SACS
Leading Offshore Structural Analysis and Design Solution
SACS is an integrated finite element structural analysis package for the design of all types of offshore structures: oil and gas platforms, wind farms, FPSO topsides and floating platforms. Offshore engineers around the world have used SACS for 50 years, and many energy companies specify their engineering firms to use SACS across the lifecycle of offshore structures.
Compare Four SACS Offshore Structure Software Packages
Every offshore project has different requirements. SACS provides four flexible product editions to address needs ranging from simple static analysis to complex wind, wave and fatigue assessment. Choosing the right package optimizes costs and technical capabilities for your project.
SACS Offshore Structure
Contains the essential capabilities for static structural analysis of offshore structures.
Features include
- Precede interactive graphics modeler with advanced 3D capabilities: combine, gap, tow and LDF (large deflection).
- SACS IV Solver and interactive 3D post-processor.
- Automatic model generation for offshore structures.
- Beam and finite element capability.
- Steel code check and redesign.
- Inertia and moving load generation.
- Tension/compression nonlinear elements with initial gap.
- Load case combination.
- Linear large deflection analysis.
- Full output report and plotting capabilities.
SACS Offshore Structure Advanced
Extends the basic package with wind loading analysis capabilities, optimizing topside and deck design for fixed and floating structures.
Features include
- Includes all capabilities of SACS Offshore Structure.
- Topsides wind loading analysis.
- Wind and gravity load generation.
- Suited for topside and deck analysis.
SACS Offshore Structure Ultimate
The most comprehensive package with full wave-loading capabilities, suited for jackets, wharfs and dolphin structures.
Features include
- Includes all capabilities of SACS Offshore Structure Advanced.
- Seastate environmental load analysis and joint can tubular connection check.
- Pile analysis and single pile/soil interaction.
- Environmental load generation.
- Tubular connection check.
- Compatible with most add-on modules for advanced analysis.
SACS Wind Turbine
Combines full SACS Ultimate capabilities with aeroelastic solvers to assess wind turbine foundations under combined wave, wind and mechanical loading.
Features include
- Includes SACS Offshore Structure Ultimate, Pile Structure Design, SACS Collapse and Fatigue Ultimate.
- Interfaces with Bladed and OpenFAST third-party aeroelastic modules.
- Enables fully coupled analysis between waves, wind and wind-induced mechanical loads.
- Wave surface profiles determined from wave height spectral density functions using multiple random seeds.
- Stress cycle prediction using Rainflow counting method, including sequential damage accumulation from multiple simulations across different wind speeds and sea states.
- Wind loading input as time history or stochastic loading.
Comprehensive Technical Features of SACS Offshore Structure Software
SACS integrates all technical capabilities needed for the design lifecycle of offshore structures. From intelligent 3D modeling to spectral fatigue analysis, SACS addresses every technical requirement that offshore engineers face. The key feature groups below are organized by function.
3D Modeling and Data Generation
- Precede graphical modeler: geometry, material and section properties, and loading on an interactive full-screen interface.
- Automatic offshore jacket and deck generation.
- Beam, plate, shell and solid elements with Discrete Kirchhoff Theory (DKT) thin plates and isoparametric 6-, 8-, 9-node shell elements.
- Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical mesh generation.
- Datagen intelligent data editor: automatic field labeling, highlighting and input error detection.
- Superelement capability: unlimited number of superelements, up to 1,000 interface joints each, with translation, rotation and nested superelements.
- Model export to AutoCAD (3D SAT), PDMS and steel detailing systems (ISM Export to ProSteel).
- ProjectWise integration for multi-site project sharing.
Offshore Environmental Loads
- Seastate module: full API 21st edition implementation with five wave theories.
- Wind, gravity, buoyancy and mud flow load generation.
- Diameter, Reynolds number and wake-encounter-dependent drag and inertia coefficients.
- RAO and acceleration loading including nonstructural weights.
- Deterministic and random wave modeling for dynamic response analysis.
- Hydrodynamic modeling for static and dynamic analysis.
- Wave spreading effects.
- Corrosion modeling.
- Moving loads and weight load case generation.
Static and Nonlinear Analysis
- SACS IV Solver: Krylov subspace solver methods for statically indeterminate structures.
- Diverse section types: tubulars, tees, wide flanges, channels, angles, cones, plate and box girders, stiffened cylinders.
- Unlimited load cases.
- P-delta effects.
- Large Deflection (LDF) analysis: iterative solution for geometric nonlinearities, plate membrane problems.
- GAP elements: nonlinear one-way simulation, tension/compression gap elements with initial gap, friction elements.
- Collapse analysis: linear and nonlinear material behavior, nonlinear springs, sequential load stacking, ship impact with built-in DNV indentation curves and energy absorption.
- Collapse Advanced: plastic DKT plates, piles with nonlinear soils and plasticity, soil liquefaction effects.
Dynamic and Seismic Analysis
- Dynpac dynamic characteristics: Householder-Givens solution, Guyan reduction, lumped or consistent mass generation, automatic virtual mass generation, full 6 DOF modes.
