Pythagore : computational engineering developed by Setec TPI

Pythagore is a finite element structural analysis software programme developed by setec tpi over the past forty years. Designed by engineers, for engineers, it is used on all complex civil engineering projects carried out by setec tpi. Whether for engineering structures, underground works or high-rise towers, its advanced features tailored to civil engineering projects, together with its flexibility and adaptability, play a major role in ensuring the technical integrity of the solutions proposed or verified by our engineers.

The key features of the Pythagore programme are as follows:

  • Accounts for construction phasing and fully incorporates prestressing and the delayed effects of concrete (creep and shrinkage, behaviour models for conventional concrete and high-performance concrete (HPC) in accordance with the Eurocode, such as BPEL, and relaxation of prestressing tendons);
  • Large-displacement analyses (beams, shells, cables);
  • Non-linear analysis of concrete behaviour, particularly in reinforced and prestressed concrete structures;
  • Automatic meshing of beam and shell elements;
  • Analysis of the effects of moving loads;
  • Automatic calculation of A(l) road loads;
  • Automatic consideration of the Résal effect;
  • Automatic consideration of the neutral fibre inclination for beams with variable cross-sections;
  • Temporal and non-linear fire resistance analysis of concrete cross-sections;
  • Various geometric adjustment modes particularly suited to determining the counter-deflection to be applied to structures built using cantilever construction;
  • Extraction of natural modes and buckling modes, with the option to initialise using tangential stiffness;
  • Advanced dynamic features: turbulent wind analysis using the stochastic modal method or ‘time-step’ method, seismic analysis, response to harmonic excitation and determination of transfer functions, and consideration of non-linear damping;
  • A single model and a single software package for all calculations;
  • Non-linear connections and supports enabling comprehensive simulations of track-structure interaction;
  • Verification of section equilibrium at the Ultimate Limit State (ULS), taking into account the over-tension of internal tendons within the concrete.
  • Advanced and rapid combination and envelope analysis of load cases (concurrences, automatic identification of the combination maximising a given effect).
  • Calculation of buried structures (reaction modules).
  • A smooth and streamlined graphical interface enabling the efficient use of models.
  • Data input in text format using commands written in the Decoda language, facilitating the verification and updating of models.
  • Import of complex geometries (in STEP or DXF format).
  • Export of results in Armatec/Beamtec format for post-processing of shells and beams.
  • A Python API enabling access to all calculation results and the automation of post-processing.