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Structure definition

Last modified by Iwona Budny Bjergø on 2022/01/18 12:22

A model consists of structural objects, loads and finite elements. This chapter summarizes the definition ways, the properties and the features of the structural objects.

Depending on the current FEM-Design Module (license you have), the available Object types are different. Although the structural objects are real 3 dimensional objects, they are 1D members and 2D planar elements (because of the finite element method) having sectional (thickness, profile etc.) and material properties. So, they can be defined as lines or regions. Some elements like point supports can be defined as points.

TypeIconModules where available

Definition mode

PositionMaterialProfile

Load bearing

Default Short Command
Soil1584603814981-709.png1584602208253-331.pngRegionHorizontalArbitrary-ArbitrarySO
Borehole1584603822261-738.png1584602210083-549.pngPoint----BH
Pile1584945390103-974.png1584945396791-858.pngPoint/LineVerticalArbitraryArbitraryArbitraryPILE
Isolated foundation1584603829044-457.png1584602212179-470.pngRegular shape/SolidHorizontalConcreteArbitraryArbitraryFIS
Wall foundation1584603841098-596.png1584602219423-925.pngLineHorizontalConcreteArbitraryArbitraryFWL
Foundation slab1584603848256-757.png1584602217074-327.pngRegionHorizontalConcreteArbitraryArbitraryFSL
Beam1584603859591-112.png

1584602561989-469.png

1584602214397-138.png  1584602626305-896.png  

Line

Horizontal

Arbitrary

ArbitraryArbitraryArbitraryBM
Column1584603866327-126.png

1584602559305-131.png

1584602222080-774.png  1584602621130-909.png  

Point

Point/Line

VerticalArbitraryArbitrary

(Support)

Arbitrary

CL
1584603873028-793.png1584602224568-738.png  1584602618708-185.png  LineArbitraryArbitraryArbitraryAxialTR
1584603880617-711.png1584602226949-495.png  1584602617236-838.png  1584602544973-878.pngPoint-ArbitraryArbitrary-ISEC
Apex1584603889506-762.png1584602240547-944.png  1584602623687-545.pngLine

Vertical / Horizontal

TimberRectangleArbitraryAPEX
Column corbel1584603896480-680.png1584602237211-483.png  1584602614748-860.pngPointHorizontalArbitraryArbitraryArbitraryCCOR
Wall corbel1584603901949-632.png1584602233922-164.pngLineHorizontalArbitraryArbitraryArbitraryWCOR
Plate1584603908879-545.png

1584602542466-682.png

1584602230254-792.png  

Region

Horizontal

Arbitrary

ArbitraryConstant / variable thickness

Vertical

Axial

PL
Wall1584603917622-954.png

1584602591139-209.png

1584603927995-543.png 1584603950554-740.png

1584603937205-689.png

Line

Region

Line

VerticalArbitraryConstant/ variable thickness

(Support)

Planar

Arbitrary

WL
1584605667677-283.png1584604885106-242.pngLine/RegionVertical/HorizontalArbitraryConstantArbitraryPPR / WPR
Timber panel1584605673548-322.png1584604887313-772.pngLine/RegionVertical/HorizontalTimberConstantArbitraryPTM / WTM

1584606240423-939.png

1584606251751-657.png

1584602573981-946.png

1584604896073-561.png 1584605783100-219.png 1584605682460-575.png 1584605763415-696.png

Point

Vertical

Arbitrary

---

SPT

SPG

1584606257981-662.png

1584606264758-198.png

1584605826007-726.png 1584605686131-287.png 1584605756473-657.png

1584604903979-827.png 1584605968077-824.png

Line

Vertical

Arbitrary

---

SLN

SLG

1584606305864-653.png

1584606015157-801.png

1584604916166-214.png

Region

Vertical

Arbitrary

---SSF
1584606312864-571.png

1584605248316-672.png

1584604936217-115.png 1584605980199-738.png 1584605692944-870.png 1584605747679-418.png

Line

Horizontal

Arbitrary

---CPT
1584606317523-649.png

1584605244903-256.png

1584605273661-849.png 1584605994404-800.png 1584605723071-700.png 1584605741598-931.png

Lines

Horizontal

Arbitrary

---CLN
1584606322728-402.png

1584605251734-513.png

1584605270193-110.png 1584605998857-529.png

Line

Horizontal

Arbitrary

---FICB
Shell model1584606327473-318.png1584605268223-162.pngRegionsArbitrarySteelConstant/ variable web heightArbitrary 
1584606332853-762.png1584605266522-828.pngRegionsArbitrary---FICS
Post-tensioned cable (PTC)1584969371922-802.png1584969377145-733.png 1584969385282-949.png     BPTC

Table: Structural Objects and their main properties

The commands for defining structural objects can be started from the 1584606358359-405.png  Tabmenu. Each command has a Tool palette with the customizable element properties (cross-sections, materials, stiffness values etc.) and the definition tools of the element geometry and position (direction).

