Wall

New walls may be added with two mouse clicks on the Building Modeller Main Window.

On the wall’s Properties Window the section’s width is adapted in the View/Modify Geometry window, whereas its length is graphically by specifying the points at the start and the end of the wall. Initially, the pseudo-columns width is automatically estimated as one fifth (1/5) of the total wall’s length with a maximum value equal to 600 mm. After the insertion of the wall, it can be modified from the wall's Properties Window.

It is possible to define a wall height different from the general storey height, as well as to adapt the foundation level of the wall, thus providing the possibility to the user to define different foundation levels.

The material sets properties can be defined from the main window (Tools > Define Material Sets), through the corresponding toolbar  button, or through the Define Material Sets button within the member’s Properties Window. The required values for the definition of the materials properties depend on the type of the members, i.e. existing or new members. By default, there are two material schemes, one for the existing elements and one for the new ones.

Additional loads can be defined by clicking on the Distributed and Edge Loads button. Users can define uniform distributed forces along the length of the member in all three translational directions X, Y or Z, and forces or moments in any translational or rotational direction (X, Y, Z, RX, RY or RZ) at either of the two edges of the member (bottom or top). Additional permanent loads G’ (not associated with the self-weight of the structure), live Q and snow S loads may be applied, with the latter being applicable only to ASCE 41 and TBDY. By default all loads are equal to zero.

Further, the option to include pseudo-columns is available is available in the reinforcement area and the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement may be defined by editing the relevant reinforcement pattern controls. Adding single longitudinal reinforcement bars may also be carried out through the corresponding Additional Rebars module, where additional reinforcement may be introduced graphically.

On the Properties Window users may choose the View Reinforcement display, where the longitudinal reinforcement of the section is shown and its correct assignment can be checked.

Further, FRP wraps may be assigned to column elements through the FRP Wrapping module, where the users may select the FRP sheet from a list of the most commonly used products found in the market, or alternatively introduce user defined values.

In the Advanced Modelling area, the code-based settings of the structural member can  be defined through the Advanced Member Properties dialog box that opens from the corresponding button. The member’s Modelling Parameters may be also defined from the Modelling Parameters dialog box, accessed by the corresponding button. Finally, the insertion point (point of the section that corresponds to the location of the mouse click), and rotation of the section on plan view may be selected.

After defining all the section's properties, the new member may be added by outlining two points on the Main Window. The inserting line can lie at the centre or at either of the two sides of the wall; this can be determined by clicking on any of the three lines on the View/Modify Geometry window (the black line is the selected option).

For guidelines on how to insert a wall click here.

Note: In order to add longitudinal reinforcement bars through the Additional Rebars module, users should first insert the wall section in the model, so as to have completely defined the wall’s dimensions.