Precede
RELEASE 5
USER’S MANUAL
ENGINEERING DYNAMICS, INC.
2113 38TH STREET
KENNER, LOUISIANA 70065
U.S.A.
No part of this document may be reproduced in any form, in an
electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Copyright 1998 by
ENGINEERING DYNAMICS, INC.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION... 1-1 1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION... 1-1 1.2 PROGRAM OVERVIEW ... 1-1 1.2.1 System Configuration... 1-1 2.0 GETTING STARTED... 2-1 2.1 BEGINNING A MODELING SESSION ... 2-1 2.2 GENERATING A JACKET STRUCTURE ... 2-1 2.2.1 Jacket Information... 2-1 2.2.2 Non-grouted Structures ... 2-2 2.2.3 Grouted Structures... 2-2 2.2.4 Pile Stubs... 2-2 2.2.5 Conductors... 2-2 2.2.6 Specifying Leg Data... 2-3 2.2.7 Parallel Bracing Layout... 2-5 2.3 DEFAULT GROUP NAMES... 2-5 2.4 UNDO AND REDO ... 2-6 2.5 EXITING THE MODELING SESSION ... 2-6 3.0 FILE FEATURES ... 3-1 3.1 NEW... 3-1 3.2 OPEN... 3-1 3.3 SAVE... 3-1 3.4 SAVE AS... 3-2 3.5 SAVE NPF AS... 3-2 3.6 SETTINGS... 3-2 3.7 PLOT... 3-2 3.7.1 Title ... 3-3 3.7.2 Screen... 3-3 3.7.3 Full Set ... 3-3 3.7.4 Faces... 3-3 3.7.5 Plans... 3-3 3.7.6 Views... 3-3 3.7.7 Select Views... 3-3 3.8 PAGE SETUP... 3-3 3.9 EXPORT... 3-3 3.9.1 Windows Clipboard... 3-4 3.9.2 Neutral Picture File ... 3-4 3.9.3 DXF... 3-4 3.9.4 Windows Metafile ... 3-4 3.10 EXIT... 3-4 4.0 DISPLAY FEATURES ... 4-1 4.1 ACTIVE/ISOMETRIC ... 4-1 4.2 FACE... 4-1 4.3 PLAN... 4-1 4.4 PLANE... 4-24.4.1 3 Joints ... 4-2 4.4.2 XY Plane ... 4-2 4.4.3 XZ Plane ... 4-2 4.4.4 YZ Plane ... 4-2 4.4.5 XY Volume ... 4-2 4.4.6 XZ Volume ... 4-2 4.4.7 YZ Volume ... 4-3 4.4.8 Reset Volumes ... 4-3 4.5 SELECT ... 4-3 4.6 RESET SELECT ... 4-4 4.7 LABELING ... 4-4 4.7.1 Joints ... 4-4 4.7.2 Members ... 4-5 4.7.3 Plates ... 4-6 4.7.4 Shell ... 4-7 4.7.5 Load ... 4-8 4.7.6 Special ... 4-9 4.8 LOAD DIAGRAM ... 4-10 4.9 ROTATE ... 4-11 4.10 2 LINE ... 4-11 4.11 SHOW IN 3-D ... 4-12 4.12 ZOOM BOX ... 4-12 4.12.1 Zoom Display ... 4-12 4.12.2 Delete Joints ... 4-12 4.12.3 Delete Elements ... 4-12 4.12.4 Delete Members ... 4-12 4.12.5 Delete Plates ... 4-12 4.12.6 Increment Joints ... 4-12 4.12.7 Translate/Rotate ... 4-12 4.12.7.1 General ... 4-13 4.12.7.2 Mirror Image ... 4-14 4.12.7.3 About a Line ... 4-16 4.12.8 Joint Design ... 4-16 4.13 UNZOOM ... 4-16 4.14 VIEW ... 4-16 4.14.1 Select ... 4-17 4.14.2 Save ... 4-17 4.14.3 Delete ... 4-17 4.14.4 Rename Bin ... 4-17 4.15 CYLINDER ... 4-17 4.15.1 Flat ... 4-17 4.15.2 Round ... 4-17 4.16 DIMENSIONS ... 4-18 4.16.1 Add ... 4-18 4.16.2 Edit ... 4-18 4.16.3 Delete ... 4-18 4.16.4 Settings ... 4-18
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4.16.4.1 Text ... 4-18 4.16.4.2 Direction ... 4-18 4.16.4.3 Measure ... 4-19 4.16.4.4 Line type ... 4-19 4.16.4.5 Arrowhead ... 4-19 4.17 SACS 3D ... 4-20 4.17.1 3D Solid ... 4-20 4.17.1.1 File ... 4-20 4.17.1.2 Display ... 4-20 5.0 JOINT FEATURES ... 5-1 5.1 DETAILS/MODIFY ... 5-1 5.2 FIND ... 5-1 5.3 DISTANCE ... 5-1 5.4 ADD ... 5-1 5.4.1 Absolute ... 5-1 5.4.2 Relative ... 5-1 5.4.3 Intersection ... 5-1 5.4.4 Relative to a Line ... 5-1 5.4.4.1 Length ... 5-2 5.4.4.2 X-coordinate ... 5-2 5.4.4.3 Y-coordinate ... 5-2 5.4.4.4 Z-coordinate ... 5-2 5.4.4.5 Angle ... 5-2 5.4.5 Divide a Line ... 5-2 5.5 GRID ... 5-2 5.6 MESH ... 5-3 5.6.1 Rectangular ... 5-3 5.6.2 Cylindrical ... 5-4 5.6.3 Spherical ... 5-5 5.7 MOVE ... 5-6 5.8 RENAME ... 5-6 5.9 REORDER ... 5-6 5.10 TRANSLATE/ROTATE ... 5-7 5.10.1 General ... 5-8 5.10.2 Mirror Image ... 5-8 5.10.3 About a Line ... 5-9 5.11 DELETE ... 5-10 5.12 DELETE MANY ... 5-10 5.13 FIXITIES ... 5-11 5.14 SPRINGS ... 5-12 5.15 DESIGN ... 5-12 5.15.1 Automatic ... 5-12 5.15.2 Manual ... 5-13 5.15.2.1 File ... 5-14 5.15.2.2 Display ... 5-14 5.15.2.3 Modify Offsets ... 5-155.15.3 Include Joint ... 5-15 5.15.4 Exclude Joint ... 5-15 5.15.5 Reset the List ... 5-15 6.0 MEMBER FEATURES ... 6-1 6.1 DETAILS/MODIFY ... 6-1 6.2 OFFSETS ... 6-1 6.3 FIND ... 6-1 6.4 ADD ... 6-2 6.5 STRING ... 6-2 6.6 X-BRACE ... 6-2 6.7 K-BRACE ... 6-2 6.8 WISHBONE ... 6-2 6.9 DIVIDE ... 6-3 6.9.1 Ratio ... 6-3 6.9.2 Length ... 6-3 6.9.3 XY Plane ... 6-3 6.9.4 XZ Plane ... 6-3 6.9.5 YZ Plane ... 6-4 6.9.6 Equal Parts ... 6-4 6.9.7 Perpendicular ... 6-4 6.9.8 On Member ... 6-4 6.10 DELETE ... 6-4 6.11 DEFINE DEFAULTS ... 6-4 6.12 SET TO DEFAULT ... 6-6 6.13 DEFINE AS ... 6-6 6.13.1 X-brace ... 6-6 6.13.2 K-brace ... 6-6 6.13.3 Through On Line ... 6-6 6.13.4 Through Off Line ... 6-6 6.14 DUPLICATE/MIRROR ... 6-6 6.14.1 Duplicate Face ... 6-7 6.14.2 Duplicate Plan ... 6-7 6.14.3 Mirror Face ... 6-7 6.15 MESH TUBULAR ... 6-7 7.0 PLATE FEATURES ... 7-1 7.1 DETAILS/MODIFY ... 7-1 7.2 OFFSETS ... 7-1 7.3 FIND ... 7-1 7.4 ADD TRIANGULAR ... 7-1 7.5 ADD QUADRILATERAL ... 7-2 7.6 RENAME ... 7-2 7.7 DIVIDE ... 7-3 7.8 DELETE ... 7-3 7.9 DEFINE DEFAULTS ... 7-3 7.10 SET TO DEFAULT ... 7-3
