Manual Janus
Manual Janus
Manual Janus
by
Ivan N. Chak
c Copyright 2013 by Ivan N. Chak
Abstract
Ivan N. Chak
University of Toronto
2013
VecTor is a suite of computer programs developed for the nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced
concrete structures. Due to the substantial nature of output data produced by the programs, accessing
pertinent analysis information is not easily accomplished. A graphics-based post-processor would greatly
improve the overall utility of the VecTor programs by allowing the multitude of information to be visually
displayed and manipulated for the purposes of data synthesis and rapid verification of results.
The intent of this manual is to demonstrate a post-processor program which reads and displays the
results of VecTor-based analyses in a robust and straightforward manner. The proposed post-processor
program, named Janus, will provide the user with the capability to display both local and global response
characteristics. Janus will allow the user to comprehensively recall and manipulate structural analysis
results on a model-wide basis as well as display pertinent information for individually specified elements
of interest.
ii
Acknowledgements
I gratefully acknowledge and thank Professor Frank Vecchio for his guidance and supervision throughout
the duration of this research. His expertise and direction have deeply enriched my academic experiences,
and I am grateful for his continued patience and encouragement for me to develop my potential - both as
a scholar and as an engineering professional. Without his belief in my abilities, I could not have reached
my goals. Additional thanks to Professor Evan Bentz for his invaluable guidance and help in reviewing
my work.
I would also like to thank my friends and colleagues Akira Jodai, Vahid Sadeghian, Fady ElMohandes,
Trevor Hrynyk, Serhan Güner, David Carnovale and Heather Trommels for their contributions and advice
I would also like to express my gratitude for the financial support provided by: the Natural Sciences
and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Marshall Macklin Monaghan Group Limited
Last but not least, I wholeheartedly give thanks to my mother, father, and brother for their loving
iii
Contents
Abstract ii
Acknowledgements iii
List of Tables ix
List of Figures xi
Notation xviii
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.4 Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 VecTor2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 VecTor3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4 VecTor4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.5 VecTor5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.6 VecTor6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.7.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
iv
2.7.4 Expanded Structure File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2.2 Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.2.3 Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.5.1 Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.5.2 Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.5.3 Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
v
3.7 Structure Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
3.7.4 Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
4.1 Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
4.1.1 Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
4.1.2 Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
4.2.1 Deformations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
5.1 Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
5.1.1 Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
vi
5.1.2 Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
5.2.1 Deformations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
6.1 Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
6.1.1 Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
6.1.2 Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
vii
8.1.1 Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
viii
9.7.2 Feature Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Appendix C VecTor3 Example Model Sectional Crack Pattern and Contour Mode 187
References 192
ix
List of Tables
x
9.9 VecTor4 File Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
xi
List of Figures
xii
3.23 Section Up and Section Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
xiii
3.56 Axis Change Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
xiv
9.2 SW22 Experimental Specimen and Equivalent Finite Element Model Details . . . . . . . 125
9.3 VecTor2 Example Model in Material Mode and Legend Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
9.22 VecTor4 Example Model in Deformations Mode and RC Element Contour Mode . . . . . 154
9.23 VecTor4 Example Model in Layer View and RC Element Contour Mode . . . . . . . . . . 154
9.29 VecTor5 Example Model Deformations and Nodal Displacement Contour Mode . . . . . . 163
9.30 VecTor5 Example Model Deformations and Shear Strain Contour Mode . . . . . . . . . . 163
9.31 VecTor5 Example Model in Layer View and Shear Strain Contour Mode . . . . . . . . . 164
9.32 VecTor6 Example Model in Material Mode and Legend Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
xv
9.35 VecTor6 Example Model Deformations and Crack Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
xvi
C.10 XZ Section View at y = 8896 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
xvii
Notation
ρ Reinforcement ratio
xviii
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Background
In the contemporary practice of structural engineering, engineers and design professionals are perpet-
ually challenged in their abilities to accurately and efficiently design a structure. In order to satisfy
performance-based design standards and safely accommodate extreme loading scenarios, advanced com-
putational tools such as finite element analysis software have been developed to aid designers in con-
ducting analyses beyond conventionally available techniques. To that end, the VecTor software suite has
been developed at the University of Toronto for the purpose of modelling the nonlinear behaviour of dif-
ferent types of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The VecTor software suite currently consists of five
programs, each with specialized analysis capabilities for particular types of structural elements: VecTor2
for 2D membrane structures, VecTor3 for 3D solid structures, VecTor4 for plates and shells, VecTor5 for
plane frames, and lastly VecTor6 for axisymmetric solids. The veracity of the VecTor programs has been
confirmed through an assortment of experimental test programs conducted at the University of Toronto
and elsewhere, as well as rigorous analyses of real-world structures such as frames, slabs, shear walls,
As advanced nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) software, the VecTor programs generate a con-
siderable volume of data as a result of their analyses. The analysis output data - comprehensively
describing the complete structural state and/or position of each node and element included in the model
- are discretized into separate files for each load or time stage increment defined by the user. For user
1
Chapter 1. Introduction 2
verification purposes, the ensuing output data also includes the structural model, analysis and mate-
rial parameters, and applied loads as they have been interpreted by the VecTor program. While this
information is ideally formatted and categorized for efficient and systematic data handling within the
digital computing environment, this information layout is conversely problematic for human compre-
hension. Although standard text editors are capable of displaying the raw numerical arrays of output
data, significant automation and customization would be required to present it in a versatile arrange-
ment that is insightful or analytically valuable to the common user. As VecTor finite elements models
increase in complexity beyond a nontrivial number of analysis points and/or load stages, ad hoc access
of unprocessed output files through conventional text editor programs quickly becomes an ungainly and
ineffectual task.
In order to address the difficulties associated with interpreting numerical data from VecTor analyses,
a graphical and user-friendly post-processor program is required. The post-processor would help design
engineers to assess, confirm and synthesize the resulting information in a useful and convenient manner.
It would serve a role as a supporting and terminal platform in the VecTor finite element analysis pro-
cedure, providing a visually intuitive and interactive tool for designers to verify their findings as well as
The purpose of this manual is to present a custom post-processor program that supplements the overall
utility of the existing VecTor software suite, providing an effective means to view and interpret analysis
output results. The post-processor, designated as Janus, is responsible for presenting the entire finite
element model on a macroscopic scale as well as intermediate section and/or layer views where applicable.
Prior to the creation of this document, the software framework for Janus had been partially developed
by Dr. Hossein Mostafaei at the University of Toronto in 2008. Due to the fact that there is a diverse
array of VecTor programs - each responsible for analyzing a distinct form of RC structure - significant
further work was required in order to expand Janus’ original data acquisition and display functionality
to accommodate all contemporary VecTor model types. Hence, one of the primary objectives of this
manual is to exemplify Janus as a post-processor that can universally support all model types currently
supported by the VecTor analysis programs, possessing the capability to display relevant structural input
features such as nodal restraints, specified material types, load cases, and more.
In a similar vein, the crux of design and functionality requirements in Janus involve being able to
display all relevant data upon request by the user, as well as provide pertinent navigation and interface
Chapter 1. Introduction 3
cues for general ease of use. Additionally, the results need to be shown in an intuitive way such that
even an unfamiliar viewer would be able to readily interpret the results without significant effort or prior
training. Thus, a second major objective of this manual is to demonstrate the ability of Janus to present
VecTor program analysis results in a user-friendly manner. Subsequently, VecTor program-specific model
examples will be systematically presented in a user-oriented context for practical illustration purposes.
1.4 Organization
Chapter 2 of this manual is designated for providing background information concerning the VecTor
analysis software. For the given scope of the manual, discussion pertaining to VecTor is limited to a
general qualitative overview of each program, their respective analysis capabilities, as well as a description
of the general system of output files used and interpreted by Janus. In Chapter 3, the Janus post-
processor program and its facilities are presented in technical detail, describing properties such as:
development background and program organization, user interface, and its general functionality as a post-
processor program. Chapters 4 through 8 include specific details on each VecTor model type in terms of
its interpretation by Janus, as well as any functions which have been customized to a particular VecTor
model type. Additionally, Chapter 9 is designated for providing VecTor program-specific demonstrations
on how Janus displays each type of modelled structure, as well as discussing available features in the
context of the model type being displayed. Lastly, conclusions concerning the post-processor program
Janus and recommendations for future work are presented for consideration in Chapter 10.
Chapter 2
2.1 Introduction
The VecTor software suite is a series of nonlinear finite element analysis programs developed at the
University of Toronto. In its modern form, VecTor is represented through five distinct programs, each
with a unique range of analysis capabilities. VecTor2 is used for the analysis of 2D membrane structures,
VecTor3 is used for 3D solid structures, VecTor4 analyzes 3D shell elements, VecTor5 provides analysis
capabilities for plane frames, and finally VecTor6 is employed for the analysis of axisymmetric solids.
The VecTor programs utilize the theoretical bases of the Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT)
(Vecchio and Collins, 1986) and Disturbed Stress Field Model (DSFM) (Vecchio, 2000), and integrate
a broad spectrum of nonlinear material models in their analysis procedures. The VecTor programs
represent cracked concrete as an orthotropic material with smeared rotating cracks, using an incremental
total load, iterative secant stiffness algorithm to achieve a stable and efficient solution procedure (Wong,
2002). Since its inception, numerous improvements to the constitutive modelling relationships employed
in VecTor have also allowed for several notable second-order effects to be accommodated in the predicted
response of RC elements, such as: tension stiffening, tension softening, compression softening, etc.
By combining such comprehensive material behaviour models with advanced finite element analysis
techniques, the VecTor programs are capable of providing superior structural behaviour approximations
relative to typical linear-elastic analyses. Confidence in the results of VecTor software can be assured
from good corroboration with results obtained with multiple experimental test programs successfully
completed at the University of Toronto and elsewhere, as well as actual responses of numerous real-
world structures.
4
Chapter 2. VecTor Software Suite 5
Among the VecTor software programs, each program is designated by their distinct structural analysis
capabilities - providing specialized and efficient means for approximating the response of distinct types
of RC structural elements. Altogether, the software suite is capable of modelling a broad range of
structural components that may be readily encountered in the realm of structural engineering. The
following sections provide a general description of each of the VecTor programs as they pertain to Janus
2.2 VecTor2
VecTor2 is specified for the nonlinear finite element analysis of 2D membrane structures - utilizing fine
modelling meshes consisting of low-power elements with two degrees of freedom per node. This approach
is deemed appropriate for the analysis of RC structures, since the relative high element density allows for
adequate reinforcement detailing as well as satisfactory presentation of localized crack patterns (Wong,
2002).
The element library for VecTor2 models consists of the following element types: three-noded triangu-
lar elements, four-noded rectangular elements, four-noded quadrilateral elements, two-noded truss-bar
elements for representing discrete reinforcement, and lastly, two-noded link elements and four-noded
contact elements for representing slip and contact interactions. See Table 2.1 below for a graphical
2.3 VecTor3
The analytical capabilities of VecTor3 are developed in an analogous manner to VecTor2, although
extended for approximating the behaviour of solid finite elements in three-dimensional space. The intent
of VecTor3 is to function at a similar capacity to VecTor2 but also be able to accurately capture all
forms of out-of-plane behaviour which had been inherently neglected due to the 2D nature of VecTor2
analyses.
Chapter 2. VecTor Software Suite 6
The element library for models developed in VecTor3 is similar in capacity to VecTor2, including: six-
noded wedge elements, eight-noded regular and isoparametric hexahedral elements, two-noded truss-bar
elements, and two-noded link elements. A conceptual representation of the available VecTor3 element
Regular Isoparametric
Wedge Truss Link
Hexahedral Hexahedral
2.4 VecTor4
VecTor4 is used for the analysis of 3D shell elements, capable of accounting for nodal displacements as
well as in-plane rotations. In contrast to the other VecTor programs discussed thus far, shell elements
are relatively high-power elements - utilizing nine-noded layered heterosis elements with 42 degrees of
freedom (Hyrnyk, 2013). A typical shell element consists of eight perimeter nodes, each with three
displacement and two rotational degrees of freedom, and a ninth central node possessing two rotational
degrees of freedom.
In order to provide analysis capabilities of curved surfaces such as shells, VecTor4 features the use
of numerical integration and quadratic shape functions, requiring a unique array of Gauss Points for
each shell element. Accommodating in-plane rotations allows for the shell elements to demonstrate
displacements due to bending in addition to typical axial and shear deformations. As well, users assign
distinct material properties to each shell element, specifying a finite number of concrete and reinforcement
layers to stratify through the out-of-plane thickness of the element. In doing so, discrete sectional
response characteristics of each element are obtained for each load stage - providing the means for
The element library for VecTor4 consists of nine-noded shell elements and two-noded truss-bar ele-
Shell Truss
2.5 VecTor5
VecTor5 is designated for the purpose of analyzing plane frames. Finite element models in VecTor5
consist entirely of two-noded member elements, with the capability to account for nodal displacements as
well as in-plane rotations. Akin to VecTor4, users specify a number of concrete and reinforcement layers
as part of the assignment of member material properties. In addition to the global structural response
data, users are able to customize the resulting VecTor5 analysis data files by optionally requesting the
sectional stress and strain conditions of specific member elements to be included as part of the analysis
The element library for VecTor5 consists solely of two-noded member elements, as presented in
Table 2.4.
Member
2.6 VecTor6
In a similar fashion to VecTor2, VecTor6 is designated as a 2D finite element analysis program. However,
VecTor6 differs in its ability to treat model elements in an axisymmetric fashion, extruding them about
a common axis of rotation as annular shapes. Although VecTor6 models are visualized as simplified
2D structural models, VecTor6 is able to accommodate both in-plane and out-of-plane forms of discrete
reinforcement.
Chapter 2. VecTor Software Suite 8
The VecTor6 element library consists of the following element types: three-noded axisymmetric tri-
angular elements, four-noded axisymmetric quadrilateral elements, two-noded truss elements for repre-
senting radial and longitudinal discrete reinforcement, and one-noded ring bar elements for representing
circumferential discrete reinforcement. See Table 2.5 below for a graphical representation of element
2.7.1 Overview
In order to successfully initialize the finite element analysis procedure, VecTor programs require an
extensive series of input parameters which provide a complete description of the structural model, in-
cluding: node and element definitions, material properties, load cases, analysis parameters, load case
data, etc. Within the VecTor program nomenclature, each structural model and corresponding set of
analysis specifications is denoted as a “job”. As such, general job parameters such as load case specifi-
cations, structure and load filenames, model description and analysis options are consolidated within a
central input file known as the job file. In a similar manner, a separate input file known as the struc-
ture file specifically contains data relating to the structural model itself - nodal coordinates, element
declarations, and material properties. Users may assign up to five distinct types of load cases to be
superimposed upon the structural model. While general load characteristics of each load case are stored
within the job file, the specific input data for each load case are organized into corresponding separate
load files.
For versatility and ease of user input, many fields of user input data within the structure file and load
file(s) may be entered in an incremental format. Essential modelling instructions, such as establishing
node coordinates, element geometry, material assignment and load declarations - which may otherwise
be cumbersome and inefficient to manually enter on an individual basis - may be completed by specifying
incremental node and/or element values in different orthogonal directions. For structural models with
Chapter 2. VecTor Software Suite 9
regular geometry and/or loading configurations, the amount of manual data entry required to establish
a new model using the VecTor programs can be significantly mitigated through use of the incremental
input format.
The pre-processor program FormWorks, originally developed by Wong in 2002 and improved by
Sadeghian in 2012, provides a user-friendly graphic interface for the creation and development of struc-
tural models for analysis using the VecTor software suite. FormWorks serves as a superior alternative
to using standard text editors for specifying VecTor input file parameters - allowing users to actively
create, review and modify entries to the job, structure, and load files in real time.
At the onset of each analysis execution, the VecTor programs produce a matching set of new output
data files which reiterates the provided structure and load input parameters in an expanded form, effec-
tively allowing users to verify that all of the input variables have been correctly chosen and interpreted
as intended. The expanded structure and load files explicitly list all applicable values per node and/or
element as they have been declared by the user. This feature of the expanded structure and load files
is particularly useful in verifying that all incremental node and/or element assignments have success-
fully encapsulated the desired range - especially if a graphical pre-processor program like FormWorks is
During the analysis procedure, successful convergence of each user-prescribed load stage produces
a new and distinct analysis output file containing the associated analysis output data, sequentially
named as per the defined name convention denoted in the job file. Like the expanded structure and
load file(s), VecTor analysis output files state all resulting node and/or element-related variables in an
explicit fashion. As mentioned in Section 1.2, the sheer volume of unrefined data organized per load
stage makes numerical interpretation and synthesis an ungainly task for users. The fact that output data
is separated into distinct files poses a particular challenge for analysis purposes, as structural analysts
are often interested in observing the magnitude and relative change in a specific structural response
Janus utilizes the expanded structure files, expanded load files as well as the expanded analysis data
files in order to graphically represent the results of the VecTor software analysis. Since the expanded
structure and load files are created as a direct result of the VecTor analysis procedure, Janus also utilizes
them as a basis of displaying the structural model and load cases - facilitating a graphical means for
users to directly verify that their model specifications are accurately defined. For a conceptual overview
of file types associated with VecTor, see Figure 2.1. The following sections provide a general description
of the files used and generated by VecTor programs as they relate to Janus.
Chapter 2. VecTor Software Suite 10
[.S(2/3/4/5/6)R] [.S(2/3/4/5/6)E]
Expanded Analysis
Job File VecTor Program
Output File(s)
[.JOB] [VT(2/3/4/5/6).EXE
[.A(2/3/4/5/6)E]
[.L(2/3/4/5/6)R] [.L(2/3/4/5/6)E]
[.GPL,.DCN,.DCG]
The organization of the job file format is largely consistent across all VecTor programs. Job files may be
specifically tailored for input into a particular VecTor program by listing additional options for analysis
modes and/or parameters. Job files are universally distinguished by the file extension “.JOB”.
In terms of structure-specific data within the job file, the user designates the name of the structure
file, as well as the VecTor program associated with the type of structure to be analyzed - “2” for VecTor2,
The user also specifies several load case related parameters within the job file, including: number of
load stages, starting load stage number, and expanded analysis data file naming convention. Load stage
specifications for up to 5 distinct load cases may be activated and provided within the job file. The
Chapter 2. VecTor Software Suite 11
load case specifications provide applicable entries for the following values: load file name, initial and
final load factor values, load increment values, loading type, number of repetitions, and cyclic increment
factor.
Following the load case data, the job file lists various options for analysis parameters and material
behaviour models. In order to customize analysis settings, users may provide numerical values corre-
sponding to applicable options denoted in the VecTor software literature (Wong et al., 2012).
For each active load file listed in the job file and read by the VecTor program, a matching expanded
load file is produced. The expanded load files have program-specific file extensions corresponding to
the software which produced them. For example, VecTor6 is associated with “.L6E” file extensions,
VecTor2 with “.L2E”, etc. As previously described, each expanded load file explicitly reiterates the
input load data values from the input load file as it had been interpreted by the VecTor program. The
expanded load file lists all relevant values for each load assignment, such as load magnitude and direction
of application. As the expanded load files are an integral component of model verification, Janus reads
the expanded load file as part of its post-processing capabilities. By viewing graphically displayed loads
acting upon a structural model, users can readily verify whether or not the assigned load values are
applied to the intended locations with the correct magnitude and sense.
Upon initiation of a VecTor analysis procedure, a new expanded structure file is created. In a likewise
manner to the expanded load file format, expanded structure files have specific file extensions denoting
the VecTor program source. For example, VecTor4 would generate expanded structure files with the
extension “.S4E”, while VecTor5 expanded structure files have the file extension “.S5E”, and so on.
Each generated expanded structure file contains a complete description of the finite element model,
customized to the element library of the respective VecTor program source. A general overview of the
Each successfully converged analysis of a load stage produces an expanded analysis data file. Expanded
analysis data files have file extensions “.A2E” to “.A6E” to represent VecTor2 to VecTor6, respectively.
The expanded analysis data file represents the complete structural response of the structure subjected to
Chapter 2. VecTor Software Suite 12
• Restrained nodes
Support Restraints
• Restrained degree(s) of freedom per node
a particular load increment. A general overview of the expanded analysis output file contents is provided
in Table 2.7.
As previously described in Section 2.4, VecTor4 utilizes degenerated heterosis finite elements and quadratic
shape functions in its analysis procedures, requiring a need for numerical integration and unique arrays
of Gauss Points to be assigned to each modelled shell element (Hyrnyk, 2013). The generation of Gauss
Points is completed through computations within the VecTor4 analysis environment, and the list of
global coordinate positions of elemental Gauss Points are exported in a separate external file. For mod-
elling verification purposes, it may be of interest to the user to inspect and confirm the positions of the
In order to allow for VecTor4 element nodes to independently displace in all orthogonal directions as
well as exhibit in-plane rotations, unique local coordinate systems must be adopted for each Gauss Point
and node per element. Similar to the internal processing of Gauss Points, VecTor4 establishes local Gauss
Point and nodal coordinate systems at the time of program execution. The local Gauss Point and nodal
coordinate systems are denoted as the local coordinate system and nodal coordinate systems, respectively
(Hyrnyk, 2013). VecTor4 also utilizes a fourth coordinate system known as the curvilinear coordinate
system for analysis purposes, but it is not required for any post-processing purposes in Janus. Although
Chapter 2. VecTor Software Suite 13
Nodal
Displacements and • Applicable nodal displacements, rotations and/or reaction values
Reactions
Element Stresses • Applicable element stresses and strain values
and Strains
direct representation of the nodal and local coordinate systems may not be of direct utility to the user,
inclusion of such coordinate systems is key for the post-processing functionality of displaying VecTor4
models in Janus. Several element-specific features, such as in-plane reinforcement layer orientation and
RC layer thicknesses, are defined relative to the local or nodal coordinate systems. In order to provide
the greatest utility in visualization to the user, Janus reads the external local coordinate system files
as they are provided as part of the VecTor4 analysis output. See Figure 2.2 below for a conceptual
representation of the a) global (x, y, z), b) nodal (v1 , v2 , v3 , θ1 , θ2 ) and curvilinear (ξ, η, ζ) and c) local
At the beginning of an analysis, VecTor4 generates a complete list of shell element Gauss Point locations
in a separate file with the file extension “.GPL”. Akin to the definition of nodal coordinates, the locations
of Gauss Point for each element are provided on a global VecTor4 model coordinate basis.
Chapter 2. VecTor Software Suite 14
η ζ
ξ
v3k
z
v2k 1k
v1k
node
x k
y
2k
η
y’ z’
x’
y’
z’ ξ
x’
c) Local System
Figure 2.2: VecTor4 Coordinate Systems (adapted from Huang and Hinton, 1986)
The nodal coordinate system determines a set of local orthogonal axes per node, allowing for rotations
and curved surfaces to be accommodated in the overall global structural response of the RC shell struc-
ture. All local axes are encapsulated within a separate “.DCN” extension file. Each local axis system is
represented using a set of orthogonal unit vectors denoted as v1 , v2 , and v3 . Rotation vectors θ1 and θ2
are defined as the rotation about vectors v2 and v1 , respectively. Directional cosine values of the three
Lastly, the Gauss Point directional cosine file, or “.DCG” file, defines the local axis system established
at each Gauss Point. The local axes, denoted as x0 , y 0 , and z 0 , are prescribed using unit vectors in each
orthogonal direction. The local x0 vector at each Gauss Point is used to define the relative angle of
orientation for in-plane reinforcement layers within each shell element at each Gauss Point.
Chapter 3
3.1 Introduction
Janus is a post-processor program developed for supporting the VecTor suite of nonlinear finite element
analysis programs, providing a user-friendly interface for comprehensively viewing and synthesizing anal-
ysis results as well as verifying model specifications. The overarching role of Janus is to function as a
stand-alone program capable of reading analysis output files from all five VecTor programs, visually
displaying each type of model in a context that facilitate the predicted needs of the structural analyst
or designer.
