RSTAB offers the option of adjusting the length of a member using a dialog box. Right-click the member to open the object's shortcut menu. Then, select the Extend/Trim Member function. In this way, you can not only adjust the length in general, but also extend the member to another object.
The editing functions are also available on the Tools menu → Modify Members → Extend or Trim Members.
Alternatively, you can use the
list button available in the CAD toolbar (see image
Modeling Tools
).
The following options are available in the 'Extend/trim through' list:
- Length: Changes the total length of the member to the user-defined dimension.
- Offset: Extends one side or both sides of the member by the offset dimension Δ. A negative value shortens the side(s).
- To Next Member: Results in an extension to the nearest member that intersects with the straight line of the member.
- To Selected Member: Extends the member to the perpendicular line on another member whose number is to be specified or graphically defined with the
button. The perpendicular point on the member is defined by the 'Distance'.
- To Point: Extends the member to any point whose coordinates are to be specified or graphically defined with the
button.
- To Selected Node: Extends the member to a node whose number is to be specified or graphically defined with the
button.
The 'To Point' and 'To Selected Node' options are useful for extending a member within the plane that is spanned by the member and the point or node.
In the 'Member side to modify' list, specify the direction in which the change in length is to be made:
- Both: results in an adjustment on both sides. Either the total length L is related to the member center, or the member is extended on both sides by the offset Δ - or up to the next two members.
- Start: The length of the member is only adjusted on the side of the start node.
- End: The length of the member is only adjusted on the side of the end node.