Inserting a new beam

When inserting a new 1D member into a model the user must distinguish between two situations:

• insertion of a general 1D member or column or horizontal beam,

• insertion of a 1D member that has got a variable cross-section (either haunch or generally variable cross-section).

The first situation means a real insertion of a new 1D member into the model. The latter means that appropriate properties are defined on already an existing 1D member in the model. The procedures for the definition of a "haunch" beam and a beam with a variable cross-section are given in separate chapters.

The principle of the procedure for insertion of a new 1D member is identical for both a general 1D member and a column and a horizontal beam. It is clear that there are some differences between the individual beam types, and therefore there must be slight differences also in the defining procedure. However, the differences are so small that a united procedure may be presented here and the differences discussed in chapters dealing with appropriate beam type.

Procedure for insertion of a beam

1. In the main tree menu, select and open service Structure. (As an alternative, service Structure may also be opened via its toolbar button or via the menu function).

2. In the Structure service, open the appropriate function according to 1D member type you want to insert.

3. Fill in the displayed dialogue, i.e. define the properties of the 1D member(s) you want to define in the next step.

4. Confirm the property dialogue by pressing [OK] button.

5. Define the position of the 1D member (using a mouse and any of available snap mode options or by typing the co-ordinates on the command line). This point varies according to the selected beam type (see General beam, Column, or Horizontal beam chapter).

6. The 1D member has been inserted.

7. Either (i) close the function or (ii) insert another 1D member, i.e. repeat steps 5 and 6.

8. Close the Structure service.