Use this option to define parameters of complex members. Access the dialog by clicking the Complex section button in the Member Definition - Parameters dialog.
Select the Complex members option to perform member calculations using the guidelines for complex members according to point 5.9 of Eurocode 3 or point 4.7 of PN-90/B-03200 code.
The Distribution of battens or lattice fields field defines the arrangement of elements that connect individual column chords. There are two ways to specify the distribution of elements:
- By specifying a number in the Distribution of battens or lattice fields field; battens (lattice fields) are automatically distributed evenly over the entire member length; NOTE: battens at supports (extreme battens) are also included in the specified number of battens; for example, if number 4 is defined for the 3-meter long member, then 4 battens will be positioned at the coordinates as follows: ( 0.0 m, 1.0 m , 2.0 m, 3.0 m)
- By defining the value of spacing a between individual connecting elements in the Spacing a edit field; it is assumed that values of the batten spacing or the height of all lattice fields are equal over the member length; if the member length is not a whole multiple of the spacing a, the battens are distributed uniformly with respect to the member center: thus definition of spacing a = 1.0 m for a 3.2 m-long member will cause uniform distribution of 4 battens over the member length at the coordinates: (0.1 m, 1.1 m , 2.1 m, 3.1 m).
The relevant batten (lattice) planes are parallel to the local axes of a complex section (x - member longitudinal axis, y - horizontal axis, z - vertical axis). On the Plane XY tab you define the types of battens or lattice positioned in the plane parallel to the local y axis. Analogously, the Plane XZ tab defines parameters of battens or lattice positioned in the plane parallel to the local z axis. If the No lattice option is selected, then calculations do not account for the fact that this is a complex member and are performed assuming that the chords are a completely integrated whole in a given plane.
For Eurocode 3, selecting the Battens option enables the definition of the basic batten dimensions (height, thickness). After selecting one of the lattice types (Lattice 1, 2, 3), options that allow the definition of lattice bars become accessible. It is assumed, that posts and diagonals are usually made from the same sections. For Eurocode 3, when Lattice 3 is chosen, the user may define different sections for diagonals and posts. Pressing the (...) button to the right of the Diagonal section option (or the Diagonal / Post options for Eurocode 3) opens the Section selection dialog where a name of lattice element is defined. Selection of a section results in its area being automatically entered to the Ad (Av) edit field.
See also: