What is P-Delta Analysis?

When a model is loaded, it deflects. The deflections in the members of the model may induce
secondary moments due to the fact that the ends of the member may no longer be vertical in the
deflected position. These secondary effects for members can be accurately approximated through the
use of P-Delta analysis.
This type of analysis is called P-Delta because the magnitude of the secondary moment is equal to
P, the axial force in the member, times Delta, the distance one end of the member is offset from
the other end.

Step 1: The model is loaded with the Applied loads (P shown above)
Step 2: The model deflects , and the secondary shear force (V) is calculated for every member;
V= P *
L
Step 3: The model is re-solved (internally) with the secondary shear forces applied (V shown above).
Step 4: The displacements for this new solution are compared to those obtained from the previous
solution. If they fall within the convergence tolerance, the solution has converged. If not, return to Step
2 and repeat.
The Convergence Tolerance is found in the Model Settings and is set by default to 0.5%.

P-Delta Analysis Parameters

Initial P-Delta analysis may be specified in ETABS via Define > P-Delta Options and using either of
the following two methods:
1. Non-iterative Based on Mass, in which load is automatically computed from the mass at
each level. This is an approximate method which does not require an iterative solution,
providing for faster computation. P-Delta is considered by treating the structure as a simplified
stick model, a process which is most effective with a single rigid diaphragm at each level.
Local buckling is not captured as effectively.
The benefit of this non-iterative method is that P-Delta may be considered in load
cases which do not specify gravity load. When gravity load is specified, we generally
recommend the Iterative Based on Load Cases method.
2. Iterative Based on Load Cases, in which load is computed from a specified combination of
static load cases, then known as the P-Delta load combination. This is an iterative method
which considers P-Delta on an element-by-element basis. Local buckling is captured more
effectively. An example application may be when load includes the dead load case and a
fraction of a live load case.
When the iterative method is selected, two additional options become available:

Convergence Tolerance (Relative), Iteration is used to make sure that equilibrium is

achieved at each step of the analysis. Use this parameter to set the relative
convergence tolerance that is used to compare the magnitude of force error with the
magnitude of the force acting on the structure. Using a smaller value ensures better
equilibrium, although the default value is usually adequate.

P-Delta Load Combination, in which users may specify the single load combination
for the initial P-Delta analysis.

For example, suppose that a building code requires the following load combinations:
(1) 1.4 dead load
(2) 1.2 dead load + 1.6 live load
(3) 1.2 dead load + 0.5 live load + 1.3 wind load
(4) 1.2 dead load + 0.5 live load - 1.3 wind load
(5) 0.9 dead load + 1.3 wind load
(6) 0.9 dead load - 1.3 wind load

A P-Delta load combination of 1.2 DL + 0.5 LL is typically conservative when considering P-Delta
effect due to the overall sway of a structure. Combinations (3) and (4) will accurately capture this
effect, while (5) and (6) should be conservative. Combinations (1) and (2) have no lateral load,
therefore P-Delta effect should not be of concern.
Please notice this is a non-linear static case and should be performed only after the model runs
without any numerical issues for simple linear cases and results of basic variables such as
deformations are within realistic or expected values.

P- effect
ETABS may account for P- effect, which is associated with local deformation relative to the chord
between member ends. We do not recommend implementing this method because it will significantly
increase computational time without providing the benefit of useful information. Instead, P- may be
captured through either of the following methods:
1. Apply design factors, which ETABS post-processing assumes to be done. These factors are
therefore included in design, when applicable.
2. Divide members into segments (at least two per column), then run each load case
separately with a different P-Delta load combination for each.

Notes

ETABS uses the same stiffness for all static load cases, response-spectrum analysis,
and time-history analysis.

P-delta combinations may be specified through Analyse > Set Analysis > Set P-Delta
Parameters.