Selecting the joints for display of connection forces

Usually, the user will probably use module Connections for design and checking of connections in the structure. However, it may be sometimes useful to perform a manual design and fast checking of an individual joint manually.

SCIA Engineer enables the user to select required joints (or nodes), define the "configuration" of the connection and review easily the internal forces acting in these connections (or nodes).

The term "configuration" in this context means the basic arrangement of the connection. If no "configuration" is adjusted, the internal forces in the connection are equal to zero, as each joint of the structure must be in equilibrium, which is one of the principles of numerical method applied for calculation. In order to obtain the required internal forces, it is necessary to define:

which 1D member (entering the joint) is the owner of the connection,
which other 1D members contribute to the connection (i.e. the internal forces of which 1D members are transferred into the connection).

Let’s assume a node where four 1D members meet. Two 1D members are vertical and two are horizontal. The joint then looks like a simple cross. If such a joint is selected and no other adjustment is made, the resultant internal forces will be equal to zero and won’t be shown.

If, however, one of the 1D members (e.g. the bottom vertical 1D member) is selected as the owner of the connection, the function shows internal forces that are transferred into the joint from the remaining three 1D members. The connection should be then designed to resist these forces.

The procedure for selection of required nodes and definition of the "configuration" of connection

Open service Results.
Activate (doubleclick) function Connection input.
If required, type the name of the connection.
Select the co-ordinate system. The internal forces will be then determined in the selected system.
Confirm with [OK].
Select node or nodes where the connection forces should be displayed. A circular mark is drawn around each of the selected nodes.
Close the function.
If more than one connection has been defined, clear the selection and select the first one.
The Property window displays the parameters of the connection including all the entering 1D members.
Select, i.e. unmark, the 1D member that is the "owner" of the connection.
Select, i.e. mark, all the 1D members that contribute to the connection.
If necessary, clear the selection and select another connection.

Note: The internal forces in the connection may be then displayed using function Connection forces.