Define Boundary Group

Define (create, modify & delete) boundary group names to which specific nodes and elements specified with particular boundary conditions are later assigned.

In a relatively complicated model for a complex structure, grouping specific nodes and elements assigned with particular boundary conditions becomes handy when the groups of the boundary conditions are to be repeatedly selected. Using the boundary group names, can we then select (Select Identity) or activate (Active Identity) frequently used boundary groups. Boundary groups are especially dedicated to Construction Stage analysis (of a high-rise building) where each part of the total structure erected in each stage may retain different boundary conditions from those of other stages.  

Boundary groups can be defined in Define Boundary Group first. Next, the desired nodes and elements assigned with particular boundary conditions can be selected in the Group tab of the Tree Menu and assigned to the groups by Drag & Drop. Or, the boundary groups can be directly assigned at the time of defining the boundary conditions.

From the Main Menu select Structure > Group > B/L/T > Define Boundary Group.

Name

Enter the name of a boundary group to be created, modified or deleted.

Suffix

The Suffix entry field is provided for the convenience of creating a number of related group names simultaneously. This is mainly used to generate changing boundary conditions pertaining to multiple construction stages.

Note
The construction stages defined by using Construction Stage Wizard for Building automatically create the Boundary Groups of "#CS Construction Stage No. "and " #DP-Story Name"

Group Sorting

: Sort in ascending alphanumeric order

: Sort in descending alphanumeric order

: The selected group moves up one position in the list. The use of [Ctrl] or [Shift] key permits multi-selection.

: The selected group moves down one position in the list. The use of [Ctrl] or [Shift] key permits multi-selection.

Operation

The entered boundary group is created. The boundary groups as many as defined in the Suffix entry field are simultaneously created.

The designated boundary group name is modified.

Selected boundary group names are deleted. The use of [Ctrl] key permits multi-selection.

All the boundary groups on the list are deleted except for the selected groups. The use of [Ctrl] key permits multi-selection.

Close the Define boundary Group dialog box.

Note 1
Use the Group tab of the Tree Menu to assign nodes and elements specified with particular boundary conditions to the defined Boundary Groups.
First, select the nodes and elements specified with particular boundary conditions to be assigned to a group using the Selection functions. Next, drag and drop the boundary group name to which the selected nodes and elements will be assigned from the Tree Menu to the Model Window.

Note 2
When a number of boundary conditions are defined by different boundary groups and assigned to a node or an element in a given construction stage, the accumulated effect is considered in that construction stage.