Download - Sj Mepla Manual Program Eng

SJ Software GmbH Aachen Dr.-Ing. Dirk Bohmann

SJ MEPLA

User’s manual Version 3.5

April 2012

SJ MEPLA User’s Manual, Version 3.5

SJ Software GmbH, Aachen

1 Introduction 4

1.1 Versions for installation 4 1.2 License regulation 4 1.3 License file 4 1.4 Information about the various program packages 4

1.4.1 Program package 3 4 1.4.2 Program package 2 5 1.4.3 Program package 1 5

1.5 Brief description 5 2 Program structure 9

2.1 Introduction 9 2.2 The Program Window 9 2.3 Menu bar 10

2.3.1 Program 10 2.3.1.1 Settings 10 2.3.1.2 Quit 13

2.3.2 Edit 13 2.3.3 View 15 2.3.4 Specials 15 2.3.5 Language 16 2.3.6 Help 16

2.4 Icon bar 16 3 Workspaces 17

3.1 Project information 17 3.2 Geometry 17 3.3 Layers 19

3.3.1 Structure of layers 19 3.3.2 Structure of packages 21 3.3.3 Intermediate Space, Gap 21

3.4 Supports 22 3.4.1 Spring support 22 3.4.2 Edge supports 22 3.4.3 Glass fixing 23 3.4.4 Spacer 33 3.4.5 Elastic edge beam 34 3.4.6 Elastic edge supports 35 3.4.7 Elastic base 36 3.4.8 Elastic line supports 37 3.4.9 Bonded edges 37

3.5 Loads 38 3.5.1 Face load 39

3.5.1.1 Pressure loads 39 3.5.1.2 Dead weight 40

3.5.2 Concentrated loads 40 3.5.3 Pendulum impact 41 3.5.4 Temperature differences 42 3.5.5 Climate loads 42 3.5.6 Pressure hit 43 3.5.7 Line loads 43 3.5.8 Load cases 44 3.5.9 Safety (removed in version 3.5.6) 48 3.5.10 Border Loads 49

3.6 Options 50 3.5.1 Calculation options 50

3.6.1.1 Linearisation 50 3.6.1.2 Tolerance 50



3.6.1.3 Automatic 50 3.6.1.4 Steps 50

3.5.2 Local stress outputs 50 3.5.2 Stress results 51 3.6.2 Reaction Forces 51 3.5.2 Formed Volume 51 3.6.3 Protocol and Messages 51 3.6.4 Solver 51

3.7 Results 51 3.7.1 Before calculation 51 3.7.2 Calculation 52 3.7.3 Calculation results 53

4 Error messages 54 5 General conditions of sale and delivery 57



1 Introduction 1.1 Versions for installation There two different versions for installation:

1. Test-version WITHOUT printed calculations results

You can download this test-version directly from our internet homepage. You can try all dialogs and input possibilities. As well calculations can be done, but their result won’t be shown in the protocol. To verify stresses and deflections and so on you can use the graphics surface, where most results can be seen. 2. Full-version A full version is obtained after your order. This can (depending on your order) be limited or unlimited in time. Shipping is done via CD, E-Mail or download link.

1.2 License regulation There are two different license regulations possible:

1. A local license With a local license you can install and used the program locally on one computer. Gen-erated data can be saved of course on a server. 2. A server license Using a server license the program can be installed on a server and locally used on sev-eral computers. The simultaneous use is controlled by a floating-license-system and de-pends on the number of bought licenses.

In both cases you get a license file, which regulates the complete licensing. 1.3 License file The predefined path for the license file is:

C:\Programme\SJ_Software\Mepla (if you haven’t changed it during installation). This is the same directory, where all program files are installed too. The license file is named “sj_mepla.lic”. 1.4 Information about the various program packages The program SJ MEPLA is offered in 3 different program packages. These packages are designed for different requirements. 1.4.1 Program package 3 Package 3 is the complete version containing all program functions.



1.4.2 Program package 2 In package 2 all dynamic calculation are disabled. All dynamic calculations including the ones offered in future are switched off in this package - The tab sheet <pendulum hit> in the workspace <loads> can’t be selected. - The tab sheet <pressure hit> in the workspace <loads> can‘t be selected. 1.4.3 Program package 1 In addition to the dynamic calculations also the application of point fixings are switched off. - The tab sheet <pendulum hit> in the workspace <loads> can’t be selected. - The tab sheet <pressure hit> in the workspace <loads> can’t be selected. - The tab sheet <point fixing> in the workspace <supports> can’t be selected. 1.5 Brief description The dimensioning and the stress calculation of plate structures under various loads is a standard task of the daily engineering practice. Panes varying from a rectangular form can no more be calculated by table works or manual formula but have to be evaluated by the method of the finite elements. In the glass building sector all of the systems to be examined are very similar, so that the mesh generation is almost always limited to standard geometry, for which always new meshes have to be created. For the calculation of laminated safety glass panes generally there was need to work with volume elements. The bearing conditions are in most cases reduced to few variants (elastic spring-supports, glass point fixings, edge supports). Also the evaluation of the calculation results follows the same method (deformations, stresses, proof) and so far always explicitly has to be read out of the finite element data. There is hardly a possibility to calculate insulating glass units (from 2, 3 or 4 laminated glass panes) if any pane forms shall be examined or geometrically non-linear approaches shall be used. Here the program SJ MEPLA applies: All inputs, like the geometry, the bearing conditions, the kind of loads, the calculation ap-proach or the requested output, are guided and displayed by input masks. The control and output of the results occurs visually on a graphics surface and a calculation protocol, which can be added to the static assessment. Special new finite element methods allow the simple input and quick calculation of sandwich structures (laminated safety glass), so that the entire problem can be solved at shortest time (within a few minutes). Thus the program is suited for dimensioning as well as also for static calculations, during which it offers a variety of calculation possibilities: - automated mesh generation for straight or curved borders by the input of corner points.

The element size is preset, but may also be changed manually to increase the accuracy of the calculation. (The user, however, is not aware of the fact that he is working with a Finite Element Program).

- With this, any system shape including cut-offs or holes are possible



- all subsequent calculations can be made linear or geometrically non-linear (large defor-

mations). - any pane structure (e. g. of laminated safety glass) considering the stiffness of the com-

pound material by input of the layer order - consideration of pre-defined bearing designs for the plate edges as well as for any point

bearing with the corresponding spring rigidities - fully automated installation of point fixings - several fixing types (own elements) within the pane area - clamp fixings with circular or angular shape (usable as glass shoes)

- downholders with circular or angular shape - bonded fixing without generation of holes - specification of the bearing stiffness (sub-construction or type of the point fixings) - optional use of springs or jointed bars at the point fixing

- applying loads directly at the fittings - the properties of the point fixings can be stored in a database - point supported insulating glass units with special fittings - spacers in insulation glass (e.g. unsupported borders) - elastic edge or line supports including contact conditions - elastic beams acting at the borders



- elastic base - any positioning of local springs with translation and rotation degrees - multi-language version (German, English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese)

- calculation of stresses resulting from temperature differences given for each layer - face loads, line loads, water pressure - dead weight (indication by the direction of the gravity vector) - any point loads which are automatically distributed over the given area - calculation of insulation glass under consideration of the gas pressure laws in the inter-

mediate pane space (gap) under any load (climate loads like pressure differences, ther-mal expansion of the gas, external loads, pendulum impact,…)

- all loads can be combined - point fixings can be calculated with contact algorithms - dynamical calculation of the pendulum impact for single-layer glass, laminated and insu-

lation glass of any design



- the drop height of the pendulum and the impact point can be freely chosen - linear or non-linear approaches for single glass layers, laminated safety glass and also

for insulating glass units - output of curve diagrams for forces, deformations and stresses during the impact period

for any predefined position - dynamically calculated pressure hits like wind blasts - use of safety factors - calculation of load cases with any combinations of loads and accompanied safety factors

- manifold evaluation possibilities in the post-processor - stresses across the plate thickness and layer order at any point - display of the pendulum impact in slow-motion - output of all stress components - display of the spring forces - vector-plot of the principal stresses



2 Program structure 2.1 Introduction The format of this manual is organised analogously to the program structure. The single chapters correspond exactly to the dialogues and functions of the program. 2.2 The Program Window

Menu bar The menu bar is located on top of the program window. Icon bar The icon bar is located directly below the menu bar and contains often used buttons. Workspaces Within these workspaces 7 different entries from <Project information> to <result> are as-sembled, which are shown permanently in the upper left corner. These workspaces thereby specify the order of the work flow for setting up a project. Projects On the left side the projects are displayed as a tree view. New projects folder, renaming or re-arrangements can be done directly here. Clicking the right mouse button here will open an pop-up menu. Input area, Dialogs This is the area in the middle of the program window. In dialogs and input boxes you can make your corresponding entries or start further functions. Tab sheets A tab sheet is a dialog which makes logical subdivisions of a workspace. There you find for example in the workspace <supports> the tab sheets <spring support>, <edge support>, <glass fixing>, …



Drawing area The drawing area on the right side of the program window, will always show the defined sys-tem. Depending upon the actual workspace and task additional information’s like border number, loads areas or the position of glass fixings, are displayed here. A left mouse click within this window will zoom the drawing to maximum possible size. A second click within this window will close this pop up. 2.3 Menu bar The frequently used functions from this menu bar are additionally displayed in the icon bar below. 2.3.1 Program 2.3.1.1 Settings

General On hardcopies of the calculation protocol this office line appears as the head line of each page. Material SJ MEPLA always works under consideration of predefined material properties which are used as default data in the workspace <layers>. Such defined layer can be changed here again. But, it’s advisable to add and complete in this data base already the standard materi-als, so that later inputs can be carried out much quicker. The database is predefined with the most usual materials. Amendments or new items are made with the buttons <new item> and <delete item>. - <new item>

Open a free entry above the marked line. Then key in the new material properties. The TAB-button leads into the next entry.