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7.11 LOCAL Z UP ... 7-3 7.12 LOCAL Z DOWN ... 7-4 7.13 SHELL ELEMENT ... 7-4 8.0 PROPERTY FEATURES ... 8-1 8.1 MEMBER GROUP ... 8-1 8.2 MEMBER SECTION ... 8-3 8.3 PLATE GROUP ... 8-4 8.4 PLATE STIFFENER SECTION ... 8-6 8.5 K FACTOR ... 8-7 8.5.1 Ky & Kz ... 8-7 8.5.2 Ky ... 8-7 8.5.3 Kz ... 8-8 8.5.4 Lb=Lz Toggle ... 8-8 8.6 EFFECTIVE LENGTH ... 8-8 8.6.1 Ly & Lz ... 8-8 8.6.2 Ly ... 8-8 8.6.3 Lz ... 8-8 8.6.4 Lb=Lz Toggle ... 8-8 8.7 UNBRACED LENGTH, LB ... 8-9 8.8 CONCRETE ... 8-9 8.8.1 Groups ... 8-9 8.8.2 Sections ... 8-11 8.8.3 Rebar ... 8-14 8.8.4 Slab Group ... 8-15 8.8.5 Slab Rebar ... 8-16 9.0 LOAD FEATURES ... 9-1 9.1 JOINTS ... 9-1 9.2 SPECIFIED DEFLECTIONS ... 9-2 9.3 MEMBER ... 9-3 9.4 MEMBER GROUPS ... 9-5 9.5 PRESSURE ... 9-5 9.5.1 Simple ... 9-5 9.5.2 Complex ... 9-5 9.5.3 Plate Area ... 9-7 9.5.4 Plates ... 9-9 9.6 SKID ... 9-9 9.7 MOVE EQUIPMENT ... 9-10 9.8 DUPLICATE EQUIPMENT ... 9-11 9.9 DEAD LOADS ... 9-11 9.10 DELETE LC ... 9-11 9.11 DUPLICATE LC ... 9-11 9.12 COMBINE LC ... 9-12 9.13 RING/ANODE ... 9-12 9.13.1 Ring Table ... 9-12 9.13.2 Rings ... 9-139.13.3 Anodes ... 9-13 10.0 SEASTATE FEATURES ... 10-1 10.1 GLOBAL PARAMETERS ... 10-1 10.1.1 Drag/Mass Coeff ... 10-1 10.1.2 Reynolds Number ... 10-2 10.1.3 Marine Growth ... 10-2 10.1.4 Wind Area ... 10-3 10.1.5 Wind Shield Zones ... 10-4 10.1.6 Submerged Area ... 10-4 10.1.7 Submerged Volume ... 10-4 10.1.8 Group Override ... 10-4 10.1.9 Member Override ... 10-5 10.1.10 Plate Override ... 10-6 10.1.11 Dummy Structure ... 10-6 10.1.12 Appurtenance Structures ... 10-7 10.1.12.1 Appurtenance Groups ... 10-8 10.1.12.2 Appurtenance Members ... 10-8 10.1.12.3 Appurtenance Joints ... 10-9 10.1.13 Report ... 10-9 10.2 LOADING ... 10-10 10.2.1 Wind ... 10-10 10.2.2 Current ... 10-11 10.2.3 Dead load ... 10-12 10.2.4 Wave ... 10-13 10.2.5 Mudflow ... 10-14 10.2.6 Drag ... 10-14 10.2.7 Group Override ... 10-15 10.2.8 Member Override ... 10-15 10.2.9 Plate Override ... 10-15 10.2.10 Load Label ... 10-15 10.2.11 LC Component Factors ... 10-16 10.2.12 Transfer Function ... 10-16 10.2.13 Repeat LC ... 10-17 10.3 OPTIONS ... 10-17 11.0 REPORT FEATURES ... 11-1 11.1 JOINTS ... 11-1 11.2 MEMBERS ... 11-1 11.2.1 Member Offsets ... 11-1 11.3 PLATES ... 11-1 11.3.1 Plate Offsets ... 11-2 11.4 SHELLS ... 11-2 11.5 PROPERTIES ... 11-2 11.5.1 Member Groups ... 11-2 11.5.2 Member Sections ... 11-2 11.5.3 Plate Groups ... 11-2
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11.5.4 Plate Stiffeners ... 11-2 11.5.5 Library ... 11-3 11.6 LOADS ... 11-3 11.6.1 Contents ... 11-3 11.6.2 Summation ... 11-3 11.6.3 All Above ... 11-3 11.6.4 Sum By Ids ... 11-3 11.7 MODEL INFO ... 11-3 11.8 TEXT FILE ... 11-3 12.0 OPTIONS FEATURES ... 12-1 12.1 ANALYSIS ... 12-1 12.2 SELECT LOAD CONDITION ... 12-3 12.2.1 Standard ... 12-3 12.2.2 Dynamic Mass ... 12-3 12.2.3 P-Delta ... 12-4 12.3 LOAD CONDITION FACTOR ... 12-4 12.3.1 Standard ... 12-4 12.3.2 Dynamic Mass ... 12-4 12.3.3 P-Delta ... 12-4 12.4 ALLOWABLE STRESS/ MAT FACTOR ... 12-4 12.5 UNITY CHECK RANGES ... 12-5 12.6 REDESIGN ... 12-5 12.7 REDESIGN DT ... 12-6 12.8 HYDROSTATIC COLLAPSE ... 12-7 12.9 CONCRETE ... 12-7 13.0 MISCELLANEOUS FEATURES ... 13-1 13.1 TITLE ... 13-1 13.2 MODIFY LEG ... 13-1 13.3 CREATE LEG ... 13-2 13.4 DEFINE LEG ... 13-3 13.5 MODIFY ELEVATION ... 13-4 13.6 CREATE CONDUCTOR ... 13-5 13.7 MERGE ... 13-5 13.8 CHECK MODEL ... 13-5 14.0 HELP FEATURES ... 14-1 A.0 APPENDIX ... A-1 A.1 PRECEDE COMMENT DATA ... A-1 A.1.1 Leg Data Comment #1 ... A-1 A.1.2 Leg Data Comment #2 ... A-1 A.1.3 Elevation Data Header ... A-1 A.1.4 Elevation Data Comment ... A-2 A.1.5 Leg Member Group Label Data ... A-2 A.1.6 Pile Member Group Label Data ... A-2 A.1.7 Jacket Row Definitions ... A-2A.1.8 User Defined View Comment #1 ... A-3 A.1.9 User Defined View Comment #2 ... A-3 A.1.10 User Defined View Comment #3 ... A-3 A.1.11 User Defined View Comment #4 ... A-3 A.1.12 User Defined View Comment #5 ... A-4 A.1.13 User defined View Comment #6 ... A-4 A.1.14 User Defined View Comment #7 ... A-5 A.1.15 Special Joint Designator Data ... A-5 A.1.16 Special Member Designator Data ... A-5 A.1.17 Equipment Definition Comment #1 ... A-5 A.1.18 Equipment Definition Comment #2 ... A-6 A.1.19 Equipment Definition Comment #3 ... A-6 B.0 INDEX ... B-1
SECTION 1
1-1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This program was developed to provide the design engineer with an intuitive and efficient tool with which geometric structures may be defined and manipulated.
