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[[Main Page | BACK]]
===Introduction===
===Introduction===
This page contains the documentation of [[XFEM4U]]. It is meant as a full description of all functions and possibilities of the program. Β 
This page contains the documentation of [[XFEM4U]]. It is meant as a full description of all functions and possibilities of the program. Β 
Other relevant information about XFEM4U can be found in the following links:
Other relevant information about XFEM4U can be found in the following links:
* [[Tutorials XFEM4U]]
* [[Tutorials XFEM4U]]
* [[XFEM4U | Full list of features of XFEM4U]]
* [[XFEM4U |Full list of features of XFEM4U]]
* [[Example Projects]] Β 
* [[Example Projects]] Β 


===Release Notes===
===Release Notes===
Releasenotes of XFEM4U: [[http://www.struct4u.com/nl/Release%20notes%20XFEM4U%20en.pdf link]]
Release notes of XFEM4U: [https://software.struct4u.com/downloads/XFEM4U/Release_notes_XFEM4U_en.pdf link]


===Possibilities and limitations===
===Features and limitations===


Full list of features of XFEM4U can be found [[XFEM4U | here.]]
Full list of features of XFEM4U can be found [[XFEM4U | here.]]
[[File:Residential Steel Trusses Roof_3.png |600px]]


===Chapters user manual===
===Chapters user manual===
[[XFEM4U Get Started | 1. Get Started]]
[[Get started with the Struct4U Engineering Tools | 1. Get Started]]


[[XFEM4U UI | 2. Basic concept User Interface]]
[[XFEM4U UI | 2. Basic concept User Interface]]


[[XFEM4U Design Arrangements | 2.1 Design Arrangements and coordinates]]
[[Struct4U Design Arrangements | 2.1 Design Arrangements and coordinates]]


[[XFEM4U Import Export | 3. Import/Export Model]]
'''3. Export/Import'''


[[XFEM4U Geometry | 4. Geometry]]
[[Autodesk Revit/Dynamo | 3.1 Autodesk Revit/Dynamo]]


[[XFEM4U Nodes | 4.1 Nodes]]
[[Tekla Structures | 3.2 Tekla Structures]]


[[XFEM4U Supports | 4.2 Supports]]
[[XML Interface | 3.3 XML Interface]]


[[XFEM4U Beams | 4.3 Beams]]
[[DWG/DXF | 3.4 DWG/DXF]]


[[Sections | 4.4 Sections]]
[[SDNF| 3.5 SDNF]]


[[XFEM4U Plates | 4.5 Plates]]
'''4. Geometry'''


[[XFEM4U Outer Panels | 4.6 Outer Panels]]
[[XFEM4U Nodes | 4.1 Nodes]]


[[XFEM4U Hall Wizard | 4.7 Hall Wizard]]
[[XFEM4U Supports | 4.2 Supports]]


[[XFEM4U Eurocode | 5. Building Code Eurocode]]
[[XFEM4U Beams | 4.3 Beams]]


[[XFEM4U Eurocode Steel | 5.1 Eurocode Steel Design]]
[[Profile| 4.4 Section/Profile]]


[[Eurocode Steel Connections | 5.1.1 Eurocode Steel Joint Design]]
[[XFEM4U Plates | 4.5 Plates]]


[[XFEM4U Eurocode RC | 5.2 Eurocode Reinforced Concrete Design]]
[[XFEM4U Grid Lines/ levels | 4.6 Grid lines/levels]]


[[XFEM4U Eurocode Timber |5.3 Eurocode Timber Design]]
[[XFEM4U Outer Panels | 4.7 Outer Panels]]


[[XFEM4U AESC | 6. Building Code AESC]]
[[XFEM4U Hall Wizard | 4.8 Hall Wizard]]


[[XFEM4U Loads | 7. Loads]]
'''5. Loads'''


[[XFEM4U FEM | 8. Finite Element Mesh]]
[[XFEM4U Load Cases | 5.1 Load cases]]


[[XFEM4U Analysis | 9. Analysis]]
[[XFEM4U Load Combinations | 5.2 Load combinations]]


[[XFEM4U Display Results | 10. Display Results]]
[[XFEM4U Loads | 5.3 Loads]]


