Axis of tendon

Tool(s): Tendon

In order to define how the axis of the prestressing tendon is positioned in space, you need to enter a number of points. The program then calculates the axis by connecting these points. The X and Y coordinates of these points are based on the two-dimensional plan view. For the height, the program uses the Y coordinates of a two-dimensional elevation view. Starting with the first point at a height of 0.00, the program calculates the heights of the following points based on the difference between the Y coordinates. You can define the initial height of the tendon axis. To do this, use the Height at start parameter in the palette.

To create the file for the tendon axis

1. Design the axis of the prestressing tendon in plan and elevation view. Use the Line, Polyline, Circle, Spline, ... tools.

   Place the plan view of the tendon in its correct position. You do not need to display the actual length of the tendon in elevation view. What's important is that you enter the heights correctly.

   Note: If the tendon is available as a 3D element, you can create a hidden line image of the plan view. In order to create the elevation view, you can use the Section Along Curve tool.

2. If the tendon axis consists of several elements, combine them into a Composite Element.
3. Use Divide Element to divide the tendon axis into equal parts in plan view and in elevation view.

   In order to divide the tendon axis at fixed points that are not spaced equally, you can divide the tendon axis a number of times using the Part of selected element setting in the Input Options.
   If you have the Site Plan module, you can also use the Station Element tool. Here, select the Indiv setting in the Input Options.

   Note: When you create single elements, the program places the coordinate points in the element direction. In the case of composite elements, however, it is the reference element that defines the direction. In doing so, the program ensures that all texts can be read.

4. Start by saving the coordinate points of the plan view using the Import, Export Point File tool.
   Select the Coordinates file type and the ".re2" data type. In the Input Options, click On Element and then click the element or the composite element in plan view.
5. After this, use the same approach to save the coordinate points of the elevation view to the file you have just defined.
   Select Attach to write the coordinate points of the two views consecutively to one and the same file.

   Note: When you export the file, the first half of the entries defines the X and Y coordinates of the points and the second half defines the heights. Exporting the file produces a different tendon if the number of points in plan view differs from that in elevation view.