- <delete item> Delete the marked line from the database. This deleting can’t be undone.

Filling gases (for insulating glass units) Analogously to the procedure <material> possible intermediate space materials (gases) are defined here. The most usual gases are also pre-set here. The intermediate spaces are ex-plained in the workspace <layers>. Fixings In order to minimise the effort of the geometry description and the elastic properties, often used glass fixings are specified here. These data can always be reused in the workspace <supports> and tab sheet <glass fixing> and thus do not always have to be defined anew. Every input obtains a name referring e.g. to the manufacturer or the brand name. In future this data base will be maintained with the new type of fixing and manufacturer data. Such input are coloured and cannot be changed in the data base. But it’s possible in the work-space <layers>, if other separation layers than those assumed by the manufacturer shall be used. Explanations of these inputs are made in the section <glass fixing>. Climatic Loads

In this table user defined climate loads can be defined. All of these definitions can later be used to select a climate load for usage under <layer> and <load case>. According to German standard (TRLV) two standard climate loads can always be chosen, even if nothing has been defined in this table. Paths Projects The pre-setting for the project path is called: “C:\user documents\SJ_Projekte_MEPLA” If you do not want to save your project locally on the computer but centrally on a server (or a commonly used hard disk) you have to move the directory “SJ_Projekte_MEPLA” using the Windows Explorer to the required position. The path has to be changed accordingly. Base data The pre-setting for the project path is called: C:\user documents\SJ_Projekte_MEPLA



Here the directory “sj_basisdaten\sj_mep” is loacated. If you put these data centrally on a server you can change the path accordingly. Program Is only shown for your information where the program has been installed. Options Colorize active input box: If this button is marked when entering a value, this input box will highlight. Colorize inactive input box: If this button is set, all disabled input boxes are shown in darker colour. For some operating systems this may appear much too dark and so it may be better no to choose this option. Set spacers automatically: If this is enabled, at all borders a spacer is set automatically. If performing a calculation where symmetry is used you may have to remove this automatic setting under <Supports>, <Spacer> not to generate a spacer at such special positions. Show warning before overwriting an existing calculation: A calculation will generate some result files. If running a calculation again, you will be asked to overwrite these existing results. Here you can select, if this question shall be further on suppressed. Solver: There is the possibility to choose 3 different kind of equation solvers. This setting will be used under <Options> as a first default suggestion, which kind of solver to use normally for each calculation. - In-Core (IC):

All calculations are exclusively done within the available RAM (Random Access Memory). If this would not be possible, an error message will appear. Then you have to change this setting and re-run the calculation. This option is specially used if you are using a high amount of RAM possible to address in a 64-bit systems.

- Out-Of-Core (OOC) If the available RAM is very small (< 1GB) this option should be set as default. Then all calculations are mainly performed by swapping the memory to disk. This calculation takes somewhat more time – but is able to run each system.

- In-Core (< 2GB) or Out-Of-Core (>2GB):

This setting will let the solver decide by its own. If more space than 2 GB is needed then the OOC Solver will be used. If the system is less then 2 GB, then the faster In-Core solver is taken.

This setting can be changed again under <Options> separately for each project. Print Here you can choose a logo and its position which shall be used within the protocol. Addi-tionally you can prevent writing the footer.



2.3.1.2 Quit <Quit> will terminated the program after a check-back of the changes which have not been saved yet. 2.3.2 Edit This menu <edit> uses context sensitive functionality. For this you should first select a de-sired entry in the project folder whereby this function can be chosen directly by clicking the right mouse button. This will be much faster than clicking the edit button from the menu bar.

Possible options like Cut, Copy or Delete are related to the position where you are working:

· Project folder (tree view) If a project has been marked, the chosen function is referred to this project. After a project has been selected and, A marked project folder will be stored for example, if the <Edit - Copy> button or <Right Mouse Button – Edit> is clicked. Now you can switch to a different project, where you can insert your stored data, to perform a copy from the project.

· Input boxes: I you are working in the input area of the program window within an input box, you may highlight this value, to apply a similar function onto this marked text. You may here for example use as well <Edit – Copy> to transfer this selection into the clipboard. Now you are able to use this stored data at other positions as insertion. This not so often used functionally is normally done by <Ctrl +C>, < Ctrl +X> und < Ctrl +V> and will not be explained here any longer.

Change This menu item is only active if a project folder has been marked in the tree structure. With the feature <Change> a dialog for changing of the project name opens. Cut



When a project folder and the function <Cut> has been chosen, the folder sign is displayed more brightly. There you can see that <Cut> is active. Now you can choose a different loca-tion and insert (<Paste>) your data there. The <Esc> button will abort this action anytime. Copy If you have selected a project folder to <Copy> this, the folder sign is not changing, what indicates that you are only copying some data but not removing it from the original position. <Paste> will insert these data at the selected position in your project folder. Paste <Paste> will insert all data stored in the clipboard at the marked position. Hint: You also can use this function by clicking the <right mouse button> to open a pop up menu and the <Paste> button. Alternatively you can use <Ctrl + V> directly. Delete The function <Delete> will delete the marked project folder after a check back question. Note: There is no wastebasket available. Deleted data can’t be restored. Hint: Alternatively a selection can be deleted, by pressing the <Del>. Undo This function is only available in an input box and not for changes within projects! All function you apply to projects like copy, paste, delete are not possible to undo. The button <Undo> will only activate if something within an input boxes has been changed. Create Zip-Archive For storage or the transfer of data to computer not connected within a network, there is fore-seen a special function. Here it’s possible to pack projects into a zip-file. These will have the ending .zip and can be opened as well with standard programs like WinZip. After marking a project folder you can apply <Create Zip-archive> on this project. A win-dows dialog will for saving file is shown. After pressing <Save file> you will have the option to give a password. If nothing entered no password safety is used. When there are several sub levels of projects within your selection, these data and folder structure will be stored too. This option is also used for exchanging projects for hotline purposes. If you need help for a project, you can send us this file in zipped format via e-mail. We can open this project and can do some modifications or correction. In the same way back you will receive this project, to insert and open this again in project tree. Open Zip-Archive Open zip archive will unpacked such project files again in your project tree. If the top level “Projects” is marked, all data will be inserted directly in this level. If a lower level folder is chosen, such data will by insert here. A standard window will open. After selection the file is unpacked and inserted in the project tree.



Properties Here you will get information about a file using a Windows® standard dialog. 2.3.3 View Font The pre-set standard font is Arial 10 pt. Other fonts and type sizes can be selected here. Sorting The collation of the project numbers can be chosen either in ascendant or descendant order. This enables you to list the projects in a logical order. Mouse track If the mouse track is active the currently selected project/workspace is coloured and under-lined in the project tree structure. Update In case the tree structure is not displayed properly this command enables you to start a re-draw. You can use the key <F5> as well. Display help An additional window for displaying some brief help lines is created. We recommend to dis-play this help window in the beginning and to close it when you are familiar with the program. 2.3.4 Specials Live Update This function is only available in the full-version and not in the test-version. As you need full administrator rights to change the installation directory, you should directly start the program (using the right mouse button pop up) with admin rights. When clicking on <LiveUpdate> you will be connected to our internet server. Here you will se your actual version number and the version which is may be possible for update. If a new version exists you may want to install, you have to set the check box first before starting <installation>. Now all needed data are transferred and the program will close and open anew. In the lower left footer you will see the new version number now. Note: If a new update liable to pay costs is available you will be pointed to this tact. Then you need a new licence file to let this update run. Updates will be free of charge, if only the last digit of the version number is changed (e.g. 3.5.0 to 3.5.1). Order In this order program you can specify the program version, the number of licences and print out an order form. Additionally you can request a new license file here, if you have installed this program on an other computer. License Viewer



The license viewer shows the bought and actual used licenses. There are two buttons:

Deactivate Normally you don’t need this button. Only in exceptional cases, if the license isn’t cor-rectly managed, you can mark the user/computer and deactivate it. Activation key If you have already got a license file and you have bought further licenses or if you up-grade to a higher program package, you don’t achieve a new license file. Instead of this, you will get a new activation key. This activation key will adjust the license file to your new requirements.

System settings Here opens the standard windows dialog to the system properties of the computer. 2.3.5 Language Here you can switch between seven languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Handbooks only exist in German and English language. In other cases the English versions are shown. The change takes place only after restarting the program. 2.3.6 Help Handbooks Here 3 manuals are available. A Program Manual, a Manual for the Graphic Surface and a Theory Manual for more detailed information. SJ Software Online A mouse click on this item initiates the opening of our homepage in the internet, where we provide general information about us, our programs, faq´s and where updates can be found. Additional information can be found on www.mepla.net. Info Here you obtain information about the version number, our contact details and an e-mail link, which you can use for hotline questions. Alternatively you can use the e-mail [email protected]. 2.4 Icon bar This icon bar shows the frequently used commands from the menu bar. They are listed here in quickly selectable buttons:

New Project Here you can open w new empty project at the actual position. Open

http://www.mepla.net/

mailto:[email protected]



If the upper item <projects> in the tree structure is marked, automatically all workspaces of the existing projects will open. If a special project is selected, only the related projects will open. Save Saving of the inputs made for this project so far. Cut to Functions See paragraph <menu bar>. Super ordinate directory With this function the marker in the project tree structure changes to the super ordinate direc-tory. 3 Workspaces 3.1 Project information In this input box any project related information can be written. 3.2 Geometry The geometry of the plate is defined by giving corner points. It can be chosen, if a straight line or a circular formed line shall be set for building the border to the next point.

