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1D Element Results

The 1D element results dialog is accessible from the Analysis wizard : Envelopes, Diagram settings, Contour settings and Output settings dialogs.

ADC AdBeam Export

This dialog is accessed from the File > Export > ADC (AdBeam file) menu command. The data exported

Advanced Preferences

The Advanced Preferences dialog is available from the Miscellaneous page of the Preferences. This is where various low level settings can be set including those relating to threading and the behaviour of various view types.

Analysis Case Definition

The case description definition dialog is made available when an analysis case definition is required, it is not invoked directly.

Analysis Materials

All elements that refer to Beam Sections, 2D Properties or 3D Properties require an analysis material. This can either be an explicitly defined material or an implied material from a material grade. The latter are always assume to be elastic isotropic materials.

Analysis Specification

This can be accessed from the Data explorer or from the Model > Data Modules > Specification > General specification menu command. The analysis specification gives information about the analysis model as a whole.

Animation Settings

The Animation Settings dialog box allows the parameters that govern animation to be specified.

Applied Displacements

An applied displacement allows a fixed displacement to be applied to a node in the structure and calculates the deformation of the structure which results in the specified displacement at the specified degree of freedom. Thus applied displacements may be used to investigate the stiffness of a structure by constraining certain degrees of freedom to move by a fixed amount and noting the forces involved.

Axes

The Axes dialog is accessible from the Diagram settings, Contour settings and Wizard various Sculpt dialog boxes, and the axis button on the Data options toolbar.

Axes

This feature enables new user-defined axes systems to be specified e.g. to specify an inclined roller support, to assist in interpretation of results, or to specify the construction grid. Axes systems may be Cartesian, cylindrical or spherical.

Beam Loads

Beam Loads are a ways of applying load to beam members and elements offering the commonly used load patterns as different types. When loads are applied to members, they will be automatically expanded to load the appropriate finite elements.

Bridge Loading Analysis Specification

As discussed in the References entry on bridge loading, there are three different ways of using the tools available for bridge loading. This specification dialogue is used to distinguish between these methods and set up the parameters for the first method.

Bridge Options

The Bridge Options dialog box allows parameters that relate specifically to bridge analysis diagrams to be specified.

Bridge Variable Load

To optimise bridge loading based on an influence line analysis, any uniformly distributed load to be applied to a path needs to be specified either as a standard variable load or a user variable load.

Combination Cases

It is often useful to combine results from more than one analysis case. This is achieved by defining combination cases, which combine a number of factored analysis cases (e.g. 1.4A1 + 0.8A3).

Connect 1D Elements

This one dialog box is used to connect 1D elements or members, depending on the context in which it is opened.

Constraint Equations

Constraint equations allow a node, in a particular direction to be constrained relative to a set of other nodes. Constraint equations are the fundamental building block for all other constraint types.

Contour Settings

The Contour Settings dialog box allows the parameters that govern the display of contours to be specified.

Create CEAP Modal Damping File

This dialog can be accessed from the Model > Dynamics > Create CEAP modal damping file menu command. This command creates a modal damping file for use in Oasys CEAP (Civil Engineering Application Package).

Create New Model from Raft Analysis

This dialog can be accessed from the Model > Model tools > Create new raft model menu command. This command creates a new model from the existing model by taking the geometry and updating it with nodal support stiffnesses based on the soil stiffnesses calculated for the specified raft analysis case.

Create User Axes

The Create user axes dialog box is used to create a user axis set which may either overwrite an existing axis set or become a new one.

Curve Data Selection

When reading some file formats it is possible to have more than one set of data in a file. The curve data selection allows the user to choose the values to be read.

Deformation Settings

The Deformation settings dialog box allows the parameters that govern the drawing of the deformed image to be specified.

Diagram Settings

The Diagram settings dialog box allows the parameters that govern the display of diagrams to be specified.

Disconnect Elements

The Disconnect elements dialog box is used to disconnect elements from the existing structure at a specified nodal position. New nodes are created at the original positions and the selected elements are then attached to the new nodes. Joints may be created to join the original nodes with the new.

Display Methods

The Display Methods page of the Labels and Display Methods dialog box is where the form and colour of the various element types may be specified and where the drawing of unattached nodes may be specified.

Distortion

Distortions are used to model the effect of introducing a cut in an element and applying a translational or rotational displacement across the cut.

Edge Loads

Edge Loads are loads applied to the edge of 2D elements. In general edge loads should be applied with care to ensure that the loading applied to the element is in a direction in which the element is stiff. Edge loads may not be applied to Flat Plate or Fabric type 2D elements.

Elements

An Element is an entity that is analysed. Its topology and position is defined using Nodes and Offsets. Its orientation is defined by the element axis set which depends on the topology of the element and the orientation node and angle. Its end fixity is defined partly by the behaviour of the Element Type and partly by the element Releases.

Environmental Impact Specification

As discussed in the Step-by-Step guide to Environmental Impact, global environmental impact parameters may be specified in the Environmental Impact Specification dialog.

Export Member Input Data to CSV

This dialog allows export of comma separated variable (CSV) data that describes the information conveyed to the code checking DLLs. It can be used with the companion program SteelDesign.exe. The data in the csv file can be manipulated with a text editor or within SteelDesign.

