Used to specify a direction vector for the members from which the program
calculates the beta angle. The direction vector is defined with respect to the local
coordinates of the member by means of a reference point.
Opens when the
Beam
Specifications > Beam Reference Point
tool is selected from the
Specifications group on the
Specification ribbon tab.
Refer to Rotation by Reference section for additional
information on this feature.
| Setting | Description |
|---|
| Point
|
Provide the global coordinates of the point towards which the
minor axis (local y axis) of the member should be directed. The point should
not lie on the longitudinal axis (local x axis) of the member.
|
| Vector
|
A vector can be assigned with respect to the local coordinate system of the
member. The local Y axis for the member is going to oriented along this
vector. This vector does not need to be any point on the model. This can be used to orient a member without the need to
calculate a beta angle. For example, vector values of X = 0, Y = 2, and
Z = 1 will create a vector at a slope of 1:2 from the member's axis. The
resulting beta angle =
tan-1(1/2) = 26.5651°.
Note: The Member Query dialog
Geometry tab will report the actual beta
angle used.
|
| Node
|
An existing node in the structure can be set as the reference
point for one or more members. This is the alternative to defining the
coordinates of the reference point. When this button is turned on, the list of
all nodes in the structure will appear in the drop-down list. Select the
desired node number.
|
| Assign
|
Select the scope of members which the geometric
constant is to be assigned.
- To
View assigns the geometric constant to all members within the
current view.
- To
Selection assigns the geometric constant to only those members
selected.
|
