Create Members

 

Structural members are essential elements designed to resist loads such as gravity, wind, seismic forces, and other external factors. Different types of structural members are utilized depending on the specific requirements of a structure, including beams and columns.

Beams are horizontal or inclined structural members that carry loads primarily by bending. They transfer loads from the superstructure to the supporting columns.

Columns, also known as pillars or posts, are vertical structural members that support beams and transmit loads to the foundation. They provide vertical stability to a structure and resist compression forces.

 

imdframe

Fig. 1 – Frame Structure

 

Different workflows to add beam/bar/cable members to your IMDAS model. Use the method that best fits your starting data and modelling style.

 

Method 1 — Create Members using the Node & Beam Dialog (Form)

 

Create Nodes and Beams Dialog

Fig. 2 – Node and Beam Definition Dialog in IMDAS

 

Step 1: Open the Node and Beam Dialog

From the Geometry tab, click on the Beam icon highlighted in red. This opens the dialog window where you can define nodes and beams.

Step 2: Add Nodes

Enter the node coordinates (X, Y, Z) in meters under the Nodes section and click Add. Each new node will appear in the Node List with its ID and coordinates.

Step 3: Define Beam Connectivity

Under the Beams section:

  • Name: Assign a unique identifier for the beam (optional).
  • N1, N2: Choose the start and end node numbers from the dropdown.
Step 4: Select Section and Material

Choose a predefined Section (e.g., ISMB 100) and Material (e.g., E250) from their respective dropdowns. These are the properties assigned to the beam.

Step 5: Specify Orientation Angle

Input the Orientation Angle (in degrees) if the beam’s cross-section needs rotation with respect to the local axis. Default is 0°.

Step 6: Choose Member Type

Select whether the member is a Bar (axial only), Beam (bending), or Cable (tension-only). For most frame structures, choose Beam.

Step 7: Add Beam

Click Add to create the beam. The defined beam will be listed in the table below showing its node connectivity, section, material, and type.

Step 8: Close the Dialog

Once all members are created, click Close to return to the main model window. The defined nodes and beams will appear in the 3D model view.

Method 2 — Import STEP or DXF (2D) and convert to members

 

IMDAS supports importing line geometry from both STEP files and 2D DXF files, enabling seamless integration with popular CAD tools. This feature allows users to bring in structural layouts directly from 3D line models and design drawings, saving time and minimizing manual input. It ensures accurate geometry transfer for further structural modelling and analysis within IMDAS.

 

Import STEP or DXF

Fig. 3 – Import STEP or DXF (2D) Dialog in IMDAS

 

Importing a 3D STEP Model

  1. From Home Tab choose Import STEP (for 3D line structure)
  2. Select and import your 3D CAD model (STEP format) and confirm the scale and units.
  3. IMDAS automatically reads the geometry and creates members aligned with the imported lines.
  4. After import:
    • Visually inspect beam orientations in the 3D model.
    • Adjust orientation angles if sections appear rotated.
    • Assign the correct Section and Material properties to all members.
  5. From Beam Dialog box check to ensure proper connectivity between imported members.

 

member properties

Fig. 4 – Member Properties

 

Importing a 2D DXF Model

  1. Choose Frame Designer → Import DXF (2D).
  2. Select the drawing file.
  3. Members will be imported on the x-y plane.
  4. Use modeling tools such as:
    • Pattern Members — to replicate similar beams/columns quickly.
  5. Once members are created, assign appropriate Section and Material properties from the member properties window.
  6. From Beam Dialog box check to ensure proper connectivity between imported members.

 

Pro Tips

  • Clean your CAD file before importing: remove duplicate lines, zero-length entities and hidden layers.
  • Use consistent units in CAD (mm / m) and in IMDAS import settings.
  • After import, verify member directions and adjust beam orientation arrows if needed.
  • Group similar members (e.g., beams, columns) to simplify property assignments.
  • Use the Renumber option to reorganize nodes in sequential order before analysis (mandatory).

Method 3 — Create nodes then add beams graphically (point-to-point)

 

Create Beams graphically

Fig. 5 – Create nodes then add beams graphically (point-to-point)

 

Quick Steps

  1. Add a section and material to the model.
  2. Create nodes via beam dialog box.Then close the dialog box
  3. Activate Add Beam (Point-to-Point) tool from ribbon under Geometry / Beam command.
  4. Click first node (start) then second node (end) in the graphics view — IMDAS will create the beam between the selected nodes.
  5. Repeat to add other members.
  6. Assign section & material either per-beam or by selecting multiple beams and applying properties in one go.

Best for: visually-driven modeling of frames and trusses, especially when geometry is simple and you prefer interactive placement.

Method 4 — Structure Generator Wizard (automatic grid / PEB)

 

Structure Generator Wizard

Fig. 6 – Structure Generator Wizard

 

Quick Steps

  1. Open the Frame Designer ribbon and select Structure Generator from the dropdown.
  2. In the wizard, enter frame parameters: width (W), length (L), height (H), number of bays along each axis, number of floors/rows.
  3. Adjust parameters until geometry is as required.
  4. Click OK to generate nodes and beams automatically in the model workspace.
  5. Assign sections/materials to columns and beams (use defaults or apply properties to multiple members at once or by using groups

Best for: multi-bay, multi-storey regular frames or PEB-type models where manual entry would be tedious.

🎥 Watch Tutorial Video

Video Tutorial – Create Members in IMDAS Frame Designer

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