> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.openbrim.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.openbrim.org/templates/openbrimfea/loads-fea/staged-construction-fea/states-fea.md).

# States \[FEA]

States define which structural elements are present (active) during each construction stage and how their self-weight is applied. Each state associates an element or group with a specific stage and specifies whether the element contributes stiffness and/or weight at that point in the construction sequence.

## Data

**Load Case:** The construction stage (analysis case) to which this state definition belongs. Elements are activated or deactivated at the specified stage.

**Object:** The individual finite element (node, line, surface, spring, or volume) that is activated in this stage. Use this to activate specific elements one at a time.

**Group:** The FE group of elements that are activated in this stage. Use this to activate an entire group of elements at once (e.g., all deck elements or all girder elements).

**Has Stiffness?** Controls whether the activated elements contribute stiffness to the structural model in this stage. Select Yes for elements that are structurally active (carrying load). Select No if the element's weight should be applied as a load but the element should not carry load itself (e.g., wet concrete before it hardens — its weight loads the supporting structure but it has no stiffness).

**Weight Factor X:** Self-weight multiplier in the global X direction for the elements activated in this state. Typically 0.

**Weight Factor Y:** Self-weight multiplier in the global Y direction for the elements activated in this state. Typically 0.

**Weight Factor Z:** Self-weight multiplier in the global Z direction for the elements activated in this state. Use -1 to apply full downward self-weight. Use 0 to activate the element without applying its self-weight. Use positive values for upward forces (e.g., to model removal of elements by reversing their weight).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## 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, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.openbrim.org/templates/openbrimfea/loads-fea/staged-construction-fea/states-fea.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

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.