[[XFEM4U UI and settings | 11. UI and other settings]]
[[XFEM4U Load generator | 5.4 Load generator]]


'''6. Analysis & Design'''


=====Display options=====
[[XFEM4U Analysis | 6.1 Calculation settings]]


[[Documentation Eurocode | 6.2 Eurocode Steel & Timber Design]]


[[XFEM4U Eurocode RCΒ  | 6.3 Eurocode Reinforced Concrete Design]]


[[Eurocode Steel Connections | 6.4 Eurocode Steel Joint Design]]


[[File:Display 1.png | 400px]]
'''[[Documentation ANSI | 7. Building Code ANSI]]'''


'''Views'''
'''8. Display calculation results'''


Optional an unlimited number of views can be made. The camera position and all display settings will be stored per view. All views are also saved in the project file input file so that they can be displayed and or included in the output again when the project is reopened. You can of course rename all views. In the output selection you can select the views to be included in the output. All 3d view image of Geometry Loads and Results are automatically placed in the right place. When generating output all selected 3d view images are also saved as a png-file in the map where the project file input file is saved.
[[XFEM4U Display Results | 8.1 Display results]]


[[XFEM4U Analysis | 8.2 Calculation settings]]


'''View'''
[[Struct4U Optimization | 8.3 Optimization]]


You can change the view. Name of the view can be adjusted here.
'''9. UI and other settings'''


[[File:Display 5.png | 20px]]
[[XFEM4U Edit | 9.1 Edit]]


A separate dialog box is displayed where you can change the order of all created views.
[[XFEM4U Selection | 9.2 Selection]]


[[File:New.png | 100px]]
[[XFEM4U View | 9.3 View ]]


Add a new view. The default name is "View 1", "View 2", ... and so on.
[[XFEM4UΒ  Display Options | 9.4 Display options]]


[[File:Delete.png | 50px]]
[[Struct4U Dockable Windows | 9.5 Dockable windows]]


Remove a view.
[[Struct4U Changing Dimensions | 9.6 Changing dimensions]]


[[XFEM4UΒ  Menu | 9.7 Menu]]


[[File:Save.png | 100px]]
[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Preferences | 9.7.1 Preferences]]


Save Update the actual camera position of the current view. When you change the camera position you need to save this. All display settings are automatically saved in the current view.
[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Drawing| 9.7.2 Drawing]]


[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Snap options| 9.7.3 Snap options]]


[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Regular grid| 9.7.4 Regular grid]]


'''Auto save all display options in current view'''
[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Output| 9.7.5 Output]]


Setting whether all view options should be automatically saved in the view.
[[XBeam2D XFrame2D User defined profiles| 9.7.6 User defined profiles]]


[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Preview | 9.7.7 Preview]]


'''Mesh Surface'''
[[XFEM4U Backup files | 9.8 Backup files]]


[[File:Mesh.png | 100px]]
[[XFEM4U Context menu | 9.9 Context menu]]


Setting whether a mesh or surfaces need to be drawn.
'''10. Background information about calculations'''


[[XBeam2D Deflection Calculation | 10.1 Deflection]]


'''Line view Solid'''
[[Struct4U tapered section| 10.2 Tapered section]]


[[File:Solid.png | 100px]]
[[Background Information and Theory | 10.3 Background steel & timber Eurocode]]


Setting whether:
[[FEM best practices and examples | 10.4 Finite Element Mesh & Solver]]


