№84-14
Comparative analysis of column base calculation under bending moment in Idea StatiCa Connection and the semi-analytical finite element method (SAFEM)
S. Mitsyuk1, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6481-4036
D. Mitsyuk1 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3583-8052
1 Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coll.res.pap.nat.min.univ. 2026, 84:184–192
Full text (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/84.184
ABSTRACT
Purpose. To perform a comparative analysis of the results of calculating a column base under bending moment obtained using four approaches: the Semi-Analytical Finite Element Method (SAFEM), the software package Idea StatiCa Connection, the software package LIRA-SAPR, and analytical calculation, as well as to establish the physical causes of discrepancies between the methods.
Methodology. The study was carried out based on calculations of a column base with 30K1 section on a plate 490×490×20 mm under bending moment M = 10 kN·m. SAFEM uses volumetric elements with contact interaction through the zonal method, Idea StatiCa uses shell elements with Winkler model, LIRA-SAPR uses volumetric elements. Analytical calculation was performed for a cantilever plate with triangular foundation pressure diagram.
Results. Satisfactory convergence of forces in anchor bolts between all methods was established — the discrepancy does not exceed 14%. Significant dependence of stresses in the base plate on the adopted calculation scheme was revealed: Idea StatiCa and LIRA-SAPR give close results — 35.2 and 37.6 MPa with 6% discrepancy, while SAFEM gives 15.9 MPa due to the use of volumetric finite elements for a thin plate (t/L = 0.04). Analytical calculation explains the discrepancies obtained by different cantilever overhang of the plate.
Scientific novelty. For the first time, a comprehensive comparative analysis of four methods for calculating column bases was performed. It was established that bolt forces demonstrate high convergence between methods, while plate stresses depend on the type of finite elements — the difference reaches 2.4 times. It was shown that shell elements are physically more justified for thin plates, which is confirmed by analytical calculation.
Practical significance. The obtained results allow a design engineer to make an informed choice of calculation approach when designing steel column bases, taking into account the features of each method. The established patterns contribute to improving the calculation methods for column-to-foundation connections and increasing the accuracy of assessing their stress-strain state.
Keywords: column base, stress-strain state, Semi-Analytical Finite Element Method (SAFEM), Idea StatiCa Connection, LIRA-SAPR, bending moment, cantilever plate.
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date of first submission of the article to the publication – 01/10/2026
date of acceptance of the article for publication after review – 02/21/2026
date of publication – 03/30/2026