PYTHON SCRIPT FOR PLAXIS 3D - MAX FORCES IN EMBEDDED BEAM ELEMENTS

Question

Hi all! 
 I was wondering if this script (link below) could be applied in a similar way to extract maximum forces in embedded beam elements in Plaxis 3D. Any help? 
 communities.bentley.com/.../output-scripting-example-get-maximum-bending-moment

Stefanos Papavasileiou · Answer

Dear Giuseppe, 
 The great thing with Python scripting is that almost everything is possible! Indeed, the script could be adjusted to work with PLAXIS 3D and any different type of structure. 
 However, the way your script can be developed depends on what you want to extract. With PLAXIS there are different command to extract results, e.g. getresults, getsingleresult. 
 Both commands can be used with an extra parameter to support specific structural element, for instance: 
 getresults EmbeddedBeam_1 Phase_1 ResultTypes.EmbeddedBeam.N "node" 
 Note that the difference between a plate in 2D and an embedded beam in 3D is the definition of the element, as a plate in 2D is in the XY plane, while an embedded beam in 3D space can be defined in a more "free" way. 
 Typically, when writing a Python script the first step is to understand what exactly needs to be extracted and how you can achieve it with the provided PLAXIS commands and the flexibility Python offers. 
 If you have problems figuring it out, please do not hesitate to submit a service request to be able to assist you further: https://apps.bentley.com/srmanager/ProductSupport

Stefanos Papavasileiou · Answer

Hello Giuseppe, 
 You can definitely use the getsingleresult command, too, however, then it becomes difficult if the embedded beam is inclined. 
 In general, I would say that most of the times if it works out for you, it makes sense. Most of the times every case is special so there is no easy to determine the best way. 
 I would say give it a try and if you have problems we are here to help: https://apps.bentley.com/srmanager/ProductSupport