|
||
|
|
||
Once a connection is created, its parameters may be displayed in the property window, adjusted and modified in order to satisfy all the requirements laid on the particular connection.
The parameters, of course, depend on the connection type that is being edited. Knee connection will have different parameters in the table than e.g. plate-to-plate connection. If more that one connection is edited at the same time (i.e. more than one connection is selected), the intersection of the parameters common to all selected connections is displayed in the property window.
The property table also hides all the "illogical" parameters. For example, unless the user specifies that there are bolts in the connection, it is not possible to select their length, diameter and other parameters.
In order to make the design of connection a straightforward action, the parameters are sorted in separate groups. The user may either open or close the group in the property window. It may be a good practice to close those groups whose design has been finished. Thus the list of parameters in the property window becomes shorted and clearer.
The following overview presents the groups of parameters that may appear in the property window. Some groups of parameters or some particular parameters in groups may be available only for specific connection type or types.
|
Name |
Specifies the name that appears in outputs. |
|
Type of loads |
Specifies the "type of load" that is used for calculations (checking) of the connection. E.g. load cases or load case combinations may be selected. |
|
Frame type |
Specifies the type of the frame. The frame may be with bracing or without it. |
|
Informs the user about the geometrical type of the connection. |
Several beams may come to the connection. Each of the beams has got an individual Side group in the table.
The parameters in the group define which particular parts form the particular connection. The contents of the group may vary according to which parameters have been already specified in the group.
Possible parameters in the Side group are:
This group of parameters specifies properties and dimensions of the end plate welded to the connected beam.
This group of parameters specifies properties and dimensions of the backing plate.
This group of parameters specifies properties, shape and dimensions of the bottom stiffener.
This group of parameters specifies properties and dimensions of the top stiffener.
This group of parameters specifies properties and dimensions of the diagonal stiffener.
This group of parameters specifies properties, type and dimensions of the web doubler. It also automatically calculates the size of the element.
This group of parameters specifies properties, type and dimensions of the pinned plate.
This group of parameters specifies properties, type and dimensions of cleat.
Here, the bolt assembly, pattern, distance and other parameters concerning bolts are specified.
This group of parameters specifies properties of the stiffener between bolt rows.
This group specifies parameters of weld used in the connection.
This group summarises properties of concrete block to which a steel beam is fixed by means of anchors.
The Anchor data group provides for input of anchor type, shape and properties.
Example:
Let’s assume a standard knee connection of a column and a beam. There will be only one Side group in the table. It will contain parameters:
end plate,
top stiffener,
bottom stiffener,
diagonal stiffener,
web doubler.
As soon as the user inserts an end plate to the connection, two more parameters are added to the group:
backing plate,
bolts.
Further let’s assume that the user specifies the bolts in the connection. At that moment the connection becomes "realistic" and new items are added to the group:
update calculation,
calculation type,
output.
Bubble help: The editing and adjusting of individual connection parameters is quite easy thanks to a sophisticated feature implemented in the property window. Whenever the user places the mouse cursor over a value cell in the table, the program shows a "bubble" help that brings a simple drawing explaining the meaning of the particular parameter. For example, the pictures below explain the difference between a small and large web doubler.