Properties

Tool palette contains all customizable structural properties. The main properties can be set directly in the tool palette and all properties can be set in the dialog opens by clicking on the Default settings button. The settings dialog and fields keep the last set property values by element types (beams, columns, plates etc.)

1584606450182-329.png

Figure: Setting part of Tool palette

Cross sections

FEM-Design offers the possibility to add any cross-section type/shape (Section) to beams, columns and truss members.

warning.pngTo avoid design failures of concrete, steel and timber bars (section type and material do not fit), the program checks the section type - material compatibility while setting the properties. The program sends an error message when it finds incompatibility definition at closing the settings dialog. But, the so-called General material (defined by the user) can be added to each section types.

The Section tabpage of the settings dialog contains predefined cross-sections. Unique profiles and shapes can be define by their parameters (parametric shapes) in New> Size or with the 1584606589609-328.png  FEM-Design Section Editor. The following table sums the available cross-section types.

TypeDescriptionSection library

Compatible

material

Standard steel profilesNot editable, built-in steel profiles depending on the applied national code1584606669592-168.pngSteel (or General)
Often used concrete profilesNot editable, built-in square, rectangular and circular concrete profiles1584606677793-877.pngConcrete (or General)
Often used timber profilesNot editable, built-in square timber profiles1584606686142-535.pngTimber (or General)
Common parametric concrete shapesPredefined concrete shapes to create required profiles by defining the shape parameters1584606697986-714.pngConcrete (or General)
Common parametric rolled steel shapesPredefined rolled steel shapes to create required profiles by defining the shape parameters1584606709941-786.pngSteel (or General)
Common parametric cold-formed steel shapesPredefined cold-formed steel shapes to create required profiles by defining the shape parameters1584606717280-131.pngSteel (or General)
Common parametric welded steel shapesPredefined welded steel shapes to create required profiles by defining the shape parameters1584606724891-641.pngSteel (or General)
Common parametric timber shapesPredefined timber shapes to create required profiles by defining the shape parameters1584606733518-248.pngTimber (or General)

Table: Section types

Defining a new (e.g. parametric) section in the settings dialog, the program calculates automatically the parameters need for later analysis and design. Each bar element has a local coordinate-system which y and z axes define the plane of its cross-section.

ParameterMeaningExample
AArea1584606874911-332.png
PPerimeter
A/PArea/Perimeter
Yg, ZgCenter of gravity
Ys, ZsShear center position
Iy, IzMoment of inertia
Wy, WzSection modulus
ez max, ey maxMaximum distance of extreme fiber
ez min, ey minMinimum distance of extreme fiber
iy, izRadius of inertia
Sy, SzMaximum statical moment
ItTorsion moment of inertia
WtTorsion section modulus
IgammaWarping parameter
IyzCentroidal product of inertia
z omegaWagner warping parameter
alpha1, alpha2Angle of principal direction
I1, I2Principal moment of inertia
W1 min, W2 minPrincipal minimum section modulus
W1 max, W2 maxPrincipal maximum section modulus
e2 max, e1 maxMaximum distance of extreme fiber
e2 min, e1 minMinimum distance of extreme fiber
i1, i2Radius of principal inertia
S1, S2Principal maximum statical moment
So1, So2Principal statical moment of half area
c1, c2Plastic/elastic moment capacity
Rho1, Rho2Principal shear factor
z2, z1Wagner parameter

Table: Sectional characteristics

A cross-section is stored in the following tree structure: group > type > size. New library items can be defined or previous ones can be edited (renamed, modified or deleted) by the following settings options.

1584607167580-291.png

Figure: Section library structure

Cross-sections used in the project and defined as parametric profiles are grouped in Used sections library, but they are available only in the current project.

1584607191209-527.png

Figure: “Used sections” library

warning.pngYou can Import and Export the Section Library to share the content of the Library.

Composite sections

Composite sections can be set for beams, columns and piles.

