What is the Analytical Model?

How Should We Model

It's easy to create an analytical model; however, it is often an overlooked step. It is a skill that requires experience. 

Generally, you would want a simple model that would give correct results; however, it shouldn't be too simple that details are missing. In addition, a complicated model may make it demanding to solve. These two extremes make modeling "a balancing game." The most important thing is that it should serve as an accurate and reliable source of a structure's behavior.

Creating a model would also depend on the behavior one wants to observe. It is noteworthy that engineers may create multiple models for the same structure - for instance, one may make a model with one set of loads and a new model for another group. Each of those would generate unique behavior of the structure.

What Should An Analytical Model Contain?

The model should have all components modeled with their respective points, lines, and planes and their properties:

1. Geometry. The joint locations from a point. The end and intersection points of members and panels. The position of supports.
2. Properties. The member's properties, materials, the panel's thickness, the joint's rigidity, and the support type.
3. Behavior. How should each component transfer loads? What kind of stresses are allowed for this member?

Summary

An analytical model is an analysis model which serves as a basis for predicting the structure's behavior.

The model must include all major components of the structure. Minute details that would not heavily affect its behavior are generally not included.

When creating a model, the most important thing is that it should serve as an accurate and reliable source to describe the structure's behavior.

The model should have all components modeled with their respective symbols (points, lines, and planes) and their properties.