Save time by avoiding individual section modelling with FEM Structural Analysis – Advance Design

Discover how FEM Structural Analysis – Advance Design can help you save valuable time by eliminating the need to individually model sections. Streamline your workflow and enhance efficiency today.

Many elements in building structures are repetitive (sometimes entire floors are repetitive). We can utilize the Copy option to save time by avoiding the need to model each section individually.
If you happen to design large building structures you have certainly encountered the problem of changes to the geometry of the structure after the FEM analysis has been carried out.
Sometimes during structural design you need to add an element (column, beam, etc.) or you need to move a section of the structure. Manual changes to the model are time-consuming. It is much simpler and quicker to use the Copy function. It  is easy to use and has many different application options.

Copy option is available under the Home tab

or after selecting an element (or several elements) and clicking the right mouse buton.

The element can be copied by:

• translation defined by an increment vector

Define the translation Vector and insert Number of copies. Confirm using the Copy key.

• translation defined by a total vector (divided in n copies)

Define the translation Vector (total distance) and insert Number (n copies). Confirm using the Copy key.

• translation defined by a vector + one distance

Define the translation Vector, insert Distance and Number of copies. Confirm using the Copy key.

Remember:

a)       before copying the elements you can see their Preview

b)      Vector can be pointed to graphically or entered manually (x, y, z coordinates in sequence)

This FEM-based programme allows elements to be copied to specific systems. Use the Advanced options for this. Columns from the Ground Floor system will be copied to the 1st Floor, 2nd Floor and 3rd Floor systems.

User can also create new systems by copying.

Advance Design enables copying through Rotation.

One of the most frequently used functions is copying using the Ctrl key. This function allows the civil engineer to save time and therefore be more efficient.

When we select an element we notice that every end point is red.

When the Ctrl key is pressed, the corners will be blue.

By holding Ctrl key we can use the mouse to point to a start and end point (vector), so that the element copies itself (we don’t have to use the Copy window). This is known as fast copying.

Written by Mateusz Matlosz – Solution Technical Specialist

If you would like to find out more please get in contact