The available composite section types:

1584607343173-225.png 1584607351751-959.png 1584607361511-319.png 1584607367112-925.png 1584607372070-449.png 1584607377559-346.png 1584607386386-143.png 1584607393225-359.png

Click Default settings/Section tab/Composite/New to open the settings of Composite sections.

1584607437480-666.png

warning.pngFor the time being only above listed composite sections can be selected, there is no choice to create alternative section.

Materials

The Material tabpage of the settings dialog contains predefined materials according to the current national standard.

A model may include mixture of elements with different materials, and analysis can be done for the complete model, but design can be done for elements having proper materials.

MaterialDesign
ConcreteRC design
SteelSteel design
TimberTimber design
General- (only for analysis)
Bar steel (Reinforcement)RC design

Table: Available and design materials

Material library stores the available materials by material type groups. Materials used in the project are grouped in Used materials library, but they are available only in the current project.

1584607519068-883.png

Figure: Material library

Above the standard materials, user can define concrete, steel, timber and general materials. The new materials are also stored in the Material library in the proper material type group. To define a new (e.g. concrete) material, select the required material group name (e.g. Concrete), click New and set the required material properties starting with the material name first.

1584607546988-851.png

Figure: Material types

The properties of the current (selected in the list) material can be edited with the Modify tool.

Customized material database can be shared between projects and users with the Export and Import tools. Click Export to save all materials of the current project in a named database file (.fdlmat). To load an exported material database to a project, just apply Import and browse for it.

1584608176655-895.png
Figure: Material export/import

light.pngJust one click on Quantity estimation (Tools menu), and a fast process collects all structural elements of the current project with their applied materials, material qualities, identifiers, main geometric parameters (e.g. profiles), quantities etc.
warning.pngModifying the national standard for a model the program shows a dialog where you can convert the material property of the structural elements and the reinforcing steel, so the materials will automatically change after switching the code.

1584608191237-124.png

Figure: Material conversion dialog

Information Pop-up

Moving the cursor over a structural object, an Information pop-up appears with its main properties. For example, the pop-up displays the ID, the material, the thickness, the alignment and orthotropic features for Plates.

1584613969028-552.png

Figure: Information pop-up example

warning.pngInformation pop-up appears only for elements on visible layers and if there is not running command.
light.pngPop-up is enabled by default. To unable it, uncheck the Display information pop-up at Settings > All > Environment > General >View.

“Properties” Tool

1584614046306-822.png       With the Properties tool of a tool palette, the properties of a selected object or objects can be inquired and edited in dialog format (similar to Default settings).

1584614094257-717.png

Figure: Modifying object properties (e.g. cross-section of a selected beam)

Modify properties by “Quick menu”

Alternative way of modifying object properties is to select any object by right click, or more objects of the same type by box, then click “Properties 1584968999220-381.png in the Quick menu to check/modify its/their properties. This function works for structural objects, loads or design elements.

1584614131051-278.png

“Pick properties” and “Copy properties”

With these functions the properties of an object can be copied to others of the same type, or picked to use as default. Both can be found in the Tools menu and in the toolbar as well.

1584614148289-653.png

To copy properties with the Copy properties (1584614182261-577.png ) function, first select the source object, then one or more objects to which the properties are to be applied.

1584614161427-800.png

Pick properties (1584614198743-481.png ), when used on an object (of the same type as in the active editing dialogue) will update the default settings for its type.

warning.png

Pick properties can only be used when Define is selected in an editing window, otherwise it is disabled.

1584614287014-961.png

Copy and Pick properties work according to the following rules:

  • Generally, the properties defined by the property dialogue will be picked or copied.
  • They are only available in the 3D Structure and Plate modules.
  • ID will not be copied.
  • Load case of loads will not be copied.
  • Varying shell thickness and surface load value will not be copied.

Numbering

Structural elements with an ‘Identifier (. position number)’ will have an automatically or manually assigned position number.

1584614344163-874.png

The position number will be 0 upon creating the object and will be automatically set to another value in the following cases:

  • before creating a list
  • using the Find tool
  • before calculation

User can manually set position numbers by Tools/Numbering… 1584614355603-251.png  tool.

1584614361983-249.png

Use 1584614366715-716.png  for Manual position numbering

  1. type required position number into the Position no. textbox
  2. select option for handling position number conflicts
  3. select object(s) to set position number for

1584614375936-666.png

warning.png

In case more objects are selected, the first one gets the position number typed by the user and for the next ones it is increased automatically.

