Custom Moments Help - Is it possible?

Dirk

Hello,

First off - i'm excited to start using this software. I've gone through the manual and watched a bunch of youtube videos, played around with the 1,000 point trail and just purchased my student version.

I imagine it's going to be fun modeling the stuff around the house and at school.

Currently, I'm working on a senior design thesis project that requires the use of a combination of pre-engineered forms and fabricated steel to cast concrete and want to ensure deflections are /32 of an inch. 

What I think i've got covered:

1. My steel forms - i know the thickness, material, connections, etc. I can model this with Mecway

What I can't seem to figure out how to do:

1. Input custom moment criteria for a geometry file (specifically the two shapeless boxes in the middle of the form) - in this assignment those shapeless boxes are prefabricated forms and don't provide much information other than safe working loads and Ixx (7410 in4) and Iyy (39.6 in4).

- Is there a way I can input these properties without getting into the complexity of the forms themselves?

2. Is there a way I can provide a pressure gradient? Specifically start a hydrostatic pressure at 1500 lbs/SF at the bottom of the form and 0 #/SF at the top?

Thanks in advance!

Victor

1. I don't know how besides using a real shape and setting the geometry to achieve the Ixx and Iyy values you need.

2. Either

A) Use a pressure load with a formula for the linear function such as

-1500*y

if you want 1500 lbf/ft^2 at y=-1 ft and 0 lbf/ft^2 at y=0.

or

Use hydrostatic pressure if you know the density of the fluid causing the pressure or if the surface level of the fluid is part way up the structure.

Dirk

Victor,

Thanks - sometimes you can;t see the forest through the trees!

This software is great!