Question
Arbitrary section generated by SPC (Sectional Property Calculator) cannot be applied to Steel Design.
Answer
To apply arbitrary section generated by SPC to Steel Design, you need to define the section as a 'Line Type' in SPC and then define a group for Steel Design.
To create arbitrary sections that can be used for Steel Design in CIVIL, you need to calculate the sectional properties using SPC and then import the generated sec file. (Tools > Sectional Property Calculator)
In SPC, sections can be freely represented in line or plane type, and for Steel Design, sections must be defined in line type and a group must be defined for Steel Design.
The following are steps to create arbitrary section for Steel Design in SPC.
1. Draw section
It is possible to directly draw the section in SPC, but for practical users who are more familiar with CAD, importing a DXF file is more convenient in terms of workability. (File > Import > AutoCAD DXF)
2. Define section thickness
To calculate the sectional properties of a Line Type in SPC, you need to define the thickness of the section. (Model > Curve > Change Width)
3. Define closed section
This function is used to define a closed section, except for unstiffened elements and stiffeners. Closed sections are used for calculating shear flow and shear stress. (Model > Curve > Closed Loop > Register)
4. Define section type and name
You define the type and name of the section. At this time, if you select the 'Calculate Properties Now' option as shown in the figure above, you can calculate the sectional properties while defining the section type and name. (Model > Section > Generate)
5. Enter the number of groups for Steel Design and define the groups
The groups defined for Steel Design are used to check the allowable bending tensile stress, allowable bending compressive stress, and local buckling of unstiffened elements, stiffened elements and reinforced plate.
(Model > Section > Steel Design Group > Generate)
(Model > Section > Steel Design Group > Add)
6. Create sec file
You can generate a sec file that can be imported into CIVIL. (Model > Section > Export)
*Note that the section to be exported must be selected first.
For more detailed information on this process, please refer to the technical document 'Arbitrary Section for Steel Design using SPC'.
For more detailed information on this process, please refer to the technical document 'Arbitrary Section for Steel Design using SPC'. Please note that when calculating the sectional properties using Line Type, the effective shear area is not calculated. This means that it is not possible to consider shear deformation in the calculation of member forces.