# External Diaphragm \[CUG]

## External Diaphragm

**Support Line:** Select the support line where the external diaphragm is constructed.

**Girders:** Select the two girders that the external diaphragm is connecting to.

**Thickness:** The thickness of the diaphragm plate can be specified using this parameter. The stiffness of the created finite elements is not affected by this input.

**Material:** The material of the diaphragm can be specified using this parameter. A previously defined material from the Properties > Materials section can be assigned, or a material can be imported.

## Quantities

**Volume:** The total volume of the external diaphragm. (Read-only)

**Weight:** The total weight of the external diaphragm, calculated based on the volume and material density. (Read-only)

## IFC Settings

**Type:** Select the IFC type for the external diaphragm. Common options include IfcBeam, IfcPlate, IfcMember, IfcElementAssembly, and others depending on the modeling requirements.

**Predefined Type:** Specify the IFC predefined type. Options include CROSS\_BRACING, GIRDER, SLAB\_FIELD, and other standard IFC predefined types.

**Parent:** Define the parent element in the IFC hierarchy. Typically set to SUPERSTRUCTURE for external diaphragms.

{% hint style="info" %}
The external diaphragm's sole function is to connect two girders within a single unit; in other words, it is not intended for connecting multiple girder units. To achieve that purpose, a continuity diaphragm can be employed. The external diaphragm can be defined as a continuous part of the girder unit or at the end of the girder unit.
{% endhint %}

![](https://openbrim.atlassian.net/wiki/download/attachments/2228387948/image-20230808-104637.png?api=v2)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.openbrim.org/templates/concrete-u-girder-bridge-workflow/superstructure-cug/diaphragm-cug/external-diaphragm-cug.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.