1.1 GENERAL INFORMAT ION
Input to this program may be in the form of an ASCII SACS data file, a binary restart file generated from a previous version of Precede, or there may be no previously defined input data.
This program provides for special handling of structures that are jacket oriented, but is also adept at handling non-jacket structures. Precede can automatically generate 5
different structure types, such as jackets, decks, dolphin/wharves, towers or space frames. For example, jackets with 1, 3, 4, 6 or 8 main legs may be automatically generated with grouted or non-grouted piles. Structures generated using the automatic generation facility have elevation, plan and face views created that may be displayed easily. Section 2.2 addresses the jacket generation facilities in detail.
Output from Precede consists of an ASCII SACS model input file to be used by the SACS system. Model plots maybe generated directly inside of Precede using any installed plotter or printer (refer to the Windows documentation for complete details). Model report files may also be generated from Precede.
During any modeling session, each operation performed on a joint, member or plate is saved in an edit file. An "Undo" operation is available to retrace any inadvertent or incorrect steps, and a "Redo" operation is available to retrace an inadvertent "Undo" operation. The program has the capability to store the last one hundred operations.
1.2 PROGRAM OVERVIEW
1.2.1 System Configuration
Before executing Precede for the first time, the SACS system configuration file should be generated using the SACS Executive. Precede accesses the configuration file name "configg.sac" defined by environmental variable "SACGCFG". Data from the
configuration file is used in all subsequent executions and may be edited by using the SACS Executive. If the configuration file is not found or if the file does not exist, Precede will exit with a "configuration file not found" error message.
Note: The environmental variable "SACGCFG" must contain the full path name of the configuration file including the filename.
The configuration parameters used in Precede may be changed for the current session using the File/Setup option.
SECTION 2
2-1
2.0 GETTING STARTED
2.1 BEGINNING A MODEL ING SESSION
The Precede modeling session is begun by double clicking on the Precede Model icon found within SACS Executive. After double clicking on the Model icon, the user may Open the last file edited, create a new structure, or edit an existing model. Within Precede an existing structure may be modified(File/Open) or a new structure may be
generated(File/New).
2.2 GENERATING A JACK E T STRUCTURE
Precede has the ability to generate jacket type structures automatically. Jackets with 1, 3, 4, 6 or 8 main legs may be automatically generated with or without grouted or non-grouted piles and up to three skirt piles at each corner leg. Conductors can also be generated automatically.
The Jacket Wizard is invoked by selecting the File/New menu item then selecting the
Jacket button from the New Structure wizard, see Section 3.1.
Specify the work point, top framing and mudline elevations, the leg batter, the distance between legs at the work point and the number of bays desired or the minimum angle between the leg and the diagonal braces. From this information, Precede will calculate the intermediate elevations and place the information in the appropriate fields in the
Jacket Type Structure dialog.
2.2.1 Jacket Information
Specify the number of legs and whether the legs have grouted, non-grouted or no piles. The work point (the elevation at which the legs become vertical), the pile connecting elevation (elevation at which the leg is shimmed to the pile), the mudline elevation and all intermediate elevations including those above the work point should be specified. Additional information relating to conductors, skirt piles and pile stubs may be specified on the Conductors and Skirt Piles tabs.
2.2.2 Non-grouted Structures
When legs are designated as ungrouted on the Jacket Type Structure dialog, Precede generates coincident leg and pile joints from the mudline, up to the pile connecting elevation and at all specified intermediate (entered in Other elevations on the Jacket Type
Structure dialog) elevations between. By default, the leg joint is odd numbered and the
coincident pile joint is numbered one greater than the leg joint (i.e. leg joint 101 is coincident with pile joint 102). Leg joints are also created at the pile connecting elevation and at any elevations specified above the pile connecting elevation.
The program also creates the appropriate leg and pile members incident upon leg and pile joints respectively and connects coincident leg and pile joints with wishbone members. At the pile connecting elevation, only leg joints, which are shared by the leg and pile members are created. Pile joints at the mudline, or at the pile stub elevation if specified, are assigned pile head(PILEHD) fixities, see Section 5.13.
2.2.3 Grouted Structures
When legs are designated as grouted on the Jacket Type Structure dialog, leg joints are generated from the mudline, upward, at all specified elevations and numbered according to the default numbering scheme. Pile joints, pile members and wishbone members are not created. Leg joints at the mudline, or at the pile stub elevation if specified, are assigned PILEHD fixities, see Section 5.13.
2.2.4 Pile Stubs
A pile stub or pile extension elevation may be specified on the Jacket Type Structure dialog. The program will create pile extensions and assign PILEHD fixities to the joints at this elevation.
Up to three skirt piles can be specified at the corner jacket legs on Jacket Type Structure dialog along with the top elevation of the skirt piles. The skirt pile leg and pile joints are generated assuming that the skirt pile type (grouted or non-grouted) is the same as the jacket main piles. The program will prompt for the skirt pile batter and spacing.
2.2.5 Conductors
Up to three conductor well bays may be generated automatically by specifying information on the Conductors tab of the Jacket Type Structure dialog. The number of conductor rows in the global X direction and the global Y direction are entered for each well bay. The top conductor elevation and any elevations at which the conductors should not be connected to the structure are also specified. For each well bay, the spacing between conductors and the location of the well bay are specified on the Conductor
2-3
Precede will generate an odd numbered structure joint n, and a coincident conductor joint n+1 at all elevations that the conductor is connected to the structure. These joints are connected by a wishbone member.
2.2.6 Specifying Leg Data
Upon selecting the Next button on the Jacket Type Structure dialog, Precede invokes the
Column/Leg Specification dialog. The row labeling and leg numbers are entered on the Row and Legs tab.
Note: Leg numbers must be odd numbers from 1 to 99. Leg joints will be created at each elevation specified on the Jacket Specification Data screen in the form "eeLL" where ee represents the elevation number (usually with 1 being the lowest elevation) and LL is the leg number. For example: for a leg designated as leg number 3 for a structure with mudline elevation -100 and intermediate
elevations at -65.0 and -10.0, leg joint numbers 103, 203 and 303 corresponding to elevations -100, -65 and -10 respectively, will be generated.
Based on this data, Precede will define face and plan elevation views accessible in the
FACE and PLAN sub-menu items of the DISPLAY menu. A face is defined by a minimum
of two main legs. An elevation is defined in the global XY plane at each elevation specified on the General tab of the Jacket Type Structure dialog.
The batter of the each leg in the in the XZ and YZ planes is specified as a real number representing the rise/run of the leg in that plane. This information is entered on the Leg
2-5
2.2.7 Parallel Bracing Layout
Precede has the ability to determine the intermediate elevations of a jacket based on main diagonal brace angles or number of jacket bays. To utilize this feature select the Jacket button, select the Use parallel bracing option check box and select OK button. The Parallel Bracing Layout dialog is then invoked.
2.3 DEFAULT GROUP NAMES
The following are the group names referenced by members generated automatically by the jacket generation facility:
Group Name Piles PLn Conductors CNn Wishbones W.B Legs LGn Skirt piles SKn
Note: For grouted leg structures, pile and wishbone members are not generated.
The automatic tubular sizing feature assigns member groups as follows:
Group Name Group Name
Horizontal members Hmn Diagonal members Dmn
K-braces Kpn X-braces Xqn
where n indicates the bay or elevation number beginning with 1-9 then continuing with A-Z. The variable m is 'A' for members in Rows 1, 2 and 3. The variable m for members in Rows A and B is 'B' for members between the legs of Rows 1 and 2, C for members B between the legs of Rows 2 and 3 and D for members between the legs of Rows 3 and 4.