3.2.1 Background
Janus is a post-processor program developed using the C++ programming language and compiled using
Microsoft Visual C++ Studio 6.0. C++ was chosen for use as a programming language for its overall
general, OOP operates under its fundamental namesake by identifying and organizing groups of data
and functions as distinct conceptual types of objects. In C++, objects known as classes are used as a
versatile means for programmers to easily identify, store and handle information; anything from a single
binary value to entire class objects may be abstracted and contained within a class, or even passed to
another class or function. New classes can also be derived from base classes, and programmers may
actively select which class characteristics are inherited from one hierarchy level to the next. The overall
16
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 17
popularity of the C++ language provides a formidable range of support resources and class libraries
One such class library used in Janus is the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) library, which con-
veniently encapsulates many aspects of the Windows Application Programming Interface (API) as self-
contained classes for manipulation within the programming environment. Among its multitude of uses,
the Windows API is used for facilitating interactions between software, Windows and graphical output
devices (such as monitors and printers), as well as provide the basic framework for the creation of com-
mon program features such as dialogs, controls, and other user interface features. For the given project
scope and context of developing Janus as a graphical post-processor program in Windows, the program
design is critically influenced by the user interface and the need for integration within the Windows
operating system. MFC readily addresses such issues, taking advantage of the existing Windows API to
facilitate communications between Janus and Windows while providing powerful and ready-to-use tools
In order to provide multifaceted rendering capabilities for displaying and manipulating finite elements
in 2D and 3D space, Janus also implements the Open Graphics Library (OpenGL) API. As a widely
used specification utilized for scientific visualization and technical simulation purposes, OpenGL is an
appropriate solution for drawing the complex range of geometric shapes which constitute the entire
collective VecTor element library. At a basic level, series of shapes and lines in OpenGL (known as
primitives) are rendered by declaring vertex coordinates in 3D space. This coincides well with the system
of element and node coordinate definitions employed across all VecTor expanded structure file formats.
Combined with a powerful capability to individually modify visual parameters such as line width, face
fill, and colour specifications for each rendered primitive, OpenGL facilities provide the programmer with
complete control for presenting model geometry and result data in a visual and comprehensive manner.
3.2.2 Compatibility
The original software framework for Janus was conceived by Dr. Hossein Mostafaei at the University of
Toronto between 2007 and 2008, then intended for use within the Windows XP operating system and
32-bit memory environment. Progress towards improved functionality and the overall development of
Janus was continued between 2011 and 2013 through the collaborative efforts of the author and Akira
Jodai. Although the operational stability and post-processing capabilities of Janus have both improved
markedly since its prototypical stages of development, display and function-related compatibility issues
may be experienced when using Janus on computers with specifications that are inconsistent with the
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 18
3.2.3 Architecture
The programming structure of Janus is organized in the expected layout of a typical MFC-based program.
Due to the project name for Janus originally being titled VecHom, much of the derived class nomenclature
of Janus involves the use of the term “VecHom” as a descriptive prefix. The base class, CVecHom, is
derived from the fundamental MFC base class CWinApp, and is responsible for integral application
functionality such as initializing, opening, running and closing the program (Horton, 2008). MFC-based
programs may have the design option of Single Document Interface (SDI) or Multiple Document Interface
(MDI). As the terminology implies, SDI programs are utilized for programs that are intended to read
and display a single document at a time, while MDI programs may have more than one open at once.
Although Janus was originally developed using the MDI design option, display support for simultaneously
opening multiple VecTor models is not fully integrated at this time. As a result, singly opening and
closing VecTor models in Janus is currently recommended for optimal post-processing purposes.
Within the child window, the presentation of the VecTor model is handled by fundamental class
objects known as a document (CVecHomDoc, derived from the MFC base class CDoc) and a view
(CVecHomView, derived from the MFC base class CView). The document object is responsible for
holding and arranging all the data that the user will ultimately be interacting with, while the view
object contains the different ways that the document data may actually be presented to the user within
the bounds of the application window. Subsequently, user inputs into MFC-based controls may be used
to modify the arrangement of data and activation of functions within the document and view objects.
In the context of Janus, the CVecHomDoc object is used to hold all the data pertaining to the opened
VecTor model. This information includes all the data within the job file itself, as well as the data from
the expanded load file, expanded structure file, expanded analysis output file(s) - and in the event that
a VecTor4 analysis is opened, information from VecTor4-specific files are read in as well. CVecHomDoc
also contains the functions necessary for parsing the raw text data from the opened output files and
assigning them into relevant class, arrays and variables for efficient handling and manipulation within
Relevant code for interpreting the VecTor model elements and nodes as well as storing them as
equivalent OpenGL primitive shapes is also encapsulated inside of the CVecHomDoc object. Within
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 19
the CVecHomDoc class, model-related data are organized in distinct classes, encapsulating related in-
formation such as: node and element coordinate information, stress values, crack specifications, etc. As
previously described, the rendering of OpenGL primitives is accomplished by declaring series of coordi-
nates in 3D modelling space. However, the established scale and position of the coordinate axes relative
to the VecTor model are freely chosen by the user during the pre-processing stage of analysis, and may
not coincide with the OpenGL coordinate system utilized in Janus model space.
For the purpose of providing consistent visual controls among all viewed models in Janus, coordinate
transformations must be applied for conversion from VecTor modelling space to the OpenGL rendering
environment. Within Janus, all model coordinates are normalized by the maximum absolute difference
between coordinate values on a given axis and centred about the OpenGL coordinate axis origin point.
A model demonstration of the contrast between VecTor and OpenGL coordinate systems is provided in
Figure 3.1. By inspection, the maximum absolute difference in coordinates exists along the established
range of x-axis values, chosen by the user as 0 to +1200. Accordingly, Janus internally transforms the
0 and +1200 lower and upper bounds to -1.50 to +1.50, respectively - with the centre of the model
positioned at the origin. All other coordinate values for nodal displacements and model features are
Additional logic statements and functions within the CVecHomDoc class object allows Janus to
specify the rendering style as well as toggle which OpenGL primitives are declared and/or omitted at
the time of rendering. By integrating user interface control inputs as parameters and arguments to be
passed into these functions and logic checks, the user is effectively able to control the manner in which
model data are displayed on-screen. This forms the basis upon which Janus operates as a graphical
post-processor program.
As a complimentary component to its associated CVecHomDoc class object, CVecHomView specifies the
way the VecTor model from the document is rendered and presented upon the application screen. In
the context of OpenGL specifications, the view object provides facilities for positioning and customizing
the conceptual viewing “camera” (Figure 3.2) that presents the on-screen projection of the rendered
VecTor model. In order to be visible on screen, shapes must lie within the viewing volume of the camera
known as a view frustum (Ahn, 2013). For a typical perspective view, the view frustum resembles a
square-based pyramid with a truncated apex. The bounding faces consist of the near and far clipping
planes, as well as the top, bottom, left and right clipping planes.
In a similar fashion to controls within the CVecHomDoc object, real-time feedback from user interface
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 20
z
z
(0,400,800) (-1.5,0.5,1.0)
y
800
y
1.0
400
(800,400,400) (0.5,0.5,0)
50
-1.
0
1.5
(0,0,0) (-1.5,-0.5,-1.0)
0
0
40
-1.0 0.5
0
0 -0.
80 50
40
0 x
00
12
x
controls may be passed into CVecHomView functions to modify the camera parameters. From initially-
specified camera variables such as position, orientation and perspective in OpenGL space, the camera
The user interface of Janus is presented in Figure 3.3. Asides from numerical and text inputs from
the keyboard for specific prompts and/or dialog windows, the majority of user inputs and navigation
controls in Janus are implemented through the use of a standard two-button mouse with clickable middle
scroll wheel button. The following sections provide an instructional description of the user interface
As shown in Figure 3.4, the Janus toolbar and menu area provides the user interface facilities for
viewing the model, displaying analysis output data, as well as invoking or closing various information
dialog windows. For each VecTor model type, different toolbar buttons may be activated or disabled
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 21
view frustum
Vector.job
File Edit View Structure Results Window Help
Navigation Dialog
Model Space
Model
Status Bar
Model Axes
based on the described function and context of the button. See Table 3.1 for a general description of
The Navigation dialog, shown in Figure 3.5 below, provides general status information and load stage
controls for the VecTor model being displayed in Janus. The Current Status area describes the existing
state of view and mode options as they have been selected by the user; applicable entries will dynamically
update as relevant view and mode options are selected and/or modified.
The Load Stage Controls area of the Navigation dialog provides load stage-related information (Start,
Current, and End load stage values) as well as buttons for users to incrementally traverse up or down
through the range of available load stages. As the current load stage is modified, the Current edit box
(as well as the Convergence Factor value) will automatically update. The Current edit box passively
displays the current load stage, but users may also use it to change the current load stage to an arbitrary
chosen load stage value. In order to successfully change the current load stage value using the Current
edit box:
• The input value must be ≥ Start and ≤ End load stage values
• The user must confirm the selection by a) clicking the Set Load Stage button, or b) pressing the
Alternatively, users may incrementally increase or decrease the current load stage using the page up
and page down keys, respectively. For ease of viewing, the Navigation dialog may be moved anywhere
within the borders of the Janus mainframe. The Navigation dialog may also be closed via the Close
button or using the Toggle Navigation Dialog button in the toolbar area. Once closed, the Navigation
The Janus model axes are used to depict the current rotational orientation of the VecTor model to the
user. The orthogonal axis lines correspond to the positive x-, y-, and z-directions in model space. Upon
rotation of the VecTor model, the model axes exhibit an equivalent pivot about the apparent origin point.
In doing so, the drawn axes maintain a consistent orientation with the rendered model coordinates, and
serve as a spatial navigation guide for the user. The model axes provides particular utility for several
• Confirming rotational orientation before/after the camera view rotation is modified via the Set
• Transitioning between the Global Model View and various planar or sectional views
Within the bounds of the model space, inputs from the mouse provide specific contextual commands for
modifying variables contained within the Janus document and view objects.
When the left mouse button is held and the mouse is dragged, the on-screen display of the model
will shift corresponding to the incremental horizontal (left-right) and vertical (up-down) distance moved
by the mouse. Upon release of the left button, the model is held at the last recorded position. See
Figure 3.6 for a visual demonstration of the left mouse button behaviour in the model space.
Holding the track wheel mouse button while moving the mouse will result in the VecTor model moving
in a combined x-, y-, and z-rotation about the fixed camera position, with the magnitude of rotation
corresponding to the incremental mouse displacement. The direction of the model rotation is directly
proportional to the direction moved by the mouse. For example, with the default main axes of rotation
set at as the x- and y-axes, a downward movement of the mouse will “tilt” the model down about the
x- and/or y-axis, while a lateral movement to the right will cause the model to rotate counterclockwise
about the z-axis. An explanation of main rotational axes is subsequently provided in Subsection 3.6.4.5.
Upon release of the track wheel button, the model is held at the last recorded orientation. For a visual
depiction of the track wheel mouse button behaviour in the model space, refer to Figure 3.7. Note
that manipulation of the model through rotation is exclusively available for use while in Global Model
View for VecTor3 and VecTor4 and viewing layered elements in Layer View for VecTor4. Predictably,
2D models in VecTor2, VecTor5, and VecTor6 must remain in plane view in both Global Model View,
Scrolling the track wheel button causes the camera view to zoom inwards and outwards along the
given line of sight, with the distance zoomed corresponding to the incremental distance scrolled on the
mouse track wheel. Scrolling the track wheel up zooms the camera view in, while scrolling down zooms
it out. Once the track wheel ceases scrolling, the camera is held at the last recorded position. See
Figure 3.8 for a visual demonstration of how track wheel scrolling is represented within the model space.
Lastly, the right mouse button is used exclusively for the purpose of invoking the Element Attributes
dialog. When the mouse is right clicked while the mouse cursor is positioned over an element in Global
Model View, the element attribute screen appears with applicable model and structural response data
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 25
listed for the selected element. For user verification, the selected element is highlighted in red, while
the remaining elements are coloured in blue for contrast. Once the Element Attributes dialog is closed,
the model face colours resume the previous display mode. Right mouse button behaviour in Janus is
The status bar displays relevant descriptive prompts when the mouse cursor hovers over Janus menu
and toolbar area buttons. For viewing convenience, the status bar may be enabled or disabled via View
Upon opening a VecTor analysis with a potentially memory-intensive number of load stages and/or finite
elements, Janus provides several options for selectively customizing the data to be loaded into memory.
Based on a VecTor-specific memory factor of (Load Stages · Total Element Count), the Load Stage Range
dialog shown in Figure 3.10 will appear if the threshold value is exceeded. The threshold values for each
Using the Load Stage Range dialog, a set range of load stages may be specified by the user. Janus
attempts to sequentially open and read the requested expanded analysis output files, beginning with
the expanded analysis data file corresponding with load stage number in the “From” edit box. Upon
successfully reading the entire analysis data file, Janus incrementally searches for the next file in the
local file directory. In the case that an analysis output file is incomplete or missing, Janus will exit the
file reading procedure and present the available structural, load and analysis output data as is. Janus
also features a simplified and less memory-intensive mode of post-processing, providing the option to
solely load the nodal displacement and reaction data for the selected load stage range. See Figure 3.11
It is important to note that Janus is capable of displaying VecTor models without any expanded
analysis output files present in the job file directory. This permits users to immediately preview their
models as the VecTor program has interpreted them, even prior to any analysis output files being
generated. This program feature may be useful for verifying model and analysis parameters at the onset
of executing VecTor analyses which may require significant computation time and/or processing power
to converge and subsequently run to completion. Additionally, it allows for efficient troubleshooting of
various modelling issues, giving users the opportunity to preemptively inspect their model and calibrate
their job, structure and load specifications as necessary - saving both time and effort through the course
of their investigation.
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 29
Select Load
Stage Range
Yes
Load All Data?
No
The File Menu, shown in Figure 3.12 below, provides standard options for overall program control and
file interaction. The available options are described in the following subsections.
3.5.1 Open
File . Open invokes the standard MFC Open dialog. The Open dialog allows users to navigate through
the computer file directory and select a VecTor job file to be read by Janus. Based on the specified
VecTor model type and file naming convention specified in the job file, Janus will search the immediate
file folder location for the expanded structure file and expanded load file(s) associated with the VecTor
job. Depending on the specified load stage conditions, Janus may also search the local directory for
expanded analysis output files matching the output file naming convention and load stage range as
stated in the job file. Lastly, VecTor job files may also be opened in Janus via “drag and drop”. In order
to open the VecTor model, the desired job file icon is clicked and dragged over Janus program window,
then released. By reading the job file dropped into the program window, Janus will perform equivalent
file opening operations as selecting a job file via the Open dialog.
3.5.2 Close
3.5.3 Print
Janus features basic functionality to allow users to send the current screen view to a printing device. By
selecting File . Print, a utility Print dialog appears to allow users to select and enter the desired print
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 31
options.
File . Print Preview presents the standard Print Preview dialog, allowing users to access a virtual
preview of the current program window printed on a page based on the current print setup options.
Standard print and page setup options may be selected by accessing File . Print Setup. Changes made
within the Print Setup utility dialog will be reflected in subsequent print and print preview settings.
For convenient access, Janus maintains a list of the five most recently opened VecTor job files in the File
Menu.
Janus provides a variety of options for the user to modify the camera view of the OpenGL model as it
is presented on-screen. The typical View drop-down menu is shown in Figure 3.13.
For viewing convenience, the toolbar and status bar areas may independently enabled or disabled by
selecting View . Toolbar and View . Status Bar, respectively. The toolbar and status bar are both
enabled by default.
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 32
Selecting View . Default View restores the camera view to the original Global Model View position and
rotation that is initially specified upon opening a VecTor model. The default view setting is dependent
on the VecTor model type being displayed - 3D models created in VecTor3 and VecTor4 revert back to
an skewed perspective view, 2D VecTor2 and VecTor5 models return to an x-y plane view, and VecTor6
resumes an x-z plane view. By default, all VecTor models are presented in Janus using a perspective
projection.
View . XY Plane, View . XZ Plane, and View . YZ Plane provide corresponding options to change
The View . Set Camera View option invokes the Set Camera View dialog, presented in Figure 3.14. It
is used to provide complete customization for a variety of camera view characteristics: position, rotation,
zoom, mouse-associated translation and rotation speeds, axes of rotation, and camera projection view.
By entering numerical values and/or selecting the appropriate options, the user can precisely fine-tune
the on-screen view in Janus to the desired specification. All camera rotation and translation commands
are sequentially applied about the x-, y-, and then z-axes. A description of each dialog option is included
below.
3.6.4.1 Position
Janus camera position values are entered according to the OpenGL model coordinate system, and inputs
are specified relative to the current on-screen view. Hence, instructing a camera translation in the positive
x-direction will position the model relatively right of centre on the screen. Accordingly, specifying a
negative x-direction moves the model to the left. In a congruent fashion, positive and negative y-
direction translations correspond with moving the model to positions relatively above and below the
on-screen line of sight, respectively. An input range from -4.0 to 4.0 are reasonably suggested in order
for the model to remain visible on-screen after confirming changes to the on-screen view. With z-axis
translations, the camera is positioned relative to the origin point of the coordinate system. It should be
noted that the camera view frustum orientation is fixed in the positive z-direction - all rotations and/or
translations are imposed upon the model itself, while the frustum remains stationary. Hence, a z-axis
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 33
position less than zero is expected in order for the model to be positioned between the near and far
clipping planes of the view frustum (and remain visible to the user). By default, the camera view is
3.6.4.2 Rotation
Janus view rotation specifications follow a right-hand rule coordinate system, with a positive angle
producing a counter-clockwise rotation about the positive direction of the axis, and vice versa for a
negative angle. As demonstrated in the Set Camera View dialog, a specified rotation angle between
-180.0 and +180.0 degrees may be entered for each axis of rotation. Available axes for specifying camera
rotation are specific to each VecTor model coordinate system. VecTor3 and VecTor4 models permit
rotation in all x-, y-, and z-axes, VecTor2 and VecTor5 allow rotations about the z-axis, and VecTor6
models may be rotated about y-axis. For 3D finite element model types, the main rotation axes are
selected via the Rotation Axes options, described below in Subsection 3.6.4.5.
3.6.4.3 Scale
Janus users may also specify the scale that the VecTor model is drawn to. By default, model dimensions
are scaled by a numerical factor of 1.0. For viewing purposes, users may specify a factor greater than 0
and less than 1.0 to uniformly shrink the model, or greater than 1.0 to magnify the model.
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 34
For mouse-controlled rotation and translation specifications (discussed in Section 3.2), the speed at which
the model is rotated and/or translated may be customized by specifying numerical factors for each trait.
Values greater or less than 1.0 will respectively speed up or slow down the default rate of lateral and/or
Mouse-controlled rotations allow for 3D VecTor models to be rotated about all available axes in a tactile
fashion; however, only two rotation axes are specified for the model to rotate longitudinally (up/down)
about while moving the mouse in an up and down motion. The model is rotated about the tertiary axis
through lateral (left-right) movements of the mouse. Using two main rotation axes helps to establish a
dominant model orientation that the user can use to freely rotate and view the model in an intuitive
manner. As well, this approach coincides with the finite element models typically employing an axis
of symmetry or “ground” surface as a defining plane of reference. Providing alternatives to use either
combination of x- and y-axes or x- and z-axes as the main rotation axes gives users versatility in
customizing the model rotation controls to the specific model being viewed.
Janus provides two options for the type of projection used to display the model on-screen, perspective
or orthographic (shown in Figure 3.15). The perspective projection provides the illusion of depth in
the view, with finite elements in closer proximity to the camera appearing larger in size than those
that are further behind. In contrast, the orthographic projection eliminates any such skewing of shapes
and instead presents all visible elements regardless of apparent depth from the camera (in the context
of the view frustum, the near and far clipping planes have congruent dimensions). The orthographic
projection consistently provides a scale representation of the VecTor model, independent of changes to the
camera position and orientation. However, for most practical post-processing purposes, the perspective
projection lends a more realistic and intuitively expected representation of a 3D finite element model to
the human eye. Hence, the perspective projection view is used as the default setting when opening any
VecTor model. Both perspective and orthographic projection options are available for the user to select
When viewing structural deformations, the default scale of node displacements may not be appropriate
for the intended context or scale of the VecTor model. In some cases, the computed displacements may
be too small to be discernible on a macroscopic modelling basis. On the other hand, nodal displace-
ments that are exceedingly magnified may unrealistically distort the represented physical response of
the structural model. By selecting View . Set Deform. Scale . Select Scale Factor, Janus provides
facilities for allowing users to enter a numerical scale factor used to multiply all nodal displacements.
Entering a value between 0 and 1 will reduce nodal displacement values, while a value greater than 1
will conversely magnify them. Alternatively, the default deformation scale factor of 30 may be resumed
When viewing crack data from VecTor programs which support crack pattern data output, several crack
pattern options may be customized by the user via View . Set Crack View. This invokes the Set Crack
View dialog, as shown in Figure 3.16. The calibration of crack display options such as varying crack
width and crack length may be conducted through this dialog window. By default, Janus displays crack
lengths as a function of the crack angle projected on the face of element, and variable line width based on
ranges of element crack width parameter values. For detailed discussion describing how Janus displays
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 36
Given the diverse range of VecTor program modeling capabilities, the default setting of using varied
OpenGL primitive line widths may not be able to accommodate for adequately differentiating crack
widths on a global scale, or the overall crack width pattern may even be obscured by the resolution
capability of the display device being used. In certain modelling scenarios, the Alternative Crack View
options can be used to provide a visual comparison of crack widths in a more tangible arrangement than
representing crack widths using computer-generated line widths. Selecting the Varying crack length and
width option enables users to specify how Janus displays the crack lengths and widths on element faces.
Instead of the crack length being displayed solely as a function of the projected crack angle and the
dimensions of the element face, users may opt for crack lengths to be abstracted as a function of the
crack width multiplied by a specified Crack Length Scale factor. The default setting applies a crack
length scale factor of 1.0, but a custom value may be selected by the user. Additionally, users may also
enter a Crack Width Scale factor, which magnifies all rendered line widths by the entered value.
For ease of access, several buttons in the toolbar area are used for modifying how the finite element
model is viewed, depicted in Figure 3.17 below. Depending on the applicable display context of the type
of VecTor model being displayed, different toolbar buttons may be active or disabled. See Table 3.3 for
a VecTor-specific list of available Section View and/or Layer View related features.
VecTor2 3 3 3 7 3 3
VecTor3 3 3 3 7 3 3
VecTor4 3 3 3 3 3 3
VecTor5 7 7 7 3 7 7
VecTor6 3 7 7 7 3 3
Table 3.3: Section and Layer View Functionality per VecTor program
The toolbar area buttons XY Section, YZ Section, and XZ Section correspond with activating Section
View for the chosen pair of axes. Upon activation of a section view button, the user is prompted to
enter a coordinate value for the third, out-of-plane axis. The input coordinate value is based on the
user-chosen VecTor model coordinate system. As such, the requested coordinate must lie between the
The resulting on-screen view is a planar representation of the model at the requested coordinate
position. All intermediate finite element sections are rendered using linear interpolation of element face
and edges that are determined to lie on or intersect the section plane. Linear elements such as truss
elements will appear in Section View if the element coordinates either lie on or are intersected by the
specified section plane. Accordingly, single-point elements such as ring bar elements and link elements
will also appear in Section View, but only if the element nodal coordinate is precisely intersected by
the section plane. This rule holds true for both undeformed and deformed model view modes. See
Figure 3.19 for reference. Section view may be combined with a variety of result modes, including:
Hotspot, Deformations, Crack Pattern, contour mode, etc. Node-specific contour modes like colour-
gradient reactions and deformations (discussed in Section 3.8), will not be displayed in Section View.
Similarly, nodal features such as nodal load arrow symbols and restraints (discussed in Section 3.7) will
only be visible in Section View if the node coordinate is congruent with the section coordinate for the
specified axis.
As illustrated in Figure 3.18, a VecTor3 example model is positioned between 0 and 1200 in the
x-direction. Thus, only x-coordinate section values between 0 and 1200 are valid for generating a section
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 38
across the y- and z-axes. Selecting the YZ Section button and entering an x-coordinate of 150 yields an
intermediate section view of the hexahedral and wedge elements which cross the x-coordinate of 150.
