Can I obtain the final deformation load that the program had to apply in order to achieve the specified target force?
The program does not output the value of the deformation loads applied to achieve the desired target force. However, you could obtain this value with some post-processing of SAP2000 output as follows: (1) For frame elements: • Calculate undeformed length of the frame element before the application the target force from initial joint coordinates and initial axial force. • Calculate undeformed length of the frame element after the application the target force from final joint coordinates and final axial force. • The difference between the two values would give you the deformation load (in terms of undeformed element length) that needs to be applied to achieve the desired target force. (2) For catenary cable elements: The procedure would be very similar, except that you would need to determine the undeformed lengths differently, considering the catenary profile for the deflected cable. You could for example draw the cable in the initial and final positions (with the end joint coordinates
