In order to have all four nodes in one plane, one node must be moved a small distance in a certain direction.
The following steps have proven to be effective:
- Project the four nodes as a copy into any plane
- Draw diagonal guidelines A and B
In the example, the diagonal guideline A from node No. 3 to node No. 2 lies above the other diagonal line B, from node No. 1 to node No. 4.
- Draw a triangular auxiliary surface between nodes 2 and 3 and the projected node 7 (under node 3). See Figure 02.
The auxiliary diagonal B now intersects the triangular surface. After using the "Connect Lines or Members" function, a new node No. 9 is created.
- Delete the triangular auxiliary surface as well as the auxiliary diagonal A and the divided auxiliary diagonal B.
- Drawing a new line from node 3 to node 9
- Extend this line at its end by a length high enough to intersect the vertical guideline No. 8
- Use the "Connect Lines or Members" function so that node No. 10 is created just below node No. 2 on guideline No. 8
- Move node No. 2 to node No. 10 so that both merge into node No. 10
Node No. 10 is now the fourth node within the common plane of nodes Nos. 1, 3, and 4. This allows you to draw a planar quadrilateral surface. See Figure 03.