Create constraints in ETABS

[jmramos]

hello fellows,

in ETABS program, how to create a body constraint between points on the perimeter of a flat quadrangular surface and a point in the center of mass of that surface, without resorting to modeling a slab and, therefore, ignoring the automatic calculation of the same point from a diaphragm assignement.

Thanks in advance

 

[271828]

I assume the process is the same as in sap2000. Select the joints and go to assign, joints, constraints. It sounds like you want the rigid diaphragm option.

Sorry if I'm missing the point of your question. I don't understand the part after "therefore."

 

[jmramos]

To create this type of body constraint, in ETABS it is relatively simple to define a flat slab containing the points located on its perimeter and assign the diaphragm behavior. The center of mass calculation is automatic. In my case, I did not intend to define a slab, but to connect the points through links that simulate this behavior. Sorry, I don't know if my explanation was clear enough.
Best regards

 

[271828]

I don't have ETABS, but in SAP2000 the process is as follows. It has been a few years since I used ETABS. A lot of the features used to be very similar if not identical.

Select the nodes you want to constrain.

Go to Assign, Joint, Constraints.

There's a "Define Joint Constraints" button. Click it. There are several types of constraints. I think you would want "Diaphragm." Select that and click "Add New Constraint..."

A new dialogue box comes up. Name the diaphragm something, such as Diaph2ndFloor and click OK.

This takes you back a couple of dialogue boxes to the "Assign Joint Constraints" dialogue. Your new diaphragm should be there. Select it and click Apply and OK.