Download Part 2: PowerFrame Reference Manual

• local coordinate systems
All parameters are saved in order to remain valid for any future use of the
software, until further modifications by the user.
3.1.2 Selecting elements
In order to assign specific properties to one or more elements of the model
(either nodes or bar members), the user first selects the appropriate
elements. Compared to other methods where the user has first to specify the
properties to be defined and only then, select the elements to which these
properties should be assigned, this procedure allows the user to work faster,
as he can easily select multiple elements at a time, and also significantly
reduces the risk of erroneous assignments, as the user has a direct visual
feedback over the selection and the assignment of properties.
Several selection procedures are available to the user, as explained below.
3.1.2.1 Directly on the screen
Using the mouse, the user can select any element (node or member) on the
screen by either clicking directly on the element to be selected or by drawing
a selection field around the elements to be selected. To create such a
selection field, use the left-hand button of the mouse, to define the upper left
corner of the window. Keeping this button pressed, the user moves the
mouse over the screen and will notice a rectangle appearing in dashed lines.
Once the final mouse position (corresponding to the lower right corner of the
selection window) is reached, the user releases the mouse button. All
elements, nodes and members, located completely within the selection field
are now selected.
By performing the operation from the right to the left, all elements that are
completely or partially located within the selection field will be selected.
To unselect the selected elements, a simple mouse click on the screen
(making sure not to click on the geometry model) is sufficient.
3.1.2.2 Using the menu
Alternatively, elements can be selected through the menu bar in accordance
with a certain number of selection criteria. These criteria can include the
specific properties (vertical/horizontal members, …), the cross-section
characteristics, … as well as the loading type on the structural elements.
PowerFrame Reference Manual
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