Merge Two Analytical Members

Select ‘Modify Geometry> Check and Modify Analytical Model> Merge Two Analytical Members’.

This function allows you to merge two connected co-linear (on a straight line) analytical members into one analytical member. This function will generally only be used to remove a redundant node, i.e. it is not being used for any purpose. This type of operation can be carried out in more automated fashion on the entire model using the Model Auto Connect with its auto merge ‘Remove Redundant Node’ option.

If this function is used to merge two co-linear analytical members and there are other member(s) connected to the common node point, the two selected members will be merged and thus disconnected from the other connected member(s). This is generally undesirable. The Model Auto Connect would undo this action, by splitting the analytical member again at the intersecting node point.

To merge two co-linear connected analytical members

1.Manually enter the ‘Merge Member’ number or click on the ‘Merge member’ button and pick the member from the frame graphics window.

2.Manually enter the ‘with Member’ number or click on the ‘with member’ button and pick the member from the frame graphics window. Note if you graphically picked the ‘Merge member’, then MasterFrame will have automatically moved onto the ‘with Member’ input

3.You can optionally click on the ‘Preview Changes’ check button at the bottom of window, to enter the preview mode. This shows the changes to made in preview mode.

4.To action the change, click on ‘Apply’ button at the bottom of the window.

It will be helpful to have the member numbers annotated on the frame graphics to confirm that the change to the model has taken place. Click on the ‘M#’ button in the members panel of the top tool bar to display these.