2.4 UNDO AND REDO
Precede has the ability to "undo" or "redo" program functions. The program saves the last 100 modeling functions (add, delete, modify, etc.) on a joint(s), member(s), plate(s), shell(s), group(s), section(s) and/or stiffener(s), etc.
Selecting 'Undo' button on the “Standard” tool bar will negate the last function performed. Selecting 'Undo' again negates the function performed previous to the last one. Any function negated by the 'UNDO' feature may be redone selecting 'REDO' button on “Standard” tool bar. "Redo" may be selected to redo as many functions as has been previously negated.
Note: The ’REDO’ feature is only available immediately after a feature(s) has been negated by ’UNDO’. Once another function besides ’UNDO’ or ’REDO’ has been performed "Redo" cannot be used.
2.5 EXITING THE MODELING SESSION
Select the File/Exit menu option to exit the modeling session. If the model has been updated since it was last saved, an opportunity to save it will be provide.
SECTION 3
3-1
3.0 FILE FEATURES
3.1 NEW
New is used to start a new model. This will invoke the New Structure Wizard dialog. If the current model has been modified since it was last saved, the program will query whether to save the model before it is closed.
3.2 OPEN
Open is used to open an existing model, in the form of a restart file or a SACS input file, for editing. If the current model has been modified since it was last saved, the opportunity to save it is provided before the new model file is opened.
3.3 SAVE
Save is used to save the current model as a SACS input file only. Any plots or model reports sent to file are also saved. Precede will overwrite the previous version of the file. Choose Save As from the File menu if the filename is to be changed or if the previous version of the file should not be overwritten.
3.4 SAVE AS
The Save As option on the File menu provides the ability to designate the filename to be saved.
3.5 SAVE NPF AS
The Save NPF As option on the File menu provide the ability to designate the filename of the Neutral Picture File(NPF) file, see also Section 3.9.1.
3.6 SETTINGS
The Setup option allows the default program display, file and model options to be overridden for the current modeling session.
Note: The default program options may be modified using SACS Executive. The default colors may be modified for the current modeling session on the Display Color dialog.
3.7 PLOT
The Plot option allows the display of views to be sent directly to a print device. The list of defined print devices is specified from the Windows Control Panel. Refer to the Windows documentation for further explanation.
3-3
3.7.1 Title
This title will appear on the Screen plot only. The titles for all other plots are taken from the View ID, Face or Plan description.
3.7.2 Screen
This feature plots the display window contents to the print device.
3.7.3 Full Set
This feature plots all defined faces and plans and the isometric view of the entire structure to the current print device.
3.7.4 Faces
This feature plots all defined face views to the print device.
3.7.5 Plans
This feature plots all defined plan views to the print device.
3.7.6 Views
This feature plots all defined views(plan, face and saved) to the print device.
3.7.7 Select Views
This feature queries user to select which saved views to plot to the print device.
3.8 PAGE SETUP
This option allows print settings such as margins, border and color to be specified.
3.9 EXPORT
These options allow the user to export the active window to either the Windows clipboard, a Neutral Picture File(NPF), AutoCAD DXF(drawing exchange file), or a Windows Metafile format(WMF).
3.9.1 Windows Clipboard
This feature exports the active window to the Windows clipboard for pasting into other Windows based applications as a bitmap graphic.
3.9.2 Neutral Picture File
This feature exports the active window to a temporary NPF file. The temporary NPF is appended each time this export option is used until the File/Save NPF As command is invoked. This allows the user to change views and export all these views to a single NPF. After the File/Save NPF As is invoked, subsequent uses of the Export/Neutral Picture File will be written to a new temporary NPF file.
3.9.3 DXF
This feature exports the active window to a 2D AutoCAD DXF file.
3.9.4 Windows Metafile
This feature exports the active window to a Windows Metafile.
3.10 EXIT
This option is used to exit Precede. Precede prompts the user to save any updates to the model since the last save before exiting.
SECTION 4
4-1
4.0 DISPLAY FEATURES
4.1 ACTIVE/ISOMETRIC
The Active/Isometric display feature displays all active joints, members, plates and shells in a three dimensional perspective view. If a display volume is set, then all active joints and elements within the specified volume are displayed.
4.2 FACE
This feature allows the user to select the plane of a predefined face to be displayed. An out of plane tolerance may be entered.
Note: Faces planes are generated automatically when the automatic jacket generation facility is used. Faces planes may also be generated using the Misc/Define Leg option, see Section 13.4.
4.3 PLAN
This feature allows the user to select the plane of a predefined plan to be displayed. The desired plan is selected from the list box then the out of plane tolerance may be entered. Note: The plan planes are generated automatically when the automatic
jacket generation facility is used. Plan may also be generated using the Misc/Define Leg option, see Section 13.4.
4.4 PLANE
The Plane display option activates the Display/Plane sub-menu allowing access to plane and volume display features. Planes or volumes containing joints that are located in the specified plane and/or volume and any active member or plate elements connected to the joints are shown, may be displayed. The plane display features allow for an out of plane tolerance to be specified.
Note: Only member or plate elements that have all connecting joints shown are included on the display.
In addition to displaying volume contents, volume display features deactivate everything lying outside of the specified volume. Therefore, once a volume is activated, the Reset Volumes option must be used to display joints and elements lying outside of the
volume(s) designated. The XY, XZ and YZ volume features may be used in conjunction with each other to define cubes that are to be displayed.
4.4.1 3 Joints
This option will define a plane view may be defined by any three joints that are not aligned along a line. The first two joints picked define the line used as the horizontal display axis of the plane. The third joint picked is used to define plane to be displayed. Note: The plane is displayed such that the line defined by the first two
joints is aligned horizontally and is displayed from left to right on the display.
4.4.2 XY Plane
This option will display a global XY plane, defined by a global Z (vertical) coordinate. An out of plane tolerance may be specified.
4.4.3 XZ Plane
This option will display a global XZ plane, defined by a global Y coordinate input. An out of plane tolerance may be specified.
4.4.4 YZ Plane
This option will display a global YZ plane, defined by a global X coordinate input on the Data line. An out of plane tolerance may be specified.
4.4.5 XY Volume
This option will display a volume defined between two global XY planes. The volume is defined by a minimum and maximum global Z coordinates and any XZ and/or YZ volumes already specified.
4.4.6 XZ Volume
This option will display a volume defined between two global XZ planes. The volume is defined by a minimum and maximum global Y coordinates specified and any XY and/or YZ volumes already specified.
4-3
4.4.7 YZ Volume
This option will display a volume defined between two global YZ planes. The volume is defined by the minimum and maximum global X coordinates and any XY and/or XZ volumes already specified.
4.4.8 Reset Volumes
This option resets the volume range coordinates to the default values of -∞ and ∞ for XY, XZ and YZ volumes.
4.5 SELECT
The Select option allows the user to select display options and to include and/or exclude portions of the structure for display purposes.
The Display Options check boxes are used to designate whether or not disconnected joints (joints with no active members connected), members, member offsets, plates, plate offsets, and shell elements are to be displayed.
The Joint Ranges frame allows up to 4 joint ranges to be defined. Joint numbers within the specified ranges may be designated to be either included or excluded from the display by selecting the Include or Exclude button, respectively. When the joint ranges are designated as Include(d), only joints within the specified ranges are active for display purposes. When the ranges are designated as Exclude(d), joints within the specified ranges are excluded for display purposes.
Up to 20 member and/or plate groups may be specified to be included or excluded from the display. When groups are designated as Include(d), only elements that have all
incident joints active and are assigned to one of the specified groups are considered active for display. When groups are designated as Exclude(d), all elements assigned to one of the specified groups are excluded from the display.
The 'Member groups only' check box designates whether only member groups are to be included or excluded (checked), or member and plate groups are to be included or excluded (unchecked).
