15 September 2020
004722
Can I quickly optimize all cross-sections in my model by using internal forces?
Answer
From the internal forces solely, no optimization can be derived: Whether a cross-section is sufficient or not can only be determined by a calculation according to the respective standard (using the add-on modules).
The cross-section design and/or stability analysis and/or SLS design may require a modification of the cross-section. Furthermore, the cross-section modification also changes the stiffness of the entire structure or also affects the adjacent components (for statically indeterminate systems). Therefore, a fully automatic cross-section optimization cannot be solved by the program.
It is not possible to set that the cross-section of an element should be changed in the way that the adjacent structural components are not overstressed or that an entirely optimized structure is found. It is only possible to optimize the component that is currently subjected to design. For this, see the online manual of RF‑/STEEL EC3 (which shows the member design).
In the case of surface components, only the surface thickness can be automatically optimized from the stress analysis.
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