In addition to displaying a new and distinct OpenGL rendering of the VecTor model, the camera
rotation values are also modified to match the plane of the selected section orientation.
VecTor4 and VecTor5 possess unique layered analysis capabilities in addition to providing model global
response characteristics. Elements are subdivided into distinct reinforced concrete and discrete reinforce-
ment layers (as determined by material type definitions), each demonstrating unique structural response
parameters as a result of globally applied loads. Figure 3.20 illustrates a how layered analysis of finite
elements is conceptually employed in VecTor4 and VecTor5. The resulting non-linear distribution stress
and strain parameters through the layered depth of an element are provided as additional sections of
data in the expanded analysis output files. The Layer View button in Janus allows users to view the
0
0
15
0
40
x (n.t.s.)
Figure 3.19: Simple VecTor3 Model Truss Elements On/Through Section View
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 40
Once the Layer View button is pressed, users are prompted to identify the VecTor4 shell element or
VecTor5 output member of interest by selecting the element number from the provided drop-down list.
Once an element is selected, the sole element or member section will be re-drawn in Janus - isolated
from the rest of the model, as well as magnified and centred in model space for ease of viewing. Distinct
individual faces and lines representing concrete and discrete steel layers will be drawn across the thickness
of the element/depth of the section. Janus result display functions, as discussed in subsequent sections,
are available in the context of presenting sectional response values. See Figure 3.21 for an illustration
of selecting a VecTor4 shell element for display using the Layer View toolbar button. Alternatively, see
Figure 3.22 for a demonstration of Layer View using a VecTor5 example model.
While Section View is enabled, the Section Up and Section Down buttons may be used to increase or
decrease the current section coordinate to the next nearest model node coordinate for the currently
selected out-of-plane axis. For example, referring again to Figure 3.18, the YZ Section view is displayed
As illustrated in Figure 3.23, pressing Section Up increases the section x-coordinate to the next-
highest node coordinate value of 400, while Section Down would decrease it to 0. The section view
is then re-drawn at the new coordinate. Any selected view, result and structure settings will persist
after the section coordinate is modified via Section Up or Section Down. Congruent functionality exists
for increasing/decreasing the y-coordinate and z-coordinate in the XZ Section and XY Section views,
ζ = +1.0
ζ
i
Δζ layer i
i
ζ
i
σ(x),(y)
concrete layer
steel layer
ζ = -1.0
x y
respectively. Section Up and Section Down will not modify the section coordinate beyond the respective
maximum and minimum coordinate values of the model. These two buttons are useful for traversing
through the nodal layers of the model and viewing parameters of interest such as: nodal loads, nodal
restraints, internally defined truss elements, and orthogonally oriented faces of interior solid elements
Within the toolbar area, several buttons are dedicated to toggling view-related features on and off within
the model space, as shown in Figure 3.24. In order for any of the toggle feature toolbar buttons to operate
as intended, an applicable non-default view feature needs to be previously selected or enabled. Table 3.4
x 0
0
15
400 0
40
150
0
z
x (n.t.s.)
Toggle Face Fill alternates the model solid element face colours between the
Toggle Face Fill most recent face fill-modifying display mode and the default face fill colour.
The face fill switching feature is enabled for the following model states:
• Material mode
• Hotspot mode
• Contour mode
• Custom colour wireframe/nodes
• VecTor4 Gauss Point mode
Toggle Node Feature alternates rendering and erasing the most recently
Toggle Node Feature invoked node feature. Node features include the following:
• Nodal Loads
• Nodal Restraints
Toggle 3D View switches the on-screen view between the Global Model
Toggle 3D View View and the most recently enabled Section View (XY Section, YZ Section,
XZ Section) or Layer View feature. If the user intends to resume the
latest section or layer view by clicking theToggle 3D View button, the most
recently entered section coordinate or element number is recalled as well.
The Structure drop-down menu (shown in Figure 3.25) is used to provide users with options for
For viewing complex VecTor models in Janus, users may wish to categorically enable or disable the
rendering of certain types of elements for ease of viewing and isolating the element type(s) of interest. For
example, with VecTor3 models, the exterior faces of solid elements such as hexahedral and wedge elements
could potentially obscure any internal truss and link elements from the camera view. Conversely, in
other modelling scenarios, dense arrangements of truss and/or bond elements could also produce similar
viewing disruptions. By selecting Structure . Toggle Elements, users may access the Toggle Elements
dialog as shown in Figure 3.26. The Toggle Elements dialog provides facilities for users to selectively
switch the display of certain element types on or off at their convenience. The applicable element option
check boxes are activated according to the type of VecTor model being viewed. For example, Figure 3.27
demonstrates the resulting effect of selectively enabling some of the available element options for viewing
a VecTor3 model in Janus. Although the element types are progressively disabled from a) through d) for
illustration purposes, the Toggle Elements dialog allows any combination of the available element type
Janus users may modify the default element face colour of the finite element model by selecting Struc-
ture . Custom Color Faces. Structure . Custom Color Wireframe and Structure . Custom Color
Nodes also modify the default element colour of the model, and re-draw the model as a wireframe or
series of nodes using the newly chosen colour as well. Selecting any of these custom color options in-
vokes a standard colour selection dialog, as shown in Figure 3.28. The dialog allows users to choose
from a default array of basic colours, or customize their own using the provided colour palette and/or
numerical input parameters. Upon confirming a new colour, the VecTor model is re-rendered with the
solid elements/wireframe/nodes of the model coloured using the selected colour. See Figure 3.29 for an
example of the described custom colour options using a simple VecTor3 model.
Janus allows users to view nodal loads/moments and nodal displacements/rotations as they are applied
to the modelled structure. Structure . Load Cases presents an option for viewing each active load case,
numerically identified 1 through 5 (corresponding to the load case entries listed in the job file). Once
an active load case is selected for viewing, load arrows will be rendered at each node specified in the
expanded load file. For distinct visual differentiation, all load arrows and other load-related symbols are
rendered in pink outlines. When the load is listed in the Load Case dialog (see Figure 3.31), the arrow
symbols are filled with a solid colour corresponding to its colour-coded entry. A detailed description of
For all VecTor models, nodal loads and displacements in the x-, y-, or z-directions are denoted using
single-headed arrow symbols oriented by their assigned degree of freedom and pointing in the corre-
sponding direction of magnitude. For example, a nodal load applied in the positive x-direction will be
represented by an arrow shape also pointing in the positive x-direction in Janus model space. When
displaying 3D VecTor models (VecTor3 and VecTor4), Janus renders the arrow symbols in two orthogo-
nal directions to maximize visibility in 3D space. Accordingly, load arrow symbols for 2D VecTor model
types will only be rendered on the plane that the structure lies on. See Figure 3.30 a) and b) for examples
VecTor4 permits nodal moment and rotations applied about the local in-plane axes of a shell element.
In order to accommodate the freely chosen orientation (and local axes) of 3D shell elements in VecTor4,
applied moments and rotations are represented in Janus with double-headed arrow symbols oriented
perpendicular to the plane of rotation (See Figure 3.30 c)). Following the right-hand rule notation,
the direction of the double-headed arrow signifies the rotational direction that the moment/rotation is
In contrast to VecTor4 applied moments, VecTor5 only permits in-plane applied nodal moment and
rotational loads as a 2D frame analysis program. Since VecTor5 models are globally viewed on a planar
basis, all load symbols must be visible in-plane as well. Due to these defining characteristics, nodal
moments/rotations of VecTor5 models in Janus are represented using a circular arrow with the arrow
heads denoting the direction of rotation about the node. See Figure 3.30 d) for a model example of a
The Load Case dialog is the accompanying window for providing data and visual association for a load
case being displayed in Janus. When an active load case is selected through Structure . Load Cases,
an instance of the Load Case dialog appears on-screen. The dialog is capable of providing load data for
20 distinct load conditions at a time, each attributed to a distinct arrow fill colour. A load condition is
of nodes. Load conditions are determined through an internal sort procedure within Janus, sequentially
For example, referring to Figure 3.31, the Load Case dialog displays three different load conditions,
demonstrated by distinct point load combinations in the x-, y-, and z-directions, and identified as load
conditions 1-3. Each load condition is associated with a distinct arrow fill colour, providing a visual
method of attributing the numerical load condition data presented in the Load Case dialog with the
load arrows rendered on the VecTor model. It is important to note that the concept of numerically
identified load conditions is a organizational method provided in Janus for users to navigate through
when the display capacity of the Load Case dialog is exceeded, and bears no meaning or relation outside
For VecTor models with complex load case specifications that exceed the 20 load condition display
capacity of the Load Case dialog, the Load Condition Selection area allows users to traverse through
the list of load conditions. Otherwise, the area is disabled since all load conditions are capable of being
displayed and listed at once. When the Load Condition Selection entry value is modified, the on-screen
load arrows will accordingly “fill” and “empty” to consistently represent the range of 20 load conditions
Users may use the + and - buttons to incrementally increase or decrease the range of viewed load
conditions, or enter a load condition number value in the edit box to directly shift the start of the viewed
20 load condition range to the requested value. For example, if there are 40 unique load conditions for
the load case being viewed, the user may specify “13” to view the 20 load conditions 13 through 32,
inclusive. If the requested load condition range exceeds the maximum number of load conditions found,
the selected load condition will be hard-set at an upper-bound value of ((Last Load Condition) - 19).
Therefore, in the same example scenario of 40 load conditions, any request for viewing a load condition
value ≥ 21 would result in displaying the range of load condition 21 through 40. Similarly, inputting a
load condition value less than the lower bound value of 1 will return the value of 1.
3.7.4 Restraints
Janus users may view nodal restraints assigned to the VecTor model. Selecting Structure . Restraints
toggles the view of global model restraints on and off. Janus expresses the restrained degrees of freedom
for a node as a combination of roller, pin, and (when applicable) fixed moment symbols. Planar roller
and pin symbols are used to represent restrained displacements, and fixed moment symbols are used to
represent restrained rotations. See Figure 3.32 for an overview of restraint symbols and support reactions
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 49
For roller restraints, the spatial position and planar orientation of the roller symbol relative to the
node is used to represent the degree of freedom that is restrained. For example, if a roller symbol is
positioned below or above a node in the z-direction, the node is being restrained solely in the z-axis.
Similarly, the axes of the plane that a pin support symbol lies on identify the two degrees of freedom
that are restrained. A pin support symbol oriented in the x-y plane implies node restraints are assigned
in both the x- and y-directions. The same definition of pin and roller symbols are applied to representing
restraints in 3D space as well, with combined pairs of pins and/or rollers in orthogonal directions (See
VecTor4 and VecTor5 are capable of accommodating restraints against applied nodal moments and
rotation. In VecTor4, shell element nodes are defined at mid-depth through the element thickness.
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 50
Accordingly, Janus moment restraint symbols for these nodes are located at the top and bottom edges
of the shell element - symbolizing a restrained element edge as well as the rotational direction that the
node is being restrained. See Figure 3.32 g) for an example of a fixed moment restraint in VecTor4. In
contrast, VecTor5 2-noded member elements are portrayed in Janus as thick width lines with uniform
thickness, spanning between nodal coordinates. With no representation of element depth in the Global
Model View, fixed moment symbols for VecTor5 models are drawn centred on the restrained node.
Another important post-processor feature within the Structure menu is the Materials option, which
allows users to display the structure file element material type assignments as interpreted by the VecTor
program. Using a 20-colour palette as shown in the Legend dialog in Figure 3.33, Janus is capable of
differentiating up to 20 unique types of materials on-screen. The 20 material limit includes reinforced
concrete, discrete steel, and bond material types. The material mode may be toggled on and off using
Figure 3.33: Simple VecTor3 Model in Material Mode and Legend Dialog
For VecTor4 models, Janus allows users to view the Gauss Point arrangement of all shell elements by
selecting Structure . Gauss Points (V4). Within each shell element, each Gauss Point is displayed
in a unique colour so that it may be differentiated from its neighbouring points as well as the Gauss
Points of adjacent shell elements. Since Gauss Points occur at mid-depth within the shell element, the
VecTor4 model is rendered as a simplified wireframe - this allows the user to see the precise position of
each Gauss Point with respect to the external boundaries of the containing shell element. The Gauss
Points mode may be toggled on and off using the Toggle Face Fill button. Currently, the Gauss Points
One of the main primary functions of Janus is to communicate the analysis results of VecTor models to
users in an intuitive yet comprehensive manner. The Results menu (shown in Figure 3.35) as well as
the Hotspot button (accessed from the Janus Toolbar) provide a variety of mechanisms for presenting
structural response characteristics as determined by VecTor software. Where applicable, analysis result
options in Janus may also be utilized in tandem with alternate model view options like Section View
and/or Layer View, providing additional versatility for the user. The following section discusses the
Nodal displacements (and in the case of VecTor4, rotations) are universally included as part of the
output for a successfully converged load stage solution. In addition to providing the actual visualization
of the structure’s movement due to prescribed loading conditions, the presentation of global structure
deformations and rotations may serve as a useful preliminary gauge of overall model behaviour. Viewing
the elementary global motion of a loaded structural model may even help users to pinpoint areas requiring
further detailed analysis, as well as indicate particular regions or elements under structural distress. For
this reason, Janus is capable of displaying structural deformations for all VecTor model types as an
integral part of its analysis result display functionality. Deformations mode may be enabled or disabled
Upon activation of Deformations mode, the active structural model is re-drawn with all nodal co-
ordinates translated by the orthogonal dx, dy, and dz displacement values given for the current load
stage. Since all nodal displacements are provided in terms of VecTor model units, each value must be
transformed and scaled to an equivalent quantity in OpenGL model space. In order to perform the nec-
essary displacement value conversion, data reading functions in Janus utilize the same nodal coordinate
transformation and scaling procedure previously described in Section 3.2. Each transformed displace-
ment value is also multiplied by a uniform deformation scale factor so that they may be easily seen by
the user. By default, the deformation scale factor is set to 30. See Figure 3.36 for an illustration of how
nodal displacement values are linearly scaled based on the deformation scale factor, denoted as D.
As previously discussed in Section 3.6, the deformation scale factor may be customized by selecting
dz D·dz
dy x
D·dy
dx
D·dx
View . Set Deform. Scale . Select Scale Factor. Where applicable, Deformations mode may be combined
with Section View and a variety of other contour modes. An illustrative example of Deformations mode
In addition to determining displacements, VecTor4 also calculates the local rotation angles at each node
for a given load increment. VecTor4 shell element vertices are defined on a centreline basis in the
expanded structure file, with each pair of element vertices located a distance of (element thickness/2 )
perpendicularly “above” and “below” the node in the local v3 direction. In order to provide a consistent
rendition of the analytically predicted shell/plate deformation behaviour in VecTor4, Janus is able to
depict shell element vertices rotated about their respective mid-depth node locations. The orientation of
in-plane rotational deformation, θ1 and θ2 , are given with respect to the local v2 and v1 nodal coordinate
For reference, the following procedure of converting nodal rotations into scaled displacements is
illustrated in Figure 3.38 below, depicting a simplified shell element top vertex undergoing a general
counterclockwise rotation θ about the mid-depth node k. Using the element thickness and the angle of
rotation, Janus decomposes the rotational displacement of the vertex into series of linear x-, y-, and z-
components using small-angle approximation and standard trigonometric relationships. The orthogonal
deformations due to rotations are denoted as dθx , dθy and dθz . Once obtained, the resulting displacement
components are also magnified by the same displacement scale factor (D) applied to the linear nodal
displacements.
This procedure is executed for both local in-plane rotations about the node, θ1 and θ2 . Lastly, the
scaled displacement components from nodal rotations θ1 and θ2 are combined into a single orthogonal
displacement value. These combined displacement values are subsequently used to modify top and
bottom vertex coordinate positions when presenting the deformed VecTor4 shell element model. It is
important to note that the true shell element thicknesses at rotated VecTor4 element edges are not
conserved due to the displacement components being linearly scaled instead of rotationally magnified.
However, based on the following points of rationalization, this aspect of imprecision is deemed acceptable
• As initially outlined in the beginning of the section, the intended utility of Deformations mode
is to present the overall global motion of the structure under specified loading conditions. Ap-
proximating shell element edge rotations in a consistent fashion and scale with the linear nodal
displacements is adequate for conveying the general structural behaviour of the VecTor4 model.
• For most practical analysis applications, nodal displacements and rotations are typically several
orders of magnitude smaller than the structure itself. The distortion of element dimensions from
z} top
x,dy,d
D·{d vertex shell element
z} (undeformed)
y,d
{dx,d
(element thickness/2)
shell element
(deformed)
node
k
y x
y x
Janus is capable of presenting crack pattern data of RC elements in VecTor2, VecTor3, and VecTor6
programs, accessed through Results . Crack Pattern. All RC element cracks in Janus are represented
as pairs of coloured line segments extending outward from the centroid of the cracked element face(s) in
opposite directions. The crack line is drawn parallel to the plane of each element face. For viewing model
crack patterns from the 2D analysis programs VecTor2 and VecTor6, this logically corresponds to a single
crack line being drawn for each crack per element. In order to accommodate for freely manipulated 3D
viewing of VecTor3 models in Janus, crack lines must be projected upon each face of a cracked RC solid
element.
Since crack line establishment relies solely on the vertex coordinates and centroid of each element
face, the Crack Pattern mode may be enabled at the same time as Deformations mode. However, it is
important to note that the crack line orientation is solely established based on the global model axes; the
presented angles of crack lines on deformed element faces do not compensate for any apparent rotations
due to scaled nodal displacements. In terms of overall analysis capabilities, up to two cracks may be
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 57
displayed for VecTor2 and VecTor6 models, and up to three cracks for VecTor3 models. For each element,
cracks are differentiated using a distinctly coloured line - the cracks in direction 1 are denoted using
red lines, direction 2 cracks are represented as green, and direction 3 cracks are coloured in blue. See
Figure 3.40 for a conceptual demonstration of crack patterns enabled with default crack view settings.
Additionally, see Figure 3.41 for a conceptual depiction of how crack patterns are displayed for 2D
Aside from using colour to differentiate between multiple cracks on an element face, Janus uti-
lizes three predominant visual parameters in order to present a qualitative overview RC element crack
information to users - line width, line length, and angle of orientation. As previously discussed in Subsec-
tion 3.6.6, the menu option View . Set Crack View may be used to customize the displayed width and
length properties of the crack for ease of viewing. Currently, there are no applicable options available for
modifying how crack angles are presented in Janus. The following subsections present the methodology
Regardless of the VecTor program, all RC element cracks in Janus are positioned on the centroid of the
element face. From this point, two equal-length and opposite-direction line segments extend outward
in the corresponding direction of the crack, parallel to the plane of the face. Together, the two line
segments represent the crack line projected upon the element face. The display of crack orientation
for 2D VecTor programs (VecTor2 and VecTor6) is straightforward, with the crack angle value directly
y/z z
x x
a) Crack lines in VecTor2 & VecTor6 Models a) Crack lines in VecTor3 Models
corresponding to the orientation of the line segments extending from the element centroid. With 3D
elements in VecTor3, the relative orientation of each set of line segments per element face is determined
as the projection of the crack angle vector upon the geometric plane of the face.
Depending on the selected crack view settings, the crack width parameter could influence the width
and/or length of crack lines rendered in Janus. By default, Janus displays the rendered OpenGL crack
line widths based on specified ranges of crack width values. As shown in Table 3.5, the rendered line
thickness is specified to widen as the crack width increases in severity. For an upper limit of crack widths
exceeding 3.0 mm, the rendered line width is limited to a maximum of 3 on-screen line width units -
in doing so, overall model visibility can be maintained while still indicating that a significant crack is
present at a particular element. All crack line widths may also be scaled up or down using a uniform
Crack Width Scale factor, modified using the Set Crack View dialog.
By default, Janus displays crack lengths as a function of the crack angle vector projected on the planar
element face and the inner “radius” of the face (i.e. the maximum distance that the crack line may extend
from the centroid of the face without intersecting an edge). Essentially, the crack lines are bounded by the
perimeter of a circle inscribed within the element face. As previously discussed in Subsection 3.6.6, there
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 59
Table 3.5: Default Crack Width Ranges and Corresponding Displayed Line Thicknesses
may be certain analysis scenarios where it may be beneficial to use the Alternative Crack View setting to
abstract the lengths of all rendered crack lines as a function of the crack width parameter multiplied by a
specified Crack Length Scale factor. It is important to note that while this alternative crack view setting
is active, cracks with a crack width parameter of approximately 0 will not be displayed - predictably, the
effective line length will be computed as 0 regardless of Crack Length Scale factor choice. Conversely,
due to the fact that crack lengths are determined solely on a scalar crack width value, extreme crack
width values could result in displayed crack lengths unrealistically extending beyond the perimeter of
Upon selection of a user-specified stress and strain-related value from the Results menu, the VecTor
model enters the contour mode. Within the contour mode, elements or nodes are re-coloured in a colour
Legend dialog. Element types that do not apply will be coloured black. The Legend dialog uses a 20
colour array to establish a spectrum of intermediate values between the local minimum and maximum
for the selected result parameter and load stage. As the load stage is changed, the Legend dialog values
and on-screen colours will accordingly update for the currently selected contour mode parameter. The
contour mode is compatible for use in combination with both Deformations and Crack Pattern modes,
and, where applicable, may be implemented within the Section View and/or Layer View as well. Nodal
features such as nodal loads and restraints may also be toggled on and off in conjunction with the contour
mode. See Figure 3.42 for an example of the relationship between the contour mode and Legend dialog.
Throughout this section, nodal and elemental variables will be listed in conjunction with the respective
Figure 3.42: Simple VecTor3 Model in RC Element Contour Mode and Contour Dialog
The contour mode for nodal displacements and/or rotations allows for users to select and view individ-
ual deformation variables as a smooth colour gradient. In contrast to Deformations mode, where all
nodal displacement values are displayed simultaneously as actual model deformations, users may use
the contour mode to visualize and compare nodal displacement variables in isolation from each other.
Colours are assigned to each model node based on the selected displacement variable, and the resulting
colours are displayed on the model solid element faces. For visual continuity of colours between nodal
points, linear colour transitions occur between all nodes connected by a common element face. See
Figure 3.43 for an example of nodal displacement contour mode demonstrated using a simple VecTor3
model. Displacement and rotation variables are selectively enabled and disabled from the Results menu
based on the prescribed degrees of freedom available for the opened VecTor model type. See Table 3.6
for an overview of available node-related contour mode options available per VecTor program. Contour
mode for nodal displacement and rotation variables are not available while Section View or Layer View
are active.
In an analogous manner to displaying nodal displacements and rotations, users may also choose to
enable relevant nodal reactions and/or moment variable contour modes. Reactions and/or moment
values occur at restrained node(s) that have resisted some portion of the load applied to the structure.
The contour mode assigns colours to each restrained node based on the minimum and maximum value
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 61
Figure 3.43: Simple VecTor3 Example in Nodal Contour Mode and Contour Dialog
for the requested variable and current load stage, with smooth linear colour gradient transitions between
adjacent nodes sharing a common element face. Using the same colour distribution, all non-restrained
nodes values are also assigned a colour value corresponding to 0. Like the contour mode for nodal
displacements and rotations, the contour mode options for reaction and moment variables are organized
by orthogonal direction and axis of rotation. Within the Results menu, options are accordingly activated
or disabled based on the available degrees of freedoms of the VecTor model. Refer to Table 3.6 for an
overview of available nodal reaction and moment contour mode options per VecTor program. Contour
mode for nodal reaction and moment variables are not available while Section View or Layer View are
active.
Janus displays stress and strain-related result values for RC elements by re-colouring element faces as
solid colours corresponding to the array of colours and numerical values presented in the Legend dialog.
Available variables vary by VecTor program and available model dimensionality, but generally include:
In addition to being compatible with Deformations and Crack Pattern modes, element-based contour
mode parameters such as RC element stresses and strains may be used in conjunction with available
Section View and/or Layer View options. See Figure 3.44 for an example of total stress contour mode
viewed at an intermediate element section coordinate using YZ Section view. An overview of available
RC element stress and strain variables per VecTor program is provided in Table 3.7 below.
