overlapping beams in SAP2000

[smulmi]

Hi all,

I am working on a model where I need to model partition walls on top of real beams as fake beams with "none" property but with mass/length assigned. The "none" beams will therefore overlap the real beams partially or entirely. I ran a small test model to see if there will be any issues with connectivity between the real and fake beams, but the modal diagrams looks to be consistent. Can you think of any potential errors/problems with this approach?

Thanks in advance,

Sarju

 

[johnbridge231]

Since the behavior of the program regarding the results seems proper, you can do that. But first make sure that no warning message appear in the calculation window.

Analysis and Design of arbitrary cross sections
Reinforcement design to all major codes
Moment Curvature analysis

http://www.engissol.com/cross-section-analysis-design.html

 

[stressed]

smulni, why would you not assign the partition load on the real beams instead of adding "fake" beams to do that? If you want to create a new load pattern/case for partition loads, you can do that. Use Define menu>mass source if you want to convert your assigned loads to mass.

 

[smulmi]

Johnbridge,

I did check the log file and there are no error/warning messages.

Stressed,

The reason for modeling the partition wall this way are multiple. Not all the walls line up with the beams, there are some that are in the middle of the slab, so we need fake beams. The model is also to be exported to be used in Ansys, so we need consistency throughout in other to track all the loads.

 

[stressed]

smulmi, it's usually easier to assign such loads (whether assigning to "None" property or actual beams/frames) as loads instead of mass, then use Define menu>mass source, the 2nd option, to add loads to convert to mass. Mass assignments like you did are fine, but they involve unit conversation and can take time. Other than that, your approach seems good. Just make sure that your slab is meshed such that the load/mass from your beams is properly transferred to the slab.