gap element model and parameters

[tohamy]

i have 2 adjacent frames with separation distance = 2 cm. i connected them with gap element by assign the 2 nodes of gap element on the edge of the right frame girder and connect the first node with right frame and second with left frame by rigid link constrain. I defined the gap element parameters as displacement d(+)=0
gap stiffness (+)=0
displacement d(-)= 0.02 m
gap stiffness (-)= K

is this right or not ??

[z.gronti]

Dear Tohamy,

The values of the displacements should be d(-)=2cm, d(+)=1e12. For the gap stiffness in positive and negative region you may keep the default values.