To set position number of component objects, like edge connections, corbels, post-tensioned cables, punching regions, the Select component (…)  auxiliary option has to be checked.

Objects with manually set position number can be highlighted by checking the last option of the tool window.

1584614416851-247.png

The position number can be reset to zero by choosing Reset 1584614431314-981.png  option then selecting one or more objects.

Automatic numbering 1584614436757-234.png  sets position number automatically for all objects in the database except the ones with manually set position number.

The option to Lock numbering can be accessed by clicking its icon 1584614443611-700.png  in the same Tool window.

1584614453969-412.png

When the numbering of a selected object type is locked, the position number of individual elements will remain the same. The maximum position number is saved for all IDs, so position numbers less than that will not be used in the future, even if some items are deleted.

This means all the element types with their numbering locked will retain their original ID, even after refreshing the numbering (either manually, or automatically).

1584614475497-574.png

Display Settings of Structural Elements

The display properties of the structural elements can be set at the Settings > All… > Display.

The available options depend on the current FEM-Design module.

1584614523032-825.png

Figure: Settings options affect on the appearance of the structural elements

  • Drawing elements
    With the Show end points of line option you can show (or hide) the insertion points of planar structural objects, their holes and bar objects (beams, columns etc.). These points are visible in all display modes, but the Wireframe mode without displaying the elements’ thickness gives the clearest appearance of them.
    1584615910533-659.png
    Figure: Insertion points displayed in Wireframe mode
    light.png

    By showing the insertion points you can also detect the unnecessary (for example accidentally) defined points, which may cause “too refined” finite element mesh in planar structural elements. The unnecessary points can be deleted with editing tools (Edit menu) which can be applied for region elements (such as plate, wall regions etc.). For example, stretch the unnecessary points outside the host region, and then cut the stretched region part(s) with the Split tool of the Modify region (Edit menu) or with the Hole tool of the structural planar object.

    1584615989630-259.png
    Figure: Unnecessary definition points detected visually

    With the Fill-up with color option the planar objects (plate, wall, drawing regions) can be displayed with their reference plane as colored surface or with their contour lines only. Applying the fill colors is useful to display holes/openings clearly. The filling color of an element is the default color of the Object layer includes the element. It can modified at the layer settings by element types (Plate, Wall etc.) or with the Color option of the Change properties tool (Edit > Properties) by elements (independently from their types).

    1584616071151-864.png

    Figure: Planar objects displayed with their colored surface or without it in Wireframe mode
     

  • Structure and load labels
    Information of structural elements (such as ID, position number, material properties, section names etc.) and load (such as intensity, Comment etc.) can be displayed on the screen by element types in Wireframe display mode.
    1584616104727-156.png
    Figure: Info labels displayed on screen by element types
     
  • Storey
    In this section the User can select how the objects can be displayed within the storey.

Every object is displayed which is in the plane of the storey or if it is crossing the range of the storey above or below according to the setting.

To display one of the defined storeys click on the  1584616155897-470.png  icon in the Toolbar, then choose the storey you wish to be displayed:

1584616168168-960.png

The pictures below show the whole structure and how its displayed parts depend on the selected option in Settings/Display/Storey dialog.

1584616182777-407.png 1584616187594-921.png

1584616194169-291.png 1584616199926-540.png

  • Display local system
    The local co-ordinate system of the structural elements can be displayed with the Display local system option by element types. The size of the local system symbol can be set at the Size option. The color of the local system axes can be set at Local systems setting. The default colors are: green for the local x’ axis, red for the local y’ axis and blue for the local z’ axis.
    1584616227707-955.png
    Figure: Local co-ordinate system displayed on screen by element types
     
  • Special display settings of walls
    With the Display wall base line option (3D Structure and Predesign modules only) the bottom end of the walls can be displayed as a hatched surface.
    By inactivating the Display wall height option (Plate module only) only the reference support line (as hatched surface) can be displayed without showing the height-extension that is out from the plates’ calculation 2D plane.

    1584616265108-734.png
    Figure: Special display options of walls
  • Special display settings of bar elements
    The Display section shape option shows the applied section of the bar elements as a colored symbol in the middle of the bar reference lines. The size (Scale), the filling (Fill) and contour (Border) colors are customizable. Although, section shape symbols are visible in most of the different display modes, their “best” display mode is the Wireframe mode without displaying the elements’ thickness.

