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Generate 3D orthogonal frame

The information supplied on these pages provides a description of an portal or orthogonal frame, which is subsequently used to generate the structural model. The units of length are reported on the dialog, alongside a sketch of the structural form. This is available from the Model > Coordination tools > Generate 3D orthogonal frame option.

Definition​

Generation​

The user can choose to create analysis and/or design models with:

  • Generate elements
  • Generate members

Bay width, number of bays​

The width of the structure is defined by the number of bays of equal bay width.

Storey height, number of storeys​

The height of the structure is defined by the number of storeys of equal storey height.

Column​

Opens the Section wizard to allow the column section to be selected. This is marked as unspecified until a section is assigned when the actual section will be displayed.

Beam​

Opens the Section wizard to allow the beam section to be selected. This is marked as unspecified until a section is assigned, when the actual section will be displayed. On the orthogonal frame page, there are separate buttons for the beams spanning in the x direction and for the beams spanning in the y direction.

Location​

This is used to locate the new frame with respect to the existing structure. This is done by identifying the corner of the new structure that relates to a specific position or node on the existing structure.

Include supports​

Encastre supports are created at the base of the columns. By default no restraints are applied to the model.

Merge with existing nodes​

The generation tool initially creates a new set of nodes and elements. This option allows new nodes co-located with existing nodes to be removed and the new structure to connect with the existing.