How to create an Arch structure in Strand7

[Wardzy]

Hi all,

I'm new to using Strand7 and I am trying to create an arch structure for a bridge using a truss/spaceframe setup and was wondering if anyone knows of a way to plot/create an arch without manually calculating each node. I've created one model where i have tried to plot the nodes manunally and linked them with beam elements but I'm concerned that it won't act as an real arch does. I'm trying to produce both an elastic model and a non linear model for analysis.

In addition, does anyone know what element should be used for a stay cable?

Any help is greatly appreciated, and if any more information is needed please let me know.

Cheers.

 

[IDS]

Possibilities include:

1 - Tools-Points and Lines - This command allows circular arcs, ellipses or parabolas to be defined by 3 nodes. You can generate either a series of nodes or connected beams.

2 - Tools-Extrude by increment - Using a cylindrical coordinate system, this command allows one node to be extruded into a series of connected beams.
Tools-Copy by increment - as above, but use to copy a single beam to a radius. In both cases the both ends of the beam must be the same distance from the origin of the chosen coordinate system. Using copy by increment you can select the beam ends to generate the required angular increment (select "set by points").

3 - Generate the node coordinates in a spreadsheet, then use Edit-online editor to paste the coordinates into Strand7. You can generate the beams in a similar way, or just connect the dots by hand.

4 - Use the API to generate the beams directly from a spreadsheet (or any programming tool that will interface with the Strand7 API).

If you are going to work with 3D models you might like to look at:

http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/defining-beam-orientation-in-3d/

(By the way, all the images in that link were produced in Strand7).

On the cable stay question, Strand7 has a cable element (under the Property-Breams menu). I haven't used it, but I presume this would be the best option.

Doug Jenkins
Interactive Design Services

http://newtonexcelbach.wordpress.com/

 

[Wardzy]

Thanks Doug. I'll give these a try and let you know how i get on.

Cheers,
Chris