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\\ The procedure to define a non-prismatic is very straight forward. You might find it useful to watch the video "Nonprismatic Sections" available at [http://www.csiberkeley.com/Support_WL_SAP.html] for an example. Also, find below a brief outline of how to define a nonprismatic section: \\ 1) Define the starting and end sections of the tapered section and click the “Add New Property” from the “Frame Properties” window, choose “Other” frame section property type from the drop-down menu and click the “Nonprismatic” button to define the tapered section. \\ !Figure 1.png|align=center,border=1! {center-text}Figure 1 - Caption{center-text} \\ !Figure 2.png|align=center,border=1! {center-text}Figure 1 - Caption{center-text} \\ 2) Choose the starting and end sections from the drop-down menu and define the length of the variation. \\ !Figure 2.png|align=center,border=1! {center-text}Figure 1 - Caption{center-text} \\
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Nonprismatic frame elements are created in ETABS, and other CSI Software, through interpolation along the length between two different cross-section assignments. An element is first drawn, then the desired taper is applied. Elements of complex geometry may be generated using a series of tapered segments. This article provides an overview and visual demonstration of the non-prismatic frame-element assignment process.

 

Nonprismatic frame objects should initially be drawn with a constant cross section, then assigned a tapered section definition. To begin, select Define > Section Properties > Frame Sections to ensure that the start and end sections of the tapered frame are available in the Frame Properties menu, shown in Figure 1:

 

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Figure 1 - Frame properties menu

To import sections, select Import New Property, then click the icon for section type. Scroll down to select the section database, labeled SECTIONS8.PRO, and add any sections desired for modeling. To define a nonprismatic frame section, select Add New Property > Other on the scroll-down menu, then select the Nonprismatic icon, shown in Figure 2:

 

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Figure 2 - Add non-prismatic frame section

Next, name the section, specify the start and end sections associated with object taper, and specify segment Length as 1.0 and Length Type as Variable. This applies taper as a ratio of the length between each node. The Absolute option correlates with exact taper length. Finally, specify how moment of inertia varies. Wide-flange sections are parabolic in major and linear in minor directions. Select ADD to complete the definition, and OK to complete the process, as shown in Figure 3:

 

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Figure 3 - Define non-prismatic frame section

To model a series of tapered segments within a single member, follow the same process while adjusting the Length definition in proportion to each tapered segment.

Now that the tapered section is defined, select the objects to be tapered, then assign the tapered section by selecting it from the options under Assign > Frame > Frame Sections.

The Set Display Options command (indicated by the check-box icon) gives users control over model views. Users may enable Local Axes to ensure that start and end nodes are as desired for tapered objects. Users may also enable the Extrude View feature to review the profile of section depth.

Notes

  • Because nonprismatic frame-section properties vary along the length of the object, weight and other properties may be displayed per segment, after analysis is run, through Miscellaneous Data > Material List.
  • Complex extruded members created using the Section Designer are displayed as the rectangular bounding box which encloses the object.

See Also