Question:
When entering data in the RF‑/STEEL EC3 add-on module, I get the error message "Incorrect location of the intermediate lateral restraint". Why?
Answer:
The input of intermediate lateral restraints is used to enter lateral supports on a member without having to insert a node in the model at this location. Furthermore, the design of sets of members using the equivalent member method requires them to define the existing support conditions at the intermediate nodes of the set of members.
The entered intermediate lateral restraints are then considered as additional boundary conditions in the eigenvalue solver. However, some boundary conditions are already included in the input tables of the nodal supports or the effective lengths.
To avoid conflicts or duplicate entries for the same location, the error message "Invalid location of the intermediate lateral restraints" appears. The following locations are not allowed, as they are already defined in the other entries:
Design of Members:
- Start and end of a member
Design of Sets of Members:
- Start and end of all members if they are entered using nodal supports
- Start and end of a set of members for the design using the equivalent member method
However, it is very easy to find the error, because the first line with the wrong entry is automatically selected after confirming the error message.