Accessing the definition of generic sections

Generic sections are carried out using the "Section" option, available in the "Bars" group of the top toolbar, under the "Geometry" tab (within the "Structure" pane).

After selecting the bars, right-clicking opens the "Describe" window.

This window can also be accessed when introducing a new bar by clicking the edit button in the "Properties – New bar" window.

Here, the following options are selected:

• In the "Type of structural element" section, select "Generic".
• Then, in the "Material selection" section, choose "Generic section".

Defining the geometry, mechanical characteristics, and material of the generic section

In the lower panel, "Additional data", the characteristics of the section are specified.

First, define the "Geometry" of the section envelope by specifying:

• the "Left width"
• the "Right width"
• the "Bottom depth"
• and the "Top depth"

These dimensions are referenced to the local coordinate centre, as shown in the diagram at the bottom.

Next, enter the "Mechanical characteristics" of the section. In the cross-section, it is assumed that the principal inertia axes coincide with the local Y and Z axes. Here, input:

• the total "Area" of the section (A)
• the "Shear area" in both directions (Avy, Avz)
• the "Bending inertia" in both directions (Iyy, Izz)
• and the "Torsional inertia" (It)

Finally, the "Material" data can be specified by entering:

• the "Modulus of elasticity"
• the "Poisson’s ratio"
• the "Coefficient of thermal expansion"
• and the "Unit weight"

When clicking "Accept", the program will apply the defined section to the selected set of bars.