Input
Content
- Improved Storey definition
- Objects conversion
- Edge connection ID set in advance
- New composite bar section
- Automatic creep and shrinkage calculation
Improved Storey definition
In addition to specifying the storey-system within a table, we can now quickly create storeys in the model space laid in the plane or axes of horizontal objects that already exist in the project.
Creation is quick: just select the appropriate one of the following horizontal object-types (available on Structure tab) with Define:
- Horizontal surface-type object:
- All Plate-types
- Foundation slab
- Surface support
- Fictitious shell
- Horizontal line-type object:
- Beam
- Truss member
- Wall foundation
- All Line support-types
- Fictitious bar
- Point-type object:
- All Point support-types
- Isolated foundation
Objects conversion
The object type generation done by 3D model-based inputs (IFC, Tekla Structures, Revit, Grasshopper, Dynamo,...) is most often tool- or classification-driven in BIM/CAD modeler softwares. Thus, it may happen (typically in architectural practice) that, for example, a structural element that would be considered as a wall in a structural analysis was modeled with a column creator tool in a modeler and was exported as "Column". This is converted to a Column analytical member by the FEM-Design automatic converter. To solve this and similar "modelling" issues or design practice changes, we can change the analysis and so the FEM-Design structural object type (here Column) with the CONVERT tool of the target element (here one of the Wall commands). The following figure shows an example of its use.
The converted object keeps as many properties of the original one as possible; all other properties are derived from Default settings of the target object's tool. An example: if the original object is a Wall, the converted Column gets its material from the Wall's material, its cross-section is set according to the Wall’s width and thickness, its length is equal to Wall’s height, but its analysis and design data, its Stiffness values and End conditions are set according to Default settings of the applied Column command.
The following table shows all the conversion possibilities of the structural elements:
Generally one object is converted into one object except for conversion between bars and profiled panels. Multiple Beams or Columns can be converted into a single Profiled panel, if the selected elements are close enough to each other and their geometry and position allows. In reverse, if a Profiled wall object is chosen to be converted to Columns, there will be as many new Columns as many physical wall panels are in the original object.
Edge connection ID set in advance
Edge connection ID-s can be set in advance, before shell object is defined. This function is available for Plane plate, Plane wall, Foundation slab and Fictitious shell objects.
Examples:
1. Create a new Wall with different edge connections
We can search for Edge connections by their given IDs with the Filter function:
2. Create a new Plate with hinged connection at all edges:
3. Modify an edged connection of a Plate:
New composite bar section
A new Composite section type is available for Column and Beam objects.
Automatic creep and shrinkage calculation
Automatic calculation of the Creep and the Shrinkage material factors is implemented for reinforced concrete objects.
Parent topic: FEM-Design 20 New Features