    The Display connections option shows the end connection property (see Beam, Column or Fictitious bar connection settings) of the bar elements. Only the free end motion components can be displayed as arrows, where a simple arrow shows a motion component by its direction and a double-headed arrow shows the axis direction of a rotation component. The fix (rigid) end connection components are never displayed. The color of an end motion component equals with the color of the proper axis of the host bar element’s local system (see before, Display local system). The size of the symbols can be set at the Size option.
    1584622743015-422.png
    Figure: Special display options of bar elements
     
  • Layer, color and pen width
    All elements are placed (and grouped) on Object layers according to their type. So, for example, columns are on the “Columns” layer and the walls are on the “Walls” layer. The default color and pen width of elements’ contours/reference lines are represented by their host layers. For example, by default, walls are red, if the color of the “Walls” layer is also red.
    1584622795988-176.png
    Figure: Layer-system of structural objects
light.png

The default color of an object can be modified independently from their types with the Color option of the Change properties tool (Edit > Properties).

Color schema

This feature lets the users to navigate a model easier, by allowing them to fully customize element colors. These options can be accessed through the Tools à Colors menu command, or by clicking on their icon (1584622927900-699.png ) in the toolbar.

Mode determines the attribute on which the color coding is based. When None is selected, the default colors for object types will be used.

1584622957109-755.png

1584623007739-957.png

For each object type, the following attributes are available:

Beam, column and trussID, Material, Cross-section
Plane plate and wallID, Material, Thickness
Profiled plate and wallID, Material, Cross-section
Timber panelID, Material
Edge connectionID, Rigidity type

The Manage button can be used to save a specified color coding system. These can be selected afterwards from the drop-down list to the left from the Manage button. Schema color is saved only for a given project.

1584623053547-462.png

Clicking the Apply button will apply the color code to the model. Enabling the Auto apply checkbox will apply any changes automatically.

When a custom color scheme is in use, a legend window will be displayed. With the Position button, the placement of this window can be specified; it can even be hidden. By default, the legend is displayed in the bottom left corner of the screen.
1584623072972-909.png

Colors, borders, and their line types (with thickness) can be modified by clicking on the Edit palette button. In the dialog box, all parameters can be set for every value of the specified attribute (ID, Material or Thickness). It is possible to save these settings separately to be used in another color scheme.

1584623091638-620.png

The Settings button will allow you to save your color scheme to a file (*.cpal) or as default, or load another schema.

warning.pngWhen a color scheme is saved, only the colors and their order will be stored, values need to be specified each time.
light.pngPen (line weight) can use pixels as well as millimeters. A positive number means millimeters, while a negative one will give the line width in pixels. A line weight given in millimeters will remain the same in the documentation. When pen size is given in pixels, the line weight will remain the same on-screen, regardless of zoom level.

Geometry

The definition modes and the available shapes of structural elements’ reference line or reference plane depend on:

  • The structural type: 1D Member or Planar Object, and
  • The current FEM-Design module.

The Tool palette of a structural element contains only the available modes. The next table summarizes the geometry possibilities by structural elements.

TypeIconModules where available

Definition

mode

Geometry
Soil1584623251342-300.png1584623272867-980.pngReference region
Borehole1584623478078-802.png1584623277989-659.pngReference point- (Insertion point)
Pile1584948457531-282.png1584948462484-973.pngReference line
Isolated foundation1584624069104-381.png1584623280887-312.pngRegular shape
Reference solid1584624377056-530.png Pick existing solid (Geometry)
Wall foundation1584624261505-269.png1584623287446-553.pngLine
Foundation slab1584624421586-550.png1584623297416-834.pngRegion
1584624441837-681.png1584624450492-324.pngReference point- (Insertion point)
1584623303315-573.png 1584624105479-200.pngReference line
1584624564721-232.png

1584623342867-600.png 1584624099643-656.png

Reference line
1584624582798-190.png1584623345607-668.png 1584624093581-629.png 1584624141904-781.pngReference point- (Insertion point)
1584624598909-360.png1584623347714-840.png 1584624118381-851.pngReference beams-
Column corbel1584626086733-429.png1584623350740-283.png 1584624114784-116.pngReference point on a column- (Insertion point)
Wall corbel1584626089193-100.png1584623353009-633.pngReference line
1584626108393-467.png1584624129994-181.png 1584623356108-911.pngReference region
1584626155224-753.png1584624132656-255.pngReference line
1584626498399-746.png 1584626666857-191.pngReference region
1584623360146-509.pngReference region
1584626165079-213.png1584623321986-874.pngReference region
1584626172354-822.png1584623321986-874.pngReference region
1584626179198-475.png

