The Basic Edition allows users to create complete structural models with multiple materials, different cross-sections (including generic, parametric, and tabulated sections), rigid or elastic nodal supports, hinges, deformation constraints, and nodal, distributed, and thermal loads. Possible results include internal force diagrams (axial force, shear, and bending moment) and deflection diagrams, influence lines, and internal force envelopes for load trains. There is a maximum limit of 500 members per model.
The Advanced Edition adds several features:
- The most important is creating load cases and factored load combinations. For example, in the design of a building, it is necessary to handle multiple types of loads, such as: the self-weight of the structure, permanent superimposed load, crowd load, and wind (among others). In the Basic Edition, you must choose between adding these different loads to apply a single load to each element (and redo the calculations if any of the load components is changed), or create copies of the same model to apply each type of load individually and sum the forces manually (and, if there is a change in the structure, be careful to modify all models correctly). In the Advanced Edition, this is not necessary. You can define the load case "Self-weight" and apply only the self-weight loads of the structure; and other load cases "Permanent superimposed load", "Crowd", "Wind (Left)" and "Wind (Right)". You can then view the force diagrams for each load case and modify each case independently. However, the most important result is often the sum of these cases, and for this we have load combinations. Combinations are a sum of specific cases, so we can define the following combinations:
- "Empty with Wind (Left/Right)" = Self-Weight + Permanent Superimposed Load + Wind (Left) (or Wind (Right)), to verify the case of maximum moment and minimum axial load in columns
- "Full with Wind (Left/Right)" = Self-Weight + Permanent Superimposed Load + Crowd + Wind (Left) (or Wind (Right)), for maximum moment in beams and maximum moment and axial load in columns
- among others...
Each case within a combination can be factored by a different coefficient, allowing easy calculation of ULS and SLS forces. Results from load cases or combinations can be combined into envelopes, enabling quick analysis of the worst case or combination at any point.
Another new feature is the cross-section composed of trapezoids. This cross-section can be used to create custom sections that do not fit well into Ftool's standard sections, reducing the need to use the "Generic" section, which requires many manual calculations (of area, moment of inertia, etc.).
In this Edition, Ftool can have standardized initial settings. If you prefer to work with ton-force instead of kiloNewton, or with centimeters instead of meters, you can configure Ftool to always open with these units. If you frequently use the grid with snap, you can set Ftool to open with these active and with the spacing you want. These are just examples of possible settings; check the manual at https://www.ftool.com.br/Ftool/site/manual_pt.html for more examples and details.
You will receive notifications within Ftool when a new version (or update) is released.
There is no limit on the size of each model.