Desenvolvimento de ferramenta computacional para dimensionamento de duas ligações viga-pilar em estruturas de aço

Abstract

Due to the growing demand for steel structures, this study aimed to develop a computational calculation tool, according to the recently revised ABNT NBR 8800:2024 standard, for design flexible and rigid connections between beams and columns. The correct design of connections is essential to ensure the stability, durability, and strength of structures. Considering that the manual calculation process is susceptible to errors, the aim was to develop a reliable, efficient, and economical calculation tool using the Python programming language. The proposed tool calculates the chosen connection and presents the calculation report with all the design parameters, as well as the plotting of the connections. In addition to the calculation with the initial parameters, the program also recalculates the connection by changing the components if it does not meet the service and ultimate limit states, presenting the most viable option to the user. After execution, the code creates files with the results, renaming the files according to the selected characteristics, such as connection type, profile, and loads. The tool developed for calculating both rigid and flexible beam-column connections presented highly satisfactory results when compared to manual calculations, proving to be reliable and accurate. The accuracy of the calculations, corroborated by the examples tested, validates the use of this application in structural projects, allowing for a reduction in the time spent on repetitive calculations and, at the same time, ensuring compliance with ABNT NBR 8800:2024. The tool aims at design using the lowest cost, allowing the user to enter data related to structural elements, also aiming at optimizing the resources available on the job site. One of the biggest advantages of the tool is the ability to perform multiple iterations in fractions of a second, adjusting variables such as the number of bolts, weld thickness, and steel profiles according to design standards. This eliminates repetitive manual work, which, in addition to being timeconsuming, can lead to human error.