4.6 RESET SELECT
This option will reset all display settings set using the Display/Select option. All elements will be displayed.
4.7 LABELING
The Display/Labeling features allow for joints, members, plates and/or shells to be labeled on the display. In general, label sub-menu items are toggles that turn the feature on or off.
4.7.1 Joints
The Joints menu item accesses the joint information labeling features on the sub-menu. Joint labels include joint number, fixity or boundary condition, joint symbol and joint design setting.
a. Number - The joint Number toggle alternately labels the corresponding joint number above each joint displayed or removes the joint number(s) from the display.
b. Fixity - The fixity or boundary condition are alternately displayed or concealed using this toggle. The fixity is represented by a six character label corresponding to translation X, Y and Z and rotation X, Y and Z DOFs.
c. Symbol - The joint symbol of each active joint is alternately shown or concealed. Joints with all degrees of freedom free (blank or zero) are represented with an 'X'. Joints with at least one restrained or fixed DOF are represented with a triangle and joints with a spring DOF are displayed as a square. Joints assigned an active retained or master DOF for dynamic analysis are displayed as inverted triangles (see Dynamic BC below).
d. Design - This toggle displays or conceals the joint design option used by the automatic joint design feature, see Section 5.15.1. Joints designated to be excluded in the automatic design are labeled with an 'E' and joints specifically designated to be included are designated with an 'I' (see Sections 5.15.3 & 5.15.4). Joints not designated as either included or excluded are not labeled. e. Dynamic BC - This option allows the user to set which DOFs are to be
considered active when showing dynamic boundary condition symbols. The user can select those degrees of freedom which are to be used in determining whether a joint is to be shown with the retained boundary condition symbol (inverted triangle).
Setting the X On/Off toggle to 'On' indicates that any joint with the X translation degree of freedom retained (2) is to be displayed using the dynamic BC symbol. Similarly, setting the Y On/Off or the Z On/Off toggles to 'On' indicates that any joint with the Y or the Z translation DOF retained (2) is to be represented using the dynamic BC symbol. The XR On/Off, YR On/Off and the ZR On/Off toggles refer to the X, Y and Z rotational DOFs, respectively.
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4.7.2 Members
Members menu item accesses the member information labeling toggles on the sub-menu. Members may be labeled showing only one of the following at one time: group label, section name, Fy, Ky or Ly, Kz or Lz, unbraced length of compression flange (Lb), local coordinate system, and orientation.
a. Group Label - The property group label of all active members may be alternately displayed or concealed using this toggle. The positive direction of the local X axis points from the start joint to the end joint of the member.
b. Section - The cross-section label, or diameter and thickness for tubular members, of each segment for active members may be alternately displayed or concealed using this toggle.
c. Fy - The yield strength of each segment for active members may be alternately displayed or concealed using this toggle.
d. Ky or Ly - The - This toggle alternately shows or conceals the value of Ky or Ly of all active members.
e. Kz or Lz - This toggle alternately shows or conceals the value of Kz or Lz of all active members.
f. Lb - The unbraced length of compression flange (Lb) for all active members may be alternately displayed or concealed using this toggle. Members with no Lb specified are labeled with the member length.
g. Local CS - Active members may be labeled with an arrow pointing in the positive direction of the local X axis using this toggle. The positive direction of the local X axis points from the start joint to the end joint of the member. h. Orientation - The orientation of the cross section of each active member are
drawn or concealed using the Orientation toggle. The orientation of the cross section is drawn as if standing at joint A of the member looking at joint B with your head in the direction of the positive local Z axis. The height and width of the cross section is drawn to scale, but thicknesses are not shown.
i. Show Offsets - This toggle determines whether members are to be drawn showing the actual member length including offsets (checked) or drawn from start joint to end joint without offsets shown (unchecked).
4.7.3 Plates
Plates may be shown with the plate property group, the plate name, and/or the Local coordinate system labeled.
a. Group Label - Active plates may be alternately labeled or unlabeled with their corresponding group label.
b. Name - The plate name of active plates may be alternately shown or concealed using the Name toggle.
c. Local CS – The local coordinate system of each plate may be alternately shown or concealed using the Local CS toggle.
d. Show offsets – The offset of each plate may be alternately shown or concealed using the Show offsets toggle.
e. Show full size - This toggle allows plates to be shown in their actual size or reduced by 10%. The reduced mode allows for members connected to the same joints to be seen in addition to the plates.
Note: The effects of plate group offsets are not shown when displaying plates.
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4.7.4 Shell
Shells may be shown with the name and/or the local coordinate system labeled.
a. Name – The shell name of the active shell may be alternately shown or concealed using the Name toggle.
b. Local CS – The local coordinate system of each plate may be alternately shown or concealed using the Local CS toggle.
c. Show full size - This toggle allows shells to be shown in their actual size or reduced by 10%. The reduced mode allows for members connected to the same joints to be seen in addition to the shells.
4.7.5 Load
The Display Load feature allow the user to display the members and/or joints where loading of the specified load condition is applied. The summation and center of force of the designated loading are reviewed after closing the Labeling dialog.
Note: The load ID may contain the wild card character "*" in any character position.
a. Joint - This feature designates that all joints currently displayed that have loading applied in the specified load condition and load label are to be differentiated by highlighting in a different color (normally purple). If no load identification label is designated, then all loaded joints for the specified load condition will be highlighted.
b. Member Concentrated - This option marks the location on each displayed member that a concentrated load is defined for the specified load condition and load identification label with an 'X'. If no specific load identification label is supplied, then all members that have concentrated loads defined in the specified load condition are marked.
c. Member Distributed - The Member Distributed feature shows the portions of members that have distributed loading applied in the specified load condition and load label in a different color (normally purple). If no load identification label is designated, then loaded portions of members for the specified load condition are highlighted.
d. Temperature - The Temperature feature highlights all members that have temperature load defined for the specified load condition and load identification label. If no specific load identification label is designated, all members loaded for the specified load condition are highlighted. The sum and center of force are not available for review.
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4.7.6 Special
Special display features may be selected from the Special tab.
a. Out of plane offsets - this toggle designates whether or not elements that are offset out of the joint plane are to be displayed in a different color. This option is only applicable when a plane is displayed on the screen.
b. Members w/o properties - this toggle is used to designate whether or not
elements not assigned to a property group are to be displayed in a different color. c. Through members - members designated as through members, X-brace members
or K-brace members may be shown in a different color using this toggle. d. Dummy structure - members defined as part of a Dummy Structure or an
Appurtenance Structure may be displayed in a different color using this toggle, see Section 10.1.11.
e. None - all labeling specified above is removed/turned off.
f. Show rows and elevations - this toggle alternately displays or conceals row and elevation labels. This label is only applicable for structures containing the row and plan definitions created automatically or using the Misc/Leg Define option, see Section 13.4.
4.8 LOAD DIAGRAM
This feature displays the loading diagram of a member or set of members for a specified load condition. After selecting the Load Diagram menu item, the member(s) to be diagramed is selected and the desired load condition is selected or entered. The local Y and Z axes load diagrams are displayed for the first member selected.
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4.9 ROTATE
The Rotate features allow the active display to be rotated about the global X, Y, Z or screen axes.
a. X axis - rotates the structural coordinate system about the global X axis by the angle specified. This feature is for display purposes only, actual joint and element locations remain unchanged.
Y axis - rotates the structural coordinate system about the global Y axis by the angle specified. This feature is for display purposes only, actual joint and element locations remain unchanged.
b. Z axis - rotates the structural coordinate system about the global Z axis by the angle specified. This feature is for display purposes only, actual joint and element locations remain unchanged.
c. Screen - rotates the display by the specified angle about the line perpendicular to the screen. Actual joint and element locations remain unchanged.
