Problems defining KL sections with Shape Code 1014 thin walled cross sections in Section Definition

[hugo.augusto.DP]

Hi,

I am not able to completely define the thin walled KL type section with shape code 1014, as Robot is not assuming the dimension of the P1_L parameter.

Even using the only database where this type of section is present, StalPro, and changing the data there the section is not complete.

Note: Working with thin-walled sections in Robot that do not exist in the databases is already a Herculean task itself, with so many manual steps that must be taken to fill in the section definition table. Furthermore, many of the current forms are not found in the permissible forms, and those that do exist are very limiting. For example, I would like to define section 1014 with different measurements in P1_L, but there is no such option. Just like the sections in Omega, there are currently much more elaborate configurations, which it will be difficult for us to work with in Robot.

I believe that much more should be invested in development in this area, making it easier to define new sections. And also, other areas such as strengthening the foundation menu so it doesn't get stuck so often, including the aluminium Eurocode, solving pushover problems, creating more integrated and complete outputs (drawings), among many other areas that remain unchanged as they were 20 years ago. It seems that Robot has stopped in time... Sorry for the rant, but the difficulties encountered due to lack of development are frustrating.

Thanks...

[Stephane.kapetanovic · Accepted solution]

hi @hugo.augusto.DP 

When modifying the file, you may not have noticed the SYMBOL field. If left blank, it changes the representation to type 1006 instead of 1014. Please note that these fields can be simplified.

Best Regards

for an L 75x34x21x29.5x3x4 the symbol could be simplified as follows

"cm"(((S((L -1.13 -2.678)(L -1.13 3.422)(L -0.43 4.122)(L 1.82 4.122)(L 1.82 3.822)(L -0.43 3.822)(L -0.83 3.422)(L -0.83 -2.678)(L -0.43 -3.078)(L 1.57 -3.078)(L 1.97 -2.678)(L 1.97 -1.278)(L 2.27 -1.278)(L 2.27 -2.678)(L 1.57 -3.378)(L -0.43 -3.378)(L -1.13 -2.678)) 0 ())))

or

"cm"(((S((L -1.13 -2.678)(A -0.43 3.422 0.7 3.141592 -1.570796)(L -0.43 4.122)(L 1.82 4.122)(L 1.82 3.822)(A -0.43 3.422 0.4 1.570796 1.570796)(L -0.83 3.422)(A -0.43 -2.678 0.4 3.141592 1.570796)(L -0.43 -3.078)(A 1.57 -2.678 0.4 -1.570796 1.570796)(L 1.97 -2.678)(L 1.97 -1.278)(L 2.27 -1.278)(A 1.57 -2.678 0.7 0.0 -1.570796)(L 1.57 -3.378)(L -0.43 -3.378)(A -0.43 -2.678 0.7 -1.570796 -1.570796)) 0 ())))

[PABLO.SANCHEzZTKJ5]

Hi @Stephane.kapetanovic ,

What is the function of the "Symbol" attribute in the XML section database?

Is it only for representation&drawing reasons or does it have an influence on the calculation of mechanical properties of the section?

thanks

[Stephane.kapetanovic]

Hi @PABLO.SANCHEzZTKJ5

It is difficult to answer your questions without knowing the additions in the database. The symbol field allows for the representation of non-standard cross-sections. 

Best regards 

Note that the contents of the symbol field can be obtained from the recording of a section in *.sec format using the section definition tool.

[hugo.augusto.DP]

Hi @Stephane.kapetanovic ,

You're right, thanks for the tip, it was actually the SYMBOL field that needed to be filled in correctly.

Basically the SYMBOL code defines the section coordinates in relation to the section's center of gravity (C.G.).

It can be obtained as follows:
1 – Draw/import the section in Section Definition

2 – Calculate the C.G. and move the section so that the YZ axes correspond to the C.G.

3 – Save the section *.sec, in a known location

4 – Open the saved file with Notepad or Notepad++ and copy the code that starts with “cm”(((

5 – Replace the beginning and end of the String with the following parameters:

      Start: "cm"(((S(( …
      End: … )) 0 ())))

Note: Don't forget to use “ . ” as a decimal separator

Alternatively we can use the coordinates obtained in Section Definition
Coordinates must be in cm (change in Job Preferences if necessary)

To speed up the conversion of table coordinates to the code accepted by the Section Database, here is a spreadsheet that creates the code using the point coordinates (Determine SYMBOL code for Section Database.xlsm).

Answering @PABLO.SANCHEzZTKJ5 's question, apparently it only has an impact on the shape of the section and not on the properties or calculation, as can be seen in the following images:

However, sometimes it is necessary to have the section correctly defined to allow, for example, using the Wind simulation tool that takes the profile shape into account.

Best regards...