Static connections

Static connections are made between the individual structural components or between the structural components and the floor. They are only required for modeling the calculation model.

The following types are available for defining the static connections of the structural components:

• Abutment
• Storeroom
• Ground support
• Rigid connection
• Foundation element

Corresponding new entries can be created via the shortcut menu (right mouse button on the menu option).

The static connections abutment, bearing and ground support are defined by static springs, which in turn are described by stiffnesses for the 3 spatial directions and the 3 rotations around these directions. The springs are defined relative to their local coordinate system, which is rotated by 90 degrees around the z-axis (=local z-axis of the bar element on which they are defined). As a rule, this means CNx = vertical direction, CVy = longitudinal direction and CVz = transverse direction of the spring. The foundation element (only for elements) is defined via CNx, CVy and CVz, whereby the foundation constants are defined by default in relation to the coordinate system of the docking point of the surface of the solid to be set in a foundation.

When defining the static connections abutment, bearing and ground support, there are predefined types for easier definition (fixed; longitudinal, transversal, vertical movable; articulated). These types themselves are not saved as such, but merely determine the default values for the spring stiffnesses, which can be changed directly in the input window and at any time afterwards via the properties window.

Existing ground supports can be copied interactively via the shortcut menu of the main menu item (see analogous to 3D modeling/copy/ground support), and the spring stiffness of a created ground support or support can be copied interactively via the shortcut menu (see analogous to 3D modeling/copy/spring stiffness).