4.10 2 LINE
2 Line displays the structural elements as 3D solids(excluding shells) and removes hidden lines.
4.11 SHOW IN 3-D
The 3-D toggle switches the display mode from a 2-D plane mode to a 3-D perspective mode, or vice versa, when a plane that has out of plane tolerance specified is active. The default mode when a plane is active is 2-D.
4.12 ZOOM BOX
The Window features allow the user to zoom, delete joints, delete elements, delete beam elements, delete plate elements, renumber joints, translate/rotate/duplicate or design connection offsets of the portion of the structure enclosed in a rectangular window or box. After selecting the appropriate window feature from the sub-menu, one corner of the box is picked, then the diagonally opposite corner of the box is picked.
Note: Once the first corner of the box is picked, a box is drawn from the first corner to the mouse arrow location. Do not hold down the mouse button after picking the first corner of the box.
4.12.1 Zoom Display
This feature expands the area within the designated window so that it fills the entire display area.
4.12.2 Delete Joints
All joints which lie inside the designated window are deleted along with all attached structural elements.
Note: Corresponding joint and element loads will also be deleted, in addition to structural elements not displayed on the screen but connected to the joints.
4.12.3 Delete Elements
All structural elements which lie within the window are deleted, in addition to the corresponding element loads.
4.12.4 Delete Members
This function deletes all members which lie completely within the designated window, in addition to the corresponding member loads.
4.12.5 Delete Plates
All plates, which lie completely within the designated window, in addition to any corresponding plate loads, are deleted using this function.
4.12.6 Increment Joints
The joint numbers of all joints which lie inside the window are incremented by the amount specified.
4.12.7 Translate/Rotate
All joints which lie inside the defined window are selected to be translated, rotated and/or duplicated. This feature inputs joints residing within the window into the Joints/Translate & Rotate option, see Section 5.10, instead of requiring the user to input joint ranges.
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4.12.7.1 GeneralThe rotation angle, axis about which to rotate, the X, Y and Z translations and/or X, Y and Z scale factors are specified on the Translate and Rotate dialog. If the existing joints are to duplicated, check the duplicate joints box, specify the number of duplications and whether existing elements are to be copied. Beam elements may be created between the original joint and its duplicate by checking the appropriate box on the Duplicate tab.
4.12.7.2 Mirror Image
The joints and attached structural elements may be mirrored across any of the 3 structural planes at a specified coordinate. The existing joints may be copied by checking the duplicate joints box and specifying the number of duplications and whether existing elements are to copied. Beam elements may be created between the original join and its duplicate by checking the appropriate box on the Duplicate tab.
Note: Joints and elements lying in the structural plane are not duplicated.
4.12.7.3 About a Line
The joints and structural elements may be rotated or copied about a line defined by 2 joints. The existing joints may be copied by check the duplicate joints box and specifying the number of duplications and whether existing elements are to be copied. Beam
elements may be created between the original joint and its duplicate by checking the appropriate box on the Duplicate tab.
Note: The joints and structural elements lying on the line defined by the 2 joints are not duplicated.
4.12.8 Joint Design
Joints which lie inside the defined window are selected to be designed using the Joints/Design/Auto option, see Section 5.15.1.
4.13 UNZOOM
This option returns any zoomed display to its original unzoomed form.
4.14 VIEW
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4.14.1 Select
This option allows the user to display user defined views by selecting the View ID from the appropriate bin.
4.14.2 Save
The Save option allows the user to save the active display into one of the six available bins. The user should select the desired bin in which to save the view from the
Display/Save sub-menu. The user enters the View ID or name along with the optional View title.
A maximum of thirty views per bin are allowed. View labeling will not be saved with the view.
4.14.3 Delete
The Delete feature allows the user to delete a view defined in one of the bins. The view to be deleted is selected from the appropriate bin of the Display/View/Delete sub-menu.
4.14.4 Rename Bin
The bin name may be changed using the Rename option by selecting the bin then specifying the new name.
4.15 CYLINDER
4.15.1 Flat
This option will unroll the mesh such that all added elements will be added on the approximated structure surface generated by the mesh versus the actual structure as shown below. All joints selected MUST be on the circumference of the cylindrical mesh.
4.15.2 Round
This option will unroll the mesh such that all added elements will be added on the structure surface generated by the mesh versus the approximated structure surface defined by the structural elements as shown below. All joints selected MUST be on the circumference of the cylindrical mesh.
4.16 DIMENSIONS
4.16.1 Add
This option adds a dimension label based on the settings the Dimension Settings dialog.
4.16.2 Edit
This option edits the style, text, and/or location of an existing detail feature.
4.16.3 Delete
This feature allows the user to delete any of the dimensions previously defined on the current display. This is done by pointing the arrow to the dimension to be deleted and pressing the select switch. The dimension that is selected will then change colors. If it is the dimension to be deleted, press the perform switch and the dimension will disappear from the display.
4.16.4 Settings
4.16.4.1 Text
4.16.4.1.1 Distance
This option uses the distance as the label text. 4.16.4.1.2 User label
This option prompts the user to enter a custom label as the label text. 4.16.4.1.3 Axis System
This option positions a global coordinate axis system on the drawing. 4.16.4.1.4 None
This option does not use any label text.
4.16.4.2 Direction
4.16.4.2.1 True
This option draws the true dimension between any 2 joints/points in the active window. The dimensioning line will be parallel to the line between the two joints/points. If the previously defined location of the arrow tip is to be used instead, the Apply button is selected. A maximum of 100 dimensions may be placed on any one view.
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This option draws a vertical dimension between any 2 joints/points on the current display. The dimensioning line will be vertical relative to the screen. If the previously defined location of the arrow tip is to be used instead, the Apply button is selected. A maximum of 100 dimensions may be placed on any one view.
4.16.4.2.3 Horizontal
This option draws a horizontal dimension between any 2 joints/points in the active window. The dimensioning line will be horizontal relative to the screen. If the previously defined location of the arrow tip is to be used instead, the Apply button is selected. A maximum of 100 dimensions may be placed on any one view.
4.16.4.3 Measure
4.16.4.3.1 Joints
This option draws any dimension (true, vertical or horizontal) between any 2 joints in the active window.
4.16.4.3.2 Points
This option draws any dimension (true, vertical or horizontal) between either any 2 points in the active window.
4.16.4.4 Line type
4.16.4.4.1 Straight
This option draws any dimension line (true, vertical or horizontal) as either a straight line. Only the straight line can have text dimensioning included with it.
4.16.4.4.2 Curve Up
This option draws any dimension line (true, vertical or horizontal) as a curved line whose arc is upward. Only the straight line can have text dimensioning included with it.
4.16.4.4.3 Curve Down
This option draws any dimension line (true, vertical or horizontal) as a curved line whose arc is downward. Only the straight line can have text dimensioning included with it. 4.16.4.4.4 S Curve
This option draws any dimension line (true, vertical or horizontal) as an S curved line. Only the straight line can have text dimensioning included with it.
4.16.4.4.5 None
This option allows the user to draw any dimension (true, vertical or horizontal) between any 2 joints/points on the current display either with (On) or without (Off) the line below the dimension being drawn.
4.16.4.5 Arrowhead
This option draws the dimensioning line for any dimension (true, vertical or horizontal) with arrows at each end of the dimensioning line.
4.16.4.5.2 To end
This option draws the dimensioning line for any dimension (true, vertical or horizontal) with only 1 arrow at the end of the dimensioning line. In this case where there is 1 arrow, it will appear at the second joint/point selected.
4.16.4.5.3 None
This option draws the dimensioning line for any dimension (true, vertical or horizontal) with no arrows at the ends of the dimensioning line.
