Orientation of elements

[rich]

Dear All

I am trying to model a very simple structure (6 nodes, 6 elements) to run a static pushover analysis.

I keep getting the error message below and when I stop the programme during the analysis stage, the software crashes.

‘Unable to determine the orientation of element'

I have specified the orientation of the elements using the 3rd node in the element connectivity and in the 3D plot the orientation of the elements are correct.

Any ideas on what I am doing wrong?

Also any idea how I open the code of the model, so I can post on here if it is easier to understand my problem.

Thanks in advance.

[huffte]

rich,

A SeismoStruct file is merely an ASCII text file. You can right click on your file from Windows Explorer, and select open with, and choose Notepad, Wordpad, or your favorite text editor to access the input data.

My first suggestion would be to create a very simple model using the wizard for a pushover analysis, and examine this file in detail to see if there is something you have missed in your simple model.

Best of luck with your work, rich.

[shahab_nab]

If the third node is in the direction of element axis there will be this error.I believe if you change the coordinate of third point, it will be done correctly.

huffte suggestion for using wizard, is the best option for avoiding some unwanted error.

Best

[seismosoft]

Correct (as explained in the Help System, also).

Seismosoft Support

[rich]

Sorry for the delay but thanks for your help. The wizard has sorted the error right out.