Truss Connection - Middle Zone tab

Used to specify chord and brace geometry, panel count, caps, plate thickness, shape types, and sizes for the middle zone. This tab contains two sub-tabs for chords and braces.

Note: Initially all angle braces are created by the center of flange

(physical model), and by center of gravity

when converted to the analytical model. On the other hand, all pipe and hollow shapes are always by the center

both in physical model and analytical model states.

Chord tab

Setting	Description
Length	Sets the overall length of the middle zone. Denoted with 1 in the diagram.
Width	Sets the overall width of the truss at the middle zone. Denoted with 2 in the diagram.
Length Divide	Displays the number of bays in the truss. Denoted with 3 in the diagram.
Height	Sets the overall width of the truss at the middle zone. Denoted with 4 in the diagram.

Brace tab

Setting	Description
Brace shapes	For each group, you can select the Shape Type and Shape Size from the associated drop-down lists. Separate shapes can be selected for: Top/Bottom Perpendicular Front/Back Perpendicular Top/Bottom Diagonal Front/Back Diagonal Angle braces can be single angles or two separate angles back to back by enabling the check box next to the Shape Type drop-down list. This option is not available with pipes or hollow shapes.
Length bay count	Sets the number of bays used in the middle zone. Denoted with 3 in the diagram.
Panel Distances	Opens the Panel Distances dialog which is used to individually edit the lengths of the bays in the truss. Available length - Displays the total length of the bays. Distances table - Lists the lengths of the truss bays. When the Panel Distances dialog is first opened, the table distances are all equal. Clicking in the distance fields allows you to edit the values. Important: The sum of the distances in the table must equal the Available length value before you can continue. OK - Applies all the changes you made in the dialog. Enabled only when the sum of the table distances equals the Available length.
Plate Thickness	Sets the gusset plate thickness to use for brace connections. Denoted with 5 in the diagram.
Gap	Sets the gap to use for both the Side Face and Bottom Face. Denoted with 6 and 7 in the diagram.