SAP2000 end length offsets or rigid dummie beams

[geodou]

I was just wandering which is the best way to simulate eccentricity in beam column connections. I use rigid dummie beams with large moments and shear factors with zero mass and weight factors. I simulate my connections like this because its easier to handle the general geometry of my model. The thing is that when it comes to design EC2 for example the program calculates the Ved force according to the sum of the calculated longitudinal rebar of the beams and columns running to the joint. When I use dummies the program takes into consideration the rebar calculated for the dummies. Which is not completely correct. Usually for these rigid beams the rebar calculated is different than the rebar calculated for the real beam. So the shear reinforcement calculated may differs. Any suggestions, opinions?

George D. Ntounis
Structural Engineer
Dip. National Technical University of Athens

 

[JasonMcKee71]

Why using dummy elements then? You can assign the end-length-offset value accordingly and set the stiffness factor to 1 in order to simulate a dummy-rigid element at the end of the beam.

Jason McKee
proud R&D Manager of
Cross Section Analysis & Design
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