1584626364745-447.png

 

Reference region
Reference region
1584626189643-296.png 1584626198843-858.png1584624153750-998.png 1584626506933-120.png 1584626542318-723.png 1584626471244-390.png 1584626361817-129.pngReference point- (Insertion point)
1584626246461-851.png 1584626255708-112.png

1584624156911-243.png 1584626509582-695.png 1584626542318-723.png 1584626465050-475.png 1584626360759-306.png

Reference line
1584627036758-199.png1584624162949-282.png 1584626357599-694.png  Reference region
1584626854928-822.png1584624162949-282.png 1584626525892-294.png 1584626542318-723.png 1584626404958-277.png 1584626347070-675.pngReference points- (Insertion points)
1584626849564-903.png1584624166085-413.png 1584626528620-972.png 1584626537838-910.png 1584626404958-277.png 1584626348752-205.pngReference lines
1584626835276-942.png1584624169288-537.png 1584626398213-720.png 1584626338887-991.pngReference line

Cover

Wall type

1584626276528-532.png 1584626285200-177.png1584626393910-272.png 1584626336747-529.pngReference line

Cover

- Slab or roof type

 1584626390126-424.png 1584626334467-202.pngReference region
1584624184377-240.png1584626388360-891.png 1584626332274-282.pngReference plane shape-

Table: Structural Objects and their geometry definition

Hole

1584706736189-590.png       Holes, openings and cuttings can be added to reference regions (Plate, Wall and Surface support) with the Hole tool. The following geometries can be used for holes:

The steps of a hole definition:

  1. Select the host region with mouse-clicking. Clicking a region places the UCS into the region plane, so giving hole coordinates needs only X and Y values from the UCS origin.
  2. Define the geometry of the hole with one of the following geometry modes:
    1584706750496-863.png  Rectangular
    1584706782578-809.png  Circular
    1584706787849-490.png  Polygonal
    1584706793511-935.png  Pick lines

1584706811302-975.png

Figure: Examples for holes

1584706861606-261.png

Figure: Hole tool can be used to edit region geometries as cuttings

Holes can be easily copy inside a region or among regions with same reference plane position with the Copy command (Edit menu). It is recommended to display only the regions’ reference plane (inactive Display thickness option) to easily select the contour of the hole you would like to copy. To set the distances/new positions, the UCS has to be in the plane of the host region(s).

1584706885561-898.png

Figure: Copying holes in a Wall

Direction

Numerous objects need direction settings for their positioning (bar elements) or their components definition (supports). The next table summarizes the direction possibilities by structural elements.

TypeIconModules where availableDirection forDirection Modes
Soil1584711285392-617.png1584712006264-111.png--
Borehole1584711290870-489.png1584712008949-787.png--
Isolated foundation1584711296674-615.png1584712010771-322.pngSolid position:
Direction of local x’ axis
Wall foundation1584711303553-127.png1584712012851-458.png--
Foundation slab1584711309010-316.png1584712015079-616.png--
Beam1584711313833-385.png1584714697029-359.png 1584712026097-564.png

Cross-section position:

Direction of local y’ axis

Column1584711323366-603.png1584714735464-665.png 1584714679142-162.png 1584712028654-886.png

Cross-section position:

Direction of local y’ axis

Truss member1584711328905-765.png1584714663160-148.png 1584712068391-862.png

Cross-section position:

Direction of local y’ axis

Column corbel1584711410693-123.png1584712077681-687.png

Horizontal axis position:

Angle between the horizontal axis of the corbel and the local y’ axis of the column

1584715200772-583.png

Alpha[°]

Point support1584711402142-454.png1584714743178-860.pngRotation direction1584715043353-386.png Predefined direction (Geometry)
  1584714815881-354.png 1584714845551-979.pngMotion component direction1584715057079-206.png Parallel with line (Geometry)
  1584712176791-802.png 1584712081677-423.pngComponent direction1584715075140-697.png Perpendicular to plane (Geometry)
Point support group1584711419164-677.png1584714754985-386.png 1584714820244-759.png 1584714847906-752.pngComponent direction- (Predefined direction)
  

1584712171748-874.png 1584712085634-334.png

Component direction

(reference system)

