Types of Projects

When you create a new project, you can choose between a variety of structures, or design modules. The application layout is updated depending on your selection.

Structure Design

The top three rows of buttons (Frame 2D through Volumetric Structure) specify a style of structure design for you to build your module.

Note: In plane deformation structures and axisymmetric structures, the transversal dimension is assumed as 1 m, irrespective of the length unit set in the Job Preferences dialog box. A structure sector of 1-meter thickness is modeled. It has effect on interpretation of loads and reactions. For example, if the force unit [N] and the length unit [mm] are chosen, then:

a linear load is treated as a pressure of value 1 [N/mm / m] = 1000 [N/mm2]
a concentrated load is treated as a linear load of value 1 [N/m] instead of [N/mm].
A sum of reactions is interpreted analogously (always on the length of 1 m).

The axisymmetric structure type models a solid. It is generated due to rotation around the rotation axis, by means of a vertical 2D section through a solid.

It is assumed that the global Z axis is a vertical axis of a solid; half of a section is defined on the positive side of the X axis. To mark the position of the vertical axis in an axisymmetric structure, auxiliary structural axes with X coordinates equaling 0 have been added.

Code Module Design

The next two buttons (RC Element Design and Connection Design) specify code modules for you to build your RC structure elements and steel connectors.

Section Design

The next button (Section Definition) allows you to specify bar section definitions (solid and/or thin-walled sections).

Parametric Structure

The last button allows you to create typical structures (simple frame 3D structures).