Example for a rectangle plate 1500x 2000mm The co-ordinates x and y of each geometry point must be given such, that a counter clock-wise orientation of the points building the plate surface is set. The build system is always updated and drawn such, that the actual last line is connected with first given point to close the system. When a curved connection to the next corner point shall be set instead of a straight connec-tion, an additional coordinate (xM, yM) must be defined for the arc centre. To finalize this set-ting, the direction if the arc or circle shall be generated positive (clockwise) or negative (counter clockwise) must be given. A positive direction is indicated by “1” (right hand rule). A negative direction (in most cases a cut-off of the system like the picture above) is used by setting “-1”. A value of zero will describe a straight line, even if a centre point has been set. You have to take care, that the curved line definitely will end upon the next corner point. If not, you can use <Correction> to redefine the position of the next corner point which follows



an arc. Then the position is recalculated in radial direction from the centre point to lie exactly on the radius. Input: The input order of the corner points are indicated in the diagram and must be positive (counter clockwise). The generated border of the geometry is displayed at the same time in the drawing area. Inputs:

value description units x, y Co-ordinates of the corner points [mm]

xM, yM Co-ordinates of the centre point „M“ [N/mm²] -1, 0, 1 direction of rotation

(negative, none, positive rotation around the centre)

-

The element size is preset with 120mm. A coarser or finer element mesh can be set using the value for element size. Input: Element size: Values starting with 0, default 120mm The exactness of the calculation process depends on the mesh density (see Theory Manual). The calculation effort grows with an increasing number of layers. The use of an element size of 10 - 30 mm will lead to larger calculation efforts. When a fine mesh it’s not necessary, the amount of elements shall be reduced. This applies especially to a dynamic calculation which has to solve the equation system most frequently. In the case of doubt the mesh quantity shall be regarded using the system preview. Example 1: Semi-circle A semi-circle is build from one straight line and one circular border. The first border 1 is given without a rotation centre, as no values are set. The second border begins at the co-ordinate (1000,0) and will automatically close the system, but now uses a curved line, described by the centre point of (500,0) and a positive rotation (1). The end of curve will exactly lie at the starting point (0,0), where the system is closed.

border X Y XM YM rotation 1 0. 0. 2 1000. 0. 500. 0. 1

Element mesh with one straight and one curved border line



Example 2: Circular plate with hole The border begins at point (0,0) and will go as a straight line to the second point (0,300). The next border now, will have a curved form with the rotation centre (0,500) and a negative rota-tion (-1). As the next point is the same as the starting point (0,300), a circle is build. The next straight border 3 now will end at position (0,0) and is such chosen exactly parallel to the bor-der 1. The last description starts from here and forms a second circle with the same rotation centre, but is build now in positive direction (+1).

border X Y XM YM rotation 1 0. 0. 2 0. 300. 0. 500. -1 3 0. 300. 4 0. 0. 0. 500. +1

The circular disk has a diameter of 1000mm and the holes an opening of 400 mm.

Circular disk with hole 3.3 Layers The term <layers> stands for the partition of the glass panel (or any sandwich) into areas made of the same material. According to the theory of the multi-layer elements the total number of the layers always has to be odd, as two cover layers always must encapsulate one intermediate layer. 3.3.1 Structure of layers The structure of the layers is defined in a way that the lowest pane of a package always has the number 1 and that further layers continue upwards (as if they were laid on).



The input or selection of a layer is made by a combo box which offers the pre-set materials. If the required material does not exist, a new material can be defined in the menu bar under <program - settings - material>. Optionally a material in the workspace <layers> can be changed by overwriting. These changes have no effect on the data base. New item

By mouse click on the button <new item> a list of choices with the materials existing in the data base opens (see chapter menu bar, program, settings, material). The values of the chosen material are transferred into the input line. Here only the thickness and if necessary the temperature difference have to be entered. Further changes are possi-ble at any time.

The empty input boxes have to be filled out by the user. The thickness of the layer and the temperature difference in the layer (see theory manual) still have to be entered. All pre-set values except for the name of the material can be amended later. The temperature difference in the sense of a material description is logically not at the right place, as temperature differences between the single layers describe a load case. For transparency reasons this item was still included here, as it is a layer-specific prop-erty.

Delete item

The marked line is deleted from the layer structure. Input:

value description units material choice from database -

E young´s modulus [N/mm²] ν poisson’s ratio - t layer thickness [mm] ρ mass density of the layer [to/mm³] αT thermal expansion coefficient [1/K] ΔT temperature difference [K]

For calculations without temperature effects there is no need to define the thermal expansion coefficient and the temperature difference may be set to zero. Static calculation without dead weight do not need the mass density to be defined.



3.3.2 Structure of packages A package designates a sandwich (e. g. laminated safety glass panes) composed by several cover layers (glass) and intermediate layers (e.g. PVB). You can define a maximum of 4 packages. The selection and definition of a second and further packages always means that an insulation glass (or also other materials with a pressure-tight intermediate space) shall be calculated. You are thus subject to certain restrictions, e.g. that for the edges a simply sup-ported, a symmetry boundary condition or a spacer must be used, to fix the gap opening. The first, lowest package always has the number 1 and is the default setting in the program.

2

1t

Pake

t

SZR

12

54

32

1

3

If you activate a further package (by setting the combo box to 2) all input boxes are at your disposal again, which means that e. g. any insulation glass made of laminated safety glass can be described. 3.3.3 Intermediate Space, Gap If you activate a second package the gas in the intermediate space has to be defined by the volume expansion coefficient, the gap height between the packages and the inner pressure during production. Also here you can dispose of pre-set values from the list of choices. The indications of the temperature difference of the gas and the pressure are actually al-ready load indications which are made here as an intermediate layer specific property. The temperature difference is the difference between the actual and the manufacturing tem-perature. The indication of the pressure refers to the gas pressure in the intermediate space (gap) during manufacturing of the insulating glass unit, what’s the same as barometric pres-sure during this time. Inputs: value description units t intermediate space height, gap height [mm] γL volume expansion coefficient [1/K] ΔT temperature difference, heating difference [K] pi inner gas pressure during production [N/mm²]

Upon input of the packages with the gas pressure in the intermediate space the outer pres-sure has to be set (default setting: 0.101 N/mm² = 1010 mbar). An omission of this input would mean that e.g. an insulating glass unit would be set in a vacuum environment and it would thus arch extremely outwards! Inputs: value description units pa external pressure (barometric pressure) [N/mm²] ΔH difference of height [m], (installation height pro-

duction height) [m]



An easy setting of climatic loads can be done using the list of choice where summer,- winter- or self defined climate loads can be chosen. Such values can be changed as well manually. The elastic bearing of the edges of an insulation glass pane through the sealing at the frame border can be simulated sufficiently precisely by a simply supported edge (see theory man-ual). Instead you may use a spacer to define free borders of an insulating glass unit. As an additional tool you can choose by the select button a calculation with contact of the glass panes of the insulating unit. By indicating the tolerance you control apart from which distance the pane contact shall be regarded (see theory manual). Input: value description units tolerance tolerance distance for pane contact [mm]

3.4 Supports In this workspace the so far possible types of supports are listed. 3.4.1 Spring support A special kind of supports can be defined using springs. While the edge supports (3.3.2) al-ways act on the entire defined pane border and bear it stiffly with the taken degrees of free-dom, a punctual and flexible bearing is possible by the use of local springs. As every node of the finite element mesh has at least 5 degrees of freedom, and thus also degrees of freedom in pane direction exist, these possibilities of displacement (u, v, w) and rotation (φ, θ) have to be considered for a statically defined bearing. MEPLA automatically defines as a default 3 springs which suppress this displacement. Each package is so held at default at the corner point 1 in x and y-direction and at the corner point 2 only in y-direction with a low spring rigidity (1.0 N/mm). These directly visible springs in the drawing area can of course be removed if another bearing is necessary. Inputs: value description units x, y position of the spring [mm] Cx, Cy, Cz, Cφ, Cθ Rigidities of the springs [N/mm] or.

[Nmm/rad] All springs only act on the lowest layer (number 1) of each package. The calculated deforma-tions and reaction forces within these springs are printed out in the protocol. 3.4.2 Edge supports A predefined boundary condition can be separately assigned to each border of the plate. The displayed possibilities (type 0 to 7) can be chosen by a list of choices. This type of bearing is set for all glass layers and glass pane packages set up. The standard case for the bearing of an insulating glass unit is type 0. With the types of bearings 2 and 3 you can take advantage of symmetry of the system and thus save calculation time. This is mainly interesting for multi-layered laminated safety glass panels with a high number of elements. This symmetry condition can only be taken advan-tage of if it is parallel to a co-ordinate axis. The system can then maximally be quartered.



Not only the geometry but also the loads are then considered symmetrically. This shows that e.g. for pendulum impact simulations you cannot take advantage of the symmetry as the pendulum otherwise would exist twice or four times.

