“I modeled an entire railway bridge using beam elements (Fig. 1). To apply the rail load, I created two dummy beam elements without cross-sections along the length of the bridge (Fig. 2). During analysis, the following error message appears. I am not sure why the created dummy elements do not interact properly with the beam elements. I need help to correct this?”
Generally this error means that there is somewhere a load onto an element which is not activated in that calculation.
If you define a structural line without a cross section it does not become a finite beam element. Perhaps this is the problem(?).
Again a hint for all users: Without uploading your systems it’s not possible to help efficiently.
Best regards,
Jost
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2859-37-2024-Krbw Stabbogenbrücke Kiel.dwg (484.8 KB)
2859-37-2024-Krbw Stabbogenbrücke Kiel.sofistik (156.1 KB)
Thank you for the reply. When placing a dummy element with other structural lines, meshing occurs between the structural line with a cross-section and the dummy line, creating a node at the intersection. Based on this, I thought it was possible to apply loads on dummy element nodes. However, sometimes the loads are activated, and sometimes they are not. Please provide insights on this issue, as it is important for me. I have attached the .sofistik and .dwg files with this email. Thank You Again
You created nodes without cross section, which was not working.
I added dummy cross section 51 and changed meshing control (01a), then it works.
Another hint: dead load factor for LC 2 should be “0” (01b).
Best regards,
Jost
2859-37-2024-Krbw Stabbogenbrücke Kiel.dwg (802.3 KB)
2859-37-2024-Krbw Stabbogenbrücke Kiel.sofistik (158.7 KB)
1 Like
Thank you very much for your support and the solution. It solved my problem and improved my understanding.