External Diaphragm [CUG]

External Diaphragm

Location: 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.

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.