Typ 0 3

w, u, v = 0u, = 0 = 0 v, = 0

= 0

4 6 75

1 2

w, u, v = 0u,v = 0

Symmetryin y-direction

Symmetryin x-direction

w = 0u

w

v

w, = 0

Type 2 is used for a stiff rotation free clamping, which cannot be used for glass structures, but only for e.g. welded steel plates. For glass panes which are clamped normally type 5 is taken. Type 4 is for situations where only the rotation is suppressed and any other degree of free-dom is possible. The type 6 will suppress the deformation in x- and y-direction only. Type 7 additionally will take the d.o.f. of transverse deformation in z-direction indicated with “w”. For 6 and 7 it must be regarded, that for laminated glass as well a bending constraint can arise due to the dis-tance of the so fixed layers. Normally those types 6 and 7 are used for the stiffening <elastic beam>. 3.4.3 Glass fixing By now 7 types of glass point fixings are defined in SJ MEPLA with which a point-supported pane can be calculated. Type 1: Countersunk fixing Type 2: Disk fixing Type 3: Circular clamp fixing Type 4: Angular clamp fixing Type 5: Circular downholder Type 6: Angular downholder Type 7: bonded disk fixing (New in version 3.5:) Type 8: Countersunk fixing, Layer1, LSG Type 9: Countersunk fixing, package 1, insulation Type 10: Disk fixing, package 1, insulation



The point fixings of type 1,2, 7 - 10 can only be set within the pane area; the clamps and downholders 3 – 6 only at the border. These point fixings are independent new own finite elements which describe all possibilities of displacement. The separation layers that prevent the glass-steel contact are considered exactly by the position, the young's modulus and the thickness of the separating material. Special set ups of the force transmission consider a sliding of the separation layers at the glass face or the borehole rim. The input of these point fixings is again made by pre-set con-struction designs which are deposited in the data base. Here the geometric design with the elastic properties of the separation layers is stored. Changes or self-defined types are of course also possible. This default, how the point fixing looks like and what properties it has, is called a reference. In the data base there are 10 fixings exemplified given, which can be changed accordingly. Input: Reference: name of the fixing (from database) Type: 1 to 10 In dependency of the type of fixing, the needed values for describing the geometry and me-chanical behaviour are shown together with picture: Type 1 and 2: (Countersunk fixing, disk fixing)

values description units ri outer radius of the bush

(or radius of the borehole) [mm] ra outer radius of the disk layer, (shim) [mm] Es E-module of the shim layer, (shim) [N/mm²] Eh E-module of the bush [N/mm²] ts thickness of the shim [mm] th thickness of the bush [mm]

for countersunk fixing: hk conic height [mm] rk outer radius of the cone including the separa-

tion layer (bush) [mm]



z

k

a

s

h

h

s

h

xr

t

E

+z

C

C

E

Z

t

h

krir

r

t

tr

C

Es

i

s

h

ha

x

s

+z

zC

E

Zh

t

Type 3: (circular clamp fixing)

values description units - (empty) - r radius of the disk, shim [mm]

Es E-module of the shim layer [N/mm²] Eh E-module of the edge separator [N/mm²] ts thickness of the shim [mm] th thickness of the edge separator strip [mm]

ts

ts

Es

+z

hZr

th

Eh

Cx

r

x

CyCz

C

Type 4: (angular clamp fixing)

values description units a width 2a of the clamping along the edge [mm] b depth b [mm] Es E-module of the shim layer [N/mm²] Eh E-module of the edge separator [N/mm²] ts thickness of the shim [mm] th thickness of the edge separator strip [mm]

ts

ts

Es

+z

hZb

th

Eh

Cx

Cz

a

b

Cx

Cy

Type 5: (Circular downholder)



values description units - (empty) [mm] r radius of the disk, shim [mm]

Es E-module of the shim layer [N/mm²] - (empty) [N/mm²] ts thickness of the shim [mm] - (empty) [mm]

ts

+z

Es

ZrCx

r

x

Cy

h C

zC Type 6: (Angular downholder)

values description units a width 2a of the downholder along the edge [mm] b depth b [mm] Es E-module of the shim layer [N/mm²] - (empty) [N/mm²] ts thickness of the shim [mm] - (empty) [mm]

ts

+z

Es

ZbC

a

b

x

C

C

yCz

xh

Type 7: (Bonded disk fixing without hole)

values description units - (empty) [mm] r radius of the bonding [mm]

Es young’s module E [N/mm²] Gs shear-module G [N/mm²] ts thickness [mm] - (empty) [mm]

r

C

s

a

x

+z

zC

Zh

tEs ;Gs

C , C



Type 8: (Countersunk fixing, Layer 1, LSG)


(or radius of the borehole) [mm] ra outer radius of the disk layer, (shim) [mm] Es E-module of the shim layer, (shim) [N/mm²] Eh E-module of the bush [N/mm²] ts thickness of the shim [mm] th thickness of the bush [mm] hk conic height [mm] rk outer radius of the cone including the separa-


This point fixing only clamps the first layer of a laminated glass. Next layers don’t have a bore hole. Type 9: (Countersunk fixing, package 1, insulation)


(or radius of the borehole) [mm] ra outer radius of the disk layer, (shim) [mm] Es E-module of the shim layer, (shim) [N/mm²] Eh E-module of the bush [N/mm²] ts thickness of the shim [mm] th thickness of the bush [mm] hk conic height [mm] rk outer radius of the cone including the separa-




Point fixings of type 9 only clamp the first glass package. Next packages from an insulated glass unit don’t have a hole. This type of fixing is specially made for insulated glass units. Type 10: (Disk fixing, package 1, insulation)


(or radius of the borehole) [mm] ra outer radius of the disk layer, (shim) [mm] Es E-module of the shim layer, (shim) [N/mm²] Eh E-module of the bush [N/mm²] ts thickness of the shim [mm] th thickness of the bush [mm]

Now you can use each of these selected references as often as you like by indicating the place where the pane shall be fixed like this. The distance Zh describes the eccentricity of the fixing (distance from the lower bottom side of the glass pane with the sign according to the global z-axis). The related reference point with a height of 0 is located on the bottom side of layer 1. Options for applying boundary conditions:



0 1 2

It’s possible to applied springs, bars or forces: Type 1: The additional properties of the elastic bearing or the special construction layout (e.g. a ball shaped head) is set up by 5 spring rigidities. The first 3 rigidities describe the displacement rigidities of the point fixings base point (position where the springs act on), the last 2 values describe the rotation rigidity around the y-axis and the x-axis. This way the rigidity of the sub-construction and the design of a tension free bearing (whether, e.g. the point fixings generate a statically determined bearing of the panes) enters into the calculation. The possibility to displace freely (free movement) is indicated by C = 0, a rigid bearing by a high rigidity, e.g. C = 1.e6. Type 2: Alternatively you can set instead of 5 separate springs a directed jointed bar, which will hold the point fixing. This choice takes place by changing the last menu button from <1> (spring) to <2> (bar or rod). This bar will then act as a directed spring which connects the fixings ref-erence point (the same point where the 5 springs are attached to) to a fix point at the wall. This point must be given with his 3 co-ordinates. At both endings of the bar a hinge is lo-cated, so that only normal forces and no bending can be transmitted. Eccentricities, given by the value Zh are regarded as well. These may lead to bending moments in the glass at the point fixing. In this way, wired glass roofs can be calculated. Example: Point fixings connected with bars: When the input line is changed from <1> to <2>, a bar can be given to connect the point fix-ing with the wall. This is done by defining the position (x0, y0, z0) and describing the rigidities of the bar (young’s modulus and cross section area)

Y XXo

Z

Zo

The bar will be fixed 20 mm above the bottom side of the pane and the fix point for wall con-nection is at (200, 0, 800), so that the anchor is lying 800mm above the x-axis. Reference x y Zh x0 y0 z0 E A Disk fixing 200. 500. 20. 200. 0 800. 210000. 78.5 2 A direct controlling of location is only possible inside the graphics surface. Buckling of bars under compression is not regarded in the program and must be done by hand calculation using the resulting forces.



As well plausibility is not checked. If the bar or cables are intersecting the pane must be checked within the graphics surface. Type 3:

Using this type 3 forces and moments can be applied. In this way loads from hand rails can be regarded directly. Eccentricities coming from longer bolts (define by Zh) will consider automatically the combined moments transferred into the pane. Inputs:

values description units reference name out of above choices -

x, y position of the point fixing [mm] Zh distance of the base to the lower bottom side

of the pane [mm]

Type 1 ( 5 springs)

Cx, Cy, Cz

displacement rigidities of the springs [N/mm]

Cφ, Cθ rotation rigidities for the y-axis and the x-axis [Nmm/rad] Type 2 (bar, rod, cable)

x0, y0, z0 Fix point where the bar in connected at the ground (wall)

[mm]

E young’s modulus of the bar [N/mm²] A cross section of the bar [mm²]

Type 3 (forces)

Fx, Fy, Fz Forces applied at the base point [N] Mφ, Mθ Moments applied at the base point [Nmm]

Output:

- deformations - rotations - reaction forces



Rotational degree of freedom:

= 0

The glass fixings 3, 4 and 7 exhibit an additional degree of freedom around the z-axis. With this setting, these types can freely rotate around this axis. The default setting is “fixed, so that these fixings can’t rotate. When signing the flag the rotation is set to free. This is the de-fault setting, if those fixings are connected with bars. The glass fixings 1, 2 and 8 – 10 are set as default for free rotation, as they never can carry torsion loads. The glass downholders of type 5 and 6 do not have such degrees of freedom. They are al-ways fixed for z-rotation. Explanations to some point fixings: Example:

The point fixing of type 2 shown in the picture has a ball-shaped head as a rotation point which is not located exactly axially in the centre of the glass pane. This point of rotation is Zh=+5 mm above the bottom side of the lowest glass panel where Zh is defined as 0. The definition of the reference (name, geometry, rigidities) is: Reference Art ri ra Es Eh ts th hk rk Eigendef1 2 18.0 30.0 40. 500. 1.5 3.0

The position of the above defined point fixing with the spring rigidities of the sub-construction: Reference x y Zh Cx Cy Cz Cφ Cθ Eigendef1 100. 130. 5. 10000. 10000. 1000. 0. 0. 1 The indication of the Zh distance displaces the base point from the lower bottom side of the glass pane by 5 mm in positive z-direction into the glass pane centre. With the rotational ri-gidities Cn and Cθ set to 0, a free ball rotation is possible according to the above picture. These point fixings always lie aligned between the top and bottom side of the glass panels. The height of the point fixing (and so as well the bush) thus depends on the total height of the glass pane package which was defined in <layers>.



