Modeling curved members 2

[cjg695]

Hello all:

I have a situation where I need to model an existing wood bowstring truss that's approximately 42' long with 7 panel points along the top chord. I can't seem to find any information on how to model curved members (if it's even possible). I assume I'd have to use multiple straight members with fixed ends. Is there a "rule of thumb" for how many points along the top chord I need to define to get accurate results? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

[IceNine]

If you go to the insert pull down menu, and select 'Structure (Generate)' at the bottom, you can generate circular and parabolic arcs.

 

[cjg695]

Well that was simple enough- I kept searching for "curved members" and not arcs. Thanks a lot.

 

[Skicat]

Can Risa analyze a curved member, or does it break the curved member up into smaller, straight segments? Thank you.

 

[cjg695]

Straight segments - you can specify how many segments you want it to create.