10 20 0 ISO

Figure 3-10 Activating ISO 19902 joint capacity

3.5.5 Utility tool JntRes

A new tool, “jntres” is available on the web. The purpose of the tool is to give a summary of the
joint behaviour in a simple text file and give an overview of the tables produced by the tool.

The “overview” (Table 3-1) sorts the connections in three groups based on the status at the end of
the analysis:
• Connections exceeding peak axial
• Connections exceeding first yield (but have not reached peak)
• Connections, which have not reached first peak (remain elastic)

The “detailed” print (Table 3-2), gives a status for one connection from the first to the final
analysis step. Following information are printed:
• Utilization : Plastics utilization of the connection element
• Status : Connection status:
• Elastic, tension or compression
• Plastic, tension or compression
• Failure (post-peak), tension or compression
• Ductility limit : Based on the Axial degree of freedom
• Peak Axial : Current capacity (based on the instantaneous classification)
• Axial : Actual axial force in the connection

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------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
---- ------
---- J o i n t R e s u l t s ------
---- ------
---- S t a t u s ------
---- ------
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------
---- Connections Exceeding Peak Axial ------
------------------------------------------------

Connection Node Brace LoadCase StepNo LoadLevel Utiliz Status PeakAx

3 11 1 1 75 6.020 0.998 CompFail 1.922E
1 10 1 1 93 6.051 1.000 TensFail 2.489E

------------------------------------------------
---- Connections exceeding First Yield -----
------------------------------------------------

Connection Node Brace LoadCase StepNo LoadLevel Utiliz Status PeakAx

9 8 2 1 42 4.188 0.566 TensPlast 2.859E
5 7 1 1 57 5.168 0.578 TensPlast 2.339E
6 7 2 1 57 5.168 0.589 CompPlast 2.891E
14 5 1 1 57 5.168 0.596 TensPlast 2.267E
8 8 1 1 63 5.368 0.596 CompPlast 2.205E
15 5 2 1 102 6.044 0.470 CompPlast 3.495E
10 8 3 1 123 5.975 0.257 CompPlast 1.733E

------------------------------------------------
---- Max Utiliz for Elastic Connections -----
------------------------------------------------

Connection Node Brace LoadCase StepNo LoadLevel Utiliz Status PeakAx

2 10 2 1 195 5.974 0.332 CompElast 1.659E
4 11 2 1 189 5.974 0.412 CompElast 1.056E
7 7 3 1 200 5.953 0.281 CompElast 1.665E
13 4 3 1 200 5.953 0.132 CompElast 1.548E
16 5 3 1 200 5.953 0.132 CompElast 1.570E

Table 3-1 jntres overview

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
---- ------
---- J o i n t R e s u l t s ------
---- ------
---- D e t a i l e d P r i n t ------
---- ------
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

=================================
Connection : 1
Joint : 10
Brace : 1
=================================

LoadCase StepNo LoadLevel Utiliz Status PeakAxial DuctAxial Axial

1 3 0.300 0.028 TensElast 2.748E+05 0.014 1.156E+04
1 6 0.600 0.071 TensElast 2.764E+05 0.011 2.342E+04
1 9 0.900 0.114 TensElast 2.767E+05 0.011 3.532E+04

1 42 4.188 0.616 TensPlast 2.685E+05 0.011 1.673E+05

1 45 4.481 0.665 TensPlast 2.662E+05 0.011 1.793E+05
1 48 4.773 0.714 TensPlast 2.636E+05 0.011 1.910E+05

1 87 6.064 0.999 TensPlast 2.484E+05 0.010 2.482E+05

1 90 6.058 1.000 TensPlast 2.486E+05 0.010 2.486E+05
1 93 6.051 1.000 TensFail 2.489E+05 0.010 2.488E+05
1 96 6.047 1.000 TensFail 2.491E+05 0.010 2.490E+05

1 195 5.974 1.000 TensFail 2.510E+05 0.011 2.031E+05

1 198 5.952 1.000 TensFail 2.510E+05 0.011 2.013E+05
1 200 5.953 1.000 TensFail 2.509E+05 0.011 2.005E+05

Table 3-2 Detailed print of one connection

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3.6 Pile - Soil

3.6.1 Pile Option

The properties of a given “SOILCHAR” could be scaled, pile-by-pile using the new PILEOPT
command. A certain depth-profile could be defined for each component, P-Y, T-Z and Q-Z, and
this scaling could be assigned to one or more piles. The example shows three piles, all referring to
same “SOILCHAR”, but with different scaling, (0.5, 0.3 and 0.1). This option could be used if for
example the standard soil curve over/under estimates the strength.