The types 3 to 6 are clamps or downholders, which can be set at borders. Their position must be at least within a distance of 70 mm to the border. Such locations are then computed by dropping a perpendicular to the border. At this position the clamping is located and the eccentricity according to the distance from the edge will be kept during calculation. Clamps of this kind can be set at straight or curved borders. If they are located very near to corners, a problem for building the element mesh arise. The have to stay at least so fare away that the element mesh could be build. These fixings are as default setting fixed with a translation stiffness of 1·105 [N/mm] and a rotation stiffness of 1·109 [Nmm/rad] for nearly stiff behaviour. This can be changed accord-ing to the real behaviour. Even if glass fixings are attached at beams or profiles this high stiffness could never reached. The actual rigidities should be determined with a separate computation for a flexibly defined connection, so that real values are set. Directly at the corners only circular glass fixings of type 3 or downholders of type 5 can be set. They must lie within a distance of 30 mm and are always re-located to fit exactly with the corner point. Eccentricities or angular types are not possible to locate at corners. Downholders of type 5 or 6 can be used for suction safety additional for e.g. bonded facades (structural glazing). They only transfer loads to the highest glass package and act only from the top, if contact condition is chosen. The underlying bearing along the borders can then be ensured by use of the <elastic line or edge supports> or as well via <bonded edges>. Type 7 is a special kind of fixing. This disk fixing must be located within the glass area and will not produce a hole and a going through finite element mesh. The connection is done by elastic material (bonding) what is defined by the young’s and shear modulus of this film. When setting G=0, no shear can be transmitted on to package 1 (only here this fixing can be set). Then only normal forces perpendicular to the glass face can interact. Transverse shear forces can not arise so that the disk could freely slide in pane direction. Type 8 is for the use of laminated glass. This countersunk will only clamp the first layer. All higher layers will have a going through pane. Fixing of type 9 to 10 are specially for insulated glass units. Normally with type 1 and 2 such a fixing is clamping all packages combined with a hole. But, these new kind of fixings 9 and 10 will only clamp the first package, whereas all other packages will have no holes. Special mechanisms: Special geometric conditions at the borehole rim or force transmittance mechanisms at the edges can be selected by check boxes. Here you can define: - which pane layer of a laminated safety glass pane lies in direct contact with the bush (for

disk fixing type 2 and 10) - whether only the conic face of a point fixing can transmit forces to the bore rim (default

setting for countersunk fixings type 1 and 9) - and whether the calculation shall be made with contact algorithms (for all fixings valid) The definition of the layer lying in contact with the bush is only valid for the lowest package 1. Other packages will never lie in contact, when this option has been chosen. If a counter sunk shall be considered, as default, the countersunk is the only part which can transfer loads into the glass; even if several packages has been defined. If these borehole load transmission settings are switched off, every borehole rim can transfer stresses into the bush. Regard that this bolting may lead to high stresses, which normally not exist.



The contact calculations are distinguished in set-ups for the disk pads and the bush or sepa-ration layers at the edges, which then apply to all point fixings. For each of the two set-ups the tolerance when the pane shall detach can be set up separately. The weaker the separat-ing layer is the higher the tolerance can be. The default values for the tolerances are from 0.1 to 0.001 mm. The input 0.0 is impossible for mathematical reasons (see theory manual). Point fixings may also be set for insulating glass units. Simultaneously with their use, spacers will be inserted at the borehole to seal up the insulating unit and to couple the pane by the spacers sealing material. 3.4.4 Spacer If unsupported edges of insulating glass units shall be set, there is need for spacers, which will internally couple and seal the panes at their borders. These spacers can be defined for each edge separately. They describe in the first option the rigidity of the silicone sealing in-cluding all effects coming from the aluminium profile, whereas the bending stiffness of the intermediate profile is not regarded. So this option will keep a nearly constant distance in-between the panes. Predefined safe sided values for this are 100 – 1000 N/mm² with a stan-dard width of 5mm. Due to this constant setting, tension and compression are treated in the same way. Additionally, there's the possibility to describe a second, different mechanism. Beneath the linear rigidity a non-linear behaviour may be chosen. This second non-linear method will dis-tinguish the behaviour for tension forces, where only the sealing material (e.g. silicone) is loaded and for compression, when the panes are compressing the aluminium profile, a rigid body contact will be considered. When point supported panes with fixings of type 1 or 2 (a going through bore hole) are used, the characteristic values which are set for the spacer behaviour are set automatically for these borehole rims too.

E, Gb

Input: (only possible for insulation glass )

value description units

border Definition of the border, which shall get a spacer -

Properties of the sealing material:

E modulus of elasticity of the sealing material or for the total spacer behaviour

[N/mm²]

G shear modulus of the sealing material [N/mm²]

b width of the sealing (the height results form the intermediate gap)

[mm]

Option Linear or non-linear approach Output:



The maximum stresses and their position within the spacers sealing, are printer out due to the given stiffness for normal- and shear- rigidities (E and G). The definition of the shear modulus enables a shear transmission at defined borders be-tween the panes. When this behaviour shall not be set, the shear modulus must be set to zero. When only a constant distance shall be analysed, the modulus of elasticity must be set to higher values (e.g. 100 N/mm² or higher) to prevent the deformation of the spacer and keeping a nearly constant distance. When non-linear behaviour (tension and compression with different properties) shall be set, the appropriate choice and a tolerance value may be selected. But this option is only for spe-cialists! If the default setting for the young’s modulus E is changed, the shear-modulus will be recal-culated by G = E/3 and the zero values will be overwritten! If this not desired, this automatic changing must be altered and definitely set again to zero! 3.4.5 Elastic edge beam When the system is supported with elastic edge beams, this load bearing behaviour may be regarded as well. Then the deformation results from the total stiffness of the pane and the beam rigidity. In this way the underlying construction (e.g. a frame) may be considered.

E, I, A

B

A

But some special requirements must be regarded: - The beams can only be set at straight the borders of the plate. - It’s not possible to apply it at curved edges, as it never transmits torsion. The beam

doesn’t have a torsional rigidity! - This beam can only carry bending forces transverse to the pane area (bending in z-

direction) – no normal forces. - With this beam definition it's possible to place a beam at the borders of the system. The

beam will act as a reinforced plate edge. - As the edge beam acts at the borders of the elements, the boundary conditions (A) and

(B) depends on the kind of bearing of the nodes at the beginning (A) and ending (B) of this beam. In addition, the beginning and ending of the beam may be fixed with further degrees of freedom. The definition for this kind of support in the same as used for <edge support>. So type 0 to 7 can be chosen to support the beam endings. The beginning of this beam is defined in counter clockwise direction, by the starting (A) and ending point (B) of this border.

Example:



A rectangular plate is simply supported at the fourth border. The two edges 1 and 3 are rein-forced with a beam. The boundary condition for the endings of the beams (beam at border 1 at it’s beginning (A) and beam at border 3 at it’s ending (B)) is therefore also a simple sup-port! Both other endings are supported by local springs acting only in z-direction.

Additionally, the rotational degrees of freedom may also be removed, so that the beam end-ings are now clamped. Input:

values description units

border The number of border which shall be rein-forced with a beam -

material material of the beam as default from the data-base -

I moment of inertia for bending out of plane [mm4] A cross section area of the beam [mm²]

(A) boundary condition at the beginning type 0-7 (B) boundary condition at the ending type 0-7

Most input boxes are filled out with the predefined material from the database. The density ρ is necessary for dynamic calculations as well as for static situations. The density will define the masses and dead weight considered for the calculations. Output: Position and value of the maximum and minimum bending moments (protocol) 3.4.6 Elastic edge supports Shall the system borders be elastically supported (e.g. rubber bearings), the borders of the plate may be defined with an underlying elastic profile or a bonded material. In contrast to the above described <edge supports>, where the boundary condition may only be set on or off (switching degrees of freedom on or off), the transversal and shear deformation of the sup-porting profiles may also be considered here. By use of the mechanical value G (shear modulus) this boundary condition can also be taken for structural glazing. The bonded borders then will act as well for shear effects. Additionally, here's the possibility to consider contact conditions, so that e.g. lifting corners may occur. In this case of contact the G-modulus is automatically taken as zero for the com-plete calculation, because of this option after separation never shear forces can occur.



Such elastic edge supports will never provide a clamping. The width is only used for calculat-ing the stiffness of such a strip. Internally this support equals a line of width zero. Thus such a single line will act like a simple support, perpendicular to this edge.

h

b

E,G

Input:

values description units border The number of border to support - contact Contact condition (yes/no) -

E Modulus of elasticity [N/mm²] G Shear modulus (e.g. if bonded borders) [N/mm²] b Width of underlying profile [mm] h Height of profile [mm]

contact tolerance Value for distance changes [mm], wherein the pane will de-attach from the supporting struc-ture

[mm]

Output: In the protocol stresses and reaction forces for each elastically supported border are written. 3.4.7 Elastic base When a plate is elastically supported on the entire face, this calculation is very complex es-pecially when contact conditions shall be regarded. This elastic base material may be set with it's layer height and young's modulus. Depending on the contact settings lifting or de-attached pane regions may arise. Note: A rearrangement of the material due to compression and accompanied material movement is not possible to simulate, as interaction effects are not considered (poisson's ratio is set to zero). Input:

values description units E Modulus of elasticity of the elastic base [N/mm²] h Height of elastic base [mm]

contact tolerance Value for change in distance [mm], wherein the pane will de-attach from the supporting base structure.

