Stretch Model Elements using a Fence

To linearly stretch a portion of your model using a fence, use the following procedure.

Stretching elements is not limited to the extremities of a structure. Stretching can also be performed internally, or to vary a thickness of a plate or slab etc. Stretching can also be performed asymmetrically (i.e., stretching a column including attached beam. The result in this case would be a longer or shorter column and a sloping beams, assuming that the beam was previously horizontal).

  1. Use the Fence tool to place a fence around a portion of the model you want to stretch.
  2. Select the Stretch Element tool.
  3. In the Stretch Elements tool settings, set the Use Fence option.
  4. Enter a data point to define the origin point of the stretch length by clicking anywhere in the model view.
  5. Enter a second data point to reposition the fence and stretch the elements which overlap the boundary of the fence perpendicular to the stretch direction.
The objects within the fence are moved and the elements crossing then boundary are made shorter or longer, accordingly.
Though OpenBridge Modeler elements overlapping the fence boundary will be stretched, you may need to modify some element parameters. For example, the end distance for beam stirrups will likely need to be changed as the end of the beam is now further away from the start than prior to the stretch action.