In the 2018.a version, a new type of material has been implemented for it to be assigned to columns. It is a generic material whose properties are defined by users. These columns can have a rectangular, circular, or generic section, or a section determined by the mechanical properties introduced by users. Generic material columns intervene in the force analysis of the structure. Their forces and deformed shape can be consulted, although their sections are not checked.
Definition of the material
Users can create a generic materials library to assign to different columns. The generic material will be defined by the modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio and the specific weight.
The mechanical properties of rectangular, circular or generic columns can be established by users or calculated by the program.
Generic sections
A section editor has been implemented in the program which allows users to define the geometry of the section. The sections are stored in a library which also contains generic concrete section column.
In the section editor, users can create a section by defining the points of its external perimeter and openings, if any. The outline of a previously introduced section can be edited by adding, moving or deleting
Sections defined using an equivalent rectangle
For this type of section, the dimensions are defined of the equivalent rectangle that would encompass the real section and its mechanical properties.