[mm]



3.4.8 Elastic line supports Analogue as for the elastic edge supports, here an elastic line support crossing the pane anywhere may be set. This will be done by giving two points for the beginning and ending of such a line support. Along this defined line, automatically spaced springs with an associated stiffness are generated. In contrast to the elastic edge supports, the line supports only declare a rigidity in z-direction defined by E. A shear behaviour using G can not be set. Like the elastic edge supports, the width “b” is only needed to calculate the spring rigidities. The width “b” is again reduced to a fine line of width “0”. Clamping effects can be included using several parallel lying elastic lines. According to their distance and stiffness, it’s then possible to transfer moments, too.

E

h

b Input:

values description Einheit contact contact condition (yes/no) -

x, y x- and y co-ordinates of the beginning point [mm] x, y x- and y co-ordinates of the ending point [mm] E Modulus of elasticity [N/mm²] b Width of profile [mm] h Height of profile [mm]

Contact tolerance:

tolerance Value for change in distance [mm], wherein the pane will de-attach from the supporting structure

[mm]

Output: - Reaction forces for each line - Maximum stresses in z-direction within the line 3.4.9 Bonded edges This way of supports allows considering bonded glass at the edges. The elastic behaviour along the edge is described by the young’s modulus E, the shear modulus G and the thick-ness “b”. Due to the defined values for G and E corresponding tangential, transverse and normal forces can be transmitted. This bonding is always related to all defined layers and packages.



Input :

values description unit border Number of the border - contact yes / no indicated by an X -

E Young’s modulus of the elastic material (or bonding film) [N/mm²]

G Shear modulus [N/mm²] b Width of the elastic layer [mm]

Contact Tolerance Value when separation shall take place [mm]

Output: - maximal and minimal stresses transverse and normal to the edge - reaction forces for each border and direction The reaction forces are calculated normal and tangential to the edge! If the border is curved, the sum of reaction forces are integrated along this curved border, so that this resulting forces normal Fnn and tangential Fnt may not be comparable with global forces in the x,y,z co-ordinate system (see Theory Manual). Only the force Fnz is acting in z-direction transverse to the border and can be directly regarded as reaction force, as well for curved borders! 3.5 Loads Here a number of possibilities for setting up the loading situation are explained. The layer-related values were already explained in section <layers> but they are mentioned here again.



3.5.1 Face load 3.5.1.1 Pressure loads Pressure loads can be set up separately for every package. A positive acting face load is defined in positive global z-axis direction. Such loads always act upon the total area. Hole are not regarded. It’s not possible to apply a face load onto a point fixing – only glass can be pressurized. - Constant face loads:

V

z

p

x

y

value description unit

p pressure loads acting onto the total area (can be set separately for each package) [N/mm²]

- Linear distributed face loads:

zp

0

p1

y

xy

0 y1

value description unit p0, p1 pressure ordinates belonging to y0 and y1 [N/mm²] y0, y1 reference pressures p0 and p1 [mm]

The linear distributed face loads only acts upon the face in-between both y-reference lines. If a reference line y is lying outside the pane, the loads are interpolated to the pane borders. Note: This routine is underlying a little approximation. If both reference lines are lying outside the pane, the solution is exact. But, if some elements are crossed by the reference lines an ap-proximation of the loaded area is carried out. This may lead to an inaccuracy between the loading and reaction forces, which is normally less than 0.5 Newton. (see Theory Handbook)



These constant and linear face loads are not shown in the <graphics surface> , as they will always almost overlap the total pane, so that nothing can be seen. 3.5.1.2 Dead weight The dead weight is controlled by the indication of a direction vector. This vector (3 vector components) indicates the direction of the acceleration due to gravity which acts onto the system.

Example: 0,0,-1: The gravity acceleration acts in negative z-direction. 0,-1,-1: The acceleration acts onto the pane under a 45° angle. The pane is thus rotated

by 45° against the horizontal. 0,-1,0: The acceleration acts within the plane of the pane. The pane is thus rotated by

90° against the horizontal (vertically installed pane, see theory manual). The input of the vector components does not necessarily be given in normalised values. The normalisation to a unit vector is made by the program. The effect of 0,0,-5 is identical with 0,0,-1. The calculation with dead load requires the declaration of the density ρ [to/mm³] of the layer materials, as the acting forces are determined by there mass. The input of 0,0,0 disables the calculation of the dead weight. In addition, it’s possibility to give only the angle of rotation around the x-axis. The gravity ac-celeration vector is then calculated automatically. To remove the dead weight, the angle en-try must be cleared. To activate this load <Use dead weight> must be marked with a check box. This is espe-cially important for calculation of load cases. Here a multiplication factor onto the dead weight will be considered only if this load is set active. 3.5.2 Concentrated loads By use of concentrated loads you can enter as many local single loads as you like. This load is distributed within the defined area (Lx · Ly). With this approach all possibilities for concen-trated loads at certain points up to line and face loads in any direction can be specified (see theory manual).



zy

x

Fz

yLxL

x ,y

Input:

values description unit x, y centre position of the load area [mm]

Fx, Fy, Fz force due to the 3 co-ordinate directions [N] Lx, Ly edge length of the distribution area [mm]

Forces Fz are applied directly into the pane without conversion, as all layers within one pack-age are coupled by one degree of freedom. Forces in x and y direction are distributed ac-cording to the layer thickness, so that a uniform introduction into the entire pane structure is achieved (e. g. edge loads which acts in-plane onto the cross section of the panes borders.) 3.5.3 Pendulum impact The pendulum impact is a dynamical load simulation. The impact of the pendulum body which is modelled with a mass of 50 kg and it's twin tyres (according to DIN EN 12600), is approached to the pane in little time steps. The arising contact in interaction with the pane, the variable tyre foot print area and the continuously changing force during this process which acts on the pendulum as well as on the pane, is solved by the time step method. The drop height as well as the position of the impact can be chosen freely. Condition therefore is, that the pendulum contact area does never lie outside the pane area. The parameters de-scribing the pendulum body, were found in experiments and are valid for a tyre pressure of 3.5 to 4.0 bar. A non-linear spring for the tyres is used which describes there rigidity (see Theory Manual). The total calculation results including all forces, stresses and acceleration of the pendulum is saved and can be displayed in the <graphics surface>. Furthermore it is possible to generate a <curve diagram>, showing e.g. the time-force rela-tion of the pendulum body. The related data’s produced for displaying this curve can be found in the project folder and is named “sj_mepla.lst”. All maximum and minimum values of the local stress output (see <options>), the deforma-tions, the spring forces and the pendulum force are saved in the calculation protocol. Addi-tionally the position and the size of the principal stresses are indicated. Input:

values description unit x, y point of impact for the pendulum body [mm] ΔH drop height of the pendulum [mm] ΔT time step length [s]

Tende calculation duration [s] The time step length is pre-set to 0.001 seconds. This value is applicable for a pane size of 1000 x 1000 mm with normal structure. If the pane is stiffer the time step length should be reduced; for thinner ("softer") panes it can be chosen longer. This value is not a constant in MEPLA but only a standard value which is not exceeded during calculation. If bad conver-gence occurs (too many iterations, because the value was chosen too high) the time step



automatically reduces. For good convergence ΔT is chosen higher, but never higher than the time step length set up. The calculation ends when the calculation duration is reached or the process is manually terminated. A dynamic calculation of the pendulum impact can’t be combined with any other static loads. It’s to regard, that no such loads like dead weight are active, as they would be applied very suddenly onto the surface and would lead to additional vibrations. 3.5.4 Temperature differences The temperature difference can be set up separately for every layer with a constant gradient over the layer thickness. This can be done in the workspace <layers>. If there is only one layer, a deformation results only from the temperature expansion and a corresponding reac-tion due to a statically undetermined bearing. If several layers (e.g. laminated safety glass) are indicated, a curvature effect from the differ-ent expansions of the layers with different layer temperatures will result (see Theory Manual). For such calculations the thermal expansion coefficient αT must be defined in <layers>. 3.5.5 Climate loads The climate loads are relevant for the calculation of insulating glass units. The following loads can be set up in the workspace <layers>: Input:

values Description units Filling gas Filling gas from the database -

t Height of the intermediate space, gap mm ( Volume expansion coefficient [1/K]

ΔT Temperature difference (Temperature change between installation and manufacturing)

[K]

pi Internal pressure of the gas during manufac-turing [N/mm²]

pa External pressure, barometric air pressure (1 bar = 0.1 N/mm²) [N/mm²]

ΔH difference of height from installation and manufacturing place, if the precise external pressure is unknown

[m]

Additionally all load combinations of face load, point load and temperature differences in the layers (insulation glass made of laminated safety glass up to 4-fold glazing = 3x gaps) are possible. These calculations can as well like all other calculations be made with a non-linear geometric approach. Also insulating glass units can be exposed to the pendulum impact. The gas pressure laws in the gaps are always considered. Then, however, the climate loads and other loads have to be set in a way that off-load conditions are achieved (e. g. internal pressure = external pres-sure) and no other loads (e.g. face loads) are applied. Otherwise the system would be ex-posed to these loads "abruptly" and start to swing before the pendulum impacts.



3.5.6 Pressure hit A further dynamic calculation method can be performed with the pressure hit possibility. By giving a load factor-time curve the face-, concentrated and line-loads defined under <loads> are time step controlled applied onto the system. Thereby the resulting load factor is multi-plied with these loads. In this way wind blasts (e.g. from measurements) can be set on and the dynamic response of the pane can be simulated.