4.17 SACS 3D
4.17.1 3D Solid
This option offers enhanced 3D rendering abilities. The rendered model may be
manipulated for plotting and exporting purposes. The rendered model may be exported to the Windows Clipboard, DXF and Windows Metafile.
4.17.1.1 File
Refer to Section 3.0 for complete documentation of these features.
4.17.1.2 Display
SECTION 5
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5.0 JOINT FEATURES
5.1 DETAILS/MODIFY
A joint’s coordinates and/or fixity may be displayed and/or modified with this option. Once a joint is selected, the values are displayed in the dialog and may be modified by entering a new value. The joint is updated by clicking the Apply button.
5.2 FIND
Joints may be located by using this feature. Enter the joint number to be located and Precede will highlight the joint in red on the model and the joint’s properties will be displayed.
5.3 DISTANCE
Distance between joints may be determined by using this feature. Select or enter two joints. The data returned is actual distance, and the differences of the joints’ X, Y, and Z coordinates.
5.4 ADD
Joints may be added by selecting one of the five sub-menu options of the Joints/Add option. The five options are absolute coordinates, relative to a joint, intersection of two lines, relative to a line, and dividing a line.
5.4.1 Absolute
This option allows a joint to be added by typing the global coordinates of the joint. The default joint number displayed in the joint number field may be overridden. The joint fixity may also be specified.
5.4.2 Relative
The Relative option is used to add a joint at a specified distance from an existing joint. The reference joint is selected, then the distances along the global X, Y and Z axes from the reference joint to the new joint are specified along with the joint fixity.
5.4.3 Intersection
A joint may be defined at the intersection of two lines defined by four existing joints. First the two joints defining the first line are selected, and then the two joints defining the second line are selected. The joint number to be created is displayed and may be
modified.
Note: If a member exists along the line defined by the first and second or by the third and forth joints selected, the member will be divided into two members each incident upon the newly created joint.
5.4.4 Relative to a Line
This option is used to add a joint along or relative to a base line defined by two joints (A and B). The joint position may be defined by a length along the base line, by the X, Y or
Z global coordinate intersection on the base line or by defining an angle off of the base line.
5.4.4.1 Length
A new joint will added along the base line at a specified length from the first joint (joint A) defining the base line. If the length is positive, then the new joint is added between joints A and B, if it is negative the new joint will be away from joint B.
5.4.4.2 X-coordinate
A joint will be added where the Base Line intersects the specified global X coordinate.
5.4.4.3 Y-coordinate
A joint will be added where the Base Line intersects the specified global Y coordinate.
5.4.4.4 Z-coordinate
A joint will be added where the Base Line intersects the specified global Z coordinate.
5.4.4.5 Angle
A joint will be added a specified distance along a line intersecting the Base Line. After defining the Base line, the angle between the base line and the intersecting line is specified. The distance from Base Line joint A along the Base Line to the point at which the Intersect line intersects the Base line is entered in the Base field. The joint is added along the intersect line the distance specified in the Intersect field. This feature is not available when the model is shown in Active/Isometric view.
5.4.5 Divide a Line
Equally spaced joints may be added along a line defined by two joints using this option. The two joints defining the line are selected, then the number of joints to be added and the joint number of the first joint maybe specified as well as the joint fixities.
5.5 GRID
This option creates a grid of joints in either the global XY, XZ or YZ planes. The grid plane is located by specifying the coordinate along the axis normal to the specified plane. Automatic or user defined joint numbering may be chosen. User defined joint numbering requires the starting joint number, and the numbering increments along the two axes of the grid plane. If a new joint location coincides with an existing joint, the existing joint may be used optionally.
Members between specified grid points may be created parallel to the axes of the grid plane. The default group labels and offsets normal to the plane may be specified separately for members creating along each of the axes defining the plane. If member groups specified already have properties defined, the automatic top flush option may be selected. Members will be assigned offsets so that the top or bottom of all beam elements that are created are at a specified distance from the joint plane.
Plate elements may also be created in the grid plane. Out of plane offsets, default group label and starting plate name may also be specified.
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Up to 16 grid points along each of the axes defining the grid plane may be designated. The default member group labels specified on the Joint Grid data dialog are designated as the default group label for each grid coordinate. The group label for any grid coordinate may be modified in the group labels box. For example, if the -10.0 is specified as the third X direction grid coordinate, all members created at X=-10.0 may be assigned to group 'W05' by specifying 'W05' in the third group field for X direction grid points.
5.6 MESH
A mesh of joints may be created using rectangular, cylindrical or spherical coordinate systems. The joint mesh may be connected with member and/or plate elements automatically.
5.6.1 Rectangular
This option creates joint mesh defined using the global X, Y and Z coordinate system. The mesh origin, number of joints in each direction and the step sequence (incrementing order) used must be specified. The sequence specified designates in which order joints will be created. For example, "X then Y then Z" creates joints along the X-axis, then along the Y-axis then along the Z-axis. "XY then Z" creates joints along a line in the XY
plane then along the Z-axis. Joints may be numbered automatically or the numbering sequence may be user defined.
The mesh may be connected with member and/or plate elements created in the plane defined by the first and second steps of the sequence. For example, for "X then Y then Z", elements are created in the XY plane. For "XY then Z", elements are created in the plane defined by the line in the XY plane and the Z axis
5.6.2 Cylindrical
This option generates a joint mesh defined by a cylindrical coordinate system. The global coordinates of the cylindrical coordinate system origin and the global axis to which the cylinder axis is parallel must be specified. The number of joints to be generated about the cylinder axis, the starting theta angle and the angle increment are required in addition to the initial or begin radius, number of joints along the radius and radii increment. The number of joint levels along the axis and the spacing between levels are also required. The shape of the mesh is determined by the incrementing sequence or order. The mesh may be connected with member and/or plate elements. Elements are created in the plane of the first two steps of the sequence. For example, cylinders are created by specifying sequence "T,L,R", elements are connected between theta joints and joint levels. Platters are generated by selecting sequence "T,R,L", elements are created between theta joints and radii joints.
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5.6.3 Spherical
This option generates a joint mesh defined by a spherical coordinate system. The global coordinates of the spherical coordinate system origin must be specified. The number of joints to be generated about the global Z axis, the starting theta angle and the angle increment are required in addition to the initial or begin radius, number of joints along the radius and radii increment. The number of joints about the global XY plane, the angle increment and starting angle are also required. The shape of the mesh is determined by the sequence or order of incrementing specified. The mesh may be connected with member and/or plate elements. Elements are created in the plane of the first two steps of the sequence.
5.7 MOVE
A joint may be relocated by defining its new location by absolute coordinates, relative to another joint, at the intersection between two lines or relative to a line, see Section 5.4.
5.8 RENAME
This feature will rename a joint number to a new or existing joint number. This feature has the ability to move all elements from the existing joint to the new joint number.
5.9 REORDER
The Reorder option provides the ability to reorder joint numbers in a volume(s)
designated by the user. The start and end elevations of the volume(s) are specified along the first joint number to be used in that volume and the joint numbering increment. Joints are reordered based on the sort plane designated. For a particular elevation, joints are reordered along the first axis of the sort plane, then along the second axis. The procedure is repeated for each elevation. For example, for sort plane XY, the start and end Z axis elevations must be specified.
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Existing joint numbering information (minimum and maximum joint number, and number of joints) may be displayed by selecting the Review button.
Note: Joints may not be reordered using joint numbers that are already in use. For example, joints 101-130 may not be reordered as joints 121-150.
