Using a line hinge, you can consider the flexibility and decoupling between surfaces and control the connections between surfaces. Thus, it is possible to consider entire decouplings of surfaces or elastic couplings by means of linear springs.
In concrete structures, a line hinge can be used to define an assembly gap. In timber structures, modeling with line hinges is necessary due to the very limited rotation transmission of forces.
Entering in RFEM
Line hinges can be defined in a dialog box by using the menu "Insert" → "Types for Lines" → "Line Hinges".
Hinge Conditions
- Deformations of each FE node of the line of a surface can be released or coupled with a line hinge in the x-, y-, and z-direction.
- Using the rotational line hinge, the rotation can be released around the longitudinal axis of a line.
In contrast to supports, the degree of freedom of line releases is activated when the check mark is ticked, meaning that the internal force is not transferred (in the case of a support, the degree of freedom is released when the check mark is ticked).
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