C1. Input data and units

C1. Input data and units

The input data must be consistent, whether these values are defined in the model itself or come from other files such as a library of profiles or data from other software (*). Some elements of the methodology are provided in paragraph B.7 Organization of the calculation.

(*) Special attention must be paid to the units and signs when introducing stiffness matrices that model the foundations or other parts of the structure, especially if they come from another design office that uses different software. Moreover, for soils, one should verify whether the characteristics are expressed for the long or short term.

Material characteristics, especially for concrete, must be consistent with the analysis conducted (see details in paragraph C.9).

The unit system in which the data are expressed must be known because it will condition the units of the results. The use of SI units is preferable.

One should ensure the consistency of the stresses, lengths, modulus, and stiffness units.