Why do I have to subdivide members when a node intersects to transfer loads properly?

Deana David

I'm wondering why I am unable to have a node that intersects with a member without breaking that member up into two segments for it to properly transfer the loads and resolve errors. The image below is just a simple example of what I'm referring to. The node in the middle of the horizontal member is at the same Y and Z planes as the two end nodes. Because I don't have this horizontal member segmented, it does not seem to recognize it's connected to the vertical member, and therefor is not transferring any loads. I was able to do this and it transfer loads in an older version of S-Frame before S-Frame was run by Altair (which I had the full version of S-Frame at the time). I now have a limited license, but I believe that would affect this? When I break up the horizontal member, everything works as it should as shown below.

Single member not transferring axial loads and producing errors (SL003):

Two segments transferring loads:

Thanks,

Deana

Tayen Aguilar_20350

Hello Deana, thank you for your post.

I think what you mention is possible if you allow your model to work with physical members, you can do this on the menu Setting-->Preferences-->Interface and tick the "Model using physical members"

This will allow the members to transfer forces without being segmented, this is also probably why you could do it in previous versions of S-FRAME, the setting was on and with the new version, it went back to the default.

If you need additional assistance, don't hesitate to email us so we can take a closer look at your models.

Best,

Tayen Aguilar

Altair Support