2.2 Nodes and Members

In the second window, you can select the nodes you want to analyze. In addition, you can define the parameters of the members connected to the nodes.

You can import nodes using the Import from structural model option. The geometric parameters such as the number and properties of the connected members are automatically imported from RFEM/RSTAB. As an alternative, the joint can be Set manually.

In this text box, you can directly enter the numbers of the nodes to be analyzed. You can use the [Select] button to define the nodes graphically in the RFEM/RSTAB work window.

If you select Set manually, the import of data from RFEM or RSTAB is disabled. A note that says User-defined appears in the text box. Then you can enter the Parameters independently of the model.

In this window section, you can manage the properties of the structural components connected to the nodes specified above.

In this column, you can classify members for the design. The available options depend on the selected joint group and joint category.

When importing nodes from RFEM/RSTAB, the member cross-sections are preset.

To change a cross-section, click its entry in this column to activate the text box. To open the cross-section library, use the button in the text box (see Figure 2.10) or press [F7].

Chapter 4.13 of the RFEM manual, or Chapter 4.3 of the RSTAB manual, describes how to select cross-sections from the library.

Modified cross-sections are highlighted in blue.

When importing nodes from RFEM or RSTAB, the cross-section materials are preset as well.

To change materials, click the entry in this column to activate the text box. To open the material library, use the button in the text box (see Figure 2.10) or press [F7].

Chapter 4.3 of the RFEM manual, or Chapter 4.2 of the RSTAB manual, describes how to select materials from the library.

The buttons in the Parameters section have the following functions:

Table 2.1 Buttons in the Parameters section

Button	Function
	Sets the default values for the connection
	Deletes the node selected in the table above
	Transfers the selected node to a new design case
	Transfers all unsuitable nodes to a new design case
	Sets the connection type for all nodes of the design case
	Shows or hides inactive members in the table
	Shows the RFEM/RSTAB work window for changing the view

The buttons and have an important function:

The design cases including the data related to the nodes are displayed at the top of the navigator. Window 1.2 Nodes and Members always displays the parameters of the nodes selected in the navigator list. To switch the design case, simply click the relevant entry in the list.

The graphic window presents an overview of the connections to be designed. It shows a dynamic partial view of the model. The node selected in the Parameters section is indicated by an arrow; the connected members are highlighted.

You can control the graphic by using the same mouse functions as in RFEM or RSTAB in order to zoom, move, or rotate the view.

The buttons next to the graphic have the following functions:

Table 2.2 Buttons in graphic window

Button	Function
	Shows the view in the direction of the X-axis
	Shows the view in the opposite direction of the X-axis
	Shows the view in the direction of the Y-axis
	Shows the view in the direction of the Z-axis
	Displays the isometric view
	Resets to full view of the graphic