Figure 3-11 Three piles with same soil, but scaled differently

' ---------------------------------------------------------
' Define Pile Options (ID=100) and Assign to Pile 1001
' ---------------------------------------------------------
' KeyWord ID Type Z Fac
PileOpt SoilScal 100 P-Y 0 0.5
-1 0.5
-2 0.5
-80 0.5

' KeyWord ID Type Z Fac

PileOpt SoilScal 100 T-Z 0 0.5
-1 0.5
-2 0.5
-80 0.5

' KeyWord ID Type Z Fac

PileOpt SoilScal 100 Q-Z 0 0.5
-1 0.5
-2 0.5
-80 0.5

' KeyWord ID Type PileID ....

PileOpt SoilScal 100 Assign 1001

Table 3-3 Scaling all properties of pile 1001 with factor 0.5

' --------------------------------------------------------
' Define Pile Options (ID=200) and Assign to Pile 1002
' --------------------------------------------------------
' KeyWord ID Type Z Fac
PileOpt SoilScal 200 P-Y 0 0.1
-2 0.1
-80 0.1

' KeyWord ID Type Z Fac

PileOpt SoilScal 200 T-Z 0 0.2
-1 0.2
-80 0.2

' KeyWord ID Type Z Fac

PileOpt SoilScal 200 Q-Z 0 0.3
-80 0.3

' KeyWord ID Type PileID ....

PileOpt SoilScal 200 Assign 1002

Table 3-4 Scaling all properties of pile 1002 with factor 0.3

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3.6.2 Soil Curve visualization

Under “Verify” the verification plot is found. In addition to the depth profiles of pile- and soil
forces for a given pile, “Soil Curves” is found in the menu, (see figures).

The actual soil layer is selected by pointing on the actual soil disc.

The choice of “DOF X-axis” gives the following plots:

Dof = 1 : T-Z curve

Dof = 2 : P-Y curve

The soil curves are given per unit length of the pile. The Peak values in the text box are also
capacity per unit length of the pile, (changed in version 8-6).

Location of
Verification Plot

Figure 3-12 Location of Verification Plot Menu

Figure 3-13 Visualization of T-Z and P-Y curves for a given soil layer.

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3.6.3 Pile Upper Bound Capacity

The sum of all TZ peaks is computed for all piles and printed in the “out” file, (see Table 3-5).
The compression capacity includes the peak QZ. This peak is an “upper bound” capacity since
sum of peaks means that all peaks are activated simultaneously. For a real pile, some soil layer
may have moved into the post-peak range before other layers are fully mobilized.

However, this is a useful reference, and the axial forces in the piles relative to this “upper bound”
capacity are printed under the “reaction force”, (percent of max theoretical). See Table 3-6.

---------- U P P E R B O U N D P I L E C A P A C I T Y ------------
( Based on sum of soil-peaks for all layers )

Pile Max Tension Max Compression Pile

ID Capacity Capacity Length
1 1.1E+08 1.3E+08 43.5
2 1.9E+07 2.2E+07 47.4
3 2.1E+07 2.4E+07 50.3
4 1.3E+08 1.5E+08 46.0
5 1.3E+08 1.5E+08 46.0
6 1.9E+07 2.2E+07 47.4
7 1.8E+07 2.1E+07 46.4
8 1.2E+08 1.4E+08 45.5

Table 3-5 Upper Bound capacity of the Soil, (sum of T-Z for all layers).

