Thicknesses are required for the definition of surfaces. The thickness properties are included in the stiffness of the surface. In the simplest case, you specify a uniform thickness of the surface. However, you can also use the thickness properties to describe orthotropic features or layer models.
Name
The name of the thickness is generated from the parameters that have to be defined for each thickness. You can replace this name with another name by clicking on the
button next to the text boxt.
Main
The Main tab manages the basic thickness parameters.
Thickness Type
The thickness type defines the geometry of the thickness. It affects the surface stiffness. Various thickness types are available for selection in the list.
Uniform
The standard type is suitable for surfaces that have a uniform thickness at any location. You can define the thickness in the 'Properties' dialog section.
Variable
A variable thickness describes a linear decrease or increase of the surface thickness. You can use different reference objects for the definition. Define the thicknesses available at specific nodes. The variable thickness is then obtained by a linear interpolation.
You can use any nodes or create new ones to define the thicknesses. However, it is necessary that FE nodes can be generated on these locations.
Layers
The 'Layers' thickness type is suitable for models whose surfaces have a multilayer structure. They are used mainly in timber construction (cross-laminated timber) and glass construction (composite and insulating glass). You can then define the layer structure row by row in the 'Layers' tab.
Shape Orthotropy
With the 'Shape Orthotropy' thickness type, you can define orthotropic object properties by means of geometric parameters. The different types are described in the Shape Orthotropy chapter.
Stiffness Matrix
This type of thickness allows you to freely define the coefficients of the stiffness matrix. Define the orientation in the 'Orthotropy' tab. Then, you can enter the matrix elements in the 'Stiffness Matrix' tab.
Beam Panel
In 3D models, you can use the 'Beam Panel' thickness type to define load-bearing structures composed of members and surfaces, such as timber panel walls. This thickness type is described in the Beam Panel chapter.
Material
A material must be assigned to all thicknesses with the exception of the Stiffness Matrix thickness type. You can select it from the list of already defined materials. The buttons next to the text box allow you to select a material from the library or to define a new one (see the Materials chapter).
Properties
Define the parameters in the 'Properties' dialog section for uniform and linearly variable thickness types. The parameters of a variable thickness are shown in the Defining Variable Thickness image.
When you have assigned the thicknesses to particular surfaces, you can check the distribution of surface thicknesses in the rendering: Set the option Filled incl. Thickness in the 'Navigator - Display'.