The input data must at least consist out of 3 entries. With the peak blending value sharp curve tips can be rounded. The value matches thereby the radius of a circle laid within the curve tips. A value of 0.0 switches off this smoothing. To activate this kind of calculation the button <use pressure hit> must be marked. When pressure hit calculation is enabled, a possibly defined pendulum impact calculation will be disabled. Pre-defined or measured load data can be opened via <Open file>. Such a file must be named “sj_mepla.tim”. Direct entries in such a file here should be given in rows, where ac-cording to the manually defined table the 2 entries for time and load factor should be sepa-rated with at least one blank. If these data are entered manually, they are automatically written to such a file. 3.5.7 Line loads Line loads are approaches for loads which act along a line. The width of such a line is zero. In reality it’s not possible to set up loads with no width, as always a dimension must exist. Therefore such a tool is an approximation, which is nevertheless often used. Line loads are given in the unit [N/mm] or without conversion [kN/m]. The line will be defined by a starting point (X0, Y0) and the second ending point (X1, Y1). Only loads within this line and within the glass area are considered for loading. Along this so defined line, loads in 3 directions qx, qy und qz can be given. A resulting load vector will be displayed in the graphics surface.



y

x

z

x ,y1 1

x ,y0 0

qz

Input:

values description units x0, y0 Starting point of the line load [mm] x1, y1 Endpoint of the line load [mm]

qx, qy, qz Load components in 3 directions [N/mm], [kN/m]

3.5.8 Load cases This tab sheet <Load Cases> allows considering the complex automatic calculation of any load combinations. Loads like dead weight, face loads and snow loads can here be set anew for the outside and inside face of a panel. Additionally climatic loads can be chosen within such load combinations. Line- and concentrated loads earlier defined under <Loads> can also be considered by use of a multiplication factor.

Each kind of loads can get a related safety factor, so that these multipliers can be used to define any possible combination of loads. In this way a load case can be build with 100% wind pressure on the outside of a pane together with 50% of snow. For a second load case this can be changed to 50% and 100% for snow, may be now together with a climatic load multiplied by 1.35.



Input:

values description units

dead weight Factor acting onto the direction of gravity set under (face loads) -

wind Factor for the marked wind loads - snow Factor for the defined snow load - line Factor for the <line loads> set under <loads> -

Point load (concentrated

loads)

Factor for the <concentrated load> set under <loads> -

climate Factor for the chosen climatic load - factor acting on Δp and ΔT - factor for ΔH

-

shear Description of a load case text Load settings:

Wind outside pressure (-), suction (+), no wind [N/mm²] Wind innen pressure (-), suction (+), no wind [N/mm²]

Snow outside snow load perpendicular to the face [N/mm²] Snow outside Linear and bordered increasing snow loads [N/mm²]

Climatic loads 2 climate loads from a data base, own values, no climatic load -

Explanations: The above picture shows a default starting screen, where no load cases has been keyed in yet. All load factors except for the shear value are initially set to zero. In a first step possible wind loads acting onto the top and the bottom of a panel, the snow loads (or other similar loads) and all climate loads will be entered. These loadings are used as fixed basic values to define each later combination. Other load settings are given under <line loads>, <concentrated loads> and load acting directly at a point fitting <Glass Fixings>. These loads can’t be set anew here and are used from their existing position defined in a different tab sheet. In the following example such loads are not used. After defining the loads for later usage, now the appropriate combinations for a first load case 1 can be chosen by selecting the radio button. This selection is will be stored only within the active load case 1. In this example this is a wind pressure from the top (-0.002 N/mm² = 2.0 kN/m²), a possible additional pressure onto the inner panel is not chosen, but a constant snow load (-0.75 kN/m² = -0.75e-3 N/mm² = -0.75 / 1000 N/mm²) combined with a climate load from the default values of Winter (default). All of these loads are multiplied with a factor of 1.0 (100%) in this first load case 1:



The climate factor is divided into two values. The first value is related to the pressure differ-ence between inside- and outside pressure (Δp) and as well to the temperature change in the gap (ΔT). The second freely chosen factor is applied to a possible difference in height (ΔH) within the climate load, so that this permanently acting value can be set differently than the short term effects of barometric and temperature changes. For the climate loads there are 4 settings possible. The two higher entries can freely be cho-sen from a pull down list. A “self-defined” load coming from the definition set under <Layers> or a simplified setting to use of no climate loads (without) may be used. The two higher entries are taken from the data base. Even if there is nothing defined yet, there are always two standard settings for “Winter” and “Summer” conditions according to the German Standard (TRLV). In the above example such a “Winter (default)” setting is used for load case 1. The second choice (for next load cases) is taken out of a data base <Settings – Climatic loads>, where it was named “Summer without Delta H”. On the right side of this list of choices there is a small button (arrow),

where the actual settings for this climate load are displayed and may be changed again.



Here the altered value for the difference of height (DH = 0 m) is visible. Changes can be done as well here. In this way the settings can be changed again for local usage, without changing the data base entries. Snow loads can be used in two different ways:

a.) a constant load distributed over the total area or b.) a linear increasing face load, bordered by two lines y0 and y1 (this is similar to the set-

tings under <Face Loads>) In contrast to such settings under <Face Loads>, here the loads will act only onto the high-est glass package.

As the lower marking for linear face loads (indicated by the red arrow) is not set, this load will not be regarded in a such defined load case 1. For next definitions any other combinations of constant and linear snow loads may be selected. If none of these selections is chosen, no loads will be considered, even if there is something entered for possible usage. Loads with zero value (0.0) are take for calculation and reported in the protocol. The factor for shear applies directly onto the Young’s-modulus E of the intermediate layers (2, 4, 6,…). It’s possible to regards different behaviours for the sandwich core like sliding ef-fects and monolithic approaches directly within this load case. Here are two ways possible:

a.) The Young’s-modulus E under <Layer> is set to 1.0. Then all factors entered for the shear can be given in real dimensions.

or b.) The Young’s modulus E under <Layer> is set in its real dimension. A small shear fac-

tor now will reduce this value to regard the situation of no shear in between the glass panels.

Example:



Young’s Modulus E [N/mm²] of intermediate layers

Factor load case 1 (full shear effects)

Factor load case 2 (quasi no shear effects, slid-ing E = 0.01 N/mm²)

1.0 70000.

0.01

700000. 1.0

0.000000142

0.01

70000000. (or other needed values for regarding monolithic behav-iour)

1.0

The last input box “comment” is used to better documentation and for the usage in the proto-col. Load cases can be saved and opened for usage in other projects. But all related settings are only stored within the tab sheet <Load cases>. If there are links used for point- or concen-trated loads outside of this card these must be re-entered there again. Alternatively a total project can be copied, where all load cases and any related settings are taken over. A load case calculation is only performed if the selection <Use load cases> is marked. Without this selection, only one static calculation using the load settings from the other tab sheet will start. Each load case remembers the settings, which loads and safety factor are set. It can be cho-sen, whether wind suction or pressure on the outside or on the inside of a pane shall be re-garded, whether snow shall be considered or if a climatic load should be set as well. Output: During calculation each load case is separately calculated from the settings and printed in the protocol. For each of those load cases all related deformations, stresses and forces can be seen there. The evaluation is finalised by comparing each load case results to get the worst case. At the end of protocol these evaluated load cases are shown with their related deformations and stresses. All load cases can be seen in the <graphics surface> step by step. A curve plot can be used as well, so that in a graphical way the according results are drawn. 3.5.9 Safety (removed in version 3.5.6) This card is for a simplified usage of safety factors. These factors are only related to the loads given under <Load> card. Here no loads defined within the <Load case> card will be considered. Input:

values description units factor to the defined dead weight - factor to the const. And linear increasing face loads - factor to the line loads -



factor to the point loads (concentrated loads) - factor to the defined climatic load under <layer> -

Output: The safety factors are printed in the protocol. Hint: The common use of <Load Cases> and <Safety> isn’t possible. Only one of both settings can be set for a calculation. Old projects where such safety factors have been set will further on be calculated using these values, until changes are made in this project definition. New project starting form 3.5.6 on can’t use this card any longer. Now such safety factor must be set using <load cases>. 3.5.10 Border Loads This tool allows the direct input of line loads along borders. This is usable for curved borders as well, which can’t be applied using straight line loads.

Such loads can be set in two directions: Perpendicular to the face acting in z-direction or in plane normal to the cross section. A positive value is directed away from the edge. Input:

Values description unit border Number of loaded border -

qz Line load in z-direction [N/mm]

qn Line load in pane direction away from the cross section area [N/mm]

Important note: Such a border load can only be applied onto the first glass package. It’s not possible the higher glass packages in insulation glass unit are loaded like this. Border loads applied in plane direction onto the cross section of a laminated glass edge are distributed according to the thickness of each layer. The applied pressure load will result af-ter dividing the border load by the sum of all glass thickness.



