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2019-09-06

FAQ 003562 | In the RF-/STEEL EC3 add-on module, I have selected two bracings with the same ...

Question:
In the RF‑/STEEL EC3 add-on module, I have selected two bracings with the same size as the shear panel type in the "Parameters" window for a beam to be designed. Thus, the beam should be supported laterally in the middle. Why is the eigenvector arbitrary, anyway?

Answer:
The term "shear panel" indicates that the translational spring, which is created along the beam length by means of the shear panel type including the corresponding parameters, is smoothed; see Image 01.

This is also the case of the "Bracing" shear panel type, so that the mode shape always seems to be arbitrary at this location; see Image 02.

In order to obtain the exact results, we recommend manually defining the lateral support using a nodal support according to the general method (Image 03) or defining the effective lengths according to the equivalent member method, including intermediate lateral restraints, if necessary. Thus, a mode shape with the visible lateral restraint is created in the mid-span (Image 04).