Gusset Plate [SIG]

Gusset plates does not directly affect the finite element model and is used only for design and 3D visualization purposes.

Plate

Connection Type: There are two connection types. One is 'BOLTED' and the other is 'WELDED'.

Geometry: Two types of geometry can be selected. One is 'Rectangular' and the other is 'Chamfered'. Select 'Chamfered' to chamfer the interior corner of the plate.

Material:Represents the material of the plate.

Height,Width,Thickness,Chamfer Height,Chamfer Width parameters can be defined for the description of 3D models for gusset plates.

Bolt

Bolt Property: Should be set to a previously defined 'Bolt Property' under the Properties tab.

Bolt Arrangement: It is an input in the form of a list. Each element of the list represents how many bolts there are per column.

Vertical Dist. btw Bolt Center and Edge,Horizontal Dist. btw Bolt Center and Edge,Spacing btw Rows,Spacing btw Columns parameters can be used to further define bolt related properties.

Display Settings

Circular Smoothness: The 3D model of the bolts can be adjusted with this parameter. Higher Circular Smoothness will result in a more circular visualization of the bolts.

Show Bolts [YES/NO]: If this parameter is set to 'NO,' the bolts will not be displayed. Otherwise, the bolts will be shown within the model.However, enabling this option increases the triangulation number, leading to slower performance. To reduce compile time, disabling the detailing option can be helpful.

The gusset plates defined here will be set in the gusset plate tab of the Cross Frames.

If the weight loads of the Gusset Plates need to be applied to the model, you can define the parameters in the spreadsheet under Construction → Superstructure Construction → Girder Erection (Partial) / Girder/Cross-Frame Erection (Complete) for this purpose.