Section Definition - Concrete

This tab is used to define a concrete section. Other tabs allow you to define steel and generic sections. There are various section shapes that can be selected, each requiring a different set of dimension parameters to be defined. The program automatically calculates all the required section properties based on the given dimensions. All properties are calculated using closed-form solutions, except for the torsional constant, which is calculated by numerically solving the Prandtl stress function. However, the torsional constant for circular shapes is calculated using a closed-form solution.

1. Name

A unique name for the section. It can be left empty, and the program will generate one automatically.

2. Material

The material to assign to this section.

3. + button

Opens the material definition window so that you can add a new material.

4. Stiffness reduction factor for J

A factor to modify the torsional constant of the section.

5. Stiffness reduction factor for Iy

A factor to modify the second moment of area about the y-axis.

6. Stiffness reduction factor for Iz

A factor to modify the second moment of area about the z-axis.

7. Color

A color to give to this section for visualisation.

8. Tabs

A number of tabs are available to select the section shape. Each shape requires different dimensions, which can be entered in the provided fields.

9. Add button

Adds a new section or updates an existing one.

10. Cancel button

Closes the window.