Staged Construction Analysis

LARSA's Staged Construction Analysis engine has been pioneering the field of 4D analysis techniques.

Staged Construction Analysis provides an integrated environment in which to model the changing state of a structure over time, including structural changes, load applications, and time-dependent material effects. The Staged Construction Analysis with geometric and material nonlinearity is important for structures with cables or large displacements.

Load Class Tracking

Each construction activity is associated with a load class, such as "dead load", "live load", or "prestress", so that the cumulative effects of load classes can be reported separately for code-based load combinations. LARSA 4D is programmed to handle proper load class tracking of construction activities such as support changes and element removal which result in a nonlinear force redistribution in the structure.

Segmental Construction

The segmental construction options for Staged Construction Analysis are used for modeling balanced cantilever bridges. The hinged cast, matched cast, and displacement initialization options automatically adjust bridge geometry as new segments are cast to match the displacements of previous segments.

The hinged cast option adjusts the casting location of new segments to match the vertical deformation of the previously cast segment. The matched cast option adjusts the casting location of new segments so that they remain at the same angle with the previous segment.

Construction Activities

Supported construction activities in LARSA 4D include construction and deconstruction of members, plates, springs and foundations, in addition to loading, temporary/traveler loads, support changes, displacement initialization and hoist for incremental launching.