Defining a new plate with beams

Input parameters for the plate

Name	Defines the name of the slab.
Type	Specifies the type of the slab. The user may select from types: (i) plate, (ii) wall, and (iii) shell. This type plays role e.g. in code checks. The check procedure applied depends on this parameter. Therefore, pay attention to the selection of proper type.
Material	Defines the material of the slab.
FEM model	Isotropic A normal isotropic slab with identical properties in all directions is used. Orthotropic An orthotropic slab with different properties in two orthogonal directions is used. Membrane Special membrane elements are used for the analysis of the slab.
Thickness	Specifies the thickness of the plate.
Member system plane at	The input-plane (system-plane) of the input slab may be in the mid-surface of the slab, at the top surface or bottom surface of the slab.
Eccentricity	If required, eccentricity of the slab may be input.
LCS type	Defines the type of the local coordinate system of the slab.
LCS axis	The orientation of the local Z axis of the slab may be easily turned around. This check box does it. See figures below. normal orientation $image\loadnormalZ.gif$ swapped orientation $image\loadswappedZ.gif$
LCS angle	The direction of the local X-axis may be input here.
Layer	Selects the layer of the slab.

Geometry of beams (part of the input parameters for the plate)

Position	The position of the beams can be defined by the distance between two adjacent beams or by the number of beams that is required under the plate.
Offset	Available only if Position set to Distance. This value defines the offset of the first beam from the plate edge. The distance is measured in the positive direction of the local y-axis of the plate. The beams follow the direction of the local x-axis of the plate.
Offset first Offset last	Available only if Position set to Number. These values define the offset of the first and last beam from the plate edge. The numbering of beams is made in the positive direction of the local y-axis of the plate. The beams follow the direction of the local x-axis of the plate.
Distance	Specifies the axial distance between two adjacent beams.
Alignment	Top The beams are laid on the top surface of the plate. Centre The axis of the beam is at the same level as the middle-plane of the plate. Bottom The beams are attached to the bottom surface of the plate.
Generate subregions	If ON, the final plate is defined with as many subregions as there are beams in the plate. One beam is accompanied with one subregion and they together create a T-section composed of the beam (i.e. rib) and the effective slab width.

Input parameters for the beams (parameters from the separate dialogue for the beams)

Name	Defines the name of the rib.
Type rib	Informs about the type of the entity.
Cross-section	Defines the cross-section of the rib.
Alignment	Disabled. Informs about the alignment adjusted in the plate parameters.
Shape of rib	T symmetric The beam and the plate form a regular T-section. slab left The plate is on the left side of the effective slab width. slab right The plate is on the right side of the effective slab width. slab non-sym The final cross-section is not symmetrical. The user must define the effective width on the left of the rib and on the right of the rib.
Effective width	Specifies how the effective width is defined: Default The effective width is determined as a multiple of rib width. The multiple can be defined in Calculation, Mesh > Solver setup > Number of thicknesses of rib plate. Width The effective width is explicitly specified. The value can be input below. Number of thicknesses The effective width is determined as a multiple of the thickness. The multiple can be input below this parameter.
for internal forces	Two types of effective width can be input. Both the values are used for the modelling of composite cross-section. Value "for internal forces" is used to recalculate internal of the created composite cross-section section. Value "for check" (see below) is used to define the cross-section for the needs of design and check of reinforced cross-section. Usually, a rectangular section is attached to the slab creating the final T or L section. However, also other library cross-sections can be used to form various composite sections (e.g. steel I section + concrete reinforced plate).
for check	See above.
FEM type	Defines the type of finite element: Standard The standard 1D finite element is used. The element can transfer both moments, axial and shear forces. Axial force only Truss finite element is applied. This element is capable of transferring the axial force only.
Buckling and relative lengths	Can be used to specify buckling lengths.
Layer	Specifies the layer of the rib.
2D member	Informs about the "associated" slab.

The procedure to define a new plate with beams

Open service Structure.
Start function 2D member > Ribbed slab.
Set the FEM model to Isotropic with beams or Orthotropic with beams or Membrane with beams.
Fill in other parameters (see below).
Confirm with [OK].
Define the shape of the plate.
When the shape definition is complete the input dialogue with beam (rib) parameters is opened on the screen.
Fill in the required parameters (see above).
Confirm with [OK].
The input is complete.