Select the file concretedamgeometricmodellingvbs

Select the file concrete_dam_geometric_modelling.vbs which is located in the
\<LUSAS Installation Folder>\Examples\Modeller directory and click OK
Select the isometric button which, because of the way the geometry has been
defined, will give a front view of the dam. The three volumes represent the three stages
of construction.

File
Script >
Run Script…

Staged Construction of a Concrete Dam
394
Defining Groups
It is useful in staged construction analysis to make use of the group facility in LUSAS.
This allows parts of the model to be displayed in isolation according to the construction
stage being modelled and simplifies the viewing of results.
Select the lowest volume representing the concrete in construction stage 1.
Enter the group name as Stage 1 and click OK to finish defining the group.
With the previous volume still selected , hold the Shift key down and add the
middle volume representing construction stage 2 to the selection.
Enter the group name as Stage 2 and click OK to finish defining the group.
With the previous two volumes still selected , hold the Shift key down and add the
upper volume representing construction stage 3 to the selection.
Enter the group name as Stage 3 and click OK to finish defining the group.
Defining and Assigning Mesh Attributes
To ensure a well-proportioned mesh, line mesh attributes will be assigned to define a
mesh with three elements through the thickness of the dam, and eight elements across
the width of the dam. Vertically, lines defining each volume will be split into two
divisions. To create this mesh arrangement both default and individual line mesh
divisions will be used.
On the Model Properties dialog select the Meshing tab. Change the default line
divisions to 3 and click OK.
This specifies the default number of mesh divisions to be used along a line unless a line
mesh attribute is subsequently assigned.
On the Line Mesh dialog ensure that the Structural element type is set to None . Set
the number of divisions to 2 , name the attribute Divisions = 2 and click Apply to
create the attribute.
Change the number of divisions to 8 , change the name to Divisions = 8 and click
OK .
Tip. To assign these mesh divisions to the model the selection of lines could be done
individually, but lines can also be selected by holding-down the Alt + L keys while
box-selecting with the mouse. When this is done any part of a line that is within the area
dragged is selected.
Geometry
Group >
New Group
Geometry
Group >
New Group
Geometry
Group >
New Group
File
Model properties…
Attributes
Mesh >
Line…


Modelling
395
Select the twelve near-vertical lines that define four edges of the dam. Assign the
line mesh attribute Divisions = 2 from the Treeview onto the selected features.
Select the eight horizontal curved lines from the model. Assign the line mesh
attribute Divisions = 8 from the Treeview onto the selected features.