The Dlubal Structural Analysis Wiki explains technical terms used in structural analysis and design. The terms are given in alphabetical order and are usually used in Dlubal Software.

9010x

000295

2020-11-13

HOAI

Joint Group

Keyboard Functions

Quadrangle Surface

Unit Stress State

Beam Structure

Features

A beam structure consists of one-dimensional structural components that are straight or curved. A member is thus characterized by its slenderness as well as a start node and an end node. Further characteristics are the transferrable internal forces of the individual members and those of the connections in the nodes.

Application

Basically, a beam structure is used to ensure the stability of the structure/building and to safely transfer the loads. The use of members has the advantage that the planning, execution, and calculation of the entire structure is simplified by separating the (beam) structure and the facade, for example.

An example of a beam structure is the shell of a logistics hall made of steel sections, typically consisting of columns, beams/girders, compression pipes, and tension rods, see Image 01.

Steel Hall with Flat Buckled Duopitch Roof, Deformation

The essential part of a beam structure are the member connections of each other as well as the type of internal forces that they transfer. The rigid or hinged connections are included for the following reasons, for example:

Limitation of the member length for transport reasons
Direction change of a member
Structural requirement, for example, to transfer the internal forces by means of moment hinges, shear force hinges, or axial force hinges
Limitation of the internal forces of a single member by supporting a beam to reduce the span moment, for example

Frequently used types of member structures are, for example, trusses (Image 02) or frame structures (Image 03).

Beam Structure with Members only Subjected to Axial Forces, here for Bridging Large Spans

Single-Aisle Frame Structure

Beam Structures with Dlubal Software

Dlubal Software provides [https://www.dlubal.com/en/support-and-learning/support/faq/002370#:~:text=RSTAB%20is%20a%203D%20structural%20frame%20&%20truss%20analysis%20program%20that%20allows%20for%20the%20design%20of%20spatial%20and%20planar%20beam%20structures. [[RFEM and RSTAB] as the main programs provide the option to intuitively model planar and spatial beam structures. In both main programs, you can perform linear or nonlinear calculation of internal forces, deformations, and support forces.

The add-on modules are available for the cross-section design and stability analysis of the individual members, as well as for the special connection design.