-------- P I L E R E A C T I O N F O R C E S --------

Pile X-for Y-for Z-for Utiliz (Soil Axial)

1 2.347E+05 -3.751E+05 3.312E+06 2 %
2 5.968E+03 -1.068E+05 9.167E+05 4 %
3 -2.192E+03 -1.009E+05 8.961E+05 4 %
4 -1.703E+05 -3.554E+05 3.123E+06 2 %
5 2.501E+05 4.130E+05 3.711E+06 3 %
6 6.211E+03 1.209E+05 1.062E+06 5 %
7 -3.144E+03 1.222E+05 1.048E+06 5 %
8 -2.217E+05 4.019E+05 3.712E+06 3 %

Pile X-for Y-for Z-for Utiliz (Soil Axial)

1 2.339E+06 -3.744E+06 3.301E+07 25 %
2 5.920E+04 -1.014E+06 8.736E+06 40 %
3 -2.250E+04 -9.764E+05 8.681E+06 36 %
4 -1.704E+06 -3.548E+06 3.113E+07 21 %
5 2.519E+06 4.151E+06 3.722E+07 25 %
6 6.307E+04 1.135E+06 1.003E+07 45 %
7 -3.213E+04 1.143E+06 9.867E+06 46 %
8 -2.233E+06 4.037E+06 3.721E+07 26 %

Pile X-for Y-for Z-for Utiliz (Soil Axial)

1 -4.508E+06 1.448E+07 -2.115E+07 19 %
2 -3.466E+05 2.843E+06 -5.907E+06 31 %
3 -2.781E+05 3.222E+06 -7.312E+06 34 %
4 5.937E+05 2.144E+07 -3.710E+07 30 %
5 9.555E+06 2.313E+07 9.905E+07 67 %
6 4.617E+05 3.774E+06 1.815E+07 82 %
7 2.522E+05 3.895E+06 1.729E+07 81 %
8 -4.720E+06 2.865E+07 1.139E+08 79 %

Table 3-6 Pile force (axial), Relative utilization of soil is printed per pile.

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3.7 Member imperfections

Member buckling is described in a separate document, “Member Buckling in USFOS” and is found
on the web.

3.7.1 Element Imperfection / Dent

If the automatic imperfection (CINIDEF) is used, the orientation of the imperfection may change
from case to case, (if for example the member load is based on wave load).

The initial dent inserted automatically by USFOS is placed on the side of the section, which will get
increased compression when the member buckles.

3.7.2 Member Imperfection

By default, the imperfection is applied on element-by-element as an initial element deformation.
With reasonable element length, (approx same length as face-face length of the physical member
minus stubs), the initial imperfection will behave as intended. However, if of different reasons, the
member is sub-divide into several elements, the shape will be as shown in Figure 3-14, (the
imperfections are exaggerated). For the lower row, the imperfections are applied for the entire
member, and nodes are moved.

The definition of a “member” is group of elements, (three groups are shown).

Nodes are not moved.

Imperfection on element level

Nodes are moved to give

member imperfection

Figure 3-14 Member imperfection (lower bay) and element imperfection (exaggerated)

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The member imperfection could be defined in two ways:

1. Specifying a buckling curve (CINIDEF) see Table 3-7

2. Referring to a user defined imperfection (GIMPER) see Table 3-8

' LC
CINIDEF API_WSD MembLoad 12

' ImpGrp ListTyp Ids ....

Member Imperfect Auto Group 1

Table 3-7 Defining API Column Buckling curve for member group -1.

' impgroup impshape angle Offset dent1 dent2 dentMid

GIMPER 10 0 0.0 0.0015 1e-3 1e-3 1e-3 '

' ImpGrp ListTyp Ids ....

Member Imperfect 10 Group 1
'

Table 3-8 Defining imperfection for member group -1.

If alternative 1 (CINIDEF) with reference to a column-buckling curve is selected, the key

parameters are printed for each element. Elements belonging to same member group get same key
data, (see for example elements: 2439, 2441, 2443 and 2445).

---- M E M B E R B U C K L I N G I N F O -----
( Based on physical member length and k-factor = 1 )

Minimum Imperfection (in CINIDEF) : 0.050%

Maximum Imperfection : 1.000%

ElemID Ncr IniDef[%] Physical Reduced Column

(for k=1) Length Slenderness Curve
2439 1.147E+05 0.217 1.512 0.032 API_WSD
2440 5.327E+04 1.000 1.512 0.028 API_WSD
2441 1.147E+05 0.217 1.512 0.032 API_WSD
2442 5.327E+04 1.000 1.512 0.028 API_WSD
2443 1.147E+05 0.217 1.512 0.032 API_WSD
2444 5.327E+04 1.000 1.512 0.028 API_WSD
2445 1.147E+05 0.217 1.512 0.032 API_WSD
2446 5.327E+04 1.000 1.512 0.028 API_WSD
2447 3.721E+04 1.000 2.024 0.038 API_WSD
2448 1.145E+05 0.253 2.024 0.043 API_WSD
2449 1.145E+05 0.253 2.024 0.043 API_WSD

