Mesh Input layer

Question: Why is it necessary to have priorities?

Answer:

Without the priority system the modeling of floors would require one of two methods:

Objects for slabs of different thicknesses, beams, openings etc. could not overlap - this would be very tiresome for all but very simple floors, or
Depths would have to additive. For example, you would have to deduct slab depth from beam depth. If you had to change the slab depth then a change would be required for the beam, unless its depth changed by the same amount.

Question: Can I copy columns or walls below to the same above?

Answer: Yes.

Select all of the columns or walls you wish to copy.
Choose Edit > Copy (or right-click and choose Copy from the pop-up menu that appears).
Choose Edit > Paste (or right-click and choose Paste from the pop-up menu that appears).
The pasted objects are the current selection.
Choose Edit > Selection Properties, or right-click and choose Selection Properties.
Change Support Set from Below to Above, and click OK.

Note: It is important that you do not abandon the process after pasting. Otherwise, you will have two supports below at various locations, which causes calculation errors.

Question: The meshing operation produces a very irregular mesh. Is this satisfactory?

Answer: This depends upon a number of factors. See Deciding what mesh element size to use and Improving the mesh .

Question: Can I vary the mesh intensity at different locations?

Answer: Indirectly. See Selectively refining the mesh .

Question: What value should I use for the area springs Z force constant?

Answer:

The geotechnical engineer commonly provides a value called the "subgrade modulus" or "modulus of subgrade reaction".

As a guide only: realistic values vary from 100 pci (approx. 25 MN/m³) for soft clay to 750 pci (approx. 200 MN/m³) for very dense gravel.