Hi!

Beginner here with <1 year experience using Finite Element Software. I am wanting to model my own custom connections i.e extended end plate moment connection (more out of curiosity than to be used in anger yet) within SCIA Engineer. To model the 'contact' (from the information readily available), I believe the method is to create a dummy material (low density, high E), and connect the plates using multiple dummy "press only" beams. Modelling the bolts is then done in a similar manner.

In practice, I am struggling to get this arrangement to work. I'm not sure if I'm missing something or getting the wrong end of the stick? This is highly likely as I am basing this process from a small description in a video. If this is correct, how many of these dummy beams would you typically use, and where on the connection plates would you connect them? I also assume you would model the beams as numerical only, so they aren't visible in the model itself.

I understand SCIA isn't the most popular software, but if someone could point me into the right direction for a tutorial etc of a similar scenario that would be great. Also, if there are other methods, I'm all ears.

Thanks in advance!

C