- Wave Response: deterministic and random waves, Pierson-Moskowitz, JONSWAP, Ochi-Hubble and user-defined spectra; Harris, Von Karman and Kaimal wind spectra; frequency domain steady state response; time history analysis; elastic dynamic response of floating structures.
- Dynamic Response: frequency domain analysis, time history, response spectrum or PSD-driven seismic analysis; SRSS, CQC and peak modal combinations; ship impact, dropped object and blast analysis; ice dynamics; engine/compressor vibration analysis.
Comprehensive Fatigue Analysis
- Stress range cycle calculations based on wave data, experimental curves and SCF interpolation recommended by API, HSE, DNV, DS449 and Norsok.
- Thickness-dependent S-N curves per API, AWS, HSE and Norsok for member thickness calculations.
- Fatigue analysis by spectral response, time history and deterministic methods.
- Wave spectra creation from scatter diagrams.
- Paris equation for crack growth rate prediction due to cyclic stresses.
- Rainflow cycle counting method for fatigue life determination per ISO 19902.
- Pile fatigue analysis.
- Pierson-Moskowitz, JONSWAP, Ochi-Hubble, simplified double peak and user-defined spectra.
- Multiple run damage accumulation.
- Load path dependent joint classifications.
- Interactive Fatigue module: 3D connection visualization, mouse-based brace selection, automatic SCF reading, and SCF theory modification for all connection types.
- Automatic redesign capability.
International Code Compliance and Design
- Post module beam and plate code check: API (including 22nd edition), ISO 19902, AISC, LRFD, Norsok, Eurocode 3, Canadian, DNV, British Standards, DS449.
- Plate panel checks per DNV-RP-C201 and DNV-RP-C202.
- Joint Can tubular joint check: API 22nd edition, API LRFD, ISO 19902, Norsok, DS449, Canadian.
- API earthquake and simplified fatigue analysis, connection strength (50%) check, overlapping joints.
- Concrete module: rectangular, circular, T and L cross sections; code check per ACI 318-89; shear reinforcement, development length, deflection and creep calculation.
- Postvue interactive post processor: deflected shapes, shear and bending moment diagrams, unity check plots, color stress contours, animated mode shapes.
Soil-Pile-Structure Interaction and Specialized Analysis
- PSI module: nonlinear soil/pile/structure interaction with beam column effects, nonuniform piles, P-Y and T-Z curves, axial adhesion and springs.
- Automatic API P-Y, T-Z, skin friction and adhesion data generation from soil properties.
- Pile module: isolated 3D pile analysis with beam column and batter effects, optional pile head springs, automatic linear equivalent pile stub generation.
- Soil liquefaction effects for both PSI and Pile modules.
- Offset P-Y and T-Z curves for mudslides.
- Full graphical representation of soil data and results.
- MTO module: material takeoff, weight control and cost estimation including steel tonnage, CG location, weld volumes, anode protection per NACE SP0176-2007 and DNV-RP-B401, surface area by elevation.
- Tow module: transportation inertia load generator with 6 DOF, automatic weight calculation.
Core Values of Using SACS Software for Offshore Structures
SACS delivers five distinct values that help offshore engineers improve design quality, ensure safety and optimize project costs.
50 Years of Trust in the Global Offshore Energy Industry
SACS has been used by offshore engineers worldwide for over 50 years, becoming the specified standard for many major energy companies.
- Offshore engineers worldwide have used SACS for over 50 years.
- Many energy companies specify their engineering firms to use SACS across the lifecycle of offshore structures.
International Code Compliance in a Single Platform
Integrated design checks per API, AISC, ISO 19902, DNV, Norsok, Eurocode, HSE, DS449 and AWS directly within the analysis workflow.
- Built-in checks ensure design compliance with international offshore codes: API, AISC, EC (Eurocode), ISO, DNV and Norsok.
- Supports codes from 1977 to present.
- Plate panel checks per DNV-RP-C201, DNV-RP-C202, and anode calculations per NACE SP0176-2007.
Automated Workflows from Model to Report
Custom templates and automatic data transfer between analysis steps simplify management of complex offshore projects.
- Custom templates in a common structural model help manage multiple analyses.
- Automatic data transfer from one analysis step to the next using industry-standard methods.
- SQLite database generation for reporting in Excel and other programs.
- ProjectWise integration for multi-site file sharing.
Comprehensive Analysis from Static to Dynamic, Linear to Nonlinear
A single platform covering static, dynamic, seismic, impact, fatigue and collapse analysis, from linear to material and geometric nonlinearities.
- Nonlinear soil-pile interaction analysis for fixed offshore structures.
- Inelastic deformation analysis for collision and explosion scenarios.
- Dynamic analysis: deterministic, time history and spectral response.
- Nonlinear collapse analysis with nonlinear material behavior, nonlinear springs and plastic elements.
- Ship impact, dropped object and blast analysis.
Flexible Licensing and Expandable Capabilities
Three licensing options and modular add-ons let enterprises scale analysis capabilities to match project demands.
