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Section Wizard : Definition

Definition​

Name

The name is a label used to identify a particular section.

Definition method

The definition method specifies how the material is to be defined. This breaks down into three main options.

  • Catalogue sections are selected from online section catalogues.
  • Standard sections are defined by a shape and its dimensions. The properties are then calculated from these.
  • Geometric sections are defined either by a perimeter or by line segments. The properties are then calculated from these.

The page that follows this will depend on the selection made at this stage.

Section Definition Axis System​

The axis along a beam element in GSA is the x axis. Following this assumption the cross section is defined in a (y,z) axis system.

Section for tapered elements/members​

To define a tapering section, check the "Section tapers along length" option. Two different sizes of the section can then be defined on the next page of the wizard. Note that this option is only available for standard and Perimeter/Bridge sections; Catalogue, Fabricated Section, Line Segment, Point Area, or Explicit section types cannot be tapered.