5.12Define Menu

Define menu contains commands that are used to define the databases of the member properties and loads. For a detailed description of the Define menu commands, refer to Chapter 4 of the spFrame manual.

Type

Enables you to define the structure type (2- D or 3-D frame or truss), and input labels for the project and the engineer.

Units

Enables you to select a system of units to be used. Your choices are English or Metric. For the system that you choose, specify the units to be used with the different input and output parameters.

Defaults

Enables you to input the default values for the material and section properties. These default values will be assigned to members with no defined material or section properties.

Materials

Enables you to define new materials, or edit existing ones, and input their properties. A material entry consists of a label, density, modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio, and thermal coefficient.

Sections

Enables you to define new sections, or edit existing ones, and input their properties. A section entry consists of a label and, depending on the section type, section dimensions or properties.

Nonprismatic

Enables you to define new non-prismatic members, or edit existing ones, and input Main Window Commands the spCad Main Window 4-5 their properties. A nonprismatic member entry consists of a label, the stiffness factors at member ends, and the carry-over factor.

Member Loads

Enables you to define new loads to be applied as member loads, or edit existing ones. A load entry consists of a label, orientation, direction, type, intensity, and location.

Load Cases

Enables you to define the load cases under which the member loads, joint loads, and joint known displacements will be defined. Each load case should have a unique label.

Load Combinations

Enables you to factor the defined load cases and combine them into load combinations under which the structure will be analyzed.