Hinge joint example

Shown below are two similar models, each with two walls and a flat slab. A uniform downwards load acts on the slab. One model has a slab with no hinge and the other has a hinge down the middle of the slab (indicated by the yellow lines).

As can be seen from the deflected shape, the hinge is evident in the center of the right hand model.

And for the stresses

The red dotted line in the right hand model indicates a zero moment across the hinge.

For a more in-depth explanation of this model, refer to the Hinge joint example in the Product Guide.

Vertical sliding joint example

Shown below are two similar models, each with two walls and a flat slab. In each model a downward load acts on the left half of the slab and an upward load on the right half. One model has a slab with no vertical sliding joint and the other has a vertical sliding joint down the middle of the slab (indicated by the blue lines).

As can be seen from the deflected shape, the vertical sliding joint is evident in the center of the right hand model.

For a more in-depth explanation of this model, refer to the Vertical sliding joint example in the Product Guide.

Limitations

• Releases can only be applied to linear slab edges and not curved slab edges

• If a release intersects a concrete column or a column drop (in such a way that it is not aligned along an edge, or is not just touching a vertex) then the release will not act fully as a release as it will be restrained by the presence of the column or column drop.

• If a release crosses a beam, brace, wall or wall support - the release will be prevented from acting freely - to avoid this ensure release runs parallel to beam, brace, wall or wall support.

To apply the new releases

You can define the above releases in one of two ways: