Element types
This topic introduces the different element types available when creating Analysis Elements
Beam
The Beam element type is defined as a 2 node element with 6 potential releases; 3 translational (Fx, Fy, Fz) and 3 rotational (Mx, My, Mz); at each end.
Material properties and the following section properties are required:
- Ax
- A parallel to minor
- A parallel to minor
- Ix
- I major
- I minor
Truss
The Truss element type is defined as a 2 node element which has axial (Fx) fixity at each end. The remaining 5 degrees of freedom; 2 translational (Fy, Fz) and 3 rotational (Mx, My, Mz); are released at each end.
Material properties and the area of the section are required.
This element type acts in both tension and compression.
Tension only
The Tension only element type is defined as a 2 node element which has axial (Fx) fixity at each end. The remaining 5 degrees of freedom; 2 translational (Fy, Fz) and 3 rotational (Mx, My, Mz); are released at each end.
Material properties and the area of the section are required.
This element type acts in tension only.
Note: 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
Compression only
The Compression only element type is defined as a 2 node element which has axial (Fx) fixity at each end. The remaining 5 degrees of freedom; 2 translational (Fy, Fz) and 3 rotational (Mx, My, Mz); are released at each end.
Material properties and the area of the section are required.
This element type acts in compression only.
Note: 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
Linear axial spring
The Linear axial spring element type is defined as a 2 node element which has axial (Fx) fixity at each end. The remaining 5 degrees of freedom; 2 translational (Fy, Fz) and 3 rotational (Mx, My, Mz); are released at each end.
An axial Spring Stiffness property is required.
This element type acts in both tension and compression.
Linear torsional spring
The Linear torsional spring element type is defined as a 2 node element which has torsional (Mx) fixity at each end. The remaining 5 degrees of freedom; 3 translational (Fx, Fy, Fz) and 2 rotational (My, Mz); are released at each end.
A rotational Spring Stiffness property is required.
Non-linear axial spring
The Non-linear axial spring element type is defined as a 2 node element which has axial (Fx) fixity at each end. The remaining 5 degrees of freedom; 2 translational (Fy, Fz) and 3 rotational (Mx, My, Mz); are released at each end.
Seperate tension and compression Spring Stiffness properties are required and also the maximum tension and compression values.
Note: Non-linear elements require
non-linear analysis. If linear analysis is performed they will be treated as linear
elements.
Non-linear torsional spring
The Linear torsional spring element type is defined as a 2 node element which has torsional (Mx) fixity at each end. The remaining 5 degrees of freedom; 3 translational (Fx, Fy, Fz) and 2 rotational (My, Mz); are released at each end.
Seperate tension and compression torsional Spring Stiffness properties are required and also the maximum torsional tension and compression values.
Note: Non-linear elements require
non-linear analysis. If linear analysis is performed they will be treated as linear
elements.
Link
A basic link element is implemented in Tekla Structural Designer, defined as a 2 node element with 6 springs; 3 translational (Fx, Fy, Fz) and 3 rotational (Mx, My, Mz); at end 2.
This element type is used internally to effect partial fixity in beams.