Tutorial 6 Modeling in 3D

Project Description:
This project will not have any specific result or model at the end. Instead, this project will demonstrate and discuss some of the methods to create a model in three dimensions. Our objective will be to create the frame shown below. FEATURES: Generate Standard Generate Copies Member Crossing

Setting Up the Project:

When you start up VA, you are presented with the VisualAnalysis Startup Wizard. The wizard presents you with a number of options. We want to start fresh, with a new project so choose the Start a New project radio button and click Finish.

VisualAnalysis Startup Wizard

After finishing the startup wizard, you are brought to the Structure Type dialog. The model we want to create is a three dimensional frame. Choose Space Frame from the list of available structure types and click Next. You are brought to the Structure Title Information dialog. Enter Modeling in 3D for the title. Choose U.S. ft-lb from the Units drop down box and click Next to move on to the next dialog. In the Automatic Generation dialog choose the No, Id prefer to create my model from scratch radio button and click Finish. An empty 3D frame model is created for you. Basic Level Users: The Basic Level of VA does not support modeling in three dimensions; therefore, if you are using the Basic Level of VA you should not complete this tutorial.

VisualAnalysis Tutorial 6: Modeling in 3D

Tutorial Examples 1

Modeling the Structure:

Generate Standard: One of the simplest methods of quickly generating a model in three dimensions is using the Generate Standard command. This command is found under Model | Generate Standard. Choose Model | Generate Standard. After selecting this command you will be presented with a dialog similar to the following.

There are five main categories; trusses, frames, plates, floors, and other. Click on the plus sign next to Frames to expand the frames section. Select Moment Frame (Unbraced) and click Next. The origin may be left at the default of (0ft, 0ft, 0ft). Clicking Next will bring up the Dimensions dialog. Set the story height, H, to 15 ft, the X bay length, L, to 20 ft, and the Y bay length, Z, to 20 ft. Choose Next. On the following page enter 2 for Bays, M, 2 for Stories, N, and 2 for Perpendicular Bays, O. Clicking Finish will complete the Generate Standard Wizard and our model will be generated. Holding the Ctrl key and using the keyboard arrows will "nudge" or rotate the model slightly allowing you to look at various aspects. The generated model should look something like the following. From this point you would proceed by supporting the structure, selecting appropriate members, and applying loads.

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VisualAnalysis Tutorial 6: Modeling in 3D

The Generate Standard library contains many truss configurations, floor models, and other convenient models. You also have the ability to edit the Generate Standard text file allowing you to create your own Generate Standard models. If there are structures you work with frequently, you can greatly increase your productivity by modifying the Generate Standard text file and adding your structure. Starting in Two Dimensions: Another common way to model in three dimensions is to first start in two dimensions, and then make copies in the third dimension. Starting with an empty new project, draw a column 30 ft high. Select it and using Model | Generate Copies, specify a rectangular pattern, and make two copies in the X direction spaced at 20 ft.

Draw the beams in at the Y = 30ft level. If you draw the beam from the leftmost member, M1, to the rightmost member, M1-1, the beam will cross the middle member, M1-0. When this occurs, you will be presented with the Member Crossing Options dialog. If you wanted the member to be one continuous member, supported at both ends and in the middle, you would choose the

VisualAnalysis Tutorial 6: Modeling in 3D

Tutorial Examples 3

Attach member elements to original, keep original continuous. If you want the beam elements to be two individual members, you would choose the Split members into separate elements to connect. If you wanted the member to be one element not connected to the middle column, you would choose the Leave unconnected option. For the purposes of this example, choose the Split members option and click Close. If you werent sure which option to choose, you could always try one and undo the operation if it wasnt the right option.

Member Crossing Options Dialog

Next, draw the beams in at the Y = 15ft level. When you are drawing the beams at the 15ft level, dragging the mouse from the leftmost member to the rightmost, you are first asked if you are first warned that a new node falls directly on an existing member and you are asked if you would like to split the existing member. Choose yes and the columns will be split into two parts. After choosing yes, you will be presented with the Member crossing options dialog prompting you to provide information about how you want to split up the beam. Choose the Split members option and click Close. At this point, he frame should look similar to the one shown below.

Select the entire frame and again using Model | Generate Copies make 2 copies in the Z direction spaced at 20ft.

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VisualAnalysis Tutorial 6: Modeling in 3D

Now sketch the beams in between the existing nodes and the structure matches the one above. Manually Sketching: Once again, start with an empty new project. Following the steps described in the Sketching in Two Dimensions section above, start drawing the 2D frame in the XY plane. After completing this, click on the Grid Tab of the Project Manager and change the Cut Plane Direction to YZ Slice (make sure the Grid is Enabled). Now switch the view to an YZ Slice using the view type drop down in the lower right corner of the VA window and you can start modeling in the YZ plane. You will note you are essentially looking at the end of the frame you just sketched. You could continue to draw in this fashion or use the Generate Copies to make it quicker.

Frame in the XY and YZ planes.

VisualAnalysis Tutorial 6: Modeling in 3D

Tutorial Examples 5

There are many ways to move from creating a two dimensional model to a three dimensional model. Often times symmetry and the complexity of the structure will dictate how much of the structure can be generated and how much must be drawn by hand. Often times a complex structure can first be generated and then detailed by drawing and deleting certain parts.

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VisualAnalysis Tutorial 6: Modeling in 3D