Complex sections
AdSec makes it straightforward to model complex section geometries, including sections with a large number of points or irregular shapes, e.g. stability cores, using coordinate‑based geometry, without requiring any external import.
Modelling complex geometries
Complex section profiles can be created by defining a perimeter geometry using a list of point coordinates. This approach is well suited to irregular shapes and sections with many vertices.
To create a complex section profile:
- Create a new section by selecting Empty section.
- In the Definition view, click the pencil icon next to the component's Profile field.
- Set the profile type to Geometric.
- Select Perimeter as the geometry type.
- Paste the list of point coordinates into the input field.
- Click on Apply.
Note, you can also create complex void geometries using the same approach by first clicking on + Add void.
Coordinate format
Point coordinates must be provided in the expected format.
Details of the required format are available via the information (i) icon next to the Paste icon. This describes how coordinates should be ordered and separated.
Once pasted, the section profile is created directly from the supplied coordinates.
Working with complex sections
After defining the section geometry, you can continue to build up the section in the same way as any other section:
- Assign materials from the Materials tab
- Define reinforcement layouts
- Add additional components to create multi‑component sections
The resulting section can then be analysed and reviewed using the standard analysis views.
When to use this approach
Defining geometry using coordinates is particularly useful when:
- Working with irregular or bespoke section shapes
- Modelling sections with a large number of vertices
- Translating geometry from external sources where point coordinates are available
This approach provides a flexible and efficient way to model complex sections directly within AdSec. ``