*The wireframe and nodes are drawn ''' Line view '''or that
[[XFEM4U UI and settings | 11. UI and other settings]]
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*all profiles are drawn as solid model in true size ''' Solid model view '''
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'''Views'''
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[[File:Aanzicht.png | 100px]]
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You can change the view. Default is '''ISO''' isometric view.
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This list also automatically contains all grids and levels. The depth is not yet adjustable and is now 500mm in front and 500mm behind. Only the objects within these distances will be visible.
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[[File:Aanzicht2.png | 100px]]
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With the setting perspective/orthographic you can set if you want the view to be in perspective.
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'''Grid lines levels'''
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Grid lines, levels and/or help lines will be drawn. See Gridlines levels.
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'''Base'''
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Setting whether the base needs to be drawn
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'''Show own weight'''
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Setting whether the automatically generated beam loads as a consequence of the own weight need to be drawn in the load case permanent.
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'''Draw hidden layers transparent'''
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When some layers are set to be invisible, the beams in these layers are not drawn anymore. With this setting the beams in the invisible layer can be drawn transparent. This is very convenient for giving presentations.
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'''Draw undeformed transparent'''
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Setting when drawing the deformed construction tab Result: deflection, the undeformed construction needs to be drawn transparent.
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'''Show beam groups'''
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Beam groups that are created See Eurocode can be graphically displayed. Also the lateral supports at the top and bottom flange are displayed.
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'''Show profiles in color'''
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The different profiles can be drawn in a color. Every profile has its own color. By this it can be easily checked if all the profiles are inserted right.
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'''Show profiles transparent'''
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Only in Line view: The profiles are drawn transparent, as solids.
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'''Add support on grid'''
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When drawing a beam, a pinned support is automatically generated when the node is at a grid point.
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'''Show derived beam loads'''
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Using surface loads all beam loads will be generated automatically. You can display all derived beam loads.
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'''Show plate mesh'''
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Setting whether the plate mesh need to be drawn.
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'''Show dimension lines'''
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Setting whether the dimension lines need to be drawn.
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'''Labels'''
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'''Node numbers'''
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The node numbers are displayed between brackets at the node.
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'''Beam numbers'''
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The beam numbers are displayed at the beam
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'''Profile names'''
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The profile names are displayed at the beam
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'''Profile numbers'''
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The profile numbers are displayed at the beam
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'''Material name'''
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The material names are displayed at the beam
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'''Text on white'''
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Setting whether all the text values are displayed on a white background. By default this function is turned off.
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The scale of the text can be set.
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'''Axis'''
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Setting whether the global coordinate system should be drawn.
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Β 
'''Axis system beam'''
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The local coordinate system see Design arrangement will be drawn in the middle of the beam. This is important for inserting the beam loads which are entered in the local beam coordinate system. See Beam loads.
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'''Axis system plate'''
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The local coordinate system see Design arrangement will be drawn. See Slabs.
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'''Axis system surface load'''
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View the local coordinate system of the entered surface loads.
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'''Nodes'''
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Only in Line view: Setting whether the nodes should be drawn as dots
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'''Profiles'''
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Only in Line view: Setting whether a little part of the profile should be drawn in the middle of schematic line of the beam.
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The scale of the symbols can be set.
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'''Layers'''
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[[File:Display 2.png | 400px]]
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'''Layers'''
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The layer function works the same as in AutoCAD. Beams can be placed in one or multiple layers. See Beams. The layers can be visible or not. Layers can be renamed.
Β 
By making smart use this functionality you can make the graphical input more easy and you will keep overview. Also for giving a 3d presentation, the layers are very convenient.
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'''Tip: Use layers. You will experience that it is convenient and very efficient.'''
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'''Colors'''
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[[File:Display3.png | 450px]]
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'''Colors'''
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Here the colors of the different parts can be set.
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'''Results'''
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[[File:Display4.png | 450px]]
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'''Smoothing'''
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With the display of the N- V- and M-lines and the deformations, the beam is divided in to multiple beam parts. This amount can vary between minimal 3 parts to a maximum of 30 parts. By default this value is set to 10.
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'''Envelop'''
