Analysis Model settings
On the Analysis Model page you can adjust certain rigid zone, curved beam, and concrete column centerline settings:
- in the current project - when accessed by clicking
- in new projects - when accessed by clicking
Rigid Zones
Design codes allow engineers to assume parts of concrete beams or columns are rigid, leading to more efficient designs.
Item | Description |
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Percentage of rigidity |
Allows you to specify the extent of the rigid zone created. The option has an effect only if rigid zones are applied (see below). |
Rigid zones not applied |
Allows you to switch rigid zones on or off. The option affects where releases are applied in the analysis model and where members start and end for design. When rigid zones are not applied, the design model corresponds to the analysis model, whereas when they are applied, the design model is defined between the ends of the rigid zones. |
Curved Beams
In the solver model, curved beams are replaced by a series of straight line solver elements. The number of solver elements used being controlled by the Maximum facet error that has been specified.
Item | Description |
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Maximum facet error |
For any given chord height, reducing this value increases the number of solver elements used to represent the curve. |
Column Centerlines
For concrete columns connected to a two-way slab, the column perimeter shape is cut out of the slab 2D element mesh. Stiff analysis ‘rigid link’ elements then connect the column centerline (where the column 1D elements are located) to the 2D mesh nodes. In some circumstances - for example for L-section columns of certain proportions - very short link elements could result, which could cause validation errors or warnings and analysis solution problems.
The following settings are provided in order to move the column centerline a small distance where needed to avoid these problems.
Item | Description |
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Automatically move column centerlines when the smallest rigid link is less than the error limit for 1D element length |
This option is initially on by default. The error limit used in this check is specified in Validation settings |
Automatically move column centerlines when the smallest rigid link is less than the warning limit for 1D element length |
This option is initially off by default. The warning limit used in this check is specified in Validation settings |