Line support1584711426719-997.png1584714760642-469.pngRotation direction1584715043353-386.png Predefined direction (Geometry)
  1584714802324-501.png 1584714850558-530.pngMotion component direction1584715057079-206.png Parallel with line (Geometry)
  1584712154811-509.png 1584712090694-106.pngComponent direction1584715075140-697.png Perpendicular to plane (Geometry)
Line support group1584711431853-510.png1584714765861-406.png 1584714798601-762.png 1584714852297-294.pngComponent direction- (Predefined direction)
  

1584712145237-643.png 1584712094285-339.png

Component direction

(reference system)

1584711439003-394.png1584714772017-255.png 1584714795090-522.png 1584714857590-118.png 1584712134914-287.png 1584712114611-699.pngComponent direction
Line-line connection1584711444378-138.png

1584714780200-418.png 1584714789968-872.png 1584714864191-992.png 1584712128585-509.png 1584711616851-229.png

 

Component direction

Table: Structural Objects and their direction settings

Change Direction

Any previously set direction can be modified by the editing commands (Edit menu): Change direction and Rotate.

Change direction uses the Predefined direction, Parallel with line and Perpendicular to plane direction definition tools.

1584717194269-503.png

Figure: Beam position (local y’ axis) is modified with Change direction

Rotate edits a selected direction or the main direction of a selected system with giving new direction points or the rotation angle. Rotation works around a given point or an axis.

1584717201569-985.png

Figure: Rotate modifies the main direction (x’) of the Point support group

Supports and Connections

This chapter summarizes the possibilities and properties of the available supports and connections.

The connection with the ground (model space) can be modeled with Supports, while the link among structural elements can be defined with Connections. All support/connection components can be set to:

  • “infinite” rigid: blocked motion/rotation,
  • “free”: released motion/rotation, or
  • semi-rigid: given stiffness value (spring) against motion/rotation.

Non-linear behaviors, independent compression and tension, elastic and plastic behaviour settings are also available for all motion and rotation components.

light.pngEdge connection is a special tool of structural object definitions. Although it was described at planar objects (like Plate), the following connection settings and functions are also valid for Edge connections.
warning.png

Support motion loads have to be assigned to supports, so supports are requested input parameters for motion-type loads.

Always try to create stable structural model by defining correct support and connection conditions. From unstable (kinematically indeterminate) structure equilibrium error can be resulted. In that case the program sends a warning message at the end of the calculations, and you can determine the location of the problems by checking the equilibrium (Analysis > Equilibrium), the displacement/buckling and/vibration shape results of the structure. It may also happen that the model is so incorrect that calculations stops with error messages and without results.

“Infinite” Rigidity

The value of “infinite” rigidity can be defined and set as project default by support/connection types and components at Settings > All > FEM. Go through the Motion and Rotation components by support and connections types and set the requested stiffness value that model blocked absolute/relative displacement.

light.png

The “rigid” values can be set to default for further projects, if select “Rigid” values in the Settings tree and click Save as default.

1585063861141-403.png

Figure: “Rigid” values

light.png

The “rigid” value can be set by support/connection/fictitious bar element inside its settings dialog (Setup “Rigid”) independently of the project default.

1585063900363-901.png

Figure: “Rigid” value set by support objects

Properties (Non-linear behaviours)

Compression, tension, elastic and plastic behavior of supports and connections can be set separately and by components.

1585063962335-274.png

Figure: The parts of typical support/connection settings dialogs

  • Stiffness fields by compression and tension
    “Rigid” or Free can be chosen from the pop-ups, or stiffness value (spring support/connection) can be typed in the fields.
    light.png

    Active 1585064011285-311.png  icon assigns the stiffness value typed in the Compression field to the Tension field. Inactive icon 1585064017291-624.png  lets to define the stiffness values separately.

  • Predefined types
    Click 1585064057071-311.png  to set all motion and rotation components to “rigid”. The result will be a totally rigid support/connection.
    Click 1585064062442-248.png  to set all rotation components to “free” (allow rotation around all directions). The result will be a hinged support/connection.
    Click 1585064073613-904.png  to set all components to free. This tool gives the possibility to virtually connect independently moving elements.
    light.png

    Uplift” can be modeled both in 2D and 3D design modules by defining compression-only support / connection (tension = 0 (free)) and by checking the Consider non-linear behavior of supports, trusses and connections box at Calculate> Analysis.