5.10 TRANSLATE/ROTATE
A set of joints may be moved, copied and/or scaled by selecting one of the translate/rotate options on the sub-menu then specifying up to eight ranges on the Joint Selection dialog. Note: To translate and/or rotate the user defined views, a joint range
5.10.1 General
The rotation angle, axis about which to rotate, the X, Y and Z translations and/or X, Y and Z scale factors are specified on the Joint Translation and Rotation dialog. If the existing joints are to be duplicated, check the duplicate joints box, specify the number of duplications and whether existing elements are to be copied. Beam elements may be created between the original joint and its duplicate by checking the appropriate box.
5.10.2 Mirror Image
The joints and attached structural elements may be mirrored across any of the 3 structural planes at a specified coordinate. The existing joints may be copied by checking the duplicate joints box and specifying the number of duplications and whether existing elements are to be copied. Beam elements may be created between the original joint and its duplicate by checking the appropriate box
Note: Joints and elements lying in the structural plane are not duplicated.
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5.10.3 About a Line
The joints and structural elements may be rotated or copied about a line defined by 2 joints. The existing joints may be copied by checking the duplicate joints box and specifying the number of duplications and whether existing elements are to be copied. Beam elements may be created between the original joint and its duplicate by checking the appropriate box.
Note: The joints and structural elements lying on the line defined by the 2 joints are not duplicated.
5.11 DELETE
This option is used to delete one or more joints by selecting the joints then picking the perform button. The user will be prompted on the Data Line whether to delete joints if structural elements are connected. By default, any joint having structural elements connected are not deleted. Enter 'YES' to have the joints and any connected structural elements deleted. A joint number to be deleted may be entered manually by "tabbing" to the Joint field after the "Delete attached structural elements" field and specifying the joint number.
Note: If the higher numbered of two coincident joints is to be deleted, double click on the joint so that the desired joint number is displayed. All previously selected joints will be deselected.
5.12 DELETE MANY
This command deletes active joints and attached elements by any of the following methods: joint ranges, negative side of a plane or between two planes. Any combination or all of these methods may be used at one time.
When deleting by joint ranges, a maximum of four joint ranges may be specified. Any active joint which fits into any specified range is deleted.
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If one plane is specified, all active joints on the negative side of a plane are deleted. The plane is defined by 3 joints with the local X axis defined from joint 1 to joint 2, the local Y axis is in the direction of joint 3 and the local Z axis formed by the right hand rule. Joints in the local negative Z quadrant are deleted. The user may optionally delete joints lying in the plane.
The third method is to delete joints lying between two parallel planes. The first plane is defined by 3 joints with the local coordinate system described above. The second plane is parallel to the first plane. The distance between the two planes is specified in terms of the local Z axis of the first plane. This distance may be either positive or negative. All active joints lying between the planes will be deleted. The user may optionally delete joints lying in either plane.
5.13 FIXITIES
This option is used to assign joint fixities to a joint or set of joints. The fixities is entered in the fixity field on the Data line then the appropriate joints are selected with the mouse. The fixities are assigned by pressing the perform mouse button or the Enter key.
The joint fixity field is six characters long representing translation X, Y and Z and rotational X, Y and Z degrees of freedom. The fixity for a particular DOF may be specified as '0', '1' or '2' corresponding to free, fixed or dynamic retained, respectively. A fixity of 'FIXED', 'PINNED' or 'PILEHD' may be specified for fixed, pinned or pilehead supports respectively.
Note: Joint fixities may be displayed and modified using the Display/Modify option also.
5.14 SPRINGS
This option allows the specification of translation and rotational spring rates for the selected joints. Spring rates may be assigned only to degrees of freedom designated as fixed to ground. A blank or zero spring rate corresponds to fixed or rigid degree of freedom.
5.15 DESIGN
This option calculates the offsets for tubular joint connections based on input specified by the user.
5.15.1 Automatic
This option provides the capability to automatically generate brace member offsets so that the brace member ends are modeled to the face of the chord and/or have a specified gap between the braces.
Braces may be moved along the centerline of the chord, around the circumference of the chord or a combination of both to achieve the desired gap. Chord outside diameters may be increased to achieve a circumferential gap and to insure that the longitudinal
eccentricities do not exceed one fourth the chord diameter.
Joint can segment lengths of non-prismatic groups may be updated to meet API
requirements and rounded to the nearest standard length specified. Joints to be redesigned may designated as all joints, joints active on the screen or all joints not designated in the automatic design Exclude List by selecting All, Screen or Included, respectively. Joints to be redesigned may also be designated using Display/Zoom Box/Joint Design option, see Section 4.10.8.
Note: The location of X and K-brace center joints are recalculated based on the new member offsets. Also the location of joints generated by dividing an existing member will be recalculated based on the new offsets.
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5.15.2 Manual
This option provides the ability to design a connection manually by specifying brace movements and connection details. Gap details may be specified along the chord axis and/or around the circumference of the chord. After selecting the joint to be designed, the chord of the joint is unrolled and the brace footprints are drawn on the unrolled chord. The joint number at the opposite end of each brace is labeled inside the footprint. A separate set of menus are displayed for manual joint design.
Note: Gaps are displayed at the face of the chord regardless of whether the brace is indeed offset to the chord face. Offsets defined in member local coordinates are converted to global coordinate offsets.
5.15.2.1 File
5.15.2.1.1 Plot
A hardcopy plot of the footprints may be obtained by selecting this function. Refer to Section 3.7.2 for complete details.
5.15.2.1.2 Page Setup
Refer to Section 3.8 for complete details 5.15.2.1.3 Close
This feature will end the manual design session for this joint.
5.15.2.2 Display
5.15.2.2.1 Details
The shortest distance between the wall of the reference brace and each of the other brace walls are displayed in the brace footprints by this option. The reference brace is
designated by selecting the footprint with the mouse. The offsets along the centerline and around the circumference (off the centerline) of the reference brace are displayed. 5.15.2.2.2 Roll Chord
The chord may be rotated for display purposes by an angle specified in degrees. 5.15.2.2.3 Remove Brace
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Brace footprints may be removed from the display by selecting this option. Removing the footprint from the display does not affect the brace member.
5.15.2.3 Modify Offsets
5.15.2.3.1 Initialize
All offsets at the displayed end of the braces are initialized to zero. 5.15.2.3.2 Set Gap Longitudinally
The gap between two braces along the centerline of the chord may be specified by selecting the footprint of the brace to move, then selecting the footprint of the stationary brace, then specifying the gap.
5.15.2.3.3 Set Gap Radially
The gap between two braces measured around the circumference of the chord may be specified by selecting the footprint of the brace to move, then selecting the footprint of the stationary brace, then specifying the gap.
5.15.2.3.4 Offset to Outside of Chord
This option is a toggle. Braces ends modeled to the joint may be offset to the face of the chord or brace ends offset to the chord face may be reset back to the joint by selecting this option. The flag is displayed as part of the menu item 'Offset Outside Chord'. This option effects all braces that have not been removed from the display.
5.15.2.3.5 Save Offsets
This option saves all offsets created by brace movements specified during the manual design in the global coordinate system. The joint number is added to the automatic joint design Exclude list, see Section 5.15.4.
5.15.3 Include Joint
This option allows the user remove a joint from the Exclude list so that it will be included when the Include joint selection option in the automatic joint design feature is selected. A maximum of 50 joints may selected to be removed from the Exclude list at one time. Joints that lie along a pile and joints which are part of the dummy structure definition are always excluded and may not be removed from the Exclude list.
5.15.4 Exclude Joint
By default, manually designed joints, pile joints and joints defined as delete joints of a dummy structure, see Section 10.1.11, are excluded from the automatic design process. Additional joints may be added to the Exclude list for automatic joint design, see Section 5.15.1, using this option. A maximum of 50 joints may be excluded at any one time. Joints designated as excluded from automatic joint design may be labeled by selecting the Display/Labeling/Joints/Design option.
5.15.5 Reset the List
This option removes all joints from the automatic joint design Exclude list, see Section 5.15.4.