Intermediate section (Geometry)

Intermediate section property	Description
Icon
Modules where available
Axis position	Horizontal in
	Arbitrary (horizontal, vertical and skew) in
Cross-section	Arbitary
Eccentricity	Available
Material	Steel, concrete, timber and general
Available analysis results	Displacement, internal forces, stresses, stability and vibration shape in
Default Short Command	ISEC

Definition steps                        

1. If needed (and available in the current FEM-Design module), set a proper position for working plane. In all modules, respect that the gravity direction is always the Global Z axis direction.
2. Start  Intermediate section from  tabmenu and choose  Define.
   

3. Set the properties of the new Intermediate section at  Default setting:
   

   • Section
     Choose a beam profile from the Section library or define a new cross-section by parameters. The applied section name can be displayed in model view (Display settings).

   Intermediate section can be used with the same section shape and fabrication technology.

   • Insertion point
     The axis default position is on the gravity center (symbolized with yellow point in the section), but it can be set with its coordinate in the local y’z’ plane, or can be placed into special section points (e.g. plate corners) by clicking the yellow point into the requested position.
     
     
     You can manage the physical and analytical eccentricity separately for intermediate sections:
     

4. Define the direction of the cross-section y’ axis (only in 3D modules).
   The y’ axis cannot be modified in the   module, so it is always parallel with the Global X-Y (working) plane.

5. Define the Intermediate section placement.
   
   Figure: Defining an Intermediate section

Optional steps:

6. Modify the Intermediate section with the Properties.
7. The Intermediate section is part of the bar element so its layer and setting can be found like in Beam, Column or Truss.