Figure 3.44: Simple VecTor3 Model in Contour Mode and Section View
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 63
εcy (ecy) 3 3 3 3 3
εcz (ecz) 7 3 3 7 3
τcxy (ecxy) 3 3 3 3 3
τcyz (ecyz) 7 3 3 7 3
τcxz (ecxz) 7 3 3 7 3
εc1 (ec1) 3 3 3 3 3
εc2 (ec2) 3 3 3 3 3
εc3 (ec3) 7 3 3 7 3
σx (fx) 3 3 3 7 3
σy (fy) 3 3 3 7 3
Total Stresses
σz (fz) 7 3 3 7 3
τxy (vxy) 3 3 3 7 3
τyz (vyz) 7 3 3 7 3
τxz (vxz) 7 3 3 7 3
σ1 (f1) 3 3 3 7 3
σ2 (f2) 3 3 3 7 3
σ3 (f3) 7 3 3 7 3
σcx (fcx) 3 3 3 3 3
Concrete Net Stresses
σcy (fcy) 3 3 3 3 3
σcz (fcz) 7 3 3 7 3
γcxy (vcxy) 3 3 3 3 3
γcyz (vcyz) 7 3 3 7 3
γcxz (vcxz) 7 3 3 7 3
σc1 (fc1) 3 3 3 3 3
σc2 (fc2) 3 3 3 3 3
σc3 (fc3) 7 3 3 7 3
Table 3.7: Available RC Element Stress and Strain Contour Modes per VecTor Program
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 64
A variety of additional RC element attributes specific to certain VecTor programs may also be viewed
via contour mode, such as element temperatures and unique member element parameters for VecTor5
frame analyses. Refer to subsequent program sections for VecTor-specific discussion of variables such as
element temperatures as well as member end force and member deformation variable contour modes.
Truss element stress and strain values may also be viewed in Janus as an extension of the colour contour
mode functionality. Due to the fact that discrete steel elements are linear elements that are positioned
adjacent to or between solid RC elements, providing visibility of these elements is a high priority while
their respective contour modes are active. For this reason, activation of any truss-related stress and
strain contour mode switches the appearance of solid elements in the VecTor model to a wireframe
mode. As shown in Figure 3.45, truss elements are highlighted in thick line widths, coloured using
the contour mode colour spectrum. Accordingly, the Legend dialog displays the selected truss element
parameter values and colour array. Truss element contour mode is capable of displaying the following
Although present discussion of stress and strain contour mode parameters is designated for “truss
elements”, it should be noted that VecTor6 ring bar elements are also included as part of the same
contour mode. This is due to the fact that ring bar elements are fundamentally designed to represent
Bond element response properties may be viewed in contour mode via the menu option Results .
Bond Element (V2, V3). In a similar graphic manner to truss element contour mode, bond elements in
VecTor2 and VecTor3 are highlighted using a colour pattern to represent bond slip characteristics for
each element and current load stage in the Legend dialog. See Figure 3.46 below for a depiction of bond
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 65
Figure 3.45: Simple VecTor3 Model in Truss Element Contour Mode and Contour Dialog
Table 3.8: Available Bond Element Contour Modes per VecTor program
Figure 3.46: Simple VecTor3 Model in Bond Element Contour Mode and Contour Dialog
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 66
element contour mode using a simple VecTor3 model. A list of bond element parameters available in
As an alternative to implementing discrete reinforcement elements, VecTor programs feature the ability
to represent reinforcement as a smeared material property within RC elements. Based on the prescribed
material properties, reinforcement orientation, and the individual dimensions of each assigned RC ele-
ment, each instance of smeared reinforcement is capable of providing supplemental structural strength
and resistance properties analogous to an equivalent quantity of discrete reinforcement positioned within
the element. In a likewise manner to inspecting the performance of discrete reinforcement objects, the
stress and strain characteristics of each smeared reinforcement type may be of interest to the user. Hence,
contour mode options are provided for viewing the local stress-strain state of each smeared reinforcement
Since smeared reinforcement is treated as an internal property within RC elements, contour modes for
smeared reinforcement stress and strain values are displayed on an element face basis. Like the contour
mode for elemental stresses and strains, elements corresponding to the requested smeared reinforcement
type will exhibit colours associated with the range of values presented in the Legend dialog. In the case
that an element does not possess the applicable smeared reinforcement property requested by the user,
The smeared reinforcement contour mode options may be accessed through Results . Reinforcement.
For VecTor2, VecTor3, and VecTor6, a maximum of four smeared reinforcement types are permitted per
RC material type. For consistency with the format of smeared reinforcement listings in the expanded
structure file, smeared reinforcement types are sequentially identified as Direction 1 through 4. Corre-
spondingly named menu options are provided in Janus for viewing each type, and options are enabled
and disabled based on the maximum number of smeared reinforcement types found. Available contour
mode menu options may also vary based on the VecTor model type being viewed; due to unique model
and dimension characteristics, Janus facilitates the display of VecTor4 and VecTor5 smeared reinforce-
ment contour modes in an alternative manner. Refer to discussion in the VecTor4 and VecTor5 unique
feature sections (Sections 6.2 and 7.2, respectively) for further details.
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 67
Although the contour mode is useful for visually representing the global distribution of structural pa-
rameter values across the entire VecTor model, users may wish to investigate which nodes or elements
precisely fall within or exceed a subset of specified values. The Hotspot mode provides this functionality,
allowing users to view and isolate a material parameter based on an upper and lower bound of threshold
1. Invoke the Hotspot dialog (See Figure 3.47) by clicking the Hotspot toolbar button
2. Select the desired node or element-specific parameter from the list of options.
Note: certain variables may be enabled or disabled based on the VecTor program, applicable
3. Observing the current minimum and maximum value for the selected parameter and load stage,
enter applicable lower and upper bound values into the appropriate edit boxes within the Hotspot
Range area.
4. Press OK.
Once the Hotspot mode is activated, the VecTor model is displayed as a wireframe. Depending on
whether the selected structural parameter or variable is node-related or pertains to a certain type of
element (RC, truss, or bond), the corresponding type of model component is highlighted based to the
chosen Hotspot upper and lower bound values. Applicable elements/nodes that exceed the specified
upper bound are drawn in red, and elements/nodes that lie within the lower and upper bound are
highlighted in brown. Elements or nodes that satisfy neither Hotspot mode condition are disregarded.
The resulting visual effect of red and brown highlighting in a wireframe allows users to precisely
identify which elements or nodes in the VecTor model match or exceed the specified range of values for
a given load stage. As an additional feature, the highlighted Hotspot elements/nodes will automatically
update upon modification of the current load stage as well. Thus, users may traverse through the range
of available load stage data, and incrementally observe the behaviour of the model with respect to the
chosen variable and established numerical threshold. The Hotspot mode may be used in conjunction
with Deformations mode as well as applicable Section View and/or Layer View options. Hotspot mode
may be toggled on and off using the Toggle Face Fill toolbar button.
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 68
The upper and lower bound values work in conjunction to represent a set number range. The upper
bound represents the numerical threshold of the selected node or element Hotspot parameter, and the
lower bound value (relative to the upper bound value) establishes the “direction” that the parameter
values are checked against to exceed compared to the upper bound value. The upper bound and lower
bound edit boxes accept either positive and negative real numbers, and Janus automatically determines
the intended direction of exceedance based on their relative positions on a number line. The number
line relationships between the Hotspot upper bound and lower bound values are visually demonstrated
in Figure 3.48 below. Elements or nodes with properties that equal or exceed the upper bound value are
coloured red. Elements or nodes that fall between the upper and lower bound value ranges are coloured
brown.
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 69
Brown Red
Elements Elements
& Nodes & Nodes
LB UB
Red Brown
Elements Elements
& Nodes & Nodes
UB LB
Red
Elements
& Nodes
LB UB
Red
Elements
& Nodes
UB LB
In the global model view, activation of the Hotspot mode reduces the VecTor model RC elements to a
wireframe representation. Unless discrete reinforcement or bond-related element parameters are selected
in the Hotspot dialog, finite elements such as truss, ringbar, contact and link elements will not appear as
part of the simplified wireframe model. See Figure 3.49 for a simple VecTor3 model with Hotspot mode
In a similar capacity to the contour mode, applicable Section View and Layer View options may be
utilized in conjunction with Hotspot mode. Section views may be particularly useful when viewing 3D
VecTor models in Janus, where layers of highlighted solid elements have the potential to visually obscure
any Hotspot-related highlighting of interior solid elements positioned behind the foremost element face.
Consistent with standard Section View properties, Hotspot-highlighted linear elements such as truss
elements will only appear in Section View if the element is intersected by or lies on the section plane.
Similarly, Hotspot mode highlighting of point-based model features such as nodes and link elements will
only appear when the nodal coordinate is intersected by the section plane. See Figure 3.50 below for
sample section views of a simple VecTor3 model in Hotspot mode for different element types.
In contrast to using the Hotspot mode in Section View, which has equivalent functionality as Global
Model View, Hotspot mode in Layer View provides specialized post-processing viewing capabilities to
the user. Within Layer View of VecTor4 shell elements and VecTor5 output member elements, a layer-
specific form of the Hotspot mode is activated. The Hotspot mode provides highlighting on a RC or
discrete reinforcement layer basis. Specific descriptions of Hotspot modes in Layer View for VecTor4
and VecTor5 are subsequently provided in Section 6.2 and Section 7.2, respectively.
For general data manipulation and graphing purposes, the Data Platform dialog allows users to organize
and present structural data for specified nodes or elements in a variety of formats. Numerical data may
be output for up to five distinct structural variables for a set range of load stages, available in either raw
text or excel file formats. Janus also provides an in-program preview function for convenient graphing
of the selected variables as linear plots. Users may also assign axis variables and axes ranges as desired.
Access to all Janus data platform functionality is provided through the Data Platform dialog, which is
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 71
Figure 3.50: Section Views of Various Hotspot Modes Using a Simple VecTor3 Model
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 73
opened by clicking the Data Platform toolbar button, . See Figure 3.51 for a typical representation
For general post-processing convenience, each instance of the Data Platform dialog initially specifies
the entire load stage range loaded for the VecTor model by default. However, for viewing analyses
with a significant number of load stages, or in the interest of extracting a certain subset of data, users
may wish to customize the load stage range. The From and To edit boxes in the Load Stages area
provide corresponding entries for users to specify custom starting and ending load stage values. Users
must provide a valid range of load stage values for data acquisition purposes, satisfying the following
conditions:
• The From and To load stage entries must be greater or equal to the starting load stage value, and
• the From load stage entry value must be greater or equal to the To load stage entry value
Selecting the Include Load Stages option includes the listed load stages as an additional data column
The Data Platform dialog provides users with an interface consisting of five independent input columns.
Each column is capable of accepting a unique data variable choice and the corresponding node, element
Each of the column buttons, titled Variable1 through Variable5, invokes an instance of the gen-
eral variable selection dialog displayed in Figure 3.52. Using this dialog, a different variable may be
assigned to each the corresponding five node/element/load case entries below. Accordingly, a valid
node/element/load case number must be assigned to each entry. Janus will retrieve data based on the
context of the chosen parameter. Each entry column is individually activated by selecting the respective
box corresponding to the“Check box to include data” label. For the purpose of customizing a graphic
plot in Janus, one of the active variables may also be selected as the x-axis by selecting the corresponding
Once all appropriate values are selected in the Data Platform dialog, Janus hosts a variety of options for
users to view the selected data range(s). Users may output the data within the Data Platform dialog as
raw text, in a visual on-screen graphic plot, or as column-separated data in a external file as a Microsoft
Upon selecting Output Data, data for currently selected variables in active input columns will be retrieved
and displayed on screen according to their occurrence from left to right. Referring to Figure 3.53, the
Variable1, Variable3 and Variable5 columns are active. The three selected variables, “Load”, “fx”, and
“dx”, are correspondingly printed as raw text data in the text field below. As specified from the Load
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 76
Stages area of the Data Platform dialog, the variable values are provided from load stages 1 through 10,
inclusive.
Alternatively, users may opt to preview the selected data as a series of line plots. In order for the plot
function to successfully execute, at least two variables (or a single variable and load stage) must already
be specified. By selecting Plot, the Janus model space is converted to a 2D graph, with the selected
variables plotted in separate colour-coded lines. By default, the horizontal axis represents incremental
load stages, and the vertical axis represents the selected variable(s). Alternatively, one of the selected
variables may be selected as the horizontal x-axis value. See Figure 3.54 below for an illustrative example
of the same variables “Load”, “fx”, and “dx” plotted with respect to the load stage value.
Lastly, users may export the requested variable data in a column-separated format. This function may
be convenient for subsequent graphing and data manipulation purposes that fall outside the capabilities
of Janus as a post-processor program. See Figure 3.55 for an equivalent example of the same structural
Users may modify the graphic plot formatting using the Axis Change dialog. Refer to Figure 3.56 below
for the available plot customization options. Users may modify data plot parameters by entering values
As previously mentioned in Subsection 3.3.4, the Element Attributes dialog is used to display the model
Currently, the Element Attributes dialog is only supported for right click selection of RC and truss
elements within the global model view. The Element Attributes dialog only appears when the mouse is
right clicked while the cursor is positioned over a valid RC element face or truss element line.
The Element Attributes dialog text field displays applicable model data and structural properties for the
• Element number
• Element vertex node numbers and nodal coordinates
• Material specifications
• Stress and strain values
Refer to Figure 3.57 for demonstrations of the Element Attribute dialog with a solid RC element and
truss element.
Chapter 3. Janus Post-Processor Program 80
a) Solid RC Element
b) Truss Element
Figure 3.57: Element Attribute Dialog using Solid RC/Truss Elements of a VecTor3 Example Model
Chapter 4
This chapter of the manual is provided to present Janus display features in the specific context of VecTor2
as a 2D finite element analysis program. Particular emphasis is provided in describing visualization tools
that display VecTor2 model-related information in a distinct fashion from the other VecTor model types.
4.1 Appearance
Due to models being solely specified about the x-y plane, the graphical representation of VecTor2 models
4.1.1 Axes
As a 2D analysis program, VecTor2 model nodes and elements are defined about the x- and y-axes, and
are accordingly displayed as such in Janus. The z-axis is utilized for demonstrating out-of-plane RC
4.1.2 Elements
Models in VecTor2 consist of the following finite element types, with two linear degrees of freedom per
node:
81
Chapter 4. VecTor2 Models in Janus 82
VecTor2 model elements are represented in Janus in a simple planar manner. Membrane elements
such as triangular, rectangular and quadrilateral elements are displayed as geometric shapes with black
outlines and coloured faces. The default face fill colour for RC membrane elements is dark green. For
contrast from other rendered lines and objects, linear truss elements are displayed as thick-width lines,
coloured in cyan by default. See Figure 4.1 for a typical view of VecTor2 elements represented in Janus.
Link elements are shown as a simple orange square box drawn around each pair of coincident model
nodes. As specified in the VecTor2 and FormWorks User’s Manual, one node of the link element is
attributed with an RC element while the other corresponds with a connected truss element (Wong et al.,
2012). Should slip occur and the nodes displace from each other, an orange line is drawn between
the separated nodes to maintain visual association. The centroid of orange link element box symbol is
positioned at the midpoint of the resulting line linking the two nodes. See Figure 4.2 below for a visual
Lastly, contact elements are represented using a combination of simple shapes and a default dark
red colour. A diamond outline is rendered at each of the two pairs of coincident nodes, denoting the
contact interface between a truss element and its surrounding RC elements. In order to show each pair
of diamonds as a single graphic symbol, corresponding dark red lines are also drawn between the each set
of diamond outlines. In this way, the linear truss element associated with the contact element is visually
bounded within the contact element lines. In the event that separation of either node pair occurs, an
additional dark red line connects the displaced nodes, and the diamond outline for that node pair is
positioned on the centroid of the newly drawn connecting line. For a sample demonstration of VecTor2
Nodal restraints in VecTor2 may be applied in the x- and/or y-directions. Singly restrained nodes
are represented with roller symbols oriented in the direction of restraint, signifying that the node is
permitted to “roll” in the transverse in-plane direction. For example, a node restrained exclusively in
the y-direction would be represented by a roller restraint symbol positioned either above or below the
node in the y-direction, showing that the node is still free to displace in the lateral x-direction.
Nodes restrained in both the x- and y-direction degrees of freedom are represented using pin support
symbols. Unlike roller restraint symbols, the orientation of the pinned restraint symbol does not have
any implications on the represented restraint directions - pin support symbols unconditionally depict
that the indicated node is restrained in both the x- and y-directions. 2D pin and roller restraints in
a) Standard Mode
b) Deformations Mode
VecTor2 models in Janus are capable of displaying nodal load cases as a series of nodal load and displace-
ment symbols. Load and displacement symbols are represented as orthogonally-oriented, single-headed
2D arrows, drawn at the assigned node and in the direction of applied loading. As displayed in Fig-
ure 4.5, arrow symbols may interchangeably abutt the loaded node by either head or tail end, depending
on: a) the general position of the loaded node in the model space, and b) the sign of the applied load or
displacement value.
For the purpose of displaying 2D VecTor2 models in Janus, several post-processing features are cus-
tomized based on the implied planar context of the provided model and analysis parameters.
Chapter 4. VecTor2 Models in Janus 85
4.2.1 Deformations
Each node in VecTor2 is assigned two degrees of freedom, prescribed in the x- and y-directions. Janus
correspondingly represents the orthogonal displacements of these model nodes as actual on-screen x-
and y-axis node coordinate translations, linearly magnified by a uniform deformation scale factor (pre-
viously discussed in Section 3.6). Element vertices and/or node features associated with each node are
RC element crack patterns are reported on a similar planar basis, with the crack line rotated about the
centroid of the element to represent the orientation of the crack with respect to the global model x-axis.
uniform out-of-plane thickness material property. Hence, in the interest of presenting VecTor2 sectional
views in an analogous format to a 3D model, the out-of-plane thicknesses of VecTor2 RC elements are
conceptually displayed as centred on the z-axis for applicable section views directly involving the z-
Linear and node-based elements such as truss, link and contact elements will be visible in section views
involving the z-axis if they are intersected by, or lie on the entered section coordinate. Due to the fact
that truss, link and contact elements lack an applicable out-of-plane thickness parameter, the sectional
representation of these elements will be consistently drawn as centred on the z-axis and applicable x-
or y-coordinate as determined through linear interpolation of the section coordinate value. Similarly,
node-based features such as nodal loads and restraints may be viewed in Section View, but will only be
visible when the input section coordinate and node coordinate coincide with the specified section plane.
Refer to Figure 4.6 below for sample out-of-plane XZ Section and YZ Section section views of a VecTor2
example model.
Within the XY Section view, the out-of-plane thicknesses of RC membrane elements are indirectly
represented based on the z-direction section coordinate choice. If the input section coordinate exceeds
±(element thickness/2 ) for a particular material type, elements corresponding to that material type
Chapter 4. VecTor2 Models in Janus 86
will not be visible. All other types of elements (truss, link, contact) and nodal features (load arrows,
Deformations mode may be used in conjunction with all Section View alternatives. Although Section
View is enabled for all three orthogonal plane combinations in VecTor2, sectional deformations will only
be demonstrated in the x- and y-directions. Although VecTor2 considers out-of-plane strains due to
Poisson’s effects, no out-of-plane displacements are provided as part of the analysis results. Regardless
of deformation, the out-of-plane thicknesses of RC elements are constant and centred about the z-axis.
Due to RC element cracks only occurring in-plane within the VecTor2 analysis environment, crack
patterns within Section View are only displayed using the XY Section view. RC element section cracks
will only be rendered if the cracked element face is visible, i.e. the XY Section z-coordinate falls within
Chapter 4. VecTor2 Models in Janus 87
With the exception of node-related contour mode variables (i.e. colour gradient representation of nodal
displacements and reactions), all other solid-colour contour modes may be activated within Section View.
For consistency with established Section View display mechanics, only applicable elements which lie on
or are intersected by the requested section plane will be coloured according to the context of the selected
contour mode variable. Contour mode in Section View is presented in an analogous manner to the
contour mode in Global Model View. Selecting a RC element-related variable will result in coloured
membrane element section faces, with truss and bond elements coloured in black. Conversely, truss and
bond element-related contour modes result in colour-highlighting of the applicable element type, with
All VecTor2 Hotspot mode variables are accessible within Section View. Within the context of Hotspot
mode combined with Section View, node and element highlighting will only appear if the exact node
coordinate or element boundaries are intersected by the section plane. For membrane RC elements,
the section coordinate must fall between the local minimum and maximum range of coordinates of the
element for the axis that the section is specified on. Similarly, highlighting of linear elements such
as truss and contact elements will only appear if intersected by, or lie on the requested section plane.
Highlighted nodes and point-based elements will only appear at the precise section coordinate that the
Compared to other VecTor model types, several user interface controls and visualization features for
VecTor3 models have unique connotations when activated in Janus. The following chapter provide an
overview of post-processing functions specifically customized for displaying VecTor3 models in a relevant
5.1 Appearance
VecTor3 is a 3D finite element modelling program with an extensive library of available element types.
In order for Janus to visually display numerical data in 3D space for the diverse range of element shape
geometry, some aspects of VecTor3 analysis output results are presented in Janus in a distinct manner
5.1.1 Axes
In the pursuit of true graphic representation, Janus displays VecTor3 models as a series of rendered
geometric shapes in 3D space. As previously described in Section 3.2.3.1, elements are established using
user-defined coordinates read in from the associated VecTor3 expanded structure file. In order to provide
consistent user interface controls for displaying and manipulating the 3D VecTor3 model in Janus, these
exact model coordinates are universally scaled and transformed such that the resulting VecTor3 model
is centrally positioned and appropriately magnified for view in Janus model space. Subsequently, model
rotation controls using the right mouse button or Set Camera View dialog results in the VecTor3 model
88
Chapter 5. VecTor3 Models in Janus 89
5.1.2 Elements
Comparing the available element types among all VecTor programs, VecTor3 exhibits a wholly diverse
range of solid RC element shapes as well as linear and point-based element types. VecTor3 consists of
the following finite element types, with three linear degrees of freedom per node:
In order to display solid RC elements in three dimensions, wedge and hexahedral elements are dis-
cretized as a series of triangular and/or quadrilateral polygonal faces; in turn, each polygon shape is
further encapsulated as sets of nodal coordinates corresponding to each face vertex. Altogether, each set
of element faces is used to collectively represent the stress- and strain-related properties corresponding
to their respective element. See Figure 5.1 for an typical view of solid RC hexahedral elements in a RC
element-related contour mode, displaying concrete strain values using constant coloured faces.
Within the Global Model View, Janus presents a simplified version of the overall structure by only
rendering the outermost layer of RC solid element faces; for the purpose of conserving system memory
and overall program performance, internal faces of RC solid elements are omitted from being rendered.
The exclusion of internal RC element faces also facilitates visibility for internally specified non-RC finite
elements such as truss and/or link elements, as well as relevant nodal features such as load arrows and
restraint symbols. The exterior RC solid element faces of 3D VecTor3 models may be bypassed by
zooming the camera view inwards, either through the use of the Set Camera View dialog or mouse track
In contrast to RC solid element faces being selectively chosen for rendering, all truss and link elements
are displayed in Janus Global Model View. As simple linear elements, VecTor3 truss elements are
displayed in a congruent visual manner to other VecTor programs - thick-width line segments established
Link elements in VecTor3 are represented in a similar visual manner to their VecTor2 link element
counterpart, using the same symbolic orange colour and hollow square box icon. However, in the interest
of facilitating visibility of link element symbols from any arbitrarily defined camera view position and
orientation in model space, orange hollow boxes are rendered in all three planes around the pair of
Chapter 5. VecTor3 Models in Janus 90
coincident nodes which define the link element. In order to maintain visual association in the event that
the two linked nodes slip and displace from each other, an orange line is drawn connecting the nodes.
