Sometimes it is necessary to carry out more detailed analyses for certain areas of a frame structure, for example, to evaluate the internal force distribution at a support or to examine a frame joint as a surface model. For this, you could model the member cross-section using several surface objects, which involves additional effort. The Convert Member into Surfaces function simplifies the task of representing a 1D bar element using 2D surface elements.
Right-click the member to open its shortcut menu. In the Members entry, select the Convert Member into Surfaces function.
Surfaces with the corresponding thicknesses are created from the geometry of the cross-section and the member. The information about the 'member' structural object is lost during this conversion.