Beams

The frame "Beams" contains a table with the list of beams. Adding (editing) beams is performed in the "New Beams" ("Adjust beam properties") dialog window.

Beams can also be introduced using the mouse. This inputting mode is activated by clicking an appropriate button on the horizontal tool bar "Beams". The following modes are available:

Add	The beam is introduced by clicking the left mouse button at a desired location on the desktop.
Adjust	Clicking the left mouse button on already existing free point opens the "Adjust beam properties" dialog window, which allows for modifying its parameters.
Remove	Clicking the left mouse button on already existing beam opens the beam removal dialog window – accepting this action removes the selected beam.
Location	The beam location is selected from the combo box (mesh line, terrain segment).

The inputted beams can also be edited on the desktop with the help of active objects. The program employs the following coordinate systems.

The beam elements serve to model beams, linings, sheeting walls, etc. Distribution internal forces such as moment, normal and shear forces developed along a beam axis can are derived from the beam element end forces.

Beams are assigned to already defined lines (free lines, terrain segments) – the corresponding line then represents the beam axis. The program offers several basic types of cross-sections. Nevertheless, the user is free to introduce the required cross-section independently.

An important step when modeling beams is the definition of contact elements characterizing the interface behavior between the beam and the soil. Contact (interface) elements can be assigned to both sides of a beam. A correct definition of contacts is essential especially when modeling sheeting walls.

Types of end points connections can be specified for each beam.

In subsequent stages the beam can be either strengthened or degraged.

The program automatically includes the beam self-weight into the analysis. This feature, however, can be turned off when defining the beam.

Beams are modeled using the beam elements with three degrees of freedom at each node.

The beam elements are formulated on the basis of the Mindlin theory. The theory assumes that the plane cross-section normal to the beam axis before deformation remains plane after deformation but not necessarily normal to the deformed beam axis. At present, the internal forces are evaluated at the element nodes and from the beam end forces.

Dialog window "New beams"

Frame "Beams"