Subsequently, the trio of hollow orange boxes associated with the link element are positioned on the
centroid of the line connecting the two linked nodes. For an illustrative example of a deformed link
As a consequence of rendering external RC solid element faces as solid shapes in 3D, internally
specified elements such as truss and link elements may be visually obscured by surrounding exterior solid
RC element faces. As well, nodal features such as load arrow and restraint symbols may be similarly
hidden within the VecTor3 structure. In order to overcome any obscured internal features, several user
interface controls are available to the user in Janus. Firstly, external RC element faces may be bypassed
Chapter 5. VecTor3 Models in Janus 91
by using the mouse track wheel scroll function to zoom in the camera view (see Subsection 3.3.4 for
further instructions). Secondly, as discussed in Subsection 3.6.7.1, applicable Section View features
may be used to obtain an isolated plane view of the internal element(s) of interest. Lastly, the Toggle
Elements dialog demonstrated in Subsection 3.7.1 may be used to selectively disable RC solid element
Nodal restraints in VecTor3 may be applied in all three orthogonal directions. As an extension of the
2D restraint symbols utilized in VecTor2, the representation of VecTor3 restraints in Janus uses pairs
of nodal restraint symbols aligned in perpendicular orthogonal directions. Each planar restraint symbol
independently acts as a simple 2D restraint, representing the restrained axis or axes for the plane that the
particular restraint symbol is lying on. Relative to the actual restrained node, nodal restraint symbols
are oriented in a manner that logically complies with the previously outlined conventions for representing
For example, a node solely restrained in the z-direction is displayed in Janus using a pair of roller
restraint symbols. For optimum visibility to the user, Janus may interchangeably display the pair of
restraints as oriented either above or below the node in the z-direction. The pair of roller symbols
aligned above/below the node in the z-direction is intended to indicate the following:
• In the x-z plane, the node is free to move in the x-direction and is restrained in the z-direction
• In the y-z plane, the node is free to move in the y-direction and is restrained in the z-direction
Accordingly, the substitution of a pin restraint for a roller restraint would represent an additional
restrained degree of freedom in the plane that the pin symbol lies on. Hence, a combination of pin
and roller symbols represents two restraints overall, while a restraint consisting of dual pinned restraint
symbols represents a node restrained in all three orthogonal directions. See Figure 5.3 below for a
Janus displays applied nodal loads and displacements as a series of 3D arrow symbols. For increased
visibility in 3D space, load arrow symbols for VecTor3 models are drawn as a pair of overlapping single-
headed 2D arrows, aligned on perpendicular axes. The direction and orientation of the load arrow
symbol is established based on the orthogonal direction of loading, as well as the sign of the load value.
Chapter 5. VecTor3 Models in Janus 92
See Figure 5.4 for an illustrative example of VecTor3 load arrows. In accordance with Load Case dialog
display mechanics described previously in Subsection 3.7.3, both arrow shapes in the load arrow symbol
will either appear as “empty” pink outlines, or “fill” with a solid colour corresponding to displayed range
5.2.1 Deformations
Nodes in VecTor3 analyses are capable of accommodating linear displacements in all x-, y-, and z-
directions. Upon activation of Deformations mode in Janus, all constitutive element faces, edges, and/or
vertices will be re-rendered using 3D nodal coordinates modified with the load stage-specific displace-
ment values reported in the VecTor3 analysis output files. By default, all orthogonal displacements are
Among the VecTor software suite, VecTor3 is the only finite element analysis program which currently
provides crack output data for 3D elements. Each crack is reported in terms of its orientation with
Chapter 5. VecTor3 Models in Janus 93
respect to the global axes. In the context of VecTor3 analysis output files, the crack orientation is
provided as a 3D unit vector comprised of directional cosine values. In order to represent such an internal
element characteristic in three-dimensional space, the geometric components of the crack line vector are
projected onto the planar surface of each visible element face. As previously described in Subsection 3.8.2,
crack lines displayed on element faces are composed of two equal and opposite-direction line segments,
extending outward from the centre of the element face. In doing so, the crack line is conceptually
represented as a central single linear entity passing through the geometric centroid of the element. By
default, the length of the crack lines rendered on each face is determined as a function of the crack line
projection and the radius of a circle inscribed within the perimeter of the element face. The presentation
of crack lines on each element face may be modified by invoking the Set Crack View dialog using View
In order to accommodate the capability for VecTor3 finite elements to displace in all three orthogonal
directions, Section View features are available for all three planes. Regardless of model orientation
and implement element type(s), the XY Section, YZ Section and XZ Section toolbar buttons exhibit
equivalent functionality in producing relevant plane section views of the opened VecTor3 model at the
requested coordinate. Refer to Subsection 3.6.7.1 for a full description of Section View functionality.
Upon activation of Section View, the Section Up and Section Down toolbar buttons may be used to
traverse through node coordinate intervals pertaining to the third out-of-plane axis of the current section
view. Section View is fully compatible with Deformations and Crack Pattern modes for VecTor3 models.
In the event that Section View and Deformations mode are enabled in tandem with a VecTor3 model, it
is important to note that the resulting section view is produced based on nodal coordinate displacements
in all dimensions. In addition to displaying planar deformations at the requested section coordinate,
the out-of-plane coordinates of the model are affected by displacements as well. It should be noted that
Section Up and Section Down options will be similarly affected by nodal displacements; section planes
are drawn at each uniquely encountered displaced node coordinate value as the section input coordinate
Using the three-dimensional crack data provided in VecTor3 analysis output files, crack patterns are able
to be displayed within Section View for VecTor3 models using the same planar projection methodology
as the Global Model View. This feature is particularly useful for viewing the internal crack patterns
within a model with multiple layers of elements, since the Janus Global Model View is only capable of
displaying the crack lines on the exterior element faces for VecTor3 models. See Figure 5.5 for crack
patterns displayed on a simple VecTor3 model using YZ Section view at various x-coordinate inputs.
Except for nodal displacement and reaction colour-gradient contour modes, all other result options found
in the Results menu may be enabled within Section View for VecTor3 models in Janus. Equivalent
functionality for Hotspot mode and displaying nodal features such as loads and restraints are also
provided in Section View. Logically, only elements and nodal features which lie on or are intersected by
the section plane will be available for displaying applicable result modes. Sectional result modes may
In contrast to the conventional library of low-powered elements utilized in VecTor2, VecTor3, and Vec-
Tor6, VecTor4 employs high-powered nine-noded layered heterosis elements to represent plate and shell-
acteristics on a structure-wide scale, the elements themselves are internally stratified into discrete layers
of reinforced concrete and reinforcement - enabling the capability for presenting sectional analysis re-
sults. In anticipation of the additional post-processing needs attributed to this unique form of finite
element, customized facilities are provided in Janus for the display and visualization of VecTor4 models
6.1 Appearance
Within the context of visualization, the most marked distinction of VecTor4 lies in its exclusive use of
a nine-noded degenerated heterosis element. Each element is comprised of eight side nodes (four corner
nodes and four midpoints) as well as a ninth central node. VecTor4 shell elements are conceptually
defined on a centreline basis, with the nine node points establishing the intermediate mid-depth surface
of the shell element. For modelling purposes, each of the nine nodes is associated with an corresponding
pair of top and bottom element vertices “above” and “below” the node in the v3 direction by a constant
depth of ±(element thickness/2 ), where the element thickness is a user-defined RC material property. See
Subsection 2.7.6 for a general overview of the nodal coordinate system in VecTor4 used for establishing
96
Chapter 6. VecTor4 Models in Janus 97
6.1.1 Axes
In a likewise manner to displaying 3D finite element models created in VecTor3, Janus portrays VecTor4
models in a simulated three-dimensional form. Actual nodal coordinates and element definitions are
extracted from the VecTor4 expanded structure file and converted to equivalent standardized values for
rendering in Janus model space. In order to provide consistent model rotational controls, VecTor4 model
coordinates are transformed such that the resulting on-screen model in Janus is centred on the origin of
the modelling axis system. Subsequent rotations of the model using the middle track wheel button or
Set Camera View dialog will result in the VecTor4 model centrally pivoting about the specified axis or
axes.
6.1.2 Elements
As emphasized at the beginning of this chapter, shell elements are the feature element of discussion in the
visualization of VecTor4 models. The expanded structure files produced by VecTor4 explicitly declare
shell element vertices using the basis of top and bottom node coordinate pairs. Since Janus utilizes
data from the VecTor4 expanded structure file in order to render actual element and nodal coordinate
information, each shell element is essentially modelled using data from a total of 18 node points - nine
from each of the top and bottom vertex layers. For 3D representation of shell element faces in the Global
Model View, compound nine-noded polygon shapes are rendered at top and bottom layers of nodes, with
additional six-noded side faces used to connect top corner and midpoint nodes to their corresponding
bottom nodes. In Global Model View, only the exterior-most top, bottom and side shell element faces
Although VecTor4 shell elements are ideally intended to represent curved reinforced concrete sur-
faces, geometric edges and faces of VecTor4 shell elements are approximated using simplified linear
relationships between nodes in Janus. Although not truly representative of the actual curves simulated
by the shell element, the overall constitutive structural behaviour that can be captured through top
and bottom node displacements and/or rotations is sufficient for the overarching majority of VecTor4
post-processing visualization purposes in Janus. Refer to Figure 6.1 below for a depiction of a simple
VecTor4 model consisting of four shell elements undergoing nodal rotations and displacements as a result
Within each shell element, the out-of-plane depth is stratified into a series of RC and smeared rein-
forcement layers as specified by the user. The RC layers are contiguously defined throughout the depth
of the element, where the respective layer thicknesses in the v3 direction at each node are determined by
Chapter 6. VecTor4 Models in Janus 98
VecTor4 as a culmination of a variety of factors: the overall element thickness, specified concrete cover
depth parameter, and the express requirement to present a whole number of evenly spaced layers. In
contrast, the centroidal locations of smeared reinforcement layers may be established at any interstitial
depth between the top and bottom faces of the element, independent of established RC layer boundaries.
Instead of utilizing the nodal coordinate system for establishing the out-of-plane element thickness di-
rection, the in-plane orientation of each smeared reinforcement layer utilizes the local coordinate system
established at each Gauss Point. Using right-hand rule notation, the reinforcement layer orientation is
specified as an angle rotated about the positive local z 0 axis, and relative to the local positive x0 direction
at each Gauss Point. Janus uses the local x0 and z 0 vectors at the central shell element Gauss Point
(denoted as Gauss Point 5) as the representative axes for displaying the relative in-plane direction of
reinforcement for each smeared reinforcement layer. Refer to Subsection 2.7.6 for an overview of the
It is important to note that these internally specified element RC and reinforcement layers are not
visible from neither the Global Model View nor Section View. As subsequently explained in Subsec-
tion 6.2.4, the view of layers and the associated sectional performance of individual shell elements must
As a 3D analysis program, VecTor4 is capable of assigning all conventional linear nodal restraints in
the global x-, y-, and z-directions. These restraints are displayed in Janus in an analogous fashion
to VecTor3, utilizing pairs of orthogonally oriented roller and/or pin restraints to represent restrained
degree(s) of freedom for the respective axes that the symbols lie on. Although shell element vertices are
defined on a top and bottom layer basis in Janus, nodal restraints in the global x-, y-, and z-directions
Chapter 6. VecTor4 Models in Janus 99
are still rendered true to the actual node coordinate location for visual clarity and consistent restraint
symbolism.
support conditions which prevent a node from rotating in-plane about its local θ1 and/or θ2 rotation
vectors. To illustrate that a node is being rotationally restrained, VecTor4 rotational restraints are
presented as a pair of right-angled triangles drawn at the top and bottom element vertices associated with
the restrained node. The triangles are both drawn with a edge flush with the element side face, suggesting
that the entire shell element edge is rotationally supported at that node. To visually communicate the
direction of resistance, each set of triangle symbols is rendered on the plane that rotation is being resisted.
See Figure 6.2 below for an example of a simple VecTor4 model in Janus representing fixed shell element
In an equivalent fashion to nodal restraints, VecTor4 analyses can support applied nodal loads and
displacements in all three x-, y-, and z-directions. Janus displays such VecTor4 node features in a
congruent manner to VecTor3, utilizing a load symbol consisting of a pair of orthogonally oriented
single-headed arrows. The orientation of the load arrows is based on the prescribed direction of loading,
As well as having provisions for assigning linear nodal displacements in the x-, y-, and z-directions,
VecTor4 also possesses the unique capability of determining the in-plane nodal rotations throughout each
shell element. At each load stage, resulting rotation values are provided in the θ1 - and θ2 -directions,
corresponding to planar rotations about node coordinate system axes v2 and v1 , respectively. In order to
accommodate for any arbitrary local node axis orientation - and, accordingly, rotation vector direction
Chapter 6. VecTor4 Models in Janus 100
- moment and rotation arrows are rendered in Janus as double-headed arrow symbols, using right-hand
rule notation to signify the direction of rotation. At each applied nodal moment or rotation, double-
headed arrow symbols are drawn in both orthogonal orientations in order to provide optimal visibility
from any camera view in 3D space. For consistency in loads and rotations being assigned directly to
a node, both single- and double-headed arrows are rendered at the exact mid-depth node location of
the shell element. Figure 6.3 provides a visual depiction of 3D single-headed load and double-headed
moment arrows applied to the shell element edges of a simple VecTor4 model.
6.2.1 Deformations
As previously described in Subsection 3.8.1.1, Janus is capable of displaying VecTor4 nodal rotation
results directly on the rendered model as an enhancement of the Deformations mode (accessed via Re-
sults . Deformations). Nodal rotations are represented as top and bottom element vertices rotating
about their associated mid-depth node using a constant radius of (element thickness/2 ). The resulting
rotational displacements are decomposed into corresponding x-, y-, and z-direction components, with
relevant signs to represent positive and negative vertex rotations about the mid-depth node. The ro-
tational displacement decomposition procedure is completed for both local in-plane rotation directions
at each node. Accordingly, the orthogonal rotational displacement component values are universally
magnified using the same deformation scale factor applied to linear nodal displacements. Lastly, the
scaled components are correspondingly added to the similarly scaled linear displacements for each node,
and the net displacement values are applied to the respective top and bottom element vertices. The
deformation scale factor may be modified via View . Set Deform. Scale . Select Scale Factor.
Chapter 6. VecTor4 Models in Janus 101
When viewing stress- or strain-related parameters for VecTor4 models, RC element stress and strain
properties are specified on a layer and Gauss point basis. Within Global Model View, users must specify
a layer number and Gauss point number via edit boxes in the VecTor4 Legend dialog, as shown in
Figure 6.4 below. The + and - buttons immediately adjacent to the Concrete/Reinf. Layer Select edit
box incrementally increase or decrease the current layer value between 1 and the maximum number of
layers observed among all present RC material types. By convention, layer 1 is denoted as the topmost
layer of the shell element, and layers are incrementally numbered with increasing depth through the
section. Depending on the context of the variable selected in contour mode, the layer edit box may
be used to specify either RC or smeared reinforcement layer numbers. The default Gauss Point value
of 5 corresponds to the central mid-depth Gauss Point in each 3 × 3 array of Gauss points for the
shell element. If a shell element is assigned a material type with a total number of RC or smeared
reinforcement layers that is lower than the value requested in the VecTor4 Legend dialog, that element
Smeared reinforcement contour modes for VecTor4 models are activated using options in Results .
Reinforcement . Direction 1 or Direction 2. While the average stress and strain values will be congruent
for either direction, VecTor4 smeared reinforcement stress and strain values at the crack are differentiated
The available Section View options for 3D VecTor4 models are implemented in a congruent fashion as the
VecTor3 Section View facilities - Section XY, Section YZ, and Section XZ toolbar buttons all produce
relevant planar section views based on the requested out-of-plane section coordinate. As a 3D modelling
program, VecTor4 shell elements may displace in all three directional axes. While Deformations mode
is enabled, it is important to recognize that the resulting model coordinates are displaced in all three
axes; the requested section coordinate will generate a section view based on deformed model geometry.
Additionally, it is worthy to note that deformations associated with nodal rotations are capable of being
displayed within relevant section views. Utilizing linear interpolation, Section View will present an
analogous planar projection of all rotated and/or displaced shell element edges, faces, and vertices which
Janus provides a unique feature for displaying the intermediate through-depth layers of selected VecTor4
shell elements, known as Layer View. Layer View is activated using the Layer View toolbar button,
invoking an intermediate dialog which allows users to select the shell element of interest via drop-down
menu list. The numerical listing of shell elements corresponds to the element numbers assigned to each
shell element in the expanded structure file for the opened VecTor4 model.
Upon selection of a shell element, Layer View renders an isolated and magnified 3D version of the shell
element in model space. The element is drawn true to the proportions specified within the structure file,
but also enlarged to fill the extent of Janus model space that the entire VecTor4 model conventionally
occupies. This modification is deemed necessary for the purpose of differentiating between the minute
widths between RC layers, and is particularly helpful for viewing a single diminutive shell element from
a large-scale model. For convenient and consistent rotation controls in Layer View, the sole Layer View
Using top and bottom vertex coordinate data extracted from the VecTor4 expanded structure file,
discrete RC layer faces and lines are proportionally drawn across the side (i.e. through-depth) faces of
the element. Accordingly, smeared reinforcement layers are established as a thick-lined perimeter line
at the corresponding depth that the reinforcement layer centroid is designated at. In order to visually
communicate the general reinforcement orientation for each smeared reinforcement layer, a thick line
is drawn in the direction of reinforcement alignment. The line passes through the central depth of the
element and spans between opposing ends of the reinforcement layer perimeter. By default, all RC layers
Chapter 6. VecTor4 Models in Janus 103
are coloured dark green, and the thick lines representing smeared reinforcement layers are cyan. Similar
to the display mechanics employed in 3D Global Model View, the isolated shell element is drawn as a
hollow prismatic solid. To view smeared reinforcement orientation, users must utilize the track button
scroll function to zoom in the camera view and bypass the exterior layer faces.
Within Layer View, the RC layer faces behave in an analogous manner to standard element faces
for portraying RC-related result modes, whether showing as a colour gradient for contour modes, or
red/brown/empty wireframe for applicable Hotspot mode parameters. Once a smeared reinforcement-
related result mode is selected, RC layer faces are presented as hollow wireframes. Accordingly, the
thick smeared reinforcement lines are assigned colours relevant to the selected result mode. By default,
Layer View contour mode presents the layer-specific stress-strain value attributed to Gauss Point 5.
Once activated, Layer View may be toggled on and off using the Toggle 3D View toolbar button, as
previously described in Table 3.4. Upon resuming Layer View via Toggle 3D View, the most recent shell
element selected for Layer View will be automatically recalled for user convenience. See Figure 6.5 and
Figure 6.6 below for a complete demonstration of RC and smeared reinforcement contour mode and the
As initially described in Subsection 3.7.6, Janus hosts a dedicated function for displaying VecTor4 shell
element Gauss Points, activated via Structure . Gauss Points (V4). Activation of the Gauss Points
mode is dependent on successfully locating and reading the VecTor4-specific Gauss Point list (“.GPL”)
file in the same local file directory that the opened job file is contained in. In the event that the Gauss
Point List file is not found during the Janus file-opening procedure for VecTor4 models, a relevant
disclaimer message will appear to notify the user that the Gauss Point List file is missing. As well, the
Structures menu option to display Gauss Points will be disabled from being selected.
Each shell element utilizes a 3 × 3 array of Gauss Points for numerical integration purposes, positioned
at the mid-depth surface through the shell element. Gauss Points are sequentially identified as Gauss
Points 1 through 9, with Gauss Point 5 consistently representing the central Gauss Point of the element.
Upon activation of the Gauss Points mode, all shell elements in the VecTor4 model are simplified into
wireframe shapes. The positions of Gauss Points 1 through 9 for each shell element are displayed as
a series of distinctly coloured points within each shell element wireframe. An instance of the Legend
dialog appears for the purpose of attributing the numerical identifier per Gauss Point to the colour of
Figure 6.5: RC Layer View and Global Model View Using a Simple VecTor4 Model
Chapter 6. VecTor4 Models in Janus 105
Figure 6.6: Smeared Reinforcement Layer View and Global Model View Using a Simple VecTor4 Model
Chapter 7
VecTor5 is a 2D finite element analysis program designated for the analysis of RC planar frames with
sectional analysis capabilities. In comparison to other contemporary VecTor programs, VecTor5 differs by
representing frame structures as finite element models composed entirely of two-noded member elements.
In addition, VecTor5 is able to output comprehensive sectional stress-strain response characteristics for
user-specified member elements. Lastly, VecTor5 also distinguishes itself from other 2D-based VecTor
programs (i.e. VecTor2 and VecTor6) by being able to accommodate the unique combination of in-
plane nodal displacements as well as in-plane rotations in its analysis procedures. The following sections
describe the ways in which Janus post-processing facilities are customized for visualizing VecTor5 models.
7.1 Appearance
VecTor5 is utilized for analyzing two-dimensional RC frame structures. As such, finite element frame
models in VecTor5 are solely composed of two-noded member elements. In a likewise manner, Janus
presents VecTor5 models as simple 2D frames, using thick width lines of constant thickness to represent
each member element defined by the user. As such, the in-plane width of the member elements are not
7.1.1 Axes
As a two-dimensional analysis program, VecTor5 utilizes the x- and y-axes as the defining plane for
establishing frame model parameters. Correspondingly, Janus exclusively uses the same x-y plane for all
VecTor5 post-processing purposes. The x- and y-coordinates of member elements are directly interpreted
by Janus and displayed in Global Model View. The VecTor5 Layer View also utilizes the same x-y plane
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Chapter 7. VecTor5 Models in Janus 107
for displaying all member element sections. Within VecTor5 result files, the sole use of the z-axis is
attributed to specifying the out-of-plane direction of rotation-related analysis results as well as nodal
restraints. Janus converts all z-axis related values and presents them in an analogous planar format on
the x-y axes. As such, the z-axis is not utilized for any VecTor5-related visualization purposes in Janus.
7.1.2 Elements
VecTor5 frame models consist entirely of linear two-noded RC member elements, capable of accounting
for end displacements in the x- and y-directions as well as in-plane rotations. Janus represents all VecTor5
member elements in Global Model View as thick line elements of constant width. However, each member
element is internally characterized by constant sectional properties established by the user. Elements
are stratified into a series of contiguous RC layers through the depth of the section, with each layer
individually specified using constant thickness and width parameters. Ultimately, the RC components
of the member element are represented as a series of discrete regular rectangular “slices” of varying widths
and thicknesses, connected together as a unified section. Member element sectional properties are also
capable of including specifications for reinforcement in all orthogonal directions. Instances of longitudinal
reinforcement (i.e. reinforcement bars oriented parallel with the axial direction of the member element)
are identified as discrete layers, and may be established at any interstitial depth between the top and
bottom surfaces of the section. In contrast, transverse and out-of-plane reinforcement are treated as
smeared reinforcement properties. As such, transverse and out-of-plane reinforcement are assigned to
Within the VecTor5 structure file (file extension “.S5R”), users may specify individual member el-
ements as as part of the “Detailed Member Output List” for sectional analysis purposes. This list of
output member element(s) instructs VecTor5 to include the comprehensive sectional stress-strain re-
sponse of each identified member as part of the resulting analysis output file(s). Janus uses different
coloured lines in order to distinguish output member elements from plain member elements. With no
result modes enabled in Janus, plain member elements are coloured in cyan by default in Global Model
View. In contrast, output member elements are coloured purple. All member elements are displayed
with the same line thickness, whether or not they are selected by the user as an output member. Refer
to Figure 7.1 for a depiction of a simple VecTor5 model with and without Deformations Mode enabled,
a) Standard Mode
b) Deformations Mode
Nodes in VecTor5 analyses are each capable of exhibiting three degrees of freedom: linear displacements
in the x- and y-directions as well as in-plane rotations about the z-axis. Accordingly, nodal restraints
may also be applied to each node for each associated degree of freedom. In an identical fashion to how
Janus displays restraints for other 2D VecTor programs, linear restraints in the x- and/or y-directions
are represented as planar roller and/or pin restraint symbols. See Subsection 4.1.3 for an explanation
of how two-dimensional roller and pin symbols are implemented in Janus. In order to represent rota-
tional restraint assignments for VecTor5 models, Janus renders a pair of right-angled triangles at each
rotationally fixed node. See Figure 7.2 for a illustrated example of a rotational restraint symbol and
roller support symbol superimposed upon a simple VecTor5 model in Janus. In the provided example,
the combined rotational restraint and vertical roller restraint in the y-direction denote that the node is
Amongst the current series of VecTor programs, VecTor5 is exclusive in its ability to accommodate for
in-plane nodal rotations as a 2D analysis program. In addition to displaying conventional nodal forces
and displacements using single-headed 2D arrows (akin to VecTor2 and VecTor6), users may also assign
Chapter 7. VecTor5 Models in Janus 109
in-plane applied moments and rotations about the z-axis to frame nodes. Since VecTor5 models are
exclusively presented about the x- and y-axes in Janus, special in-plane load case symbols are required
to represent the moments and applied rotations assigned to nodes. As with any other VecTor program,
load cases may be selected for viewing by choosing an active option in Structure . Load Cases. See
Figure 7.3 below for an example of a nodal rotation symbol superimposed upon a simple VecTor5 model
In order to present the unique results format arising from the combined sectional and global analysis
capabilities for VecTor5 frame structures, the post-processing features for VecTor5 models in Janus must
be accordingly customized such that the analysis results may be visually demonstrated in a logical and
comprehensive manner. The following subsections provide a general description of how the analysis
As a frame analysis program, users define the frame model as a series of linear elements. At the successful
resolution of each load stage, each VecTor5 member element subjected to loading exhibits a set of equal
and opposite axial, shear and moment end forces as part of its analysis output. Janus provides the
facilities for categorically displaying these member end forces in an analogous colour pattern to the
contour mode result system utilized extensively throughout Janus. Upon selection of a member end
force option via Results . Member Variables (V5) . Forces, all member elements will be coloured in a
gradient corresponding to the numerical value range presented in the associated Legend dialog. Utilizing
the same display mechanics attributed to contour mode in Janus, the Toggle Face Fill toolbar button
may be used to toggle the result mode for member end forces on and off.
