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000450
2024-01-10

Member Local Section Reductions

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 Relative/Absolute Input 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 Sort 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.

Info

The notch length as well as the notch location always refer to the structural system, that is, to a member start or a member end and not to the real beam.

Info

Once the member section reduction have been assigned to a member or a member set, you can check the supports using the Model View button in the dialog box graphic. Here you can also display the local member axis system in order to check the location of the member section reductions as well as the member start or end.

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.

Info

The member section reductions have an influence on the design side only. They are not taken into account in the member stiffness or for the self-weight!