Component Composition

Bearings

A bearing is a surface on which the component rests, such as a wall or hanger.

Braces

Braces are members that are attached to other members for reinforcement. Braces have different names depending on the portion of the member to which they are attached.

Carried Components

Carried Components are the set of components that bear on a component. For example, a jack is a carried component of its girder. The same component can be carried at multiple locations.

Load Cases

Each Load Case is a set of loads that are applied simultaneously to the truss. Each load case is applied separately to the truss in order to evaluate the engineering checks. The load cases are generated when you Upgrade and Analyze the component and are based on the component's Load Settings, custom load cases that have been added, and any Additional Loads that have been added.

Loads in a Load Case are grouped based on Load Causes and the member type to which they apply.

Members

Members make up the structure of a component. Members can be locked or unlocked. Locked members will not be upgraded during Upgrade and Analyze. A member will lock automatically if you change its species or grade.

Plates

Plates connect two or more members at a joint. By default, plates will be added to member joints automatically when you Upgrade and Analyze a component. Plates can be locked or unlocked. This will prevent plates from being upgraded during Upgrade and Analyze. A plate will lock automatically if you change its type, size, or position.

Reference Lines

Reference lines are used to define the locations and extents of each Member and Bearing.

Splices

A splice is where two members that are aligned end-to-end come together.

Additional Loads

Manual Loads

Manual loads are individual loads that are not included in the Load Settings. Each load can be added to one or more Load Cases.

Moving Loads

A moving load is a set of loads that appear at multiple locations along the component but are applied separately.

Analog Model

The analog model is a 2D model of the component comprised of links, joints, and panels. It is used for analysis checks.

Component Thickness

The component thickness defines the out-of-plane dimension of the lumber.