Tag: Zero length elements

Eccentrically Loaded Bolt Groups

Tables 7-6 through 7-13 of the AISC Steel Manual contain values for C, the effective number of bolts that resist shear in eccentrically loaded bolt groups. For example, in a bolt group with three vertical rows of 4 bolts spaced s=3 inch with srow=3 inch row spacing and a load at $latex \theta$=30 degrees from … Continue reading Eccentrically Loaded Bolt Groups →

Switching Sides

Used for flexible supports and flexible connections, among other things, zero length elements are perhaps the most versatile modeling tools available in OpenSees. One of the confusing things about zero length elements is how to properly define asymmetric response. For example, with a bridge abutment, you want to ensure the zero length element correctly interprets … Continue reading Switching Sides →

Fuzzy Zero Length Logic

There's a few interpretations floating around regarding the length--real or implied--of zero length elements in OpenSees. So, I made a Twitter poll to assess popular opinion. https://twitter.com/mikusscott/status/1516085441895624705 Despite being an "easy" question, only 50% of respondents chose the correct answer. Like "When was the War of 1812?", the question gives it away--zero length elements have … Continue reading Fuzzy Zero Length Logic →