Element Subdivision

It is still possible for users to subdivide existing elements defined in the Element Connectivity module into 2, 4, 5 and 6 smaller components. In that case, it is common for elements at the edge of the member, where material inelasticity usually develops, to be smaller in length so as to more accurately model the eventual formation of plastic hinges. The length of such edge elements can be customised in this menu. If the 4-element subdivision has been selected, the default is for end elements to feature a length that is 15% that of the structural member, thus leading to a member subdivision, in terms of its length, of the type 15%-35%-35%-15%. For the case of the 5- and 6-element subdivision facility, it becomes necessary to establish the length of the new edge components (default is 10% of the initial length of the element) and that of the "second" components (default is 20% of the initial length of the element).