Girder

Beams require an axis for their definition, along which the cross-section of the beam is assigned.

Beams in the transverse direction are defined in the same way along a transverse axis here.

The reference point for assigning the cross-section to the axis is the point of intersection of the two local coordinate axes (Y/Z) of the cross-section.

It is necessary to divide the beam into sub-elements to that effect during definition to ensure accurate modeling (and the calculation if required), the consideration of variations, the connection of supports at certain positions, etc..

To interactively create a new beam

1. Right-click the Beam menu or alternatively go to the Structural Components menu to call up the shortcut menu, then select New.

   A new beam is created in the Beam menu in the directory tree with the three submenus Stationing, Cross-sections and Variation.

2. Optionally edit the Name before confirming via the Enter key.
3. When in the 3D model viewport click the axis along which the beam should be created.
4. In the navigation tree, go to the Cross-sections menu and click on the cross-section that you want to assign to the axis.
5. Move the mouse in the viewport to define the desired start position of the beam on the axis and confirm this with a mouse click.

   Note: In the properties window under Stationing, select the definition type (Type) of the start station (Global/Local) - see Stationing.

6. If necessary, amend the selected start station in the input window that opens under Station.

   Note: Initial reference station checkbox: Use the defined station as an initial reference station (local station zero or starting station for defining the reference length) - see Stationing.

   Note: As bar checkbox: See Stationing.

7. Move the mouse again in the viewport to define the desired end position of the beam or beam section on the axis and confirm this with a mouse click.

   Note: In the properties window under Stationing, select the definition type (Type) of the stations to be added (Global/Local) - see Stationing.

8. If necessary, amend the selected end station in the input window that opens.
9. In the same input window, define the subdivision of the beam or beam section using the number or length of the sub-elements. Click OK to confirm your entry.

   Important: Make sure that you subdivide the elements at all stations where you have defined variations so that the cross-section can be assigned at these points and the table values transferred.

10. Add further beam sections (e.g. with different subdivisions or a different cross-section) to the existing beam (back to 7.) or exit the function with ESC.

Note: During the input procedure described above, you can insert a division point into an existing beam section at any time by simply clicking on the desired position within the beam section that was already created.