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Allows you to display envelop Nx-, Vy-, Vz-, Mx-, My-, Mz- and deformation lines.
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'''Axial force Nx'''
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Drawing of the Nx-line. The scale can be set.
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'''Shear force Vy'''
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Drawing of the Vy-line. The scale can be set.
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'''Shear force Vz'''
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Drawing of the Vz-line. The scale can be set.
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'''Bending Moment Mx'''
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Drawing of the Mx-line. The scale can be set.
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'''Bending Moment My'''
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Drawing of the My-line. The scale can be set.
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'''Bending Moment Mz'''
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Drawing of the Mz-line. The scale can be set.
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'''Deflection'''
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Drawing of the deflection line. The scale can be set.
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Β 
'''Plate stresses forces'''
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Drawing of the plate stresses and forces in colour. A colour scale appears on the left. It can be set which stress or force is to be displayed. Stresses can be displayed as membrane, bending or combined.
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'''3D Isosurfaces'''
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Display the plate stresses and forces three-dimensionally.
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'''Reaction Forces'''
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Drawing of the reaction forces in all the supports. It can be set which directions need to be drawn. By default all the directions x,y and z are drawn.
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'''Decisive unity checks'''
Β 
Per beam the unity checks can be displayed. These are results form the check according to the Eurocode steel. When the unity check is less than 1,00 the beam meets the criteria, and a green dot is
drawn. button_ok. When the unity check is greater than 1,00 the beam does not meet the criteria and a red trianglewarning 16x16 is drawn.
Β 
Note. When you double click on the dot triangle, a detailed calculation of the concerning beam is shown.
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'''Min.Max.'''
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Minimum and maximum value of the unity check. Only beams with a unity check that lie between the minimum and maximum value are represented graphically.
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'''Forces'''
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'''Moments'''
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'''Displacements'''
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It can be set how many decimals should be displayed.
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[[File:Cijfers.png | 100px]]
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=====Find=====
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[[File:Search.png | 30px]]
Β 
The Find feature makes it quick and easy to find a node, beam or profiles.
Β 
Β 
'''How does that work?'''
Β 
You choose Nodes, Beams or Profiles. The combo box is filled with the visible nodes, beams or profiles. The whole model is drawn transparently except for the node, beam or profiles you are looking for. It is very intuitive.
[[File:Image 2022-08-16 145554625.png | 200px]]
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To change the node or beam you can also click on the node or beam in the 3d model.
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====Dockable windows====
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'''What are these?''' Dockable windows are windows that can be moved freely or placed on fixed spots.Β  (left/right/top/bottom of the screen)
Β 
Β 
The tables for '''Geometry''' (Grid lines / Levels, Nodes, Profiles and Beams) and the tables for '''Loads''' ( Load combinations, Beam lodes, Node loads and Combinations) can be displayed or not.
Β 
Β 
You can enter your construction fully graphically, whereby the use of tables is not really necessary. Nevertheless it can be handy to see, for instance,Β  the node coordinates in tables. This is possible. But in contradictory to many other programs you can also make any changes in these tables. It does not matter. Graphical drawing or numerical input via tables can be done simultaneously. After each change, all tables are updated and the construction is redrawn. Of course the undo and redo functions still work.
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The windows can be set as 'floating' (in a random position but also outside the screen) or can be 'docked' left/right/top/bottom in the main window. This gives you much freedom. You can decide for yourself what you find most pleasant. The program remembers this setting, so you only have to do this one time. Of course you can always change this.
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For example, when you have two computer monitor, you can show the construction graphically in full screen on one monitor, and show the tables on the other monitor.
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====Dockable windows====
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Changing dimensions or values in the graphical view
Β 
#Move your cursor on the number in the dimension line.
#When the dimension line gets its focus, the number is viewed '''bold'''. The color of the dimension changes from gray to black.
#Press left mouse button. A dialog appears with the number to be edited.[[File:editor.png | 100px]]
#Change the value.
#Press. [[File:Vink v2.png | 30px]] The dialog will be closed and the dimension has been changed.
or
Press [[File:kruis.png | 30px]] to cancel.
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====Beam grid concrete====
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With '''XFEM4U''' you can easily design a beam grid or a piled concrete foundation, and optimize its design.
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[[File:Balkenrooster.png | 600px]]
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=====Pile distances=====
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In this screen you can adjust the pile distances. You can do this in 2 ways.
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Β 
#by clicking on the dimension line and entering a different distance, or
#by dragging the support point graphically with the mouse.
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After changing this, the beam grid is automatically recalculated and so you see the result immediately. immediately.
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[[File:longitudal.png | 750px]]
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=====Longitudinal reinforcement=====
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The required additional longitudinal reinforcement is automatically designed. In this tab the reinforcement is shown and you can also adapt all reinforcement. Both the basic reinforcement and the additional reinforcement.
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[[File:longitudal.png | 750px]]
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'''Adapt the reinforcement bars'''
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Double click at the reinforcement bar with the left mouse button. A dialog box is opened.
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[[File:langswap.png | 200px]]
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You can choose between "amount x diameter" , "diameter - ctc distance" of "mm2"
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'''Extend/shorten the reinforcement bars'''
