Main

The Main tab manages the basic model parameters.

Tab "Main" in Dialog Box "New Model – Base Data"

Model

It is necessary to specify the "Model name", as it is also the file name of the model. However, the "Model description" is optional. It allows you to describe the model briefly. The description appears in the printout report, but has no other function.

Model Description in Printout Report

Project

In the "Project name" list, select the project folder where you want to create the model. Use the button to create a new project. The "Create New Project" dialog box appears, where you enter relevant project data.

Dialog Box "Create New Project"

The button gives you access to the Dlubal Center. There, you can set a different project than the current one (see the chapter Models ).

The "Project description" and the "Folder for data" of the selected project are displayed for information.

Type of Model

The model type controls whether a spatial, planar, or one-dimensional model is analyzed. If the model available is not 3D, you can restrict the input parameters to reduced coordinates and degrees of freedom in this section.

The "2D | XZ" types are suitable for walls and panes when loading acts only in the direction of the surface plane. These types are also recommended for planar beam structures. The "2D | XY" types represent planar surface structures, such as plates that are stressed perpendicular to the surface plane. The "3D" options allow for spatial calculation of the planar system; for example, if you use unsymmetrical cross-sections with rotation angles, such as wind bracing.

"1D | X" types allow you to model one-dimensional beam structures, such as continuous beams. Again, the "3D" option allows for the spatial calculation of rotated cross-sections.

It is also possible to change the model type subsequently. However, this may result in data loss; for example, if you reduce a 3D model to a plate.

Initialization of New Model

With the "Blank" default setting, you need to define all model data from scratch. Alternatively, you can preset a template. The following options are available:

• Existing model as a copy: The copy of a file is preset.
• Template: You can use a template file that you have saved as a template.
• Block: You can preset a block as a model component.

Select the template or block from the list below. Use the button to access the Dlubal Center, which provides an overview of all templates.

Initial Building Grid

A building grid facilitates the model input: The intersection points of a planar or spatial grid consisting of lines represent definition points for lines, members, and surfaces.

In the list, you can find four default types for building grids that you can adjust, if necessary, and use for your input.

Main Objects to Activate

In this section, you can control the basic object types to be used in the model:

• Members: 1D objects
• Surfaces: 2D objects
• Solids: 3D objects

If you deactivate an entry, the corresponding entries do not appear in the navigator or tables.

Comment

Here, you can enter text to add a comment to the model. This comment also appears in the printout report.