- Virtuoso 12-month subscription: low upfront cost, includes training and expert services, ideal for small and medium enterprises.
- Perpetual License with SELECT annual maintenance: 24/7/365 technical support, license pooling across multiple computers, annual license exchange.
- Enterprise licensing: global pricing, deployment, training and success planning for large organizations.
- Add-on modules: Pile Structure Design, Collapse, Fatigue Ultimate can be combined with the Ultimate package.
SACS Software Applications Across Offshore Industries
SACS serves structural design and analysis needs across multiple offshore industries, from traditional oil and gas to offshore renewable energy.
Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms
Design and analysis of fixed jacket platforms requiring high precision in environmental loading and soil-pile interaction.
- Fixed oil and gas platforms must withstand wave, wind, current and seismic loading throughout their operational lifecycle.
- SACS provides nonlinear soil-pile interaction analysis (PSI), tubular joint checks (Joint Can) and fatigue analysis per API and ISO 19902.
- Seastate module with full API 21st edition implementation and five wave theories ensures accurate environmental load calculation for all marine conditions.
Offshore Wind Farms
Assessing wind turbine foundations under combined wave, wind and mechanical loading, optimizing design and installation costs.
- Offshore wind farms require fully coupled analysis between aerodynamic, wave and mechanical loads.
- SACS Wind Turbine interfaces with Bladed and OpenFAST for comprehensive coupled/uncoupled analysis.
- Rainflow counting predicts stress cycles including sequential damage accumulation from multiple simulations across varying wind speeds and sea states.
- Real-world project demonstrated SACS Wind Turbine reduced jacket foundation installation costs by 20%.
FPSO Topsides and Floating Platforms
Analyzing decks, topsides and stability for FPSO vessels and floating platforms under wind and gravity loading.
- FPSOs and floating platforms require wind loading analysis for topsides, stability assessment and motion prediction.
- SACS Offshore Structure Advanced provides wind loading analysis and gravity load generation capabilities, suited for topside and deck analysis.
- Elastic dynamic response analysis of floating structures including stingers with buoyancy dynamic loads.
Wharfs and Dolphin Structures
Designing and analyzing wharf structures, dolphins and specialized marine structures beyond traditional platforms.
- SACS Offshore Structure Ultimate is suited for jacket, wharf and dolphin structure design.
- These structures require marine environmental load analysis, tubular joint checks and fatigue assessment similar to platforms.
- Concrete module adds reinforced concrete code checking per ACI 318-89, suited for concrete wharf structures.
Frequently Asked Questions About SACS Offshore Structure Software
SACS Offshore Structure is an integrated finite element structural analysis application for designing all types of offshore structures: oil and gas platforms, wind farms, FPSO topsides and floating platforms. The software has been used by offshore engineers worldwide for over 50 years. Many energy companies specify their engineering firms to use SACS across the lifecycle of offshore structures.
SACS add-on modules include: Pile Structure Design (soil-pile-structure interaction), Collapse and Collapse Advanced (advanced nonlinear plastic analysis), Fatigue Advanced with Dynamic Response and Wave Response, Fatigue Ultimate (comprehensive fatigue analysis), and Wind (wind turbine analysis). These modules can be combined with SACS Offshore Structure Ultimate.
SACS supports design code checks per: API (including 22nd edition), AISC, LRFD, ISO 19902, Norsok, Eurocode 3, Canadian, DNV, British Standards, DS449 and AWS. Tubular joint checks follow API 22nd edition, ISO 19902, Norsok, DS449 and Canadian standards. Thickness-dependent fatigue S-N curves are available per API, AWS, HSE and Norsok.
Yes. SACS Wind Turbine is a specialized package combining SACS Ultimate, Pile Structure Design, Collapse and Fatigue Ultimate with Bladed and OpenFAST interfaces. It enables fully coupled analysis between wave, wind and mechanical loads, stress cycle prediction using Rainflow counting, and wave surface profile determination from spectral density functions.
- SACS Offshore Structure: Basic static analysis with 3D modeling, SACS IV Solver, steel code check.
- SACS Advanced: Includes the above, plus wind loading analysis and gravity load generation for topsides.
- SACS Ultimate: Includes Advanced, plus seastate, joint can, pile, environmental loads and tubular connection checks.
- SACS Wind Turbine: Includes Ultimate plus Pile Structure Design, Collapse, Fatigue Ultimate and Bladed/OpenFAST interfaces.
Minimum requirements: Pentium 4 or higher CPU, Windows 8/8.1/10/11, 2 GB RAM minimum (performance depends on model size), 10 GB hard disk partition, OpenGL-capable graphics card, and 100 Base-T or greater LAN connection with TCP/IP protocol.
Contact TrueTech for SACS Software Consultation
TrueTech is a Bentley SACS distribution partner in Vietnam with over 30 years of experience in surveying technology and engineering software. TrueTech's team of engineers is ready to consult on SACS software solutions tailored to your offshore project requirements. From product selection and licensing to user training, TrueTech supports you throughout the implementation process.
