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FAQ 000401 | I would like to use couplings in a model. What is the difference between the coupling, dummy rigid and rigid members?
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I would like to use couplings in a model. What is the difference between the coupling, dummy rigid and rigid members?Answer
A Coupling member is a virtual member with definable rigid or hinged properties. There are four options available to couple the start and end node. The axial and shear forces or torsion and bending moments are directly transferred from node to node. Couplings allow you to model special situations for the force and moment transmission.
If specifying Dummy Rigid as a description of the cross-section, you can use a member with a high degree of stiffness, taking into account releases or other member properties. In RFEM 5 and RSTAB 8, Dummy Rigid was replaced by the Rigid member. However, for compatibility reasons, it is still possible to use Dummy Rigid.
The stiffnesses in these members are calculated in relation to the member length L:
- EAx = GIx = 1013 ⋅ L
- EIy = EIz = 1013 ⋅ L3
- GAy = GAz = 1015 ⋅ L (RFEM) or GAy = GAz = 0 (RSTAB)
where
EAx is the strain stiffness
GIx is the torsional stiffness
EI is the flexural stiffness
GA is the shear stiffness
Keywords
Dlubal FAQ coupling coupling member rigid member dummy rigid stiffness Frequently Asked Question FAQ about Dlubal Question and Answer about Dlubal
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Structural Analysis Models for Download
Download numerous structural models (for example, RFEM, RSTAB, or RWIND files) to utilize them for training purposes or for your projects.
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