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Go to the end of the bar with your mouse. The cursor changes and you can easily extend / shorten the bar.
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'''Relocate the reinforcement bars'''
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Relocate your mouse to the reinforcement. The cursor changes and you can easily relocate the bar.
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'''Copy reinforcement bar'''
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Relocate your mouse to the reinforcement. With the right mouse button you open a context menu, select copy.
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'''Remove reinforcement bar'''
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Relocate your mouse to the reinforcement. With the right mouse button you open a context menu, select remove.
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'''Menu'''
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'''Beam group'''
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Here you can select the beam which you want to be displayed. You can also click on the concerning beam in the 3d display. This beam is shown in yellow.
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'''Longitudinal reinforcement/ stirrups'''
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You can choose to display the longitudinal reinforcement or the stirrups.
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[[File:Detail.png | 30px]] '''Show a moveable screen with the reinforcement tables'''
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[[File:longitudaltable.png | 400px]]
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[[File:Calculator.png | 30px]]'''Design'''
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With this function you can re-design the reinforcement of this beam. This may be necessary if, for example, you have adjusted the geometry or load.
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[[File:Redesign.png | 200px]]
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[[File:Calculator.png | 30px]] '''Design of all the beams'''
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With this function you can re-design the reinforcement of all the beams.This may be necessary if, for example, you have adjusted the geometry or load.
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[[File:Calculator.png | 30px]] '''Cut'''
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You can cut the reinforcement bars.
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[[File:Concrete.png | 30px]] '''Concrete cross section'''
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With this function you can ask for a drawing and detailed calculation of every cross section.
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[[File:Concretedetail.png | 300px]]
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Choose for '''Preview''' if you want to obtain a detailed calculation
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=====Stirrups=====
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The stirrups are automatically designed based on a combination of shear force and torsion.
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[[File:Stirrups.png | 600px]]
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The center-to-center stirrup distances and the area over which the stirrups run can be changed graphically by clicking on the appropriate dimension line.
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[[File:Detail.png | 30px]] The stirrups can be adapted in the table as well.
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[[File:stirrupstable.png | 500px]]
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====Export/Import====
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[[File:Export.png | 400px]]
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=====SNDF=====
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SDNF import
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=====DXF=====
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DXF-import
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=====IFD=====
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This is not available yet
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=====TXT=====
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The output of nodes, profiles and beams to an ASCII file
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Format:
Β 
3
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1;6000;3000;0
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2;6000;9000;0
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3;9000;9000;0
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1
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1;IPE200
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2
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1;1;2;1
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2;2;3;1
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=====XML=====
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'''XML - import '''
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'''XML - export'''
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format: Make an XML-export of an input
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====Back-up files====
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[[File:Backup.png | 150px]]
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When you save a project, '''XFEM4U''' makes a backup copy of the previous version of the project (that is, the project file before the current save). This backup copy has the name "_backup<nnn>_"<project_name>.xfem, where <nnn> is a 3-digit number indicating how many times the file has been saved. The backup files reside in the same folder as the project file. The number of backup files is 3.
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====Results====
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[[File:results.png | 900px]]
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By pressing the calculate button [[File:Calculator.png | 30px]] or selecting the tab '''Results''' your construction is calculated automatically.
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On tab Results:
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'''Highlight combination'''
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Here you can select the load combination or the load case which you want to be shown.
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In [[File:Glasses.png | 30px]] display options you can choose what you want to see. See Display options
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[[File:Notifications.png | 30px]] Notifications
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When the force distribution can not be calculated, for instance when the construction is instable, a dialog box is opened. This dialog can be reopened with the button shown above. In this dialog box the notifications of the calculation module are shown.
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[[File:Notifications2.png | 700px]]
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[[File:Detail.png | 30px]] Spy
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By the use of the spy you can look at the results of a certain beam in more detail.
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See Spy.
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[[File:Detail.png | 30px]] Settings
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Calculation settings. See Calculation settings.
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[[File:Steel.png | 30px]] Optimize
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Optimize steel profiles.
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=====Calculation settings=====
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[[File:Settings.png | 30px]]
[[File:Calculationsettings.png | 550px]]
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'''Analysis'''
