Semi-rigid mesh definition

You can use a mesh of semi rigid 2D solver elements for slabs and decks by setting their Diaphragm option to "Semi-rigid".

The semi rigid mesh density is set globally, but you can override it at individual levels if required.

Adjust global semi-rigid mesh properties

Initially, the same mesh properties are applied globally to all semi-rigid slabs. In order to adjust the global mesh properties, see the following instructions.

Go to the Project Workspace.
In the Structure tree, click Structure.
Go to the Properties window.
Accept or adjust the Semi-Rigid Mesh Size.
Accept or adjust the Semi-Rigid Uniformity Factor.
At 100% uniformity all 2D solver elements in the mesh will be of approximately equal area.
Tip: To optimize solution time, you can use a coarser mesh during design development. Later, at the final design stage, you can switch to a more refined mesh.
Accept or adjust the Semi-Rigid Mesh Type:
- QuadDominant: mainly consists of quadrilateral 2D elements, but may use occasional triangular elements to create a better mesh.
- QuadOnly: only consists of quadrilateral 2D elements.
- Triangular: only consists of triangular 2D elements.

Apply different semi-rigid mesh properties at different levels

If you need to apply different mesh parameters at a specific level, you can do so by creating sub models. For more information, see the following instructions.

First you will need to create a sub model.
Then, in the Structure tree, expand the Sub Models branch.
Select the sub model that you created.
In the Properties window, select the Override model's option.
Adjust the Semi-Rigid Mesh Size and Semi-Rigid Uniformity Factor according to your needs.

Review the mesh before the analysis

In order to review the existing mesh in your model before running a particular analysis, see the following instructions.

In the Status bar at the bottom of the window, click Solver View.

The solver view opens.
Right-click anywhere in the solver view.
In the context menu, go to Solver models.
In the list, select the solver model appropriate to the analysis that you want to run.
On the ribbon, click Refresh Solver Model

If the semi-rigid mesh is applicable to the selected solver model, it is displayed.

Note: The mesh is not displayed in the working solver model. This is because the working solver model displays the model in its form before any analysis, and 2D elements are only formed during the analysis.