Chapter 7. VecTor5 Models in Janus 110
In addition to reporting member end forces, Janus also provides a similar contour mode feature for
presenting general member element diagnostic variables reported as part of the global frame analysis
• Curvature, φ (phi)
The general-purpose Legend dialog will modify its entry ranges accordingly to represent the requested
Results attributed to output members provide an enhanced representation of member element behaviour,
listing RC and smeared reinforcement structural response characteristics on a layered basis through the
transverse depth of the member element section. In order to display section response parameters of
output members in Global Model View, conventional stress-strain contour mode options in the Results
drop-down menu for RC and reinforcement are adopted for activating a subset of contour modes specifi-
cally tailored for output member parameters. Within such contour modes, non-output member elements
are presented using a black line colour. It is important to note that such contour modes are viewed
on a single layer basis in Global Model View; output member elements are coloured in a solid colour
corresponding to a specified layer number. By VecTor5 structure file notation, layer 1 is denoted as
the topmost layer of the output member element section; subsequent layers are incrementally numbered
To modify the currently selected layer number, users must utilize the Concrete/Reinf. Layer Select
controls provided in the VecTor5 Legend dialog to manipulate the selected RC or reinforcement layer
for the current output member contour mode. Using the provided edit box, users may manually enter a
number within the prescribed range of layers found. The layer selection is confirmed by pressing the Up-
date button, or pressing return on the keyboard. Alternatively, the layer number may be incrementally
increased or decreased from its current value using the + and - buttons, respectively. Refer to Figure 7.4
Chapter 7. VecTor5 Models in Janus 111
below for an example of an output member contour mode demonstrated on a simple VecTor5 model.
Depending on the context of the selected contour mode, the layer edit box is used for the dual purpose
of specifying both RC and longitudinal layer numbers. The range of applicable layer values will auto-
matically modify based on whether selected contour mode pertains to RC or longitudinal reinforcement
layers. If a valid layer number request exceeds the number of RC or longitudinal reinforcement layers
that a particular section type possesses, output members corresponding to that section type will be
coloured black. For further details concerning output member contour modes, refer to Subsection 7.2.3
below.
Janus features a VecTor5-specific version of Layer View for demonstrating output member result values
on a section-specific basis. Pressing the Layer View toolbar button, users may select an output member
of interest using the provided drop-down menu list. Once an element is confirmed, Janus presents a
planar section of the output member, magnified and centred in model space. RC layers are drawn to the
scaled thickness and width proportions as specified in the associated VecTor5 expanded structure file.
For each longitudinal steel layer, a representative solid circular shape is drawn centred at the specified
depth from the top of the section. The circle is rendered with dimensions equivalent to the lumped
area of steel prescribed for the layer. By default, RC layers are coloured in dark green and longitudinal
Upon selection of a relevant output member contour mode from the Results menu, RC layers and
Figure 7.4: Output Member Contour Mode and Global Model View Using a Simple VecTor5 Model
Chapter 7. VecTor5 Models in Janus 112
longitudinal reinforcement layer circles for the section will be re-coloured in a standard whole colour
pattern to reflect the number range presented in the VecTor5 Legend dialog. In a likewise fashion
to result contour modes for other VecTor model types, selecting a variable relating to RC layers will
correspondingly colour all of the RC layer polygon shapes, while longitudinal reinforcement layer circles
will be coloured black. See Figure 7.5 for a demonstration of concrete strain contour mode in Layer
In contrast, longitudinal reinforcement contour mode in Layer View will turn RC layers into empty
wireframes, and the reinforcement circles are re-coloured to denote the corresponding contour value of the
layer. Contour modes for longitudinal reinforcement variables are activated via Results . Reinforcement
. Direction 1 or Direction 2. See Figure 7.6 for a corresponding depiction of the described Layer View
mode.
inforcement property in VecTor5, and is locally assigned to individual RC layers. As such, transverse
reinforcement contour modes are displayed in Janus using coloured RC layer polygon shapes. VecTor5
transverse reinforcement contour modes are activated via Results . Reinforcement . Direction 3. RC
Hotspot mode may also be activated in VecTor5 Layer View. Utilizing the same symbolism for
Hotspot mode in Global Model View, selected variables and parameters pertaining to RC layers will
result in applicable RC layer faces to be either highlighted in solid red/brown colour, or wholly omitted
as an empty wireframe. Hotspot mode for longitudinal reinforcement variables will highlight or omit the
Chapter 7. VecTor5 Models in Janus 113
Figure 7.6: Longitudinal Reinforcement Layer View Using a Simple VecTor5 Model
representative reinforcement circles in a likewise manner, while RC layers are reduced to a wireframe.
Both Hotspot and result contour modes in VecTor5 Layer View may be toggled on and off using the
Toggle Face Fill toolbar button. In a likewise fashion, VecTor5 Layer View may be enabled and disabled
The display features implemented for displaying VecTor6 models in Janus are discussed within this
chapter. In particular, specific focus is provided in outlining the post-processing methodology used for
8.1 Appearance
Although VecTor6 is designated as a two-dimensional finite element analysis program, one of its key
defining analytical features is its capability to treat the modelled planar elements as annular shapes
rotated about a common axis. In essence, the presented view of VecTor6 models in Janus is a simplified
8.1.1 Axes
In contrast to the two-dimensional VecTor2 and VecTor5 finite element analysis programs which ex-
clusively specify coordinates about the x-y plane, VecTor6 is unique in its use of the x-z plane as the
primary modelling domain. Instead of representing actual elements, the x- and z-axis defined shapes in
VecTor6 are intended to symbolize the transverse section of an annular axisymmetric solid RC structure.
The z-axis is used as the common axis of rotation for all VecTor6 elements, resulting in circular cross
sections in the perpendicular x-y plane which utilize the elements’ distances from the z-axis as their
respective radii. In order to provide visualization controls that are consistent with the original element
specifications, VecTor6 models are also represented in a planar view about the x- and z-axes in Janus
Global Model View. Section view about the x-y plane is used to represent the actual section of the
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Chapter 8. VecTor6 Models in Janus 115
8.1.2 Elements
Models in VecTor6 consist of the following finite element types, with two linear degrees of freedom per
node:
Within Global Model View, VecTor6 annular elements are represented in Janus as two-dimensional
planar shapes. RC triangular and quadrilateral elements are displayed as geometric polygons with
coloured faces and black linear edges. By default, solid elements are coloured dark green. In terms
of reinforcement, VecTor6 utilizes a combination of truss elements and ring bar elements to respec-
tively represent in-plane and out-of-plane reinforcement. VecTor6 truss elements are displayed using
typical conventions in Janus, with thick-width lines drawn between truss element nodes. As symbolic
out-of-plane hoop reinforcement, ring bar elements are rendered as solid circular shapes to indicate rein-
forcement bar cross sections. By default, both truss and ring bar element shapes are coloured in cyan in
Janus. The simple VecTor6 model represented in Figure 8.1 exemplifies a ring-beam with a rectangular
cross section, with four ring bar elements representing hoop reinforcement.
the in-plane x- and z-directions. In a typical fashion for displaying nodes with up to two restrained
linear degrees of freedom, Janus utilizes a combination of planar pin and roller symbols to represent
nodal restraints in VecTor6 models. Refer to Subsection 4.1.3 for an explanation of the planar roller and
pin symbolism utilized in Janus. See Figure 8.2 for an example of a simple VecTor6 model with an edge
Janus displays VecTor6 nodal loads and displacements as a series of single-headed 2D arrows rendered on
the x-z plane. Load arrow symbols are oriented according to the numerical sign and direction of loading.
For optimal visibility within the planar view of the model in Janus, load arrows may be interchangeably
rendered with either head or tail end abutting the assigned node. Figure 8.3 below provides an illustrated
For the purpose of displaying axisymmetric VecTor6 models in planar form, several post-processing
features in Janus are adjusted to provide display model and analysis parameters in a relevant geometric
context.
Chapter 8. VecTor6 Models in Janus 117
8.2.1 Deformations
VecTor6 models in Janus are capable of exhibiting in-plane nodal displacements in the x- and/or z-
directions. Upon activation of the Deformations mode, VecTor6 model elements are re-rendered with
the prescribed nodal displacements as reported in the VecTor6 expanded analysis output file(s). As with
other VecTor programs, linear nodal displacements for VecTor6 models in Janus are uniformly scaled by
a numerical deformation scale factor. By default, the deformation scale factor is set to 30.
In a likewise manner to how cracks are presented within Crack Pattern mode for VecTor2, Janus projects
VecTor6 crack patterns directly upon the planar faces of the annular 2D triangular and quadrilateral
elements in Global Model View. See Subsection 3.8.2 for a detailed description of how crack patterns
Due to the fact that VecTor6 models are only a representative transverse section of an entire axisymmetric
RC structure, Section XY is the only Section View option which is wholly applicable for displaying
VecTor6 models in Janus. The VecTor6-specific XY Section section view also provides a secondary
function by visualizing the annular sectional shape which is representative the simulated axisymmetric
structure. The RC element vertices which intersect or lie on the specified section z-coordinate are
radially extruded about the x-y plane as circular shapes, utilizing their respective x-axis width and
Chapter 8. VecTor6 Models in Janus 118
absolute orthogonal x-direction distance from the z-axis as the resulting radii. Truss elements, previously
displayed in-plane in the Global Model View x- and z-axis orientation, are perpendicularly presented
as single out-of-plane reinforcement bar truss sections located on the x-axis. If the input section z-
coordinate coincides with the z-coordinate of a ring bar element, the ring bar element - previously
represented as an out-of-plane reinforcement bar - is displayed in-plane with the section as a continuous
circular reinforcement hoops. See Figure 8.4 below for a representation of the annular shapes resulting
from an x-y plane section of a simple VecTor6 model, with magnified view of the intersected ring bar
In a consistent fashion with section view functionality for other VecTor programs, XY Section for VecTor6
may be activated in conjunction with Deformations Mode in Janus. However, instead of nodal displace-
ments being directly represented through a deformed planar section, displacements in the x-direction
are expressed as scaled radial dilations and/or contractions of the sectional circular node and/or element
shapes. Accordingly, nodal displacements in the z-direction are reflected in the resulting position of the
With the exception of node-related displacement and reaction contour modes, relevant RC and reinforcement-
related contour mode options found in the Results menu may be activated within XY Section section view
Chapter 8. VecTor6 Models in Janus 119
for VecTor6 models. Annular RC element shapes and/or reinforcement symbols will be re-coloured in a
manner consistent with the applicable contour or Hotspot mode. For example, RC element-associated
contour modes result in coloured RC annular shapes, with truss and ring bar elements coloured black.
Reinforcement-related contour modes will result in the RC elements drawn as wireframe circular shapes,
and reinforcement elements highlighted to reflect the numerical range presented in the Legend dialog
that appears. Likewise, activating Hotspot mode within XY Section will predictably highlight rele-
vant annular shapes in the typical red or brown ranges, and otherwise omit non-applicable ones as a
wireframe.
Chapter 9
Using Janus
9.1 Introduction
The following sections provides an overview of facilities in Janus on an instructional basis. As previously
mentioned, many of the post-processing features in Janus are dependent on the context of the VecTor
model type being viewed; both the availability and functionality of Janus menu and toolbar controls will
vary in order to present the finite element model of interest in a relevant and logical manner. Accordingly,
subsequent sections within this chapter are organized by VecTor program in order to provide information
In general, each of the forthcoming VecTor program-specific sections are organized in the following
manner:
• An introductory section for preparing and opening data files specifically pertaining to the VecTor
model type
• An overview of available view and mode options and their interactive relationships
As the first file initially read by Janus, information contained within the job file is vital for subsequent
file reading procedures in Janus. Inputting data for these entries may be completed manually using a
standard text editor, or through automation using the FormWorks pre-processor program. For visual
reference to job file components described within this section, see Figure 9.1 below.
120
Chapter 9. Using Janus 121
Expanded analysis
output file name
Within the universal “STRUCTURE DATA” heading of each job file, users provide values describing
the VecTor model type as well as the user-chosen structure file name. In order to fundamentally commu-
nicate the VecTor model type to Janus, an integer value between 2 to 6 (denoting VecTor2 to VecTor6,
respectively) is expected at the entry “STRUCTURE DATA” . “Structure Type”. In addition to being
the sole identifying variable for subsequently determining VecTor-specific functionality within Janus, the
entered ‘Structure Type” variable also establishes which file types are searched for when initially opening
expanded structure, load and analysis output files. For example, the numerical “Structure Type” value
of 2 corresponds with VecTor2 models; thus, Janus will only search the immediate file directory for
Using the established structure file type and the string value retrieved from “STRUCTURE DATA” .
“File Name (8 char. max.)”, Janus will seek to locate and read the contents of the structure file associated
with the current VecTor job. At a minimum, only the job file and associated expanded structure file
are required to successfully open and display a VecTor model. Janus functions for reading loading data
and analysis output data will produce relevant warning messages and disable certain post-processing
Chapter 9. Using Janus 122
features if any expected files are invalid or missing, but it is essential that the expanded structure file is
located and the model data is read correctly in order for the VecTor model to open without fault.
Within the job file, several essential variables are also listed under the “LOADING DATA” heading. The
“Load Case” table provides entries for activating up to five load cases. If the load case file name entry is
not “NULL”, the load case is considered to be active. Janus will search the working directory for a file of
the exact same name, ending with the expanded load file extension associated with the opened VecTor
model type. If at least one expected load file is unsuccessfully found or the contents are presented in an
incompatible or incomplete format, relevant disclaimer messages will appear in order to inform the user
that not all of the load information will be available for visual display and interpretation.
Following the procedure for reading expanded load files, Janus executes a function for reading VecTor-
specific expanded analysis output files. General data associated with finding and reading analysis output
files is also encapsulated under the “LOADING DATA” heading in the job file. Firstly, the integer
variables corresponding to “No. of Load Stages” and “Starting Load Stage No.” are used to establish
the total range of load stages which may be specified for opening. According to the sample job file
previewed in Figure 9.1, Janus would initialize expecting a maximum of 41 load stages, starting from
load stage 1. Unless the VecTor-specific memory factor is exceeded and the user is prompted to specify a
custom subset of the available load stage range using the Load Stage Range dialog (refer to Section 3.4),
Janus proceeds to search for file names matching the entered five character string corresponding to
“LOADING DATA” . “Load Series ID ( 5 char. max.)”, appended with an underscore (“ ”) and
serialized with the applicable load stage number. Referring again to Figure 9.1, Janus would begin its
Upon successfully reading an expanded analysis output file, Janus will increment the load stage
number and search for the next file. If an expected output file is invalid or missing, Janus will terminate
the file reading loop and present the result data currently available for viewing. All load stage-related
interface features and variables in Janus will be accordingly modified for the limited range of analysis
output files encountered during file reading. As well, disclaimer messages will appear to inform the user
that not all expected analysis output files could be found or correctly loaded as requested.
Chapter 9. Using Janus 123
As with any VecTor model, the file opening procedure for viewing VecTor2 models in Janus begins
with opening a VecTor2 job file. Since all VecTor job files utilize a common “.JOB” file extension, it is
imperative that VecTor2 models are explicitly specified within the job file by declaring an integer value
of “2” under the entry prompt for “STRUCTURE DATA” . “Structure Type”. Upon recognizing that a
VecTor2 model type is being opened, Janus searches the immediate file directory for files corresponding
to the file naming convention listed in the job file and matching VecTor2-specific file extensions. The
specified “No. of Load Stages” and “Starting Load Stage No.” parameters serve as default values for
the specified load stage range used when reading expanded analysis output files. See Table 9.1 for an
As previously mentioned in Section 3.8, a variety of view and mode options may be generally employed
in combination for improved versatility in post-processing purposes. However, in the context of viewing
VecTor2 model types, several specific Janus visualization features may not be applicable or available
for implementation. Table 9.2 below provides a tabular overview of the general post-processing features
available for viewing in Janus, as well as the interactive relationships between different view and mode
options. A check mark (3) signifies that the mode and/or views may be operated in tandem, while a
cross (7) denotes that only one of the two features may be enabled at one time.
RC Element Contour
Nodal Contour
Truss Contour
Bond Contour
Crack Pattern
Deformations
XY Section
Load Cases
YZ Section
XZ Section
Restraints
Materials
Hotspot
Load Cases
Restraints 7
Materials 3 3
Deformations 3 3 3
Crack Pattern 3 3 3 3
Nodal Contour 3 3 7 3 7
RC Element Contour 3 3 7 3 3 7
Truss Contour 3 3 7 3 7 7 7
Bond Contour 3 3 7 3 7 7 7 7
Hotspot 7 7 7 3 7 7 7 7 7
XY Section 3 3 3 3 3 7 3 3 3 3
YZ Section 3 3 3 3 7 7 3 3 3 3 7
XZ Section 3 3 3 3 7 7 3 3 3 3 7 7
The following subsection provides a brief presentation of the available visualization features in Janus
available for VecTor2, using a previously developed example model. The finite element model selected
for VecTor2 post-processing demonstrations is entitled Shear Wall SW22, developed by Vecchio based
on experimental specimens previously designed and tested by Lefas et al. (1990). Due to the planar
nature of the shear wall and applied loading, VecTor2 is deemed to be an appropriate analysis program
9.3.3.1 Description
SW22 is an experimental reinforced concrete shear wall specimen originally designed and tested by Lefas
et al. (1990). In terms of gross dimensions, the wall consisted of a regular rectangular cross section with
a 65 mm thickness and width of 650 mm, and exhibited an overall height to width ratio of 2:1. For
the purpose of load transfer, top and bottom loading beams of 200 mm thickness were monolithically
cast with the wall. In order to simulate a rigid ground foundation, the bottom base beam was heavily
reinforced and anchored to the testing floor. See Figure 9.2 a) for the structural details of experimental
Chapter 9. Using Janus 125
specimen SW22. For illustration purposes, the equivalent VecTor2 finite element model of SW22 is
comparatively shown in Figure 9.2 b). In contrast to the original model specifications of 140 rectangular
elements displayed in Figure 9.2 b), the SW22 VecTor2 example model presented in this manual utilizes
a finer model mesh consisting of 496 rectangular elements. However, the gross specimen dimensions and
material specifications are congruent to the model implemented in the original analysis.
9.3.3.2 Structure
As specified by Lefas et al., the reinforced concrete shear wall specimen SW22 consisted of 45 MPa con-
crete, and contained an arrangement of vertical and horizontal reinforcement with additional horizontal
steel ties specified at the wall edges. The vertical reinforcement was designated as two layers of 8 mm
diameter deformed bars at 62 mm spacing, while the horizontal reinforcement were sets of 6.25 mm
diameter bars spaced at 115 mm through the height of the wall. Lastly, the closed ties at the wall edges
were formed from 4 mm diameter mild-steel bars, establishing internal reinforcement cages of 140 mm
Based on the experimental concrete and steel reinforcement specifications of SW22, the resulting Vec-
Tor2 model utilizes RC membrane elements with smeared reinforcement components to represent the
Figure 9.2: SW22 Experimental Specimen and Equivalent Finite Element Model Details
Chapter 9. Using Janus 126
concrete shear wall integrated with each distinct type/orientation of steel reinforcement. For simplifica-
tion of the expressed amounts of steel reinforcement and ease of conversion into smeared reinforcement
properties, quantities are presented as equivalent percentages of the gross concrete area in a defined
region and/or orientation. For finite element modelling purposes, three distinct RC material regions are
identified: the top and bottom loading beams, the shear wall edges (due to the presence of closed ties),
and central shear wall web. See Table 9.3 below for an overview of the material specifications used in
the VecTor2 example model, and Figure 9.3 for the corresponding material colours displayed in Janus.
The model materials may be viewed by enabling the menu option Structure . Materials.
Alternatively, the material properties of individual RC membrane elements may be recalled using
the Element Attributes dialog as previously described in Section 3.10. In addition to providing material
property characteristics, the Element Attributes dialog also presents the load stage-specific stress-strain
127
Chapter 9. Using Janus 128
9.3.3.3 Restraints
As previously mentioned, the reinforced bottom base beam for experimental specimen SW22 was noted
to be fixed to the laboratory floor during testing. Accordingly, the VecTor2 finite element model assigned
nodal restraints along the entire bottom edge of the bottom beam in both the x- and y-directions. In
Janus, restraining both the x- and y-direction degrees of freedom results in a pin restraint symbol, as
demonstrated in Figure 9.4 below. The view of restraints may be activated using the menu option
Structure . Restraints.
9.3.3.4 Loads
In addition to a horizontal shear load incrementally applied to failure, the loading protocol for the
original SW22 test specimen also prescribed a constant axial compressive load to simulate representative
multi-storey building loads bearing down upon the shear wall. In an analogous manner to the loads
applied during the experimental test procedure, equivalent nodal loads are applied to the SW22 finite
element model through the top loading beam as a combination of two active load cases.
The first load case, “SW22DL”, is designated as the shear load-inducing load case, applying a lateral
displacement in the positive x-direction to a central top beam node. The lateral displacement in Load
Case 1 is monotonically applied to a single node at the top loading beam in 0.5 mm increments, up to a
maximum of 20 mm. Load Case 2, denoted in the SW22 job file as “SW22VL”, consists of a constant 182
kN vertical axial load applied in the negative y-direction to the shear wall. In order to avoid localized
stress concentrations, the constant axial load is symmetrically distributed among 13 central nodes spread
Figure 9.3: VecTor2 Example Model in Material Mode and Legend Dialog
Chapter 9. Using Janus 129
Observing the load increment, initial and final load factor values for Load Case 1, 41 load stages
are required in total to monotonically increase the applied horizontal displacement from 0 mm to 20
mm in 0.5 mm load stage increments. Since Load Case 2 represents a constant vertical axial load, the
characteristics of Load Case 1 are the determining factor for the total number of load stages prescribed in
the VecTor2 analysis of SW22. For a complete description of various load stage-related specifications for
monotonic as well as cyclic and reverse-cyclic load types, refer to the VecTor2 and FormWorks software
literature (Wong et al., 2012). See Figure 9.5 a) and b) for illustrated load case arrows of Load Cases 1
and 2 as depicted by Janus. Each active load case may be viewed by selecting the applicable load case
9.3.3.5 Results
using the output data produced by VecTor2 as a result of the SW22 shear wall finite element model
analysis. All analysis results are viewed on a basis of the currently selected load stage. In order to view
different load stages, the user must modify the current load stage selection. As previously described in
Section 3.3, the load stage may be incrementally increased or decreased by clicking on the appropriate
buttons in the Load Stage Controls area of the Navigation dialog, or pressing the page up and page
down keys. Users may specify an exact load stage number by entering a valid integer value into the
Current edit box in the Load Stage Controls area of the Navigation dialog. The typical file size of SW22
Chapter 9. Using Janus 130
Progressive model deformations and crack patterns may be observed through load stages by concur-
rently activating the menu options Results . Deformations and Results . Crack Pattern. Refer to
Figure 9.6 below for the resulting deformations and crack patterns of the VecTor2 SW22 model from
Additionally, it may be of interest to the user to examine the overall load-deformation response
of SW22. The Data Platform dialog may be used to extract the necessary numerical data from the
expanded analysis output files. For instance, the total load versus displacement curve for a central
mid-width node at the top of the shear wall, specified in the model as Node 479, provides an indication
of the overall structural response of the experimental specimen as the prescribed lateral displacement is
incrementally applied.
