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Section Wizard : Definition

Definition​

Name

The name is a label used to identify a particular section.

Definition method

The definition method specifies how the material is to be defined. This breaks down into four main options.

  • Catalogue sections are selected from online section catalogues.
  • Standard sections are defined by a shape and its dimensions. The properties are then calculated from these.
  • Geometric sections are defined either by a perimeter or by line segments. The properties are then calculated from these.

The page that follows this will depend on the selection made as this stage.

Section Definition Axis System​

The axis along a beam element in GSA is the x axis. Following this assumption the cross section is defined in a (y,z) axis system.

Section for tapered elements/members​

If the section is referred to by tapered.elements/members, check box "Section tapers along element length" should be checked on the section wizard, then two different sizes of the section can be defined and the elements/members refer to this section will be tapered.  Catalogue section, Fabricated section, Line segment section and Point area section cannot be used by tapered elements/members, i.e.  check box "Section tapers along element length" will be always unchecked.and only one section size can be defined