Function
- Enter the sectional properties for the following structural elements: Truss, Tension-only, Compression-only, Cable, Gap, Hook, and Beam Element.
- In the "Value" tab, the section properties (area, moment of inertia, torsional constant, etc.) can be defined by the user to specify the section. The section data can be entered by the following 3 methods in the dialog box:
- 1. Select a section from the DB (database) of the standard sections for a country.
2. Enter the main dimensions of a standardized section shape.
3. Import a section generated from SPC module.
Call
From the main menu, select [Properties] tab > [Section Properties] group > [Section Properties] > [Value]
Input
Section(Value) dialog box
Section Shape List
Assign a section shape to use.
Built-up Section
The fabrication method of the member is distinguished. The coefficients applied during the design phase vary depending on whether it is a rolled beam or a built-up girder.
This is related to the usage of the Design function and does not affect the analysis.
If the member is a built-up section, it should be checked, while it should be left blank for a rolled beam. This data is referenced for strength verification of steel structures and for creating a material list.
Check 'V' in the case of a built-up section and leave it blank in the case of a rolled steel section. The data is referred to for strength verification for steel members and compiling material quantities in BOM.
Size
The structure can be analyzed only with the stiffness data even if the section dimensions are not specified.
H, B1, ... : Refer to the diagram denoting section dimensions in the dialog box.
Section Property
If the member is a built-up section, it should be checked, while it should be left blank for a rolled beam. This data is referenced for strength verification of steel structures and for creating a material list.
Calculate Section Properties : Clicking the button will calculate the section properties using the dimensions entered in the "Size" section.
Area : Cross sectional area
Asy : Effective Shear Area for shear force in the element's local y-direction
It becomes inactive when Shear Deformation is not considered.
Asz : Effective Shear Area for shear force in the element's local z-direction
It becomes inactive when Shear Deformation is not considered.
Ixx : Torsional Resistance about the element's local x-axis
Iyy : Moment of Inertia about the element's local y-direction
Izz : Moment of Inertia about the element's local z-direction
Cyp : Distance from the section's neutral axis to the extreme fiber of the element in the local (+)y-direction
Cym : Distance from the section's neutral axis to the extreme fiber of the element in the local (-)y-direction
Czp : Distance from the section's neutral axis to the extreme fiber of the element in the local (+)z-direction
Czm : Distance from the section's neutral axis to the extreme fiber of the element in the local (-)z-direction
Qyb : Shear Coefficient for the shear force applied in the element's local z-direction
Qzb : Shear Coefficient for the shear force applied in the element's local y-direction
Peri : O : Total perimeter of the section
Peri : I : Inside perimeter length of a hollow section
The value of Peri:I is '0' for an I-shaped section since the section is not hollow.
Cent : y : Centroidal distance in ECS y-axis
Cent : z : Centroidal distance in ECS z-axis
y1, z1 : Distance from the section's neutral axis to the Location 1 (used for computing combined stress) The user may specify the location of the stress display.
y2, z2 : Distance from the section's neutral axis to the Location 2 (used for computing combined stress) The user may specify the location of the stress display.
y3, z3 : Distance from the section's neutral axis to the Location 3 (used for computing combined stress) The user may specify the location of the stress display.
y4, z4 : Distance from the section's neutral axis to the Location 4 (used for computing combined stress) The user may specify the location of the stress display.
Zyy : Plastic Section Modulus about the element local y-direction
Zzz : Plastic Section Modulus about the element local z-direction
Section input using SPC (Section Property Calculator)
Enter the section properties values that will be applied for structural analysis.
Arbitrary cross-section Import
Selecting to invole the function.
Import from SPC... : To import an arbitrary cross-section into midas Civil for use, you need to save it in SPC as a file with the format *.sec.
Click the button to import the *.sec file. Once the section data is imported, the calculated section properties and geometry from SPC will be inputted.
SPC provides two methods for defining sections: Plane Type and Line Type. When importing a section defined using Line Type, you can choose the calculation method for section properties. For Plane Type, the program internally generates a solid model and performs calculations using the Finite Element Method (FEM).
FEM : By extruding the section defined in Line Type along the longitudinal direction, a plate model with a unit length is created. The unit load is applied to this model, and the resulting section properties are calculated. This method is suitable for sections with significant thickness.
Equation : The torsional constant is calculated using the equation based on shear flow for thin plates. This calculation method is applied specifically for thin plates with small thickness.
For detailed instructions on how to use it, please refer to the hidden feature "Calculating Section Properties of Arbitrary Cross-Sections using SPC."
Consider Warping Effect (7th DOF)
You have the option to consider the torsional effects. When there is an uneven torsion resulting from the restricted torsional displacement, torque is resisted by St. Venant's torsional shear stress and warping torsion. In cases involving curved members, eccentric loads, or differences between the center of gravity and the shear center, simulating the warping torsion effect using a 1D beam element can provide more accurate results.
When considering the warping effect (7 degrees of freedom), the warping coefficient (Iw), warping functions (w1, w2, w3, w4), and shear deformations due to the twisting moment can be checked in the sectional properties dialog box.
Applicable element types : General beam/Tapered beam
Applicable boundary condition types : Supports, Beam End Release
Applicable analysis types : Linear Static, Eigenvalue, Buckling, Response Spectrum, Construction Stage Analysis, Moving Load Analysis
Post-processing results : Reviewable in reaction forces, displacements, member forces, and stresses.