4 docs tagged with "offsets"

Typically models are built with beam elements connecting at nodes, but this implies an overlap as it ignores the dimensions of the elements modelled as lines.

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.

Another type of constraint that can be applied is in the form of element offsets. These are used where the ends of the element are effectively rigid and it is required to offset the flexible part of the element. The actual element can then be thought of as shorter than the node to node length of the element with the gaps filled in with “rigid links”. Element offsets are most useful where the span of a beam is less that the column to column centre-line distance or where the effect of eccentricity on the element is important.

Where a member may have offsets these are defined here.