A structural element within a member model consists of a member with a node at the beginning (node B) and a node at the end (node E). Nodes and bars can be defined in 2 ways:
By manually entering the coordinates of the node in the node table, followed by manually entering members between 2 nodes.
By freely sketching nodes and members using the mouse, using the "snap" to grid lines, grids or other bars & nodes.
Details of nodes:
Button label: prefix "N" with a serial number
Coordinates: an X and a Z value (in case of 2D-Frame)
Reference: if a node coincides with a grid, this is indicated in the Ref.
Details of members:
Member label: prefix "M" with a serial number
Node B: the begin node of the bar
Node E: the end node of the bar
Description: optional
Split on intersection: by enabling the checkboxes on at least two intersecting members, a node is created at the intersection without dividing the members into separate structural elements (in contrast to the functionality of "Split members"). If one of the two intersecting members is disabled, no intersection is generated.
To display the nodes created using "Split on intersection" on a structure, "Split on intersection" layer must be activated in the Visibility options:
Add, remove and change nodes and members
Functions:
Add member: command to add nodes and members.
Remove member: command to remove a node or a bar. If multiple nodes and/or members are selected, they will all be deleted.
Special functions:
Split members: intersecting members are automatically divided and provided with a node at the point of intersection.
The button is an on/off switch. By default this is on. If the button is not on, members are not automatically linked.
2 bars can be connected afterwards. Make a selection of both members and turn the button on. Confirm that there must be pairing.
Special functions:
Divide members: a member can be divided into several nodes and bars afterwards. As soon as a member is selected, the Split members button becomes active.
Divide then by entering a distance from the initial node (node B), followed by the number of divisions. If the number of parts is> 1, the division is repeated over the same distance.
Direction: By default, the distance is plotted along the local member axis. Optionally, the distance can be plotted in the global direction.
Divide: Divide a bar into X equal parts
Selections and functions via the right mouse button
Via the right mouse button there are even more functions available for changing and editing analysis models. These functions can be applied to individual nodes and bars, but also to groups (selections) of nodes and bars. That is why the Selection function is first explained:
Selection of filters:
Both nodes and members can be selected by default.
If desired, one of the two options can be disabled.
Selection options:
By clicking on a single node or member, it is selected. Selected parts color red.
The selection set can be expanded by clicking on multiple nodes or members, while holding down the shift or the ctrl key.
Draw a frame, where nodes or members fall completely into the frame. (window) Move the mouse from left to right. The frame has a solid line.
Draw a frame in which knots or bars fall completely or partially in the frame. (crossing) Move the mouse from right to left. The frame has a dotted line.
These different selection options can be applied simultaneously.
Right mouse key functions:
Reverse member direction: changes the local orientation of a member. Reversing is possible according to the local or global orientation. Locally, nodes B and E always change globally, taking into account the main global directions. Note: this can have a major impact on already applied loads.
Copy: Copies a selection from an origin (node or coordinate)
Paste: Pastes the selection at a desired point (node or coordinate)
Delete: Delete a selection
Divide: Divide a selection into several bars, with either the same or unequal lengths.
Move: Move a selection. The displacement can be carried out over a relative or absolute distance.
Merge: can merge multiple bars that are in line with each other into a bar.
Merge with eccentricities: n.t.b.
Connect to: Extends a bar to a designated mmber and makes an intermediate node at the intersection.
Make parallel with: Rotates a bar so that it is parallel to a designated bar. The initial node (node B) remains in its original position.
The other functions are shortcuts to topics that are covered in the relevant chapters.
