In the design, it is possible to consider local section reductions, such as notches. The required design parameters can be entered by assigning a Local Member Section Reduction.
Reduction Type and Location
You can define the design parameters for different locations along a member or a member set. For this, a specific location is defined by using an absolute or relative entry. Use the button to switch between the relative and absolute length inputs. A multiple definition for the faster entry of recurring design parameters at a certain distance is also possible for the "Inner Notch" reduction type.
For a better overview, you can use the button to sort all defined design parameters in the table in ascending order.
Parameters | Start Notch / Inner Notch / End Notch
In this section, the geometry and position on a member are defined. If you select the multiple definition (an inner notch only), enter a number and an offset of the cross-section reductions. Again, the distance can be entered absolutely or relatively.
If the cross-section reduction is a notch on a support at the same time, it is possible to activate the "Notch at support" option (not available for an inner notch). In this way, a reduced shear strength, which depends on the geometry of the notch as the section reduction, is taken into account on the reduced cross-section for the shear force design.
The "Consider notch for stability design" option allows you to consider the cross-section reduction in the slenderness calculation for a stability analysis. The activation is recommended, for example, for the columns where a member section reduction is arranged in the middle third.
If the notch is completely or partially fire-resistant, you can use the "Set different data for fire design" option to define a fire exposure that differs from the rest of the member.