    1585064110145-957.png

    Figure: Allow uplift in Plate and 3D Structure modules

  • Using “Detach” option
    The nonlinear behavior of supports and connections (Point support, Point support group, Line support, Line support group, Surface support, 3D Plates and Walls Edge connection, border and panel connection of Timber panels and Profiled panels) can be controlled by one signed component. It means, if the force in the connection / support happen to act in this selected direction, all spring constants will be set to 0, so called it is detached. This option can be set in the dialog, where the spring coefficients are set. If in the Detach list anything is selected (e.g. z’ tension) the corresponding spring constant will be automatically set to 0.

    1585064150149-209.png
1585064177336-343.png

If in Calculations dialog the ”Consider non-linear behavior of supports, trusses and connections” option is checked the calculation method is the following: If in the connection where the detach behavior is defined (e.g. z’ tension) the connection force is tension in the given direction (z’) in an iteration step all of the other spring constant will be set to 0. If in any later iteration step the connection force will be compression, the spring constants will be set to the previously defined values.

1585064193502-609.png

warning.pngThere is a big difference between setting any of the components to zero or selecting a detach behavior. If the user sets manually a component to zero, in the analysis the connection or support will not have rigidity in that direction.

Supports

Support types

The following table summarizes the available support types and their main features in the different FEM-Design Modules.

warning.pngColumn and Plane wall are developed to model single point and line support in 1585064308121-249.png  Plate module. These types of support are not mentioned in the Support chapter.
IconName
1585064474212-720.pngPoint support
1585064468499-110.pngPoint support group
1585064429398-198.pngLine support
1585064423053-113.pngLine support group
1585064415542-626.pngSurface support group

Single Support versus Support group

Single Support defines only one component in one step, whilst Support group places a group of more components in one step. Although single Supports can be combined and work as a group support, it is recommended to define multi-support conditions with Support group, because all support components can be set or modified later (with the 1585148173109-272.png Properties tool) inside one settings dialog.

1585148177757-781.png

Figure: A fully rigid support modeled by six single Support components or one Support group

Special color-system differentiates single Supports from the Support group components. Whilst a single Support uses the color of the “Supports” Object layer, the components of a Support group are displayed in the colors equivalent with the support’s Local system (Settings > All > Display > Support and Local systems).

1585148198162-954.png

Figure: Color settings of support types

Connection Objects

Connection types

IconFunction
1585065760145-701.pngPoint-point connection
1585065769120-640.pngLine-line connection
warning.png

Edge connection is not a “connection object”. It is a definition tool for boundary connection conditions, which is available for Plate/Wall, Profiled panel and Timber Panel elements. But, the non-linear behavior and component settings are valid for edge connections introduced for the supports and below mentioned connection elements. See the definition modes and possibilities of an Edge connection at Plate.

The end connection property of the bar elements are also not “connection objects”. You can read more about them at the Beam, Column and Fictitious bar connection settings.

For the end points of the edge connections two options are available:

  • Separate end points from environment,
  • Connect end point to environment.

In all Shell Toolwindows this setting is available by choosing ‘Edge connection’ then clicking 1585148332414-120.png on ‘End point behaviour’ 1585148337443-223.png  button. The end point can be chosen in three steps by selecting the Plate or Wall, then the edge and finally the end point.

1585148343595-809.png

light.png

Using this function can solve problems like the one on the picture below:

On the right side structure all edge connection end points are connected to the environment which cases difference between the shear force on the wall and the sum of shear forces on the plate panels, which should be in balance according to common sense and this is exactly the case on the left side structure where edge connection end points are separated from the environment.

1585148385776-904.png

Plastic calculation

The plastic data can be set in the Default settings/Data tab of each above mentioned options. The figure shows where the feature is placed in the dialog.

1585064808744-872.png

Rigidity type

This option is used by Point support group, Line support group, Surface support groupEdge connection in Plane Plate and Wall structural objects, Point-point connection, Line-line connection, border and panel connection of Timber and Profiled panels. With rigidity type the user can define and load specific predefined spring constants.

If the rigidity type is Custom the user can define the spring constants as in previous versions. To define a type the user has to choose the Edit library… option.

1585064901136-748.png

After defining rigidity types, the defined spring constants will be registered in the Library and it can be loaded in the future.

1585064908346-534.png

warning.png

There are some objects that use the same rigidity type library:

  • Line – line connection, Edge connection (3D Plate, Wall), border and panel connection of Timber panels and Profiled panels

Construction stages

Construction stages are explained on this page: Construction stages

 

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