ExcelFEM_ 3D (for Excel 2003)

John and Turan thankyou for the Excel 2003 version. Faster than I am.
Last night I managed to find 2D version, that I was sent in 2003 format last year: I had similar problems last year. Took a closer look and learnt some new techniques for using charts.
Interesting approaches for the workbook. Splits, multiple worksheets, and different pictures on each worksheet, giving impression that buttons have been pressed, rather than actually using buttons. {Roughly what computer does anyhow, swapping images in and out of RAM.}
Good workbook for students to study.
I will have to study further. I tried a continuous span beam as a simple example, but something went wrong.
Without VBA expanding the model and updating the charts could be a lot of extra work. But most frames are only a few members so probably no real need to.
Lots of potential to integrate with other workbooks. Calculate dimension and geometry, wind loads. Then grab results and check members and connections. All within a single workbook, with a few defining input parameters.
Thats what I like about excel bring everything together in the one place, and format own reports. Start with simple beams and columns, then get stuck when comes to frames. So far I have settled for using rigid frame formula, or generating files for export. Either format file in worksheet and copy/paste to text file, or use VBA to write file. Or there is COM automation with Multiframe. But using an external frame analysis program slows things down. Also far too expensive to integrate into applications for point-of-sale assessment of simple sheds and carports. So have been modifying in-house 2D plane frame program to mesh into Excel using VBA.
But this workbook suggests potential to go to 3D without VBA, and check more complex frames. Often cropping columns from standard frames, and requiring carry beams.
Though I have along way to go before got anything with all the necessary traps and error detection.
The potential of Excel increases daily. Keep up the good work.

Turan has solved the Excel 2003 problem!
MMINVERSE() function in Excel 2003 must be less than 56 x 56 = 3136 cells.
Now repaired.

Turan as asked me to upload the latest version. The worksheets looks more and more elegant with each new version and I can see that Turan is working on the addition of plate elements and solid element which will be another quantum leap forward. Some comments have alerted him to the problem running the calculation in Excel 2003 (it only works in Excel 2007 and Excel 2010). He has tried to make this version work in Excel 2003 but I have done a few tests and I had problems running it on my copy of Excel 2003 :(.

Re-installed formatconverter, unloaded add-ins, and still unable to open.
First get dialogue saying converting. Then large dialogue indicating differences,implies differences are specific to workbook. But could just be general differences between versions. I am using 2003.
It then says fails to open: whilst expect a fail to convert message. Also checked read only status: it wasn't. But did find security block because came from other computer. I removed that. Still won't open. File size appears correct.
The video indicates some good techniques in the workbook, and I am assuming most applicable across most versions of Excel. So would be good to take a closer look at.

Thanks John. Will check if got current version of formatconverter. If still doesn't open then will try download again.
Will do tomorrow when in office and have faster connection.

Converter identified several incompatibilities with Excel 2003: more columns, colours, conditional formatting. Then failed to open file.
But that's ok! Only wanted to take a look at the technqiues used on the charts, not actually use.

Amazing work!! I used it and tested it with Patran and Femap, Damn the results were so accurate, GREAT JOB !!

Turan has just updated his fine spreadsheet again.

Turan has just sent through the latest copy which shows members in tension in red and members in compression in blue. It keeps getting better and better!

Given that I am already a big fan of your phenomenal spreadsheet I don't want to appear 'picky'. I wondered if there was a way of introducing spar elements (tension/compression only elements) along with the beam elements? This would be occasionally useful. Thanks again Turan.

Turan has just sent in V1.1 of the Excel FE worksheet and its even sweeter than version 1.0. He has also hinted that version 1.20 will soon be available which will show member axial loads, shear forces and bending moments. Keep up the great work Turan!