Show displacements or deformations

  • Module code ESA1403
  • Software
    • SCIA Engineer
  • FAQ topic

The displacements of the 1D and 2D member in the structure can be asked for separately, as well as the deformation of the structure as a whole. You will find here an overview of the different types of results.

Deformation of 1D members

These results can be accessed via Main menu > Results > 1D members > Deformations (for example value u_z):

Coordinate system can be set as: Member, Global or Principal 

In case of member coordinate system (LCS), the local z axis (= the blue axis) of each beam is oriented differently. This means that e.g. for the columns the deformation u_z represents a horizontal deformation, while for the transverse beams it represents a vertical deformation.

Values can be switch to U_total which means that it represents the global deformation of the 1D members, namely the combination of u_x, u_y, u_z, phi_x, phi_y and phi_z.

If Type of values is switched to Relative deformations then the deformations are relative to a reference line (relative deformations are often used for SLS checks).

Deformation of 2D members

These results can be accessed via Main menu > Results > 2D members > Deformations (for example value u_z):

System can be set as: LCS mesh element or Global

Values can be switch to U_total which means that it represents the global deformation of the 2D members, namely the combination of u_x, u_y, u_z, phi_x, phi_y and phi_z.

Deformation whole structure

These results can be accessed via Main menu > Results > 3D deformations (for example value U_total):

This is a deformation of the whole structure (1D + 2D members), but you can turn off 1D or 2D if you like.

Tip: In case of a huge structure is good to turn on option Wireframe in the property panel. The process of refreshing results will be much quicker but without displacement in 3D (only axis will be displayed).

Displacement of nodes

These results can be accessed via Main menu > Results > Nodal displacement (for example value U_z):

In this case, the deformation of nodes is displayed in GCS (Global Coordinate System) by arrows (the direction of the deformation) with values.