Members
Members are the structural elements that connect nodes.
What are Members?
Members represent:
- Beams
- Columns
- Braces
- Any linear structural element
Creating Members
Members are created in Draw mode by clicking two nodes:
- Enter Draw mode (
Ctrl+D) - Click to place the start node
- Click to place the end node
- A member is automatically created between them
Member Properties
Select a member to view/edit its properties:
Section
The cross-sectional shape of the member. Defines:
- Area (A)
- Moments of inertia (Iy, Iz)
- Torsional constant (J)
- Section moduli (Sy, Sz)
Material
The material properties. Defines:
- Elastic modulus (E)
- Shear modulus (G)
- Density (ρ)
- Poisson's ratio (ν)
End Releases (Fixity)
Control how the member connects to nodes:
- Fixed-Fixed: Fully rigid connections (default)
- Pinned ends: Released rotations at ends
- Custom: Specify individual DOF releases
Fixity codes use 6 characters (e.g., "FFFFFF"):
- F = Fixed, R = Released
- Order: Dx, Dy, Dz, Rx, Ry, Rz
Member Orientation
Members have a local coordinate system:
- Local X: Along the member axis
- Local Y: Major axis (vertical for horizontal members)
- Local Z: Minor axis