Control/Dependent Joints

The control/dependent option is provided to enable you to model rigid links in the structural system.

This facility can be used to model special structural elements like a rigid floor diaphragm. Several dependent joints may be provided which will be assigned same displacements as the control joint. You are also allowed the flexibility to choose the specific degrees of freedom for which the displacement constraints will be imposed on the dependent joints. If all degrees of freedom (Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, and Mz) are provided as constraints, the joints will be assumed to be rigidly connected.

Floor Diaphragms

Alternately, you can define a floor diaphragm without the need to specify a control joint. You can specify a floor by a height range or by a joint list using this method. The program will internally calculate the center of mass of the floor and generate an analytical node at that location.