3.6 Options In the workspace options the requested calculation set-up as well as the position of the local stress and deformation outputs can be specified. 3.5.1 Calculation options 3.6.1.1 Linearisation The default setting is a linear geometric calculation. With the radio button you can switch to non-linear calculation. Large deformations transversely to the plate are then considered (see theory manual). All calculations (also pendulum impact and insulation glass) can be carried out with this op-tions. 3.6.1.2 Tolerance By setting the <force tolerance value> the precision of the calculation can be changed. Solving non-linear equations take place by use of the Newton-Raphson method. This is a iterative process, which will end when the tolerance value is reached. This value is pre-defined with 0.1 N and shall only be changed by a specialist. 3.6.1.3 Automatic With <disable automatic> the algorithm that tries to find the quickest possible solution is suppressed. In case of high loads with non-linear effects or considering of large transversal deformations (geometrically non-linear effects) or in case of insulating glass unit with the non-linear gas pressure law, it can be necessary to disable this automatic control. The tan-gential stiffness matrix is then set up and solved during each iteration. This option should be enabled only by exception as it makes the calculation much more time consuming. In case of a dynamic calculation this option will not be considered. 3.6.1.4 Steps The select button <apply loads in x steps> divides loads into several steps. This selection is frequently advisable in case of very large loads as it improves the convergence of the cal-culation. All intermediate steps are saved and printed out. They can be shown separately with the <graphics surface>. In extreme cases to achieve a convergent solution also both options <disable automatic> and <apply loads in x steps> can be selected. Attention: When using the load steps, only in the last step all loads has been applied! 3.5.2 Local stress outputs Here you can define some positions within the plate where the stress and displacement shall be determined explicitly. These outputs are then listed in the calculation protocol. Every stress output contains the following values: Sxx Stress in global x-direction Syy Stress in global y-direction Sxy Shear stress Sp+ Maximum principal stresses (positive root)



Sp-: Minimum principal stresses (negative root) The output of these 5 stress values is carried out on the basis of the defined layer structure for the top and bottom side of each layer. These outputs are furthermore at your disposal within the <curve diagram> for displaying results of a dynamic pendulum impact simulation or a calculation in several steps. Thus, e.g. the stress variation under the pendulum impact point during a certain time period can be dis-played. 3.5.2 Stress results The following stress results can be chosen, to be written into the protocol: - Max. principal stress - Min. principal stress - Von Mises stress (for metallic layers) For these choices, the maximal or minimal stress results are written into the protocol by indi-cating there position and there associated layer. 3.6.2 Reaction Forces Values which are not needed can be defined here. In this way the protocol volume is reduced to what’s really of interest. 3.5.2 Formed Volume The option <calculate formed volume> will calculate the formed volume between the un-deformed and deformed situation of the plate. This is done by integrating the lateral deforma-tions "w" over for the total FE-structure. 3.6.3 Protocol and Messages The language in which the protocol should be written or control messages for the status of calculation can be chosen. This must be done before running the calculation. Actually Ger-man, English, French, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Polish and Czech is possible. 3.6.4 Solver The default choice which solver should be used for calculation can be changed here. (see 2.3.1.1 - Options) 3.7 Results In the workspace <results> all possibilities that belong to the calculation and the output of results are given. 3.7.1 Before calculation With <system preview> the system which has not been calculated yet can be considered. Here the generated mesh, the bearing design, the position of the point fixings and all other settings can be regarded, before the calculation is carried out. Thus all inputs as well as the generated mesh density can be controlled once again. If a calculation results already exists, they will be deleted by the <system preview>. A warn-ing message draws your attention to this fact.



3.7.2 Calculation If the system has been reviewed or if the calculation shall be carried out directly, the calcula-tion is started with <start calculation>. In the lower part of the window information about the progress are displayed. Additional notes, not leading to a program stop, are shown in parallel.

After starting the program you can continue working in other projects. A running calculation is indicated with a grey flag.

If the calculation has been performed correctly, this is indicated with a green flag

If during calculation an error occurs, the flag colour will change to red. Cancelling a calculation is possible using the same button, which is re-named while a job is running, with <Cancel calculation>:

Calculation results are then not available or only available up to the last time step solved. This operation can take some time as the calculation program can only be terminated at cer-tain points during the calculation process. Program version: The program will automatically detect, which kind of operating system is running. - If you are using a 32bit version, the calculation will start the finite element core as a 32bit

version. - If you are using 64 bit, the finite element program based on 64bit is started.



Which version is started, is displayed in the notes window. 3.7.3 Calculation results Graphics surface After calculation additionally to the system data now the results of the calculation are avail-able. The button <graphics surface> starts the graphics post processor which displays the result visually (see manual for more information about the graphics surface). Protocol The <protocol> contains all data of the calculation. The geometry of the plate, the position of the edge points, the layer structure, point fixings including the calculation set-ups and all cal-culation results that were requested, are recorded in table form and can be printed out.

In the appearing window you can now select if - you want to have a preview of all printed pages or - if you want to export the data for use in Excel. For the output of these data the button <Font> will give options for the size and the kind of font to use. The PDF button has been removed. An additional button on the right (indicated by the red arrow) allows to set the paper format and orientation (landscape). Curve diagram If a dynamic calculation of the pendulum impact or a calculation in several steps has been carried out, specific evaluations in form of a curve can be established here. Using the combo boxes the values for the x-axis and the y-axis can be adjusted separately. Depending on the size of the result data base this evaluation may take some seconds until the result is shown in the form of a curve diagram. The shorthand expressions displayed in the combo box have the following meanings: P package number S layer number Top, bottom top and bottom side of the layer



Sxx stress component Additionally the deformations at the point fixings, at the impact position of the pendulum or the kinetic and potential energy during impact can be shown. Print curve diagram Every displayed curve can be printed out separately by clicking the button <print curve dia-gram>. 4 Error messages The mesh is too much distorted! Select a higher mesh density! Explanation: If a point fixing of type 1, 2, 7-10 is placed too close to the pane edge or if the mesh is too course, the mesh can possibly not be generated correctly. Correction: - Check the position of the fixings - Check the order and position of the corner points - Chose a smaller or larger element size and check the generated mesh with the system

preview. - Check the position of the point fixings. A point fixing is situated outside the plate! Correction: - Check the position of the point fixing. The mesh is too rough to insert the point fixings! Explanation: - For a very large element size (e. g. 500mm), it may be that the point fixing mesh cannot

be generated. Correction: - Select a smaller element size - Check the position of the point fixings The point fixing is too large for the plate! Explanation: - The plate diameter of the point fixing is too large. Correction: - Check the chosen radius of the point fixings circular plate A spring is lying outside the plate! Correction: - Check the position of the springs (if necessary displace them by 10mm into the pane if it

shall be situated close to the edge or a corner)



- Check the positions for the springs placed at higher packages. They are only shown if this package is selected.

No convergence: The calculation is terminated! Explanation: - In 6000 iterations no convergence could be achieved. Cause, corrective: - The system is not statically determined - Check bearing and springs - Check the thickness of insulation glass panes - Check the values of the loads The loads for a non-linear calculation (geometrically non-linear, insulating glass units) are very large or the chosen contact algorithms causes large stress redistribution - Check the values of the loads! - Click on the button <disable automatic> or <apply loads in x steps> or both in the

workspace <options> A calculation using contact could not be carried out. The system alternates between two conditions. - enlarge the contact tolerance - install supporting springs, that guarantee a statically determination - select a smaller young's modulus of the separation layers - disable contact calculation - in case of insulation glass: the static loads are too high (use contact in static insulation

glass calculation only by exception) Note: The convergence can be observed during calculation. If no convergence appears, the calcu-lation should be terminated manually by <Cancel calculation>. No convergence! Check a statically determined bearing! Explanation: - If the error force increases during iterations the calculation stops after a maximum error

has been exceeded. Causes, correction: - see No Convergence (above) Pendulum impact: The impact point of the pendulum is not within the pane area! Correction: - Check the position of the impact point The contact area of the pendulum tyres stretches beyond the pane edge! Explanation:



- During calculation a changing tyre foot print area is considered. This reaches over the pane border or is lying within a borehole.

Correction: - The pendulum must be set up more far away from the edge of the pane. - The pendulum must not impact on a point fixing. Info - message: Warning: The border exhibits at least one extended corner! - Constructions in glass should not use such edges, as singularities will appear. - Think about this cut-off how to deactivate this corner may be using an rounding in a later

structural way. A stress/displacement output is lying outside the plate! - This local output is not considered. Equation system is solved anew! - The calculation with contact algorithms, non linear calculation, insulation glass and the

pendulum impact requires from time to time a new set up of the stiffness matrix accom-panied by a new solving of the equation system.

Time step is decreased: - In case of a poor convergence of dynamic calculations (pendulum impact / pressure hit)

the time step is decreased if necessary in order to re-establish a rapid convergence. Time step is increased: - In case of a very good convergence the time steps are slightly increased to accelerate

the calculation. Calculation is ended! Computing time: - Normal end of a calculation and displaying the needed calculation time.



5 General conditions of sale and delivery between the SJ Software GmbH as program supplier (supplier) and the purchaser of the program as user of the programs (user) 1. Applicable is the latest price list. The prices are net prices in EURO without VAT. 2. With the payment of the entire selling price the user purchases the not transferable and

non-exclusive right to use the programs for his own needs. The user may only make cop-ies of the programs and documentation for internal purposes (work and security copies).

3. The manual and all programs are protected by the copyright. The copyright protection lies

with SJ Software GmbH, Aachen. It is prohibited to make reproductions of the program regardless of what number of copies and in which form they are made, and to hand them over, even temporarily, to third parties. It is also prohibited to make adaptations or other amendments of the programs as well as subsequent corrections of the registration num-ber.

4. All programs have been tested carefully. In case that nevertheless defects occur within

the first six months upon delivery, the user has the exclusive right to claim reworking free of charge. If the supplier rejects this reworking or if he does not succeed in reworking, the user is entitled to claim for cancellation of sale contract or reduction of the sales price. Further claims of the user are excluded unless they result from an act of intentional or culpable negligence of the supplier. In particular the supplier does not guarantee that the programs comply with the special requirements of the user. The user has the obligation to examine himself whether the program is suitable for his purposes. Special properties are not assured.

5. This agreement applies likewise for all further program versions, data and other docu-

mentation placed at the user's disposal. 6. The effectiveness of these general conditions of sale and delivery is not affected by the

fact that one single of the above regulations is or will become invalid. 7. The parties have agreed that this agreement is drawn up and amended in writing. Collat-

eral agreements are not made. They must be drawn up in writing to become valid. © by SJ Software GmbH, Aachen, 2012

Download - Sj Mepla Manual Program Eng

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