Geometry Tab in Profile Editor

Geometry Tab in Profile Editor

Geometry tab is used for viewing/modifying the geometrical properties of the frame element such as the cross-sectional dimensions, profile type, orientation parameters or the length of the element (for columns only). Nodal connectivity information and element ID number is also displayed on this tab. 

Descriptions of the controls and items on the tab are given according to the number displayed next to that control or item.


Item
Short Description
Detailed Description
1


Unique ID

A unique integer number automatically given by the program. It is used to identify the object. ID number can also be used for filtering objects using the View Filter
This number can not be changed or set by the user.

2
Profile Name

This is the name of the profile of the frame element. It is extracted from the profile database and is unique.
To change the profile of the selected element, either type the name of the new profile or select it from the list which is displayed by clicking Profile button (item number 7).


If you type a name that does not exist in the database or type it incorrectly, no change is made to the profile name.
3
Profile Height
Outside height of the profile.

This value is set automatically according to selected profile and can not be changed by the user.
4
Profile Width
Outside width of the profile. This is usually equal to the flange width for the single profiles. However, is not the same as flange width for built-up and twin profiles.

This value is set automatically according to selected profile and can not be changed by the user.
5
Web Thickness
Thickness of the web.

This value is set automatically according to selected profile and can not be changed by the user.
6
Flange Thickness
Thickness of the flange.

This value is set automatically according to selected profile and can not be changed by the user.
7
Profile Database  Button
Display the Profile Selection Dialog box.
8
Profile Type

This combo box allow to change the type of profile. There are three types of profiles:

  1. Normal: Normal profiles are composed of single profile only. For example IPE200 or L80*8.
  2. Twin: Built-up profile which is made-up of two or four single profiles where all profiles are of the same shape and size.
  3. Built-Up: This type of built-up profiles may composed of profiles of the different shape and size.

To change the profile type, you should click to Apply button after selecting the new profile type.

9
Out of Plane Alignment Side

This is the named relative position of the profile on the local 2-axis with respect to axial axis which is defined by definition points of the frame element. This parameter can take one of the following values:

  1. Middle: The center of the bounding box of the profile coincides with the axial axis of the element.


  2. Behind: The top side of the cross section flushes with the plane formed by axial axis and local 3-axis of the frame element.


  3. Front: The bottom side of the cross-section is aligned with the plane formed by axial axis and local 3-axis of the frame element.


10
In Plane Alignment Side

This is the named relative position of the profile on the local 3-axis with respect to axial axis which is defined by definition points of the frame element. This parameter can take one of the following values:

  1. Middle: The centerline of the profile as shown in plan view coincides with the local 1-axis of the element. Here, local 1-axis is defined with the element definition points.


  2. Left: The leftmost edge of the flange (or that of the web if profile does not have a flange) is aligned with the local 1-axis of the element, where local 1-axis is described by the element definition points.


  3. Right: The rightmost edge of the flange (or that of the web if profile does not have a flange) is aligned with the local 2-axis of the element, where local 2-axis is described by the element definition points.


11
Rotation Alignment Side

This is the named element local axis definition. It represents the angle of rotation of local 2-axis from the default orientation of the element. As opposed to other two positioning parameters, namely "position out of plane" and "position in plane", this parameter changes the definition of the local coordinate system of the element and affects the analysis results.


This parameter can take four different values:

  1. Top: alpha angle is set to 0 degrees.
  2. Front: alpha angle is set to 90 degrees.
  3. Back: alpha angle is set to 270 degrees.
  4. Below: alpha angle is set to 180 degrees.
12
Out of Plane Alignment Offset

Distance by which the profile is translated from the named position, set in out of plane alignment side parameter.


For the Middle and Front positions, a positive offset translates the element in the direction of local 2-axis. For the Behind position, a positive offset translates the element in the direction of negative local 2-axis.


13
In Plane Alignment Offset

Distance by which the profile is translated from the named position set in in plane alignment side parameter.


For the Middle and Right positions, a positive offset translates the element in the direction of local 3-axis. For the Left position, a positive offset translates the element in the direction opposite to that of local 3-axis.


14
Rotation Alignment Angle
Angle of rotation in degrees applied to the frame element coordinate system. This value is added to the named value, that is the rotation alignment parameter.
15
Start Joint ID
Unique ID of the start node of the frame element.
16
End Joint ID
Unique ID of the end node of the frame element.
17
Element Length
Total length of the element in current units system.
18
Length Above
This is the length of that part of a column which remains above the column base point (definition point).

This parameter is only available for column type frame elements.
19
Length Below
This is the length of that part of a column which remains above the column base point (definition point). This value is usually zero.

This parameter is only available for column type frame elements.
20
Start & End Node Offsets
This allows offsets form the end nodes, effectively lengthening or shortening the element.
21
Draw Coordinate System Option
If this option is changed to Visible, the local coordinate system of the frame element is drawn. Color coding is used for labeling axes. 1-axis is drawn in red. 2-axis is drawn in green and 3-axis is drawn in blue.

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