Surface support group property	Description
Icon
Modules where available
Motion component direction	Parallel with Global Z axis in
	Arbitrary direction in
Rotation component direction	Not available
Geometry	Arbitrary region shape; holes can be placed into it
Available analysis results	Reaction forces
Load can be assigned	Surface support motion load
Default Short Command	SSF

Definition steps

While support definition, keep in mind not to create unstable situation! For example in 3D modules, model a hinged support under a wall with hinged line support added to a wall at its rigid edge or with rigid line support added to a wall at its hinged wall. In case of unstable situation the program sends a warning message during calculation.

Figure: Modeling same wall support condition in two ways

1. If needed (and available in the current FEM-Design module), set a proper position for the working plane.
2. Start the required support command from   tabmenu and choose  Define.
3. In case of single Support, choose the displacement type you would like to be define:
   •  Motion
   •  Rotation
4. Set the support properties as mentioned before in the applied support’s Default settings dialog. See the settings possibilities and options at Properties (Non-Linear Behaviors).
   In the settings dialog of a curved line support, the support direction has to set fixed or variable along the support’s reference line.
   
    Figure: Possible support directions in case of curved reference line
5. Define the required support component direction for the single Support or set the reference system for the Support group.
6. Choose a geometry definition method for the support’s reference point/line/region.
7. Define the support in the model view based on the chosen geometry method.

Optional steps:

8. Modify the geometry with the Edit menu commands valid for line/region elements.
9. Modify the support properties with the  Properties tool of the support’s tool palette.
10. Set the display settings of supports at Settings > All > Display > Support.

    “Label” represents the supports’ ID number generated by analysis/design calculation or by clicking Refresh numbering (Tools menu).

    Rotation support is displayed with symbol strongly different from motion representation.
    
    
    Figure: Typical symbols by support types

    Support groups can also be separated from the single Supports by displaying their Local system.

    
    
    Figure: Local system separates a one-component Support group from a same directional single Support

11. The supports are stored on “Supports” Object layers. At layer settings, the default color of the single Supports and pen width of all support types can be set. The color and the symbol line type (e.g. dotted) of selected supports can be modified by Edit > Properties > Change appearance.