Unclear Error Message when Generating the Model

[kolozvari]

Hello,

I am trying to analyze a frame building on the pile foundation. I am using ASD contact elements for the interaction between the pile and the soil. The geometry of the piles and soil is quite complex, but I think I generated the model correctly. However, when I try to run the model, I get very vague error message (see below).

Capture3.JPG (26.01 KiB) Viewed 1351 times

Can you please take a look at the model and let me know how to fix this? The model is attached.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

[STKO Team]

Tip:
To understand where an exception comes from, look at the bottom of the traceback:

tback.png (34.32 KiB) Viewed 1310 times

This used to happen when you have highly distorted elements on the absorbing boundary, and the algorithm for automatically building the boundary layer goes crazy.
We fixed it for the next version 4.0.0 (which will be released soon).

In the meantime, replace this script (unzip it) in
C:\Program Files\STKO\external_solvers\opensees\element_properties\absorbingBoundaries

ASDAbsorbingBoundary3DAuto.zip

(6.86 KiB) Downloaded 134 times

[kolozvari]

That worked, thank you.

Can you please clarify what you mean by highly distorted elements? Do you mean just a geometrical aspect ratio? Any recommendations on this?

Thank you

[STKO Team]

Yes I meant aspect ratio.
It's not a real issue. The algorithm that we used to automatically identify the boundaries and extrude them was having issue if the aspect ratio of an element was highly distorted. But it's not a problem anymore now