4560 1.683E+04 0.246 0.839 0.040 API_WSD

4561 1.683E+04 0.246 0.839 0.040 API_WSD
4570 3.325E+04 0.194 0.728 0.027 API_WSD
4572 6.666E+03 0.169 20.671 1.128 API_WSD
4573 6.666E+03 0.169 20.671 1.128 API_WSD
4593 1.682E+04 0.249 0.866 0.041 API_WSD
4594 1.682E+04 0.249 0.866 0.041 API_WSD
4595 1.682E+04 0.248 0.857 0.041 API_WSD

Table 3-9 Print of Member Buckling key parameters.

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3.8 Strain Calculation

USFOS beam element does not use strain as a basis for the element, (it is based on plastic hinges
with plastic deformations and rotations). However, since a certain plastic strain level often is used
as an acceptance criterion, (f ex USERFRAC), USFOS will estimate the strain level based on the
force- and plastic displacement level.

A new and improved algorithm is implemented in version 8-6. This method is based on the
incremental plastic displacement, (i.e. change from step(i-1) to step(i)).

The extent of the plastic zone depends on the material parameters. USFOS 8-6 has some pre-
defined strain model material data, but the user may also specify the data using the new command
STRAINMOD.

By default, the material data for S355 steel are assigned to all materials, but the user may change
the defaults for selected material IDs.

The actual data used in the simulation are printed in the “out” file.

' ---------------------------------------------------------------------
' User defined Input.
' ---------------------------------------------------------------------
'
' Key SubKey Value ListType ID
StrainModel UserDef SigURatio 1.25 mat 1
StrainModel UserDef EpsRef 0.13 mat 1
'
'
' ---------------------------------------------------------------------
' Using built in values
' ---------------------------------------------------------------------
' Key ListType ID
StrainModel S355 mat 2
StrainModel S420 mat 3

Table 3-10 Assigning Strain Model Data to the materials.

---- S T R A I N M O D E L D A T A -----

MAT_ID Type SigyRatio EpsRef EpsS

1 UserDefined 1.250 0.130 20.000
2 S355 1.300 0.150 10.000
3 S420 1.200 0.120 8.000

Table 3-11 Print of Strain model data for each material.

The strain assessment procedure is described in a separate document:

“Strain Assessment in USFOS”, which is found on the web.

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3.9 Miscellaneous

3.9.1 Spring Property scaling

This options is used to activate / de-activate springs gradually during the analysis.

• Increase : Spring is “dead” until actual load case is activated.

• Decrease : Spring is active, and will become “dead” when load case is completed

' KeyWord LCase Material

SpriScale Decrease 2 1000

'
CUSFOS 10 100 1 1
'
' lc inc max n min
1 0.1 1 100 0.001
2 0.1 1 100 0.001 ! Dummy Load. Controls spring
1 0.1 2 100 0.001 !
'

Table 3-12 Decrease Spring material to zero during dummy load case 2.

' KeyWord LCase Material

SpriScale Increase 2 1000

'
CUSFOS 10 100 1 1
'
' lc inc max n min
1 0.1 1 100 0.001
2 0.1 1 100 0.001 ! Dummy Load. Controls spring
1 0.1 2 100 0.001 !
'

Table 3-13 Increase Spring material from zero to 100% during dummy load case 2.

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3.9.2 Friction Element

A simple friction element is introduced. It has an elastic – perfect plastic behaviour for a certain
load level. The friction element has following options:

• Constant friction unaffected by force level

• Friction force depends on force level

3.9.3 Extended Shell element results

By default, 5 shell results are stored on the raf-file. It is possible to increase the total number of
different shell results using the SWITCHES command. See Table 3-14 and Table 3-19.

1 : Plastic Utilization
2 : Equivalent Strain, Upper Side
3 : Equivalent Strain, Lower Side
4 : Von Mises Stress, Upper Side
5 : Von Mises Stress, Lower Side

6 : Sxx Membrane
7 : Syy Membrane
8 : Sxy Membrane
9 : Sxx Bending
10 : Syy Bending
11 : Sxy Bending
12 : Sxx Upper Side
13 : Syy Upper Side
14 : Sxy Upper Side
15 : Sxx Lower Side
16 : Syy Lower Side
17 : Sxy Lower Side
18 : Sig-1
19 : Sig-2

Table 3-14 Definition of the 19 possible shell results.

