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Chapter 2 Using Multiframe
Connections Between Members
If the position of the first or second joint of the member you have drawn coincides with
the position of an existing joint, the new member will be connected to the existing
member at the existing joint. Note that this will happen even if the existing joint is at a
different depth from the current drawing depth. For this reason, you will probably find it
necessary to use the clipping and masking controls when drawing members which lie in
front of or behind other members in the two dimensional views. When drawing in the
3D view, you can only draw a member between two existing joints.
New member
is drawn here
Members will be
connected at this joint
The new member will also connect with an existing member if you start or finish
drawing on the existing member.
Existing member in
the frame
A second member drawn
here will automatically insert a
node in the existing member
The connections between the members are set to be rigid. You can change this using the
Member Releases command if you require a connection between members which cannot
support moments.
Selections
In order to specify the properties, restraints and loads associated with joints and
members, it is necessary to be able to identify which parts of the structure the various
properties will be associated with.
You do this by graphically selecting joints and members prior to choosing menu
commands. When you choose a command from a menu, to apply restraints at joints for
example, the command will act on the joints that are currently selected. Note that you
cannot select a joint or member that has been hidden using the clipping or masking
commands.
Frame with no members or joints selected
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