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You can choose between two types of analysis: Geometric non-linear (GNL) or Geometric linear (GL). When you have chosen for a check according to the Eurocode (timber and steel), the analysis is always Geometric non-linear (GNL).
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'''Dead weight'''
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You can choose if you want the dead weight to be automatically generated or not.
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'''Gravity acceleration g'''
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Gravity acceleration in m/s2.
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'''Code check'''
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'''Design working life'''
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The design working life of the construction in years
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'''Consequence class'''
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The consequence class of the construction. This determines among other things, the load factors that need to be used.
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'''National Annex'''
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The national annex can be chosen by land.
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'''Steel code'''
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The steel code you want to use
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'''Imperfections'''
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It can be set whether you want to take imperfections into account or not.
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'''m'''
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is the number of columns in a row including only those columns which carry a vertical load NEd not less than 50% of the average value of the column in the vertical plane considered
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See Eurocode EN 1993-1-1 art. 5.3.2 Imperfections for global analysis of frames.
In '''XFEM4U''' all node coordinates will automatically be corrected/adjusted with +dx and -dx. So all UGT combinations will be automatically calculated twice. One with imperfections in positive direction, and one with imperfections in negative direction. Furthermore, in '''XFEM4U''' all Eurocode design checks are based on a geometrically non-linear analysis. Imperfections (initial sway imperfections) will be automatically included in calculating load combination(s). This is a very accurate calculation method and is applicable for every type of frame. Sway or braced/non-sway frames. In addition, there is no need to calculate (error-prone) buckling lengths any more. The geometrical non- linear analysis (Second-order analysis) ensures global buckling stability check.
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In '''XFEM4U''' global initial sway imperfections according to EN 1993-1-1 art. 5.3.2 (3) a) are taken into account automatically. The beamΒ  imperfectionsΒ  according to EN 1993-1-1 art. 5.3.2 (3) b) are NOT taken into account. This means that the individual stability of all beams needs to be checked according 6.3. The buckling length can be assumed equal to its beam length since the calculation is based on analysis, including global second order effects and global imperfections. See EN 1993-1-1 art. 5.2.2 (7) b).
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'''Concrete code'''
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The concrete code you want to use
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'''Partial fixity'''
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Specific for concrete setting if partial fixity should be taken into account.
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'''Timber code'''
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The timber code you want to use
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=====Optimize steel profiles=====
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[[File:Steel.png | 30px]]
Β 
With the function optimization you can very easy and quick create an optimal design of your steel construction. This function can spare you a lot of steel kilos.
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'''How does that work?'''
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You will go through all the profiles (in the table '''Profiles''' ) as you have inserted before. See Beams
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The alternatives per profile will be shown directly. From these alternatives you can select another profile.
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[[File:optimalisation.png | 500px]]
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'''Profile No.'''
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The profile number refers to the profile number in the table Profile shown below
Β 
'''Profiles'''
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[[File:profiletable.png | 500px]]
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'''Profile'''
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The chosen profile
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'''Type'''
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Here you select the profile type (or group) in which there can be searched for alternative profiles.
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'''Maximum number per type'''
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Here you can enter the maximum amount of alternatives per profile type. Standard this value is at 3, but you can vary this value.
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[[File:select.png | 80px]]
Β 
Hereby you choose a profile from the right table ''Alternatives''. You can also double click on the line in the table to choose the profile
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'''Alternatives'''
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[[File:Alternatives.png | 350px]]
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Β 
In this table the possible alternatives are directly shown. By default the table is sorted by the unity check (u.c.). This unity check is the normative check according to the Eurocode EN1993.Β  It is also possible to sort the table by profile name or weight by clicking on the column text.
Β 
Β 
Remark: By changing the moment of inertia, the force distribution also changes. The optimization function does not take this in to account. It could be possible that the new selected profiles will not be sufficient for your design and you have to use the optimization again. However, you will experience that the optimal design will be determined quick and easy.
Β 
====Menu====
Β 
[[File:Menu 2.png | 1200px]]
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[[File:Menu3.png | 1200px]]
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[[File:Menu4.png | 350px]]
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=====Project data=====
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[[File:Projectdata.png | 400px]]
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=====Preview=====
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Menu: '''File > Preview'''
Β 
Toolbar: [[File:Preview v2.png | 30px]]
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The dialog box of the print preview offers, next to the standard functionality, many extra's including directly creating an e-mail with the calculation in PDF-format attached. From this functionality you can also generate a PDF-file or add a watermark in the output file.
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[[File:Preview v2.png | 30px]]
Β 
======Output selection======
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[[File:outputselection.png | 500px]]
Β 
'''Page header'''
Β 
Setting whether the header should be printed
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'''Page footer'''
Β 
Setting whether the footer should be printed
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'''Table of content'''
Β 
Setting whether the table of content should be printed
Β 
Β 
'''Drawing'''