The load and displacement variables may be specified in the general variable selection dialog by
selecting “Total X Restraint Force” and “dx - Displacement x” in two separate variable input columns.
Once the variables are confirmed, the two entry columns are respectively identified as “Force X” and
“dx” in the Data Platform dialog (see Figure 9.7 below). The two entry columns must both be activated
by selecting the appropriate boxes corresponding to the “Check box to include data” label.
Using the Create Excel File option in the Data Platform dialog, data are exported as an external
file in a column-separated format for facilitating subsequent data manipulation and visualization needs.
Chapter 9. Using Janus 131
The resulting load-deformation response of the VecTor2 SW22 model is displayed in Figure 9.8 below.
Since the VecTor2 SW22 model consists entirely of RC membrane elements integrated with smeared
reinforcement components, applicable contour mode variables may be selected for post-processing pur-
poses. Stress and strain variables may be invoked using Results . Total/Concrete Stresses, and Results
. Total/Concrete Strains, while the stress-strain contour modes for different smeared reinforcement di-
rections may be selected using applicable options found in Results . Reinforcement. See Figure 9.9 for
a sample presentation of the contour mode for the distribution of RC element stresses in the y-direction.
Chapter 9. Using Janus 133
150
50
0 5 10 15 20
Horizontal Deflection (mm)
The procedure for opening VecTor3 models in Janus is performed in a congruent manner to opening any
other VecTor job. Within the job file, VecTor3 models are explicitly declared using an integer value of
“3” in the entry prompt for “STRUCTURE DATA” . “Structure Type”. Once Janus recognizes that a
VecTor3 job file is being opened, the post-processor program will search the immediate file directory for
matching file names and file types corresponding to entry strings in the job file and matching VecTor3-
specific file extensions. The universally specified “No. of Load Stages” and “Starting Load Stage No.”
Chapter 9. Using Janus 134
parameters are used within the Janus file reading protocol to establish the default load stage range
for successively searching and reading expanded analysis output files. See Table 9.4 for an overview of
As previously described in Chapter 5, VecTor3 is a finite element analysis program developed for the
purpose of analyzing RC solid elements in 3D space. Amongst the five VecTor programs, VecTor3
possesses one of the most diverse combinations of element geometry and analysis result conditions from
a post-processing visualization perspective. The unique demands of rendering VecTor3 elements and
displaying results in 3D space are highly influential in defining the fundamental design of various mode
and view features in Janus; much of the display functionality implemented for other VecTor model types
A variety of view and mode options may be activated in tandem for improved versatility in the
post-processing of VecTor3 models. However, based on the available analysis result parameters and
contextual display mechanics for VecTor3 models, several specific Janus visualization features may not
be compatible for combined use with others. A tabular overview of available VecTor3 post-processing
features is provided in Table 9.5 below, with check marks and crosses denoting the interactivity between
different view and mode options. Check marks (3) between two functions signify that the two modes
and/or views may be simultaneously enabled, while crosses (7) denotes that selecting one mode will
RC Element Contour
Nodal Contour
Truss Contour
Bond Contour
Crack Pattern
Deformations
XY Section
Load Cases
YZ Section
XZ Section
Restraints
Materials
Hotspot
Load Cases
Restraints 7
Materials 3 3
Deformations 3 3 3
Crack Pattern 3 3 3 3
Nodal Contour 3 3 7 3 7
RC Element Contour 3 3 7 3 3 7
Truss Contour 3 3 7 3 7 7 7
Bond Contour 3 3 7 3 7 7 7 7
Hotspot 7 7 7 3 7 7 7 7 7
XY Section 3 3 3 3 3 7 3 3 3 3
YZ Section 3 3 3 3 3 7 3 3 3 3 7
XZ Section 3 3 3 3 3 7 3 3 3 3 7 7
The following subsection presents a selection of the post-processing display capabilities in Janus available
for VecTor3 models. A VecTor3 model previously developed by the author will be used for demonstration
purposes. The finite element model, designated as Wind Turbine Foundation KWF, is a wind turbine
foundation subjected to combined axial, shear and moment loads applied to a central loading pedestal.
The design intent of KWF is to corroborate and supplement prior results obtained from a previous
2D VecTor2 analysis of the same wind turbine foundation; the VecTor3 version of the model actively
accounts for out-of-plane structural mechanisms not fully captured in VecTor2 due to the inherently
9.4.3.1 Description
KWF is a 3D finite element model of a reinforced concrete wind turbine foundation created using VecTor3
analysis software. The wind turbine foundation structure is a spread footing foundation, consisting of
a regular octagonal base pad which tapers upward to a truncated square apex topped with a circular
loading pedestal and steel tower flange. The extreme outer dimensions of the foundation are 19 m by
Chapter 9. Using Janus 136
19 m in plan, with the central widths measuring 7.88 m on all sides. The octagonal base pad has a
minimum height of 0.4 m at the outer edges, and increases linearly to a maximum of 2.0 m at the top
surface of the pad. The central circular loading pedestal is approximately 5.5 m in diameter, extending
1.1 m in height from the top surface of the base pad. See Figure 9.10 for an isometric representation of
Based on the symmetry of loading and the physical dimensions of the model, the VecTor3 model
KWF is designed as an equivalent half-model with appropriately modified restraint, material, and load
conditions along the established plane of symmetry. The half-model is composed of approximately 2448
regular hexahedral elements and 533 truss elements. Due to limitations in the available element geometry
for VecTor3, the circular loading pedestal is represented using a loading pedestal with an equivalent
rectangular cross section. Similarly, the circular steel tower flange is substituted with an analogous
steel loading plate. Aside from 13 truss elements used to represent discrete vertical reinforcement
bars and post-tensioned anchor bolts cast within the loading pedestal, the majority of truss elements
established in KWF are used as compression-only reinforcement elements to analogously represent the
approximate stiffness of the supporting soil substrate beneath the foundation. See Figure 9.11 for an
isometric conceptual illustration of the wind turbine foundation half-model and the conceived VecTor3
Soil Layer
9.4.3.2 Structure
As specified in the structural detailing, the wind turbine foundation utilizes 30 MPa concrete, with
layers of longitudinal reinforcement placed in both directions along the top and bottom surfaces of the
foundation base pad. At the top reinforcement mat, reinforcement bars are angled to conform to the
sloping geometry of the pad as the thickness tapers linearly downward away from the truncated square
apex. The top mat of longitudinal reinforcement is composed of #25M bars spaced at 200 mm in
both directions. The bottom mat of reinforcement consists of #20M bars spaced at 200 mm, with an
additional reinforcement layer of #30M bars placed within a central 12 m by 12 m square region. The
loading pedestal vertical reinforcement consists of 80-#25M ’Z’ bars radially spaced about the perimeter,
with a gross steel area of 40,000 mm2 . Additionally, post-tensioned 160 1-3/8” diameter steel bolts are
arranged about the load pedestal, attaching the steel tower flange to the loading pedestal. Lastly, the top
surface of the loading pedestal is reinforced with a mat of longitudinally oriented #20M reinforcement
In the corresponding KWF finite element model, the concrete components of the wind turbine foun-
dation are entirely represented using regular hexahedral elements. In order to integrally represent the
complex geometry of the angled longitudinal reinforcement, distinct concrete material types with equiv-
alent amounts of smeared reinforcement are assigned to elements corresponding to longitudinally rein-
forced regions of the foundation. For ease of implementation and calculation, smeared reinforcement
components are established by the aggregate percentage of steel oriented in each orthogonal direction.
In contrast, the vertical reinforcement ’Z’ bars and post-tensioned anchor bolts positioned in the loading
pedestal are discretely represented using truss elements. As well, the supporting soil substrate beneath
the foundation base pad is represented using truss elements exhibiting equivalent compression-only stiff-
ness per unit area of soil. General overviews of the prescribed KWF reinforced concrete and discrete
reinforcement material properties are provided in Table 9.6 and Table 9.7, respectively. Corresponding
isometric views of the KWF VecTor3 model are provided in Figure 9.12. Finally, see Appendix A for a
complete series of section views of KWF displayed using the pre-processor program FormWorks.
Chapter 9. Using Janus
Concrete Properties Smeared Reinforcement Properties
Reinf. Ratio, ρ
Mat.
Colour f’c f’t Ec ν a k l m db fy fu Es εsh εu Description
No. Type
(x-dir) (y-dir) (z-dir)
MPa MPa MPa - mm % mm MPa MPa MPa me me
Structural
11 400 * * * * no smeared reinforcement
Steel
139
Chapter 9. Using Janus
Reinf. Area Db fy fu Es εsh εu
Colour Type Description
No.
mm2 mm MPa MPa MPa me me
Compression-only
1 16.66 0.1 9,999 10,000 100,000 150 200 soil truss elements with equivalent stiffness as VecTor2 model
Reinforcement
140
Chapter 9. Using Janus 141
9.4.3.3 Restraints
A variety of nodal restraints are applied to the VecTor3 model in order to ensure static equilibrium
throughout all stages of analysis, as well as enforce strictly symmetrical behaviour about the plane of
symmetry while still allowing the foundation half-model to realistically displace under loading. For
example, all nodes positioned the axis of symmetry (user-established as the x-z plane) are assigned
restraints in the y-direction. The lowest-depth layer of nodes in the z-axis, corresponding to the bottom
ends of the compression-only truss elements representing soil, are fixed in all x-, y-, and z-directions.
Lastly, a single node on the extreme x-axis edge of the foundation model is restrained in the x-direction.
VecTor3 example model nodal restraints are presented in Janus as depicted in Figure 9.13 below.
9.4.3.4 Loads
All prescribed design loads are applied to the VecTor3 model as series of nodal loads. In total, four
distinct load cases are prescribed for KWF: Load Cases 1 to 3 represent monotonically increasing axial,
shear and in-plane moment loads applied to the foundation pad through the tower flange and loading
pedestal, while Load Case 4 represents constant gravity loads resulting from foundation self-weight and
the overlying soil. Load Cases 1 to 3 are applied in 0.05 factor increments, while the load factor for Load
For accurate simulation of true load conditions, several notable design considerations and load mod-
ifications are employed. For example, the magnitude of the prescribed design loads are accordingly
halved to accommodate for a simulated half-model. In order to realistically simulate the expected path
of loading, nodal loads for Load Cases 1 to 3 are applied to the representative anchor bolt truss elements
presumed to integrally connect the modelled RC foundation to the base of the wind turbine itself. Addi-
tionally, to accommodate the corresponding opposite half of the foundation excluded from the VecTor3
model, nodal loads applied at plane of symmetry are also halved in magnitude. See Table 9.8 for a
tabular summary of nodal loads applied to VecTor3 model KWF. Similarly, see Figure 9.14 for Load
9.4.3.5 Results
Using results obtained from the analysis of VecTor3 model KWF, a variety of post-processing features in
Janus may be demonstrated. Using the available facilities for manipulating the current load stage (refer
to Section 3.3 for descriptions of load stage controls), result modes such as Deformations, Crack Pattern,
Hotspot mode and contour mode will update to reflect the current stress-strain state of the model. For
reference purposes, each of the KWF expanded analysis output files are noted to be approximately 2,800
kB in size. Appendix B presents images of model KWF displayed in Janus, with progressive structural
deformations and crack pattern generated on the model plane of symmetry, serving as an effective cross-
Load Case 1 2 3 4
Description Axial Shear Moment Gravity
(241.67 kN (75.83 kN (43.33 kN
5110.9 kN
· 5 nodes) + · 5 nodes) + · 9 nodes) +
Loads · 3.5 nodes
(120.83 kN (37.92 kN (134.78 kN
· 1.906 m
· 2 nodes) · 2 nodes) · 34 nodes)
390 kN (self-weight)
Total 1,450 kN 455 kN 34,100 kNm
+ 4582.5 kN (soil)
sectional view through the foundation centreline. The structural deformations and crack pattern results
are provided in five load stages intervals, corresponding to 0.25 load factor increments.
Additionally, internal crack patterns and applicable contour modes may be simultaneously activated
See Appendix C for intermediate XZ Section section views of model KWF crack patterns and total x-
direction strains at regular y-coordinate intervals through the structure. The crack pattern and contour
mode values are captured at load stage 26, corresponding to an incremental load factor of 1.30.
1 node-related colour gradient contour modes are not applicable for activation within Section View
Chapter 9. Using Janus 144
Observing the ultimate deformed shape of the foundation model, KWF exhibits a predominant
rotation about the x-z axes, with one end of the base pad lifting off from the supporting soil elements.
Utilizing the Data Platform dialog, the centreline rotation of the VecTor3 model about the x- and z-
axes may be determined using the x- and z-displacements per load stage for top and bottom central
nodes and calculating the resulting rotation using small-angle approximation and standard trigonometric
relationships. The resulting load factor versus x-z plane rotation of model KWF is depicted in Table 9.15
below.
1.5
Load Factor
0.5
0 0.5 1 1.5
x-z Rotation (rad) ·10−2
As with any VecTor model type, VecTor4 models are opened in Janus by submitting a relevant job
file specified with a “4” in the entry prompt for “STRUCTURE DATA” . “Structure Type”. Upon
recognition of a VecTor4 job file, Janus begins the standard procedures for reading expanded structure,
load and analysis output files. However, Janus also executes additional file opening procedures for
the VecTor4-specific files previously described in Subsection 2.7.6. All VecTor4-specific files prescribed
for opening in Janus are expected to have file names congruent to the specified structure file name
correspondingly listed under “STRUCTURE DATA” . “File Name (8 char. max.)” in the job file. See
Table 9.9 for an overview of file types associated with VecTor4 as well as corresponding file name entries
As previously described in Chapter 6, VecTor4 is a finite element analysis program used to analyze shell
and plate structures in 3D space. VecTor4 uses a special layered heterosis element for representing RC
structural components, notable for its capacity for accommodating in-plane rotations as well as exhibiting
sectional response characteristics. The distinct requirements associated with displaying results for such
a unique element type in 3D space are addressed through VecTor4-customized view and result mode
features in Janus.
When viewing VecTor4 models, several different view and mode options may be simultaneously
activated for improved versatility in post-processing activities. Accordingly, due to limited display
capabilities and/or incompatible display functionality, some specific Janus visualization features are
not compatible for combined use with others. A tabular overview of available VecTor4 post-processing
features is provided in Table 9.10 below. Check marks (3) denote that the two intersecting mode and/or
view features may be used at the same time, while crosses (7) conversely demonstrate that the modes
RC Element Contour
Nodal Contour
Truss Contour
Deformations
XY Section
Layer View
Load Cases
YZ Section
XZ Section
Restraints
Materials
Hotspot
Load Cases
Restraints 7
Materials 3 3
Deformations 3 3 3
Nodal Contour 3 3 7 3
RC Element Contour 3 3 7 3 7
Truss Contour 3 3 7 3 7 7
Hotspot 7 7 7 3 7 7 7
XY Section 3 3 3 3 7 3 3 3
YZ Section 3 3 3 3 7 3 3 3 7
XZ Section 3 3 3 3 7 3 3 3 7 7
Layer View 7 7 3 7 7 3 7 3 7 7 7
This subsection is dedicated to presenting post-processing features for VecTor4 models in Janus using
a previously developed example model. The structure of interest is a two-pack cluster of cylindrical
reinforced concrete silos used for the purpose of cement storage. The resulting VecTor4 model is an
single silo of the pair, with the integrally adjoining companion silo represented using an isolated 60◦
arc segment of the silo walls with appropriately assigned restraint conditions. The curved reinforced
concrete surfaces which constitute the majority of the silo geometry present an ideal application for the
9.5.3.1 Description
Each of the storage silos are approximately 56.1 m in height, with an inner diameter of 18.3 m, and a
typical wall thickness of approximately 279 mm. The common wall shared by the two silos is typically
610 mm in thickness. The silos discharge stored material using an inverted cone hopper, with the silo
walls at the base of the cone fortified using a reinforced concrete ring-beam. Beneath the ring-beam,
the typical silo wall width increases to 635 mm, and the common wall width increases to 1,321 mm
in thickness. Throughout the silo, longitudinal reinforcement is prescribed in both the vertical and
Chapter 9. Using Janus 147
circumferential (hoop) directions. The structural component of the ring-beam is the sole region of the
storage silo which possesses transverse (out-of-plane) steel reinforcement for shear strength enhancement
purposes. See Figure 9.16 below for a conceptual representation of the described storage silo model.
The resulting dimensions for VecTor4 silo model M2E are true to the actual structural specifications,
using a total of 588 shell elements to represent the whole single silo as well as an integrated 60◦ section of
the adjoining silo. A centreline radius of 9.3 m is adopted for all established shell element mid-depth node
coordinates. All reinforcement prescribed for the silo are constitutively represented within the model
using smeared reinforcement components. Within model M2E, three distinct types of silo wall/shell
element regions are recognized: “common” walls represent the conjoined wall region between two silos,
“typical” walls represent the singular wall of the silo of interest, and “adjoining” walls represent the free
wall section edges of the partially included adjacent silo. An overall presentation of the VecTor4 finite
element model plan and cross-sectional details is provided in Figure 9.17 below.
9.5.3.2 Structure
Regarding structural provisions for the two-pack silos, the concrete strength of the silo walls is prescribed
to vary by height. For 15.2 m and above, the concrete strength is typically specified as 24.1 MPa. The
strength of concrete for the remaining base section of the silo is specified to be approximately 27.6
MPa. In accordance with in-situ compressive strength results of core samples extracted from the actual
structure, the vertical wall region between the heights of 10.7 m and 15.2 m is assigned a reduced concrete
strength of 26.1 MPa. All reinforcement steel utilized in the silo is assigned a minimum yield stress of
414 MPa.
The VecTor4 model M2E exclusively employs shell elements to represent both the concrete and
reinforcement components of the cement storage silo. Overall, a total of 33 RC material types are
utilized in model M2E; at 11 distinct intervals over the height of the silo, each of the three material types
associated with the “common”, “typical”, and “adjoining” wall types are accordingly modified to express
unique combinations of material properties, such as: concrete strength, smeared steel reinforcement
quantities/orientations, transitions in wall thickness, etc. A complete tabular overview of the VecTor4
example model RC material types is provided in Table 9.11, corresponding to the model details specified
in Figure 9.17. As depicted in the conceptual plan view of model M2E, certain “typical” and “adjoining”
wall type shell elements appear to overlap and occupy conflicting volumes in space. Recall that VecTor4
shell elements are declared on a centreline basis; apparent volume overlap occurs due to shell elements
sharing a common row of nodes (as well as top and bottom element vertices) on one edge, with the
opposing edge nodes orienting the connected elements in similar yet distinct directions.
Chapter 9. Using Janus 148
18.3 m Typical
279 mm Silo Wall
Silo Contents
56.1 m
Infill Material
Ring-beam
635 mm
(n.t.s.)
adjoining silo
9.3 m
56.1 m
Mat. No. 31 - 33
Adjoining Wall
51.8 m
45.7 m
Mat. No. 25 - 27
39.6 m
Mat. No. 22 - 24
33.5 m
Mat. No. 19 - 21
29.0 m
Mat. No. 16 - 18
15.2 m
Mat. No. 13 - 15
13.0 m
Mat. No. 10 - 12
10.7 m
Mat. No. 7 - 9
Typical Wall 8.4 m
Mat. No. 4 - 6
6.3 m
Mat. No. 1 - 3
0m
(n.t.s.)
150
Chapter 9. Using Janus 151
9.5.3.3 Restraints
In order to analogously represent the structural contributions of the omitted silo walls, all nodes along the
free edges of the “adjoining” wall segments are restrained from moving laterally in the y- and z-directions.
However, these edge nodes may still translate vertically (user-established as the global x-direction) as
well as exhibit in-plane rotations. As equivalently pinned foundation supports, the bottom-most nodes
of the silo model are restrained in all orthogonal x-, y-, and z-directions, but are free to rotate in both
in-plane directions. See Figure 9.18 for a Janus-rendered depiction of nodal restraints for model M2E.
9.5.3.4 Loads
The loading scenario applied to finite element model M2E is discretized into three distinct load cases. The
combined loads are anticipated to represent the eccentric loading that occurs while the contents of the silo
are unloaded through a designated location at the base of the inverted cone hopper. While dispensing
out from the base of the inverted cone hopper, the stored granular material exerts a combination of
lateral and downward frictional forces upon the silo walls, and follows an eccentric pressure distribution
- conceptually presented in plan view in Figure 9.19 below. Loads associated with the silo contents
are accordingly reduced at the base of the silo as a result of the modified volumetric geometry due to
presence of the inverted cone hopper and infill material lining the bottom of the cone.
The first load case, Load Case 1, is identified as the friction pressure of the stored material bearing
vertically down upon the interior surface of the silo. The frictional pressure is represented as a series
of equivalent point loads applied in the negative x-direction at mid-depth node locations about the
Uniform Pressure
circumference and through the loaded height of the silo. The point load magnitudes are assigned based
on the prescribed pressure distribution, depth of granular material, as well as the tributary inner surface
area of the shell elements that the stored material acts upon. See Figure 9.20 for a depiction of Load
The second load case embodies the outward lateral pressure attributed to the contents of the storage
silo, accordingly modified to match the eccentric loading scheme. Load Case 2 assigns lateral pressures
per element as a uniformly distributed stress applied across the planar surface of the shell element. See
Figure 9.21 for a graphical plot representing of the lateral pressure distribution of Load Case 2 over
the loaded height of the silo model. Lastly, the Load Case 3 represents the silo self-weight. Based on
provided material density properties, equivalent self-weight values are assigned per element. Load Cases
1 and 2 are incrementally applied in 0.25 load factor intervals per load stage, while Load Case 3 is held
constant at 1.0. Currently, Janus does not provide features for visualizing element-based load cases as
60
Uniform
Height Above Foundation (m)
Increased
50
Reduced
40
30
20
10
0 50 100 150
Lateral Pressure (KPa)
Figure 9.21: VecTor4 Example Model Load Case 2 Lateral Loads vs. Height
9.5.3.5 Results
Utilizing the analysis output files from model M2E, a variety of VecTor4 post-processing features in Janus
may be demonstrated. It is worthy to note that the expanded analysis result files of VecTor4 model M2E
are each 40 MB in size, corresponding to approximately 40 million characters listed along 415,000 lines of
data. As with any other finite element analysis, users may view progressive structural deformations as the
silo structure is subjected to a monotonically increasing eccentric load scenario. Appendix D presents a
series of figures displaying renderings of model M2E in Janus with both Deformations mode and contour
mode for nodal displacements in the lateral y-direction concurrently enabled. Each successive figure
presents the silo model as the load factor is cumulatively increased in 0.50 intervals, resulting in an
ultimate load factor of approximately 2.0 for Load Case 1 and 2. For all load stages, Load Case 3 is held
constant at 1.0.
