Truss

A Truss element is a uniaxial tension-compression 2D element defined by two nodes. It can be used for both Static (Linear & Nonlinear) and Dynamic analyses. A Truss element transmits only axial forces and may be combined with tension-only/compression-only functions.

Applicable Modules:

General

Standard

Specify a standard for nominal sizes.

Horizontal Spacing

Specify the spacing of the structural members placed in the longitudinal direction.

Section

Shape

The available section shapes are as below:

Section

Define the section size of the structural element.

Section Data

Section

Specify the cross-sectional dimensions-D / H,B / T / tw etc.

Stiffness Calculation

Area

Cross-sectional area.  

Material

Material Type

Select material for the selected Element Type and Section Shape. The material properties can be modified under the Material Data tab.

The available material types are as below:

Concrete

Specify the grade of concrete.

Steel Grade

Specify the grade of steel.

User Defined

Input the material properties to define a material.

Rebar

Specify the grade of rebar.

Strand

Specify the strand grade.

Material Data

Specify the material properties for the element type. The properties may vary with a change in the shape.

Properties

Modulus of Elasticity

The slope of the stress-strain line for a linear isotropic material.

Poisson’s Ratio

The ratio of the radial (or lateral) strain to the vertical strain.

Unit Weight

The weight of material per unit volume.

Thermal Coefficient

The relative change of a physical property when the temperature is changed by 1 K.

Design Strength

Concrete

Design Compressive Strength

The compressive strength of a material modified by strength reduction factor.

Steel / Rebar / Strand

Yield Strength

The yield strength of the material after which plastic deformation begins in the material.

User Defined

Allowable Compressive Stress

The maximum permissible compressive stress in the material to a given factor of safety.

Allowable Tensile Stress

The maximum permissible tensile stress in the material to a given factor of safety.

Allowable Shear Stress

The maximum permissible shear stress in the material to a given factor of safety.

Note: The parameters under Design Strength are not provided for the element type Truss in the Dynamic Module.