Answer:
The "Beam Panel" element (requires the Multilayer Surfaces add-on) allows you to model entire buildings or only certain areas using surfaces for timber shear wall panels.
By introducing the necessary line hinges in the rigid couplings, the "Beam Panel" element was also released, which will now be further optimized step by step in order to achieve the goal mentioned above.
Currently, the application is limited to very simple structures. However, we are strongly focused on improving the application as quickly as possible. The current state of development is summarized in this FAQ:
Current State and Planned Development:
- Modeling of single, independent surfaces
- Boundary lines orthogonal to each other
- Openings possible via surface cells
- Automatic calculation of the connection stiffness according to EN 1995‑1‑1 (linear) for nails and brackets, as well as for ANSI AWC and CSA O86
- Implementation of end plate joints (in development)
- Connections of panel joints (corners, T-joint, wall-slab) (in development)
