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).