Question
Is the Panel Zone effect considered for Beam Column connectivity? How?
Answer
The panel zone effect option could be used to calculate force from the member face.
GEN has option to automatically consider the stiffness effects of the Panel Zone where column members and girder members (horizontal elements connected to columns) of steel structures are connected. Panel Zone Effects are reflected in the beamelements. Column members are recognized as beam elements parallel to the GCS Z-axis and beam members are recognized as beam elements on the GCS X-Y plane.
From the main menu select Boundaries > Misc. >Panel zone effect
If for example, If the panel effect is not considered, self weight and other forces are calculated with respect to centerline for the elements. Where as on considering panel zone effect, forces are calculated from face of member, even neglecting duplicated self weight at the element joints.