Create braces
Tekla Structural Designer allows you to create single braces, or pairs of braces (in an X, K, V, or A configuration).
Braces are single span members with pinned end connections that are only able to resist axial compression and tension. Their purpose is to provide lateral stability to your structure.
Element loads cannot be applied directly to a brace itself and moments due to self weight loading are ignored.
Setting out braces
Each steel brace is placed on an insertion line between points, with its geometry being drawn to reflect the major and minor snap points and any offsets specified in the brace properties.
The alignment snap points and offsets have no effect on the positioning of the solver elements created to represent the braces in the solver models, as these will be created directly between the insertion points.
Specify the brace material, pattern and section size
Before creating a brace, you need to specify its material, pattern and section size. For more information, see the following instructions.
Create a single brace
Create an X, K, V or A brace
Specify a brace as tension only or compression only
You can move the end nodes of individual steel, concrete, cold formed, or timber braces in both 2D and 3D views. For more information, see the following instructions.
Once a brace has been created, you can specify it as Tension only or Compression only in the Properties window.
Tension only and Compression only members are non-linear elements and therefore require non-linear analysis. If linear analysis is performed, they will be treated as linear elements.
- Select the brace.
- In the Properties window select either Compression only, or Tension only as required.
Modify the position of a brace
You can move the end nodes of individual steel, concrete, cold formed, or timber braces in both 2D and 3D views. For more information, see the following instructions.
To move an entire brace, see: Move objects.