Extrude

A set of nodes, elements or members must be selected prior to opening this dialog box, to serve as the basis of the extrusion.

Face Loads

Face loads on 3D members or elements are similar to face loads on 2D members or elements, with the additional requirement that the face be selected. Loads are specified as a pressure across the surface.

Face Loads

Face loads should be used where a load distributed over the face of a 2D member or element is required. When loads are applied to members, they will be automatically expanded to load the appropriate finite elements.

Find

The find dialog is available from the Edit > Find (Ctrl+F) menu command and from the Find option on the Data options toolbar. This is used to find values in tables.

Flex

The nodes that are to be flexed must be selected prior to opening this dialog box.

Footfall Response Data

This dialog can be accessed from the File > Export > Footfall response (CSV file) menu command. This allows control of the data written for analysis in the Footfall Response spreadsheet.

Further Options

The Further Options dialog box allows less frequently used parameters that govern the display of contours and diagrams to be specified.

Generalised Restraints

Generalised restraints allow a set of restraint conditions to be applied to a list of nodes, saving the effort of specifying restraints for individual nodes in the Nodes > Restraints table. The generalised restraints and nodal restraints work together to apply restrain to the model. Car must be taken to avoid conflicting constraints.

Go To

The go to dialog is available from the Edit > Go to (Ctrl+G) menu command and from the Go to option on the Data options toolbar. This is used to go to a particular line in a table.

Graphic Fonts and Styles

The Fonts and Styles dialog box allows the fonts and styles of Graphic View entities to be adjusted.

Gravity

Gravity loads are a special case of body loads i.e. loads that apply internally throughout the body rather than being applied externally to the body. Unlike the other load types, gravity loads are an acceleration applied to mass in the structure.

Grid Area Loads

These are area loads located in space or, more precisely, on a grid surface which is located in space. The grid surface is also used to identify the elements that are considered during the grid load expansion. Refer to Specifying Grid Loading for details.

Grid Line Definition

The grid line definition dialog is used to define or modify the grid lines for the model.

Grid Line Loads

These are line loads located in space or, more precisely, on a grid surface which is located in space. The grid surface is also used to identify the elements that are considered during the grid load expansion. Refer to Specifying Grid Loading for details.

Grid Planes

A grid plane defines the geometry of a surface, and the load behaviour of the grid plane is defined by a grid surface.

Grid Point Loads

These are point loads located in space or, more precisely, on a grid surface which is located in space. The grid surface is also used to identify the elements that are considered during the grid load expansion. Refer to Specifying Grid Loading for details.

Grid Surfaces

A grid surface is required to in order to apply grid loads to the structure. The grid surface details how the grid load is transferred on to the structure.

GWA Import Options

This dialog is accessed from the File > Import > Text (GWA file) menu command or from the Data explorer: Paste special command and specifies the options to be applied to the GWA import. Data is imported either from file or from the clipboard in text format, GWA syntax into the existing model. For details of the GWA syntax see GSA text (ASCII) file. Options that would invalidate existing analysis results are disabled.

Joints

Joints allow nodes to be tied in the specified translational or rotational directions. Unlike rigid constraints, joints do not impose equilibrium on the model.

Labels and Display Methods

The Labels and Display Methods dialog box allows labels to be switched on and off and the method by which entities are represented to be adjusted.

Load Case Specification

When loads are applied to the model they are assigned to a load case. Load cases should be assigned to simplify the management of the data. Load cases, when referred to in lists, are prefixed with an “L” (e.g. L2). See Lists for more details.

Material Curves

In most analysis no material curve needs to be defined, but for LS-DYNA analysis and for nonlinear springs material curves must be defined.

Modify

The modify dialog is available from the Edit > Modify (Ctrl+M) menu command and from the Modify option on the Data options toolbar. This is used to modify numeric values in tables. It does not apply to text or list fields.

Modify Curve

This dialog is made available when a response curve is selected for modification. The units that apply are displayed.

Move Entities / Copy Entities

This dialog box is presented in several guises depending on the context in which it is opened; it is used to move or copy nodes, elements or members.

Nastran Export Options

This dialog is accessed from the File > Export > Nastran (bulk data file) menu command. For more details on Nastran export see Nastran export.

Node Loads

Node loads are the most fundamental type of load. A node load is a force or moment applied to a particular node or set of nodes. Node loads can be applied in local (i.e. node constraint axis), global or user defined axis directions. User axes can be Cartesian, cylindrical or spherical.

Numeric Format

The Numeric format dialog is accessible from the Diagram settings, Contour settings and Wizard: Output settings dialog boxes, and the Numeric format button on the Data options toolbar.

OpenSees Export Options

This dialog is accessed from the File > Export > OpenSees (.tcl file) menu command. For more details on OpenSees export see OpenSees Export.

Orientation Settings

The Orientation settings dialog box allows the orientation, projection and associated data to be explicitly specified. There are many higher level operations that modify these settings indirectly.

Output Wizard: Further Options

The Output wizard: Further options dialog box allows less frequently used parameters that govern the output to be specified.