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Setting whether a drawing should be displayed at the front page. By standard this is turned off. The drawing resembles the display at the screen.
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Β 
'''Layers'''
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You can show certain layers separately in the output
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Β 
'''Views'''
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You can select the 3d view images to be added into your output report.
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====Settings====
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Tab '''Settings & Help > Settings'''
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The dialog box settings consists of 5 tabs:
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[[File:Settings.png | 30px]]
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All the inserted values will be saved. When the program is restarted, all the previous entered values will be read and activated.
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'''Apply'''
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Without leaving the dialog box you can see which effect the setting will have on your construction.
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Watch out! When you want to apply and save the inserted values definitely, you have to use the button Ok.
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'''Default values'''
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All the values will be reassigned to the default values.
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Β 
'''OK'''
Β 
The dialog box is closed and all the inserted values will be implemented and saved.
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'''Cancel'''
Β 
The dialog box is closed and the previous settings will be used.
Β 
=====Snap options=====
Β 
Tab '''Settings & Help > Settings > tab Snap options'''
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[[File:Settings.png | 30px]]
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[[File:Snap.png | 350px]]
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When, in the graphical screen, the cursor comes near a known point and/or an edge, the cursor is automatically placed to this point. There is been snapped to this point.
Β 
In much known design programs this functionality is used. It lets you select an exact</ins> point.
Β 
A very convenient functionality by drawing or displacing a node and/or a beam.
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'''Snap size'''
Β 
The amplitude in mm in which is searched to a known point (node/middle of a beam/ grid line). The default value is set to 150 mm. Generally this value suffices.
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'''Snap to node'''
Β 
Setting whether there needs to be snapped to the nearest node.
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'''Snap to midpoint'''
Β 
Setting whether there needs to be snapped to the midpoint</ins> of a beam. A red rectangle is displayed when this point is found.
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'''Snap to grid lines/levels'''
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Grid lines and levels can be used. Here you get to choose whether there needs to be snapped to the intersections. Nodes follow the grid lines and levels. The node will be drawn light grey and follows these lines. At the right bottom of the screen you can see the node coordinates. You can place a node graphically. Obviously you can also numerical change the exact node values afterwards. When you double click on the node, a dialog box is opened. You can also change the node coordinates in this table. When you click on the node, the focus directly lies on the concerning line in the node table.
Β 
'''Snap to existing coordinate lines'''
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All the nodes that are inserted are not directly visualized in the grid lines and levels. This makes snapping possible. This is a very useful functionality. Often the geometry of a construction is regular. Multiple nodes often lie on the same x- or z- coordinate. A construction can be inserted very easy and quick.
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=====Navigating in 3D=====
Β 
[[File:Navi v2.png | 350px]]
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====Background====
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=====Buckling=====
Β 
'''XFEM4U''' has a fully integrated Eurocode EN 1993 steel design module. Steel test / design rules according to the newest / latest European standards. You are up-to-date with the latest standards. In '''XFEM4U''' all Eurocode design checks are based on a geometrically non-linear analysis. Imperfections (initial sway imperfections) will be automatically included in calculating load combination(s).
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Β 
This is a very accurate calculation method and is applicable for every type of frame. Sway or braced/non-sway frames. Also, there is no need to calculate (error-prone) buckling lengths any more. The geometrical non-linear analysis (Second-order analysis) ensures global buckling stability check.
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Β 
'''The way steel check according to the Eurocode is implemented'''
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Β 
'''Explanation:'''
Β 
According to Eurocode EN 1993-1-1 art. 5.2.2 (7) a) no individual stability check for the members according to 6.3 is necessary if second order effects in individual members and relevant member imperfections (see 5.3.4) are totally accounted for in the global analysis of the structure. (Global initial sway imperfections and relatively initial local bow imperfections of members for flexural buckling).
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In '''XFEM4U''', the global initial sway imperfections according to art. 5.3.2 (3) a) is taken into account automatically. However, the relatively initial local bow imperfections of membersΒ  for flexural buckling according to art. 5.3.2 (3) b) is not.
Β 
This means that the individual stability of the elements must be checked according to 6.3, whereby the buckling length may be set equal to the system length. According to art. 5.2.2 (7) b). By applying a geometric non-linear analysis, the moments and forces are of course including all second-order effects.
Β 
This approach has many advantages:
Β 
*There is no need to calculate (error-prone) buckling lengths any more. Buckling lengths are not calculated correctly in all cases and are certainly not load independent.
*There is no need to make a choice for the type of framework, sway or non-sway. When the framework is sensitive to 2nd order, it follows directly from the analysis.
*By global initial sway imperfections of the framework, the calculation process (the iteration) also works well with a symmetrical construction and symmetrical load.
*Adjacent loads can easily be taken into account.
*Lateral stability is also included in the stability check according to 6.3.3.
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=====Tapered beam=====
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You can optionally enter a tapered beam. The tab "Profile end" is activated. Here you can enter the 2nd profile at the end of the bar. Attention! The basic shape of the profile (H-, U-, L-shape, etc.) must match that of the profile at the beginning of the beam.
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Β 
<ins>Force distribution</ins>
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For the mechanics calculation, the beam is automatically divided into a number of beam parts with a length corresponding to the average profile height. The profile section properties such as moment of inertia are calculated in the middle of each beam part. A constant moment of inertia is calculated for each beam part. Because the beam parts are quite short, this approach proves to be sufficiently accurate.
Β 
<ins>Stress testing</ins>
Β 
For stress testing, the profile section properties are calculated per section (per x-distance). Thus, this calculation is exact.

