Assign to Layer

Function: This function is used to organize model elements (beams, columns, etc.) into logical groups or "layers" for visual management, filtering, and display control. Operation: First select the element by clicking on that from the model, and then select the desired Layer from the list by clicking the corresponding checkbox.

Node Restraints

Function: This function is used to define the support conditions and degrees of freedom at selected nodes in the structural model. Purpose: To establish the boundary conditions that simulate how the structure connects to its foundations or other supporting elements. Proper restraint assignment is essential for accurate structural analysis, as it directly influences load transfer, deformation behavior, and internal force distribution. Operation: For each selected node, specify the translational (Tx, Ty, Tz) and rotational (Rx, Ry, Rz) restraints by checking the corresponding boxes. Define spring stiffness values (Kx, Ky, Kz, Cx, Cy, Cz) where applicable for elastic supports. Additionally, specify any eccentricities (dx, dy, dz) between the node and the actual support location if needed.

Local Axis

Function: This function is used to define or modify the local coordinate system orientation at selected nodes in the structural model. Operation: For each selected node, specify the rotational values about the global X, Y, and Z axes to reorient the local coordinate system. The rotations are applied in the specified order to transform from the global to the local axis orientation.

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Nodal Load

Function: This function is used to apply concentrated forces and moments directly to nodes in the structural model. Purpose: To simulate point loads, reactions, or other concentrated effects at specific nodal locations. This enables accurate modeling of load transfer points, equipment supports, and other scenarios where forces are applied at discrete locations within the structure. Operation: Select the target nodes and define the load components in the global coordinate system. Specify force values (Fx, Fy, Fz) and moment values (Mx, My, Mz) in your desire unit for the selected load case. Choose whether to add to, replace, or delete existing nodal loads.

Profile Section

Function: This function allows you to assign pre-defined sections from the library to the selected members. Operation: Select the desired beam elements in the model, then choose the appropriate profile section from the available library. The section list displays standard rolled shapes, built-up sections, and custom profiles with their designated labels for identification.

Beam Releases

Function: This function is used to define the connectivity and force-transfer mechanisms at the ends of beam elements. By partially or fully releasing the internal forces at a member's end, you can model realistic connection behaviors, such as hinges, fully fixed, and custom semi-rigid connections. Operation: For selected beam elements, specify release conditions at both begin and end nodes by checking the appropriate restraint boxes (Tx, Ty, Tz, Rx, Ry, Rz). Define spring values for elastic releases or use the preset "Fully fixed" and "Hinge" options for common connection types. A: active, it means the restraint box is fixed. P: Positive, only tension can be transferred. N: Negative, only compression can be transferred. S: Spring, spring values can be changed

Local Axis

Function: This function is used to redefine the local coordinate system of selected beam elements. Operation: Select the target beam elements, then specify the updated local axis orientation by defining rotations or directional vectors relative to the global coordinate system.

Load Transfer Option

1. Load Transfer Option Function: This function is used to control how distributed loads applied to plate/shell elements are transferred to the supporting beam elements. Purpose: To accurately simulate the load path from surface elements to supporting frame members. When enabled, the software automatically calculates and applies equivalent beam loads based on the tributary areas of adjacent plates, ensuring proper representation of load distribution in the structural analysis. Operation: Select the target beam elements and activate the "Allow surface load bearing" option to enable automatic load transfer from connected plate/shell elements. The system will then distribute surface loads as equivalent line loads on the supporting beams according to established structural mechanics principles.

Beam Insertion Point

Function: This function is used to define the vertical offset of a beam's analytical line from its physical centroidal axis. Purpose: To accurately model the connection geometry of beam elements in the structural system. By adjusting the insertion point, users can align beams according to actual construction details—such as aligning the top of a beam with a reference plane—ensuring proper geometric representation and correct load transfer paths.

Operation: Select the target beam elements, then specify the offset value and select the reference direction (e.g., Top, Bottom). The analytical line of the beam will be repositioned vertically relative to the section centroid, while the physical cross-section remains unchanged.

Lateral Torsional Buckling

Function: The Lateral Torsional Buckling assignment is used to define the lateral restraint conditions for beam elements. With this function the user can specify the locations and types of lateral supports, enabling the software to calculate the effective buckling length according to design code. Operation: Select the target beam elements and define lateral support conditions by specifying support locations at the top flange, bottom flange, or both. Supports can be defined by number of segments, distances along the beam, or by referencing specific node numbers.

Self-weight

Function: This function is used to control the inclusion of self-weight for selected beam elements in the structural analysis.

Purpose: To manage the automatic calculation and application of gravitational loads resulting from the beam's own mass. Operation: Select the target beam elements and activate the "Include self-weight" option to enable automatic self-weight calculation. The software will compute the load based on the beam's cross-sectional properties, material density, and length, then apply it as a distributed load in the gravity direction.

Automatic Plate Mesh

Function: This function is used to generate a finite element mesh on plate elements with a specified target element size. Purpose: To discretize plate components into finite elements for structural analysis. The mesh quality and density directly influence the accuracy of stress results, deformation calculations, and overall solution convergence in plate bending and membrane behavior simulations. Operation: Select the target plate elements and specify the desired mesh size. The software automatically subdivides the plates into finite elements (typically triangular or quadrilateral) based on the specified dimension, ensuring proper connectivity and geometric representation.

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