Quick tool to model prefabricated slabs and wall panels is optionally available for later analysis in  3D Structure module and the designing in .

Definition steps

1. If needed, set a proper position for the working plane.
2. Choose  or  according to the panel function to define a new profiled panel: Use as plate or Use as wall.
3. Set the panel settings under  (plate) or  (wall) Default settings.
   • Identifier (General)
     The program automatically generates it, but you can define custom value. Identifier (ID and Position) number can be displayed in model view (Display settings).
   • Alignment and Eccentricity (General)
     With Alignment the position of the reference (definition) plane can be set to Top/Left, Center or Bottom/Right.
     Eccentricity (e) is handled the same was as in Plane Plate.
     Eccentricity value can be displayed in model view (Display settings).
   • Section (Section)
     Predefined panel types are available in Section library in Hollow Core. Cross-section types can be imported or exported between users like the FEM-Design materials.
   • Physical and analytical model (General)
     In Profiled plate/wall dialog there is opportunity to select the physical model (in-situ or prefabricated), then analytical system of shell, if applicable. The analytical system can be Continuous or Panel by panel. This option is available in profiled plate and profiled wall.
   • Camber simulation by prestressing (General)
     See details at Beam.
     
     
     
     Figure: Physical model and Analytical system of a prefabricated panel

     Choosing continuous analytical system can be useful when modelling the whole structure e.g. in the preliminary design phase. The memory usage of calculation with continuous analytical system is less than panel by panel system due to the reduced number of edge connections. The use of panel by panel analytical system is reasonable in the phase of detailed design. In this case the results of the calculation are more accurate.

     In case of continuous analytical system, effect of the connections between the panels can be considered by the transverse flexural stiffness factor.

4. Set the panel group’s edge connection in Border tab.

5. Set the unique panel’s edge connection in Panel tab. The following figure shows the difference between the continuous and the panel border.
   
6. Define the profiled plate/wall based on the geometry of the reference plane/base line.
   For plate panels, the stiff direction has to be defined first. (For walls, the stiff direction is always perpendicular to the wall base line.) The distribution of panels is described with an anchor point. Defining is similar to Timber panel definition.

Optional steps:

7. The panel type of selected profiled panels can be modified subsequently with the  Properties tool.
8. Modify the default edge connections of the unique panel or panel group with  . Just select the plate/wall panel and then its edge(s) to set connection conditions at Border (DOF of the panel group) or Panel tab (rigid, hinged, free or semi-rigid (spring)), and finally set the requested motion and rotation settings. See the definition steps and possibilities at Plate.
9. Openings and cuttings can be added to timber panel elements with Edit > Region operations > Split regions.
10. Set the display settings of timber panels at Settings > All > Display > Shell (see Plate display settings).
11. The panels are stored on “Plates” Object layers. At layer settings, the default color and pen width can be set for all panel regions. The color and pen width settings by selected panel elements can be modified by Edit > Properties > Change appearance.
12. Modifying the anchor point it’s possible with Base line command:
    
13. With Swap panel two panel placement can be change which one panel is a truncated panel.
    
    
    
14. Cut panel will change the placement of the truncated panel.
    
    
15. To simulate camber of the elements check the box next to Camber simulation by prestressing in the Default setting/General tab.
    

Calculation of Profiled shell

Profiled shells are calculated as Fictitious shells (the stiffness matrices are calculated automatically, according to the tables below).

Section data:

• h_x, h_{y :} equivalent thickness in x and y direction
• I_x, I_y: equivalent inertias in x and y direction
• ρ_x, ρ_y: equivalent shear factor in x and y direction
• x direction: strong axis of the panel cross-section
• y direction: is perpendicular to the x direction in the plane of the panel

Material data:

• E: Young modulus
• G: Shear modulus
• ν: Poisson’s ratio

Panel data:

• q: transverse flexural stiffness factor (applicable only in Continuous analytical system)

Modifying any above mentioned data will affect the stiffness of shell. The stiffness of shell is calculated automatically. The value of the stiffness (derived from properties of the shell) can be checked by clicking on the “Display stiffness” button.

Different types of Young moduli (except for steel material) can be set in different types of calculations. It has a direct effect  on the values of stiffness matrices in different types of calculations. The stiffness values can be easily checked in “Display stiffness” dialog.

This feature gives the possibility to automatically calculate stiffness of concrete shell having complex geometry. Some typical examples are shown below (sections are made in section-editor).