Chapter 9. Using Janus 154
Figure 9.22 demonstrates the VecTor4 example model in a combined Deformations mode and contour
mode for in-plane concrete strains. Accordingly, Layer View may be utilized to further investigate the
layer-by-layer distribution of concrete stress- and strain-related properties. Figure 9.23 depicts Layer
View of a shell element located in the enhanced pressure region, with the the same in-plane shear stress
contour mode enabled in Janus. Layer View is activated using the Layer View toolbar button and
selecting the shell element number of interest. Shell element numbers provided in the dialog drop-down
list for Layer View correspond with the numerical identifiers assigned to each shell element in the VecTor4
Figure 9.22: VecTor4 Example Model in Deformations Mode and RC Element Contour Mode
Figure 9.23: VecTor4 Example Model in Layer View and RC Element Contour Mode
Chapter 9. Using Janus 155
In the Janus file opening procedures, VecTor5 models are identified by an integer value of “5” in the
job file entry prompt corresponding to “STRUCTURE DATA” . “Structure Type”. Using the provided
expanded structure, load, and analysis output file naming conventions provided in the job file, Janus
proceeds to search and open VecTor5-specific file types for the active model, outlined in Table 9.12 below.
It is important to note that post-processing visualization features for VecTor5 output member ele-
ments are only available in Janus if the output data is generated by VecTor5. Output member elements
must be initially identified prior to the onset of analysis by listing the members under the “Detailed
Member Output List” heading in the original VecTor5 structure file (file extension “.S5R”). Based on
the list of output member elements in the structure file, VecTor5 analysis output files include additional
data describing sectional analysis parameters for each attributed output member element. In the event
that no output member element data are encountered while reading VecTor5 analysis output files, appli-
cable Janus results features such as Layer View, Hotspot mode, and certain Results menu options will
VecTor5 provides analysis capabilities for two-dimensional RC planar frame structures, producing analyt-
ical solutions for member forces and deformations on a global scale as well as local sectional performance
characteristics of specific member elements. The unique result format established by VecTor5 neces-
sitates an equivalently distinct array of visualization features for frame analyses in Janus. Table 9.13
inter-compatibility with each other. Check marks (3) denote that the two intersecting mode and/or
view features may be concurrently enabled, while crosses (7) conversely demonstrate that the enabling
Member Deform.
Member Forces
Nodal Contour
Deformations
Layer View
Load Cases
Restraints
Materials
Hotspot
Load Cases
Restraints 7
Materials 3 3
Deformations 3 3 3
Nodal Contour 3 3 7 3
RC Element Contour 3 3 7 3 7
Long. Reinf. Contour 3 3 7 3 7 7
Member Forces 3 3 7 3 7 7 7
Member Deform 3 3 7 3 7 7 7 7
Hotspot 7 7 7 3 7 7 7 7 7
Layer View 7 7 3 7 7 3 3 7 7 3
The following subsection demonstrates several VecTor5 post-processing features in Janus using a previ-
ously developed VecTor5 example model. The designated VecTor5 finite element frame model is named
EMARA, in reference to the original experimental specimen tested by Vecchio and Emara (1992). Due to
the planar characteristics of the experimental frame specimen and load application, VecTor5 is regarded
as a wholly applicable and relevant program for verifying the original results obtained from testing the
experimental specimen.
9.6.3.1 Description
The large-scale test frame developed by Vecchio and Emara was a single-span, two-story reinforced
concrete plane frame. Each span was measured as 3500 mm from centre to centre, with each storey
Chapter 9. Using Janus 157
set at a height of 2000 mm. Including the integrated base section, the gross height of the test frame
was 4600 mm. All frame members utilized a regular rectangular cross section, prescribed as 300 mm
in width and 400 mm in depth. To simulate a rigid ground foundation, the base section was heavily
reinforced and anchored to the floor of the testing location. See Figure 9.24 below for an overview of the
structural details of the experimental test frame. For comparison, the equivalent finite element model
EMARA (as presented in Janus) is displayed in Figure 9.25 below. Overall, EMARA is composed of 92
member elements, utilizing congruent centreline measurements to represent an analogous whole model
Figure 9.24: Test Frame Specimen Structural Details (adapted from Vecchio and Emara, 1992)
9.6.3.2 Structure
As designed by Vecchio and Emara, the test frame specimen was composed entirely of 30 MPa concrete.
All members of the frame were longitudinally reinforced using single layers of four No. 20 bars at both
top and bottom locations. A series of No. 10 closed stirrups spaced at 125 mm was prescribed for
shear reinforcement purposes. Based on tested material samples, the longitudinal reinforcement steel
was determined to exhibit yield and ultimate strengths of 418 MPa and 596 MPa, respectively. The
shear reinforcement stirrups were tested to have a yield strength of 454 MPa and ultimate strength
of 640 MPa. For integral connection of longitudinal reinforcement within the frame, all longitudinal
reinforcement bars were extended through the beam-column joints and anchored to stiff bearing plates
Accordingly, material types used in the VecTor5 model EMARA are designated in such a way that
all structural components of concrete and reinforcement are essentially represented in the ensuing finite
element analysis. All member element sections are stratified into 40 layers, each with a uniform thickness
of approximately 10 mm and width of 300 mm. In conformance with the modelling capabilities of
VecTor5, the top and bottom longitudinal reinforcement bars are represented as distinct layers specified
to act at the respective centroidal depth assigned to the reinforcement layer. The closed steel stirrups
are represented as combination of smeared transverse and out-of-plane reinforcement components within
individual RC layers. See Table 9.14, Table 9.15, and Table 9.16 below for comprehensive tabular
summaries of general and sectional material properties for the VecTor5 example model. Figure 9.26
provides a corresponding overview of EMARA frame member element material types as displayed in
Janus.
Chapter 9. Using Janus 159
Dc Wc ρt ρz Dc Wc ρt ρz
Mat. No. Colour Comp. No. Nx Mat. No. Colour Comp. No. Nx
mm mm % % mm mm % %
1 0 0.800 3 1 0 1.78 3
2 0.533 0.800 2 2 1.066 1.78 2
3 0.533 0.800 5 3 1.066 1.78 5
1 4 10 300 0.533 0 20 5 4 10 300 1.066 0 20
5 0.533 0.800 5 5 1.066 1.78 5
6 0.533 0.800 2 6 1.066 1.78 2
7 0 0.800 3 7 0 1.78 3
1 0 0.800 2 1 0 0.460 4
2 0.533 0.800 2 2 0.125 0.460 2
3 0.533 0.800 5 3 0.125 0.460 5
2 4 10 300 0.533 0 22 3 4 10 800 0.125 0 18
5 0.533 0.800 5 5 0.125 0.460 5
6 0.533 0.800 2 6 0.125 0.460 2
7 0 0.800 2 7 0 0.460 4
1 0 1.600 3 1 0 0.920 4
2 1.066 1.600 2 2 0.25 0.920 2
3 1.066 1.600 5 3 0.25 0.920 5
4 4 10 300 1.066 0 20 6 4 10 800 0.25 0 18
5 1.066 1.600 5 5 0.25 0.920 5
6 1.066 1.600 2 6 0.25 0.920 2
7 0 1.600 3 7 0 0.920 4
Table 9.15: VecTor5 Example Model RC Material Specifications (from top of section)
160
Chapter 9. Using Janus
Ys As db fy fu Es εsh εu
Mat. No. Colour Comp. No.
mm mm2 mm MPa MPa MPa me me
1 50
1 1200 19.5 418 596 200,000 10 100
2 350
1 40
2 1200 19.5 418 596 200,000 10 100
2 360
1 50
4 2400 19.5 418 596 200,000 10 100
2 350
1 40
5 2400 19.5 418 596 200,000 10 100
2 360
1 60 3000
3 19.5 418 596 200,000 10 100
2 340 3300
1 60 6000
6 19.5 418 596 200,000 10 100
2 340 6600
Table 9.16: VecTor5 Example Model Longitudinal Reinforcement Material Specifications (from top of section)
161
Chapter 9. Using Janus 162
9.6.3.3 Restraints
At the time of testing, the base of the experimental test frame was bolted to the test floor, effectively
simulating a fully fixed condition. In order to simulate equivalent support conditions in the finite
element frame model, a series of bottom nodes of EMARA are specified as pinned restraints, preventing
linear displacement in both x- and y-direction degrees of freedom. The equivalent EMARA model base
9.6.3.4 Loads
The loading protocol for the experimental test frame prescribes a combined load scenario of axial and
shear loads. Firstly, constant axial loads were applied to the columns in order to simulate representative
above-story loads bearing down upon the building frame. Secondly, a monotonically increasing horizontal
load was applied at the second storey beam-column joint until failure occurred.
The load scenario applied to the test frame is equivalently represented as two distinct load cases
in the VecTor5 model EMARA. The lateral component of experimental loading is represented in Load
Case 1 as a monotonically increasing nodal displacement in the x-direction. Load Case 2 embodies the
constant axial loads as a pair of vertical point loads acting in the negative y-direction, each applying
700 kN in force. Load Case 1 is applied in 5 mm increments, while Load Case 2 is held at a constant
value of 1.0. See Figure 9.28 below for depictions of load arrows for Load Cases 1 and 2 superimposed
a) Load Case 1
b) Load Case 2
9.6.3.5 Results
Based on the applied load scenario and nodal restraints prescribed to the EMARA frame, a variety of
VecTor5 numerical results may be displayed in Janus from the 150 kB-sized expanded analysis output
files. As per typical Janus post-processing functionality, scale structural deformations may be activated
via Results . Deformations. See Figure 9.29 for a combined demonstration of Deformations mode and
x-direction displacement contour mode features at the ultimate load stage. Alternatively, the member
deformation parameter of average concrete shear strains is also displayed in Figure 9.30 below.
Figure 9.29: VecTor5 Example Model in Deformations Mode and Nodal Displacements Contour Mode
Figure 9.30: VecTor5 Example Model in Deformations Mode and Shear Strain Contour Mode
Chapter 9. Using Janus 164
As previously mentioned, VecTor5 Layer View may be utilized to display sectional performance
characteristics of member elements specified in the “Detailed Member Output List” of the VecTor5
structure file ending with the extension “.S5R”. An example of VecTor5 Layer View with in-plane shear
strain contour mode activated for a first storey horizontal member element is provided in Figure 9.31
below.
Figure 9.31: VecTor5 Example Model in Layer View and Shear Strain Contour Mode
Janus executes file-reading procedures specific to VecTor6 models upon reading an integer value of “6”
in the entry prompt corresponding to “STRUCTURE DATA” . “Structure Type” in the VecTor job file.
Janus attempts to locate and read VecTor6-specific file types corresponding to file names listed in the
job file. A general description of the VecTor6 file types and file name designations expected by Janus
VecTor6 is a finite element analysis program capable of analyzing axisymmetric structures as a simplified
transverse section using representative planar RC and reinforcement element components. Accordingly,
several post-processing features in Janus are not applicable while displaying VecTor6 models in a similarly
planar manner. Table 9.18 below describes the interactive relationships among the various mode and
Chapter 9. Using Janus 165
view features enabled in Janus for the purpose of displaying VecTor6 models. A check mark (3) at a row
and column intersection denotes that the two mode and/or view features are compatible for simultaneous
activation during post-processing operations. Conversely, crosses (7) signify that the two features may
RC Element Contour
Nodal Contour
Truss Contour
Deformations
XY Section
Load Cases
Restraints
Materials
Hotspot
Load Cases
Restraints 7
Materials 3 3
Deformations 3 3 3
Nodal Contour 3 3 7 3
RC Element Contour 3 3 7 3 7
Truss Contour 3 3 7 3 7 7
Hotspot 7 7 7 3 7 7 7
XY Section 7 7 3 3 7 3 3 3
In order to demonstrate Janus’ post-processing capabilities for VecTor6 models, a previously developed
example model is examined in the following subsections. The VecTor6 example model, designated as
Chapter 9. Using Janus 166
RB2, is a vertical section of a cylindrical reinforced concrete silo wall with an integrated ring-beam.
9.7.3.1 Description
Model RB2 is a representative transverse section of a cylindrical reinforced concrete wall, specified with
an outer radius of 12.46 m. The axisymmetric VecTor6 model represents a 5.30 m vertical segment of the
wall which encompasses the transition point between the typical wall and integrated ring-beam regions.
The x-direction geometry of wall is varied to represent the wall region containing the integrally cast
cylindrical ring-beam. The transition point from the typical wall to the combined wall and ring-beam
occurs at the approximately 1.83 m from the bottom of model RB2, with the x-direction wall width
9.7.3.2 Structure
The VecTor6 example model is comprised of 1204 quadrilateral elements and 60 ring bar elements.
Model RB2 utilizes a combination of 13 RC material types to represent unique quantities of longitu-
dinal/transverse reinforcement components within the the cylindrical wall and ring-beam, each with a
compressive strength of approximately 41.4 MPa. Within the typical silo wall, in-plane and out-of-plane
reinforcement are represented as a combination of smeared reinforcement and discrete ring bar elements.
In contrast, the integrated ring-beam region exclusively utilizes smeared reinforcement material assign-
ments to represent the averaged reinforcement properties of all orientations. The silo wall uses both
conventional steel bars and high-strength prestressing strands for circumferential reinforcement. All dis-
crete ring bar element steel is specified with a yield strength of 518 MPa, and an ultimate strength of 650
MPa. The smeared prestressed steel, established on the inner and outer silo wall surfaces, is assigned a
yield strength of 1680 MPa, ultimate strength of 1860 MPa, and prestrain value of 4.0×103 . Smeared
transverse and longitudinal steel components are prescribed with yield and ultimate strengths of 414
MPa and 650 MPa, respectively. See Table 9.19 and Table 9.20 below for a comprehensive overview of
RC and steel material types utilized in VecTor6 model RB2. The corresponding colour-coded RC and
9.7.3.3 Restraints
In order to provide support conditions which readily reflect the intermediate cylindrical wall section
modelled by RB2, all bottom nodes are assigned as vertical roller supports in the z-direction. See
Figure 9.33 for a depiction of model RB2 with nodal restraint symbols superimposed upon the finite
element model.
Chapter 9. Using Janus 167
Figure 9.32: VecTor6 Example Model in Material Mode and Legend Dialog
9.7.3.4 Loads
The loading scenario applied to RB2 consists of a comprehensive array of nodal loads which subjects the
silo wall model to a combination of shear, moment and axial forces. The loads are intended to represent
an inverted cone hopper seated on the ring beam, as well as the lateral/downward load components of
stored granular material bearing upon the silo wall. See Figure 9.34 for an illustration of the combined
loading applied to VecTor6 model RB2 in Janus. All loads are cumulatively applied in 0.05 factor
increments.
Figure 9.33: VecTor6 Example Model Restraints Figure 9.34: VecTor6 Example Model Loads
Chapter 9. Using Janus
Concrete Properties Smeared Reinforcement Properties
Reinf. Ratio, ρ
Mat. No. Colour f’c f’t Ec fy fu Es εsh εu Dep
k (x-dir) l (y-dir) m (x-dir)
MPa MPa MPa % MPa MPa MPa me me me
0 1.764 0 518 650 142 0
1 41.4 2.12 34,500 200,000 10
0 1.243 0 1680 1860 82 4.0
0.108 0 1.833 414 650 142 0
2 41.4 2.12 34,500 0 1.764 0 518 650 200,000 10 142 0
0 1.243 0 1680 1860 82 4.0
0.108 0 0 414 650 142 0
3 41.4 2.12 34,500 0 1.764 0 518 650 200,000 10 142 0
0 1.243 0 1680 1860 82 4.0
0.108 0 3.292 414 650 142 0
4 41.4 2.12 34,500 0 1.764 0 518 650 200,000 10 142 0
0 1.243 0 1680 1860 82 4.0
0.153 0 1.833 414 650 142 0
5 41.4 2.12 34,500 0 0.992 0 518 650 200,000 10 142 0
0 0.559 0 1680 1860 82 4.0
0.153 0 0 414 650 142 0
6 41.4 2.12 34,500 0 0.992 0 518 650 200,000 10 142 0
0 0.559 0 1680 1860 82 4.0
0.153 0 3.292 414 650 142 0
7 41.4 2.12 34,500 0 0.992 0 518 650 200,000 10 142 0
0 0.559 0 1680 1860 82 4.0
0.153 0 1.833 414 650 142 0
8 41.4 2.12 34,500 0 0.992 0 518 650 200,000 10 142 0
0 0.559 0 1680 1860 82 4.0
0 0 1.833 414 650 142 0
9 41.4 2.12 34,500 200,000 10
0 0.992 0 518 650 142 0
10 41.4 2.12 34,500 0 0.992 0 518 650 200,000 10 142 0
0 0 1.833 414 650 142 0
11 41.4 2.12 34,500 200,000 10
0 0.992 0 518 650 142 0
0 0.992 0 518 650 142 0
12 41.4 2.12 34,500 200,000 10
0 0.559 0 1680 1860 82 4.0
13 41.4 2.12 34,500 0 0.992 0 518 650 200,000 10 142 0
168
Chapter 9. Using Janus
Area Db fy fu Es εsh εu
Reinf. No. Colour
2
mm mm MPa MPa MPa me me
1 819
2 1638 32 414 650 200,000 10 167
3 7371
169
Chapter 9. Using Janus 170
9.7.3.5 Results
Utilizing the numerical data obtained from the analysis output files for model RB2, several of the post-
processing features available in Janus for VecTor6 models may be demonstrated. Each of the expanded
analysis output files for RB2 are noted to be approximately 1,400 kB in size. For example, see Figure 9.35
for model RB2 depicted in Janus at 0.50 load increment intervals, with Deformations and Crack Pattern
modes simultaneously enabled. Additionally, refer to Figure 9.36 for the distribution of in-plane concrete
shear strains at each annular element within RB2 at Load Stage 31. Lastly, Figure 9.37 displays a graphic
plot of the lateral deflection of the silo wall with respect to the monotonically increasing load factor.
Chapter 9. Using Janus 171
1.5
Load Factor
0.5
0 −5 −10 −15
Horizontal Deflection (mm)
10.1 Summary
The VecTor suite of finite element analysis programs is designed for the purpose of modelling the nonlin-
ear response of reinforced concrete structures under a variety of loading conditions. Due to the complex
and comprehensive nature of the generated analysis output data, a versatile post-processor program is
necessary in order to assist users in viewing and disseminating the results of their VecTor-based analyses
in a user-friendly and intuitive manner. To that end, the post-processor program Janus is developed
for the dual purpose of interpreting VecTor output files as well as graphically displaying the resulting
Janus is a graphical post-processor program developed using the C++ programming language, uti-
lizing the MFC class library and OpenGL API in order to provide versatile structural analysis rendering
capabilities through an intuitive and readily implemented user interface. Janus is designed as a stand-
alone executable program, capable of reading analysis output files for all five VecTor programs currently
available for use. At its most fundamental level, Janus is designed to display relevant analysis results such
as: nodal loads, nodal restraints, structural deformations, and elemental stress-strain parameters. De-
pending on the analysis capabilities supported by the VecTor program source, additional post-processing
result modes and view facilities may be enabled or disabled when viewing a particular VecTor model
type in Janus.
For optimal versatility in post-processing capabilities, Janus is integrated with a variety of functions
with regards to file loading. Upon opening a VecTor model listed with a significant number of prescribed
load stages and/or elements, Janus will present users with an option to load a custom subset of the
173
Chapter 10. Summary and Recommendations 174
entire load stage range. As a further measure of memory conservation, users may also opt for Janus to
varying geometry and scale, Janus hosts a variety of customizable view features within its capabilities as
a post-processing program. For example, depending on the VecTor model type, relevant Section View
and/or Layer View features are provided in order to allow users to inspect intermediate sections or
internal elements of a structure that may not be accessible from the general exterior view. Additionally,
the scale of visual features such as model deformations and crack patterns may be veritably fine-tuned
by the user, depending on the contextual presentation of the resulting values. Lastly, a variety of toolbar
buttons are provided for toggling various enabled views, result modes and nodal features on and off.
In general, numerical result parameters are capable of being presented in Janus using a variety of
display mechanics. Activating the contour mode for a node- or element-related variable correspondingly
colours nodes or elements using a colour gradient, with each shade representing a different interval
between the local maximum and minimum values found for the current load stage. Element type(s)
that are not applicable to a particular contour mode are rendered as simple wireframes or coloured
black for visual clarity. The Hotspot mode may be used to further isolate the node(s) and/or element(s)
which exhibit a result value which falls within or exceeds a user-specified range. Using number line
relationships, model nodes or elements that exceed the specified range are highlighted as red, while
ones that fall within the range are highlighted as brown. All other non-applicable elements are omitted
or rendered as a wireframe. It is worthy to note that most visual result features such as contour and
Hotspot modes are compatible for application with alternative view modes such as Section View and
Layer View. Lastly, the data platform may be utilized to pinpoint numerical values for a set range of
load stages, specifying up to five independent variables and elements/nodes at a time. Users can collect
the data of interest as formatted text, preview the values on-screen as a graphic plot, or even export the
In summary, Janus is a post-processor program that is capable of graphically displaying the analysis
results generated by the entire suite of VecTor programs. A comprehensive array of view and mode
features are provided in order to present both node- and element-related result variables in an intuitive
yet versatile manner. Janus serves as a support program and concluding platform for the VecTor analysis
procedure, allowing users to visualize the numerical results they have obtained on a model-wide scale as
10.2 Recommendations
Based on the current capabilities and functionality of Janus as a post-processor program, the following
list presents additional features and options that could potentially improve the overall performance of
• Currently, user-specified view and mode options in Janus are provided on a transient basis, where
enabled features only apply to the model being viewed. Upon opening a new model, all result
modes and view variables are reset to default values. Since users may be using the post-processor
to repeatedly inspect a local area of interest or a particular subset of response characteristics for
a series of similar models, it may be useful to allow users to save and recall their preferred view
• The Element Attributes dialog may only be invoked by using the right mouse button in Janus’
Global Model View, which in itself only presents the exterior-most element faces for viewing pur-
poses. Universally implementing equivalent right mouse click functionality for element/layer at-
tributes within Section View and/or Layer View would significant improve overall program utility,
permitting users to view element/layer information at intermediate locations throughout the model.
• At present, structural parameters such as node numbers, element numbers, and nodal coordinates
are only accessible on a single-element basis by invoking the Element Attributes dialog. Instituting
the capability for users to categorically hide or reveal node and/or element attributes on a model-
• In its current form, Janus only supports the display of applied nodal force and displacement load
cases. Further efforts could be made in order to implement the visualization of alternative node
and element-related load types available for assignment in the VecTor programs.
• As previously explained, Janus approximates VecTor4 shell elements as a series of shapes ren-
dered on a piecewise linear basis between all adjoining nodal vertices. In actuality, differential
rotations/displacements shell element nodes are intended to represent smoothly curved surfaces in
three dimensions as dictated by the quadratic shape functions which govern its behaviour. In the
pursuit of accurately representing curved shell element surfaces in Janus, further exploration into
• Janus is currently limited to portraying VecTor5 member end forces using the conventional solid
colour contour mode in conjunction with the number ranges presented in the Legend dialog. Visu-
alization of VecTor5 member forces would be more readily apparent to the user by providing the
Chapter 10. Summary and Recommendations 176
option to selectively enable axial, shear and bending moment diagrams superimposed upon the
planar frame structure, with local maxima/minima labels provided at appropriate locations.
• To assist users in visualizing VecTor6 axisymmetric models on a planar basis, Janus should be
capable of graphically displaying the position of the z-axis in Global Model View. This would
serve as a means of denoting the actual location of the rotational axis that VecTor6 models are
Janus itself would improve its overall accessibility as a post-processor program, particularly in the
event that external supporting documents such as this manual are unavailable for reference.
• In foresight of maintaining compatibility for future implementation purposes, the Janus source
code should be upgraded in order to operate without fault in contemporary operating systems
Views in FormWorks
177
Appendix A. VecTor3 Example Model Section Views in FormWorks 178
184
Appendix B. VecTor3 Example Model Deformations and Crack Pattern 185
187
Appendix C. VecTor3 Example Model Sectional Crack Pattern and Contour Mode188
Displacements
190
Appendix D. VecTor4 Example Model Deformations and y-direction Displacements 191
e) Load Stage 9
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Wong, P. S., Trommels, H., and Vecchio, F. J. (2012). VecTor2 and FormWorks User’s Manual: Second