| Product(s): | SACS CONNECT Edition |
| Version(s): | 23.00 |
| Area: | Post Processor |
How do I input SPAN lines correctly?
SPAN lines are used for selecting physical member end moments, moment diagrams and analysis of member deflections. The member end moments will then be used for calculating member Cm values and member lateral torsional buckling moment factor Cb.
a. SPAN lines can be defined in SACS model or POST input file.
b. A SPAN line defines a set of 2 or more members with a unique ID.
c. Member direction within a SPAN shall be in the exact sequence as defined on SPAN line.
Example: if a SPAN line is used to define two members by joints A, B, C, then the members shall be defined by exactly A to B for first member and B to C for second member.
d. All SPAN lines should be grouped together and input immediately after all member definition lines.
e. A header line with only SPAN input is required.
Caution: SPAN line definition has nothing to do with member effective length factor Ky and Kz, member effective length Ly, Lz and member lateral unbraced length Lb. User should input the appropriate Ky, Kz, Ly, Lz and Lb values regardless if SPAN lines are defined or not.
SACS Post manual, Section 3.3.5.5 - Use of SPAN line for AISC 13th Edition in SACS