Strand7 Modelling Question

[Nate1093]

Hi,

I’m having trouble meshing my steel frame model (model attached) and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to get the mesh to link up for all members.

At the moment the only way I can think of doing this is just by making my mesh size really small at column/beam joint connections.


Thanks

 

[Erik Panos Kostson]

As I am a technical manager at Strand7, I can only give you a short answer, and not respond back to any further questions (if you are supported then send this to support@strand7).

First of all I would never recommend to use a 3D mesh for such a model - beam elements or shells for a really detailed model. Since you are a civil engineering I am sure you are well aware of this.

If one still wants to do this exercise, then of course to capture bending one would need many elements (say HEX8 here) across the thickness for every member (1-2 at least for flange, and -6-10 for webs). That will end up with many elements hence why bricks are not used for this.
To make the beam mesh compatible between members, you will need as consequence a fine mesh, as stated above, (connection between elements at joints), and it will need some work and planning (use tools like subdivide,edit elements,.....). Alternatively one can use attachment links if member mesh is incompatible at joints (attachment links connects incompatible meshes).

Another way is to bring in geometry, connect it (graft tool, and other geometry tools), and then use the automesher.

In any case one uses beam, and if details are needed one can make a local submodel, and study that in detail say with a more detailed mesh.
(With bricks you will end up with many thousands of elements)