3.9.4 Element eXtra masses

If the user wants to specify distributed masses on beam elements, the new X_ELMASS could be
used. This mass will contribute both on inertia and will be multiplied with the gravity acc (if
activated) and become a distributed load.

The input syntax is shown below, and could be specified “Elem-by-elem” only.

' Mass ListTyp Elem

X_ElMass 1000 elem 10

Table 3-15 Specifying eXtra Beam Mass.

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3.9.5 Extended Dynres_G

In order to check that the system mass matrix is defined correctly, the Dyres_G options shown in
Table 3-16 could be used. The system mass matrix (inertia) in X- Y- and Z directions are
available. This option could be useful for structures going in/out of water, (changed
hydrodynamic added mass), and in cases where masses (weight option) are added/removed during
the simulation.

SysMassX : Plot of Total System (inertia) mass. X-component

SysMassY : Plot of Total System (inertia) mass. Y-component
SysMassZ : Plot of Total System (inertia) mass. Z-component

Table 3-16 New Dynres_G options: Plot of System Mass

3.9.6 New Dynres_X command

A new “DynRes” command is introduced. It has the format described in Table 3-17 with a
“keyword” followed by the actual value.

DynRes_X KeyWord Value

Table 3-17 New command: Dynres_X. General Format

Often it could be useful to see the user-defined time histories. (f ex ground motion histories). The
keyword “TimeHist” followed by the time history ID will generate a plot of the history.

In the example below, the time history controlling the self weight (ID=1) and the ground motion
history (ID=111) are speficied.

‘ keyword ID
DynRes_X TimeHist 1 ! Plot of Self weight TimeHist
DynRes_X TimeHist 111 ! Plot of Ground motion TimeHist

Table 3-18 Plot of User’s Input Time Histories.

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3.10 SWITCHES, (Special Options).

The command “SWITCHES” was introduced in 8-5 to switch on special options and is extended
in version 8-6. Following “Switches” commands are available:

KeyWord SubKey Value Description Default

General IndefLimit Min Max imperfection (in CINIDEF). 0.05 1 %

Defaults Version ver 850: switch to version 8-5 defaults 860

WaveData TimeInc val Time between each hydrodyn calc. every

NoDoppler - Switches OFF doppler effects. ON
NoStore Switches OFF storing of wave data for visualiz. ON
TidalLevel Level Specify Tidal Level 0
Accuracy val Change accuracy. 0: old accur, 1: new accur 1

NodeData DoublyDef ON/OFF ON: Accept doubly defined nodes with same coo OFF

StatusPrint MaxElem val Max element in status print 10

Iterations RLF_Calc - Activate “Residual Load Factor” method OFF

Write FE_Model Case/stp Writes deformed FE model at given case/stp OFF

LinDepAlt - Writes ZL-springs for each BLINDP2 Off

Solution FracRepeat MxRep Max fracture repeates 10

StrainCalc InclDent ON/OFF OFF: not included. ON: included ON

Algorithm val 0: old. 2: new, incremental. 2
Visualization ON/OFF Including Gradients. ON/OFF ON

Results ShellComp “val” Number of shell results 5

WindData ReynDep ON/OFF Switch to Reynold-number dependent Cd OFF

Table 3-19 SWITCHES options

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3.11 Updates Usfos and Utility Tools

News, corrections and updates are described on the web, and it is recommended to check the
following link:

http://www.usfos.no/news/index.html

3.12 New/modified input commands

Since last main release (8-5), following input identifiers are added/extended:

X_ELMASS : New command : eXtra Element Mass per length

PILEOPT : New command : Pile/Soil Options
DYNRES_X New command : Extended dynamic results
STRAINMOD New command : Define Strain Model Data
MEMBER New command : Member options (imperfection)
SPRISCAL New command : Scaling spring properties

CHJOINT : Extended command : ISO & API joint curves.

SWITCHES : Extended command : See above.

3.13 Documentation
The following documentation, (updated or new), is available on the web:

USFOS strain assessment : New document

Member Buckling in USFOS : New document
Buoyancy and Hydrodynamic Added Mass : New document
User’s manual : Updated document

Release Notes USFOS version 8-6 USFOS AS 2012-01-01