Path Loading

Path Loading can be used with the results of an influence line analysis to derive optimized bridge loading load cases.

Polylines

Polylines are used mainly in conjunction with grid loading to define lines or area that are loaded. Polylines are 2D entities that are interpreted with respect to the x-y plane of a grid plane.

Pre-stress

Prestress is a general description covering prestress loads, initial strains and initial lengths. In all cases the result is a prestress condition (set of forces and/or moments) in the member or element.

Pre-stress

Prestress loads can be thought of either as prestress forces, tendon prestress applied to the member or element or an initial strain. When loads are specified for members, they will be automatically expanded to load the appropriate finite elements.

Preferred Folders

The preferred folders dialog is available from the Basic page of the Preferences. This is where the user can select locations for files.

Refine Quad Elements

The Refine quad elements dialog box is used to refine Quad4 and Quad8 elements at a specified corner by splitting the elements in the following manner:

Replace

The replace dialog is available from the Edit > Replace (Ctrl+H) menu command and from the Replace option on the Data options toolbar. This is used to find values in tables and replace with another value.

Rigid Constraints

Rigid constraints define sets of nodes constrained to move as a rigid body. These are commonly use to model rigid diaphragms, where typically the nodes are rigid in the x-y plane but not in the z direction.

Settlements

A settlement forces a node to move a specified distance in a specified global or local direction in a particular load case, where the node has been restrained in the relevant direction.

Shading Surfaces

The Shade surfaces command adjusts the shade of colour filled surfaces according to the current lighting settings. The incidence of the light on the surface, the brightness and the level of ambient light all effect the shading.

Soil-Structure Analysis Progress

This dialog is opened when a soil-structure analysis is started and keeps the user informed of the solution progress during the analysis.

Split 1D Elements

This one dialog box is used to split 1D elements or members, depending on the context in which it is opened.

Split Quad Elements

The Split quad elements dialog box is used to split Quad4 and Quad8 elements into a number of elements of the same type maintaining element releases and offsets as originally defined. The split is specified in terms of an equal number of elements along edges 1 and 3 and an equal number along edges 2 and 4.

Split Tri Elements

The Split tri elements dialog box is used to split Tri3 and Tri6 elements into either Tri or Quad elements maintaining element releases and offsets as originally defined.

Storey Displacements and Forces

This dialog is accessible from the Tools > Storey displacements and forces and View > New chart view > Storey displacements and forces menu commands. When accessed from the Tools menu tabular output of storey displacements, drifts or forces is produced; when accessed from the View menu, storey output is displayed on charts. Output is in global axis directions.

Storey Displacements and Forces Chart_2

This dialog is accessible from the Tools > Storey displacements and forces and View > New chart view > Storey displacements and forces menu commands. When accessed from the Tools menu tabular output of storey displacements, drifts or forces is produced; when accessed from the View menu, storey output is displayed on charts. Output is in global axis directions.

Thermal

In many cases it is useful to consider the effect of thermal loading on a structure. Thermal loads can have two effects. A uniform temperature change causes the entity to expand axially but induces no bending. However, the thermal gradient option defines a linearly varying strain through the thickness of the entity, resulting in both axial expansion and bending. The positions of the temperatures are used to define the temperature gradient.

Thermal

Thermal loads on 3D members elements can either be uniform giving rise to a uniform thermal strain across the member or element, or variable with temperature specified at each node of an element.

Thermal

In many cases it is useful to consider the effect of thermal loading on a structure. Thermal loads can have two effects. A uniform temperature change causes the member or element to expand axially but induces no bending. However, the thermal gradient options define a linearly varying strain through the thickness of the member or element so resulting in both in-plane expansion and bending.

Tied Interfaces

Tied interfaces allow two sets of elements that do not have connectivity to be joined without the need for complex mesh refinement. Instead the elements on one side are taken as primary and the other side as constrained. The nodes on the boundary of the constrained side are tied to the nodes on the boundary of the primary side through a set of constraint equations.

Titles

The titles dialog can be accessed from the Data explorer and from the Model > Data modules > Titles menu command.

Unwrap Graphics

The Unwrap option in graphic views projects the displayed structure onto the surface of a cylinder or cone and then unwraps the surface to produce a planar representation of the structure. The unwrapped image can be adorned with labels, diagrams, contours, annotation, and can be generally manipulated in the same way as the normal (wrapped) image.

View List

The View list dialog is used for creating a new view list and for editing an existing view list. It is displayed by selecting Edit <view list name> or New view list on the right-click menu having right-clicked on a view list on the View explorer.

Welcome to GSA dialog

The Welcome to GSA dialog is displayed on entry to GSA and is designed to assist the user to get started quickly.

Wizard: Graphic Settings

The Wizard: Graphic settings dialog box allows the parameters that govern the format and content of graphic views to be specified. All Graphic view settings can be specified either in this Graphic settings dialog box or in dialog boxes accessible from this.

Wizard: Output Settings

The Wizard: Output settings dialog box allows the parameters that govern the format and content of output views to be specified. All Output view settings can be specified either in this Output settings dialog box or in dialog boxes accessible from this.