Latest revision as of 20:13, 11 November 2022

BACK

Introduction

This page contains the documentation of XFEM4U. It is meant as a full description of all functions and possibilities of the program. Other relevant information about XFEM4U can be found in the following links:

Release Notes

Release notes of XFEM4U: link

Features and limitations

Full list of features of XFEM4U can be found here.

Residential Steel Trusses Roof 3.png

Chapters user manual

1. Get Started

2. Basic concept User Interface

2.1 Design Arrangements and coordinates

3. Export/Import

3.1 Autodesk Revit/Dynamo

3.2 Tekla Structures

3.3 XML Interface

3.4 DWG/DXF

3.5 SDNF

4. Geometry

4.1 Nodes

4.2 Supports

4.3 Beams

4.4 Section/Profile

4.5 Plates

4.6 Grid lines/levels

4.7 Outer Panels

4.8 Hall Wizard

5. Loads

5.1 Load cases

5.2 Load combinations

5.3 Loads

5.4 Load generator

6. Analysis & Design

6.1 Calculation settings

6.2 Eurocode Steel & Timber Design

6.3 Eurocode Reinforced Concrete Design

6.4 Eurocode Steel Joint Design

7. Building Code ANSI

8. Display calculation results

8.1 Display results

8.2 Calculation settings

8.3 Optimization

9. UI and other settings

9.1 Edit

9.2 Selection

9.3 View

9.4 Display options

9.5 Dockable windows

9.6 Changing dimensions

9.7 Menu

9.7.1 Preferences

9.7.2 Drawing

9.7.3 Snap options

9.7.4 Regular grid

9.7.5 Output

9.7.6 User defined profiles

9.7.7 Preview

9.8 Backup files

9.9 Context menu

10. Background information about calculations

10.1 Deflection

10.2 Tapered section

10.3 Background steel & timber Eurocode

10.4 Finite Element Mesh & Solver

11. UI and other settings