Linking nodes without eccentricity

[SEAAWSP]

Is it possible to create a link between two nodes similar to a rigid link, but disregarding the distance between the nodes?

Example: Say I want to have a column in a structure that acts independently from elements that happen to cross its geometry. I can assign compatible nodes or releases, but this would be time consuming if there are many crossing elements. Instead I would like to move the column slightly to the side and link its nodes to the corresponding nodes in the main structure, so it acts as if it stood in its original position. Using rigid links would cause a bending moment in the column that shouldn't be there, due to the eccentricity.  

[Artur.Kosakowski]

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[SEAAWSP]

Yes, this is a solution for the example. Is there a corresponding work-around for intersections with panels? I don't want the bars to be ignored for all meshes, only for a specific one.

It doesn't answer the main question though.

[Artur.Kosakowski]

Yes, this is a solution for the example. Is there a corresponding work-around for intersections with panels?

In case of a bar in the plane of a panel use the field below the one I marked. If you mean a bar intersectin with a panle just make sure there is no node of the mesh at the intersection point. 

I don't want the bars to be ignored for all meshes, only for a specific one.

Make sure the nodes of the mesh of the specific one are not generated along the bar. If they are nove them away. 

It doesn't answer the main question though.

Why? 

so it acts as if it stood in its original position: achieved

I want to have a column in a structure that acts independently from (crossing) elements : achieved

bending moment in the column that shouldn't be there: achieved

When you move the nodes of a column you need to somehow connect them with the rest of a model. This can either be done by rigid links or equivalent bar elements but in both cases such created eccentricity will influence internal forces in the column. 

[SEAAWSP]

True, the result is the same. I guess I just expected/wanted something more user friendly than moving the individual nodes of a mesh. I imagine the kind of link i described to be fairly easy to implement, so I just assumed it would already exist  

[Artur.Kosakowski]

Show me the exact situation on a sketch please.

[SEAAWSP]

The lower beam of the truss connects to a beam at the center of a vertical plate, which in turn connects to two horizontal plates at different levels. The truss diagonals should only attach to the beam, not to the vertical plate.  

[Artur.Kosakowski]

Could you attach the cut so that I could see the arrangement of these elements in the plane that is perpendicular to the chord please? My assumption is that you want to model the grey beam as two horizontal panels (flanges) and the vertical one (web). 

The lower beam of the truss connects to a beam at the center of a vertical plate - Is it continuous connection along the vertical plate or a 'sort' of point connections spaced with some distance?

[SEAAWSP]

Sorry, I made a mistake - the lower beam of the truss connects to the vertical plate continuously. The vertical plate is really just there for load distribution to the truss beam from the horizontal plates.

[Rafacascudo]

A screenshot of the real structure drawing would be  very good to look at

[SEAAWSP]

Here is a section view.

[Artur.Kosakowski]

Like that?

If you find your post answered press the Accept as Solution button please. This will help other users to find solutions much faster. Thank you.

[SEAAWSP]

Yes, pretty much, although my plates are arranged in a "Z-shape" instead of an "I-shape" (but it makes no difference). This is what I want to achieve. The truss beams do not interact with the shell elements? I see that they are ignored in mesh generation in the analysis type dialogue you showed earlier.

I also notice that the analysis type dialogue says "objects and bars", but you can only select objects in the selection dialogue.

[Artur.Kosakowski]

If you find your post answered press the Accept as Solution button please. This will help other users to find solutions much faster. Thank you.