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Model Tension-Only Bracing in ETABS
Model Tension-Only Bracing in ETABS
e. The defaults are fine for all of the minimum steps etc.
f. Choose the load pattern that you want this non-lin case to be associated with (e.g. choose a
lateral load case)
g. The active group should be ALL
h. Choose type of Geometric Non-Linear Effects (Typically None or P-Delta) that you would like to
include.
i. Click OK to enter the load case.
6. Repeat step 5 for as many lateral load cases that you need to analyze for tension-only members.
7. Run a regular analysis
8. Run a non-linear analysis by clicking on ANALYZE: RUN STATIC NONLINEAR ANALYSIS
9. To recover the ôtension-onlyö forces in the NLINK elements click on DISPLAY: SHOW MEMBER
FORCES/STRESS DIAGRAM: LINK FORCES.
a. Note that ETABS will also ask for the step number û typically these type analyses converge in
only a few steps. All you would really be interested in is the last step so if you just enter in a
high number ETABS will automatically display the last step that it saved.
Note: ETABS in version 8.5 has a feature under ASSIGN: FRAME LINE: TENSION/COMPRESSION LIMITS. This
feature is NOT active in version 8.5 and does not do ANYTHING. CSI has an annoying habit of including
undocumented or incomplete features in their ETABS builds and this is one of them. It will supposedly be
activated in version 9.0 which is already well behind their intended release schedule.