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Axis Grasshopper Addon

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Axis Grasshopper Addon

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multi5torpe

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GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.

0 add-on 1

GRASSHOPPER TO AXISVM ADD-ON

VERSION 7.0

USER’S MANUAL

AXISVM X7R3 / RHINO 6, 7 OR 8 FOR WINDOWS

APRIL 2023
DOCUMENT REVISION 7.0.1

Copyright © 1991-2024 Inter-CAD Kft. of Hungary. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
for any purposes.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 2

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GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THE GRASSHOPPERTOAXISVM ADD-ON .............................................................................................................. 5

1. INSTALLATION GUIDE ............................................................................................................................................... 7
2. NEW FEATURES ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1. NEW FEATURES IN V7.0 ...........................................................................................................................................8
3. UPGRADE PROCESS ................................................................................................................................................ 13
3.1. FROM V5.0 TO V5.1 ...............................................................................................................................................13
3.2. FROM V5.x TO V6.2 ................................................................................................................................................14
3.3. FROM V6.2 TO V7.0 ...............................................................................................................................................16
4. BUGFIXES ............................................................................................................................................................... 17
5. COMPONENTS........................................................................................................................................................ 19
5.1. INPUTS ...................................................................................................................................................................21
5.2. PARAMS .................................................................................................................................................................39
5.3. ELEMENTS ..............................................................................................................................................................40
5.4. LOADS ....................................................................................................................................................................66
5.5. MESH ......................................................................................................................................................................81
5.6. SEND.......................................................................................................................................................................83
5.7. FEA .........................................................................................................................................................................86
5.8. RESULTS .................................................................................................................................................................93
5.9. STEEL DESIGN .........................................................................................................................................................98
5.10. TIMBER DESIGN................................................................................................................................................... 103
5.11. CROSS-SECTION OPTIMIZATION ......................................................................................................................... 106
6. KNOWN ISSUES .................................................................................................................................................... 109
7. EXAMPLES ............................................................................................................................................................ 111
7.1. EXAMPLES FOR V7.0 ........................................................................................................................................... 111
8. USEFUL LINKS ....................................................................................................................................................... 119
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 4

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GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 5

ABOUT THE GRASSHOPPERTOAXISVM ADD-ON

The very first version of the add-on has been called AXISVM Export. Its development has been started 2017 and it has been
published 2018. The components could send simple lines and structural members to AXISVM.

The following version called GrasshopperToAXISVM V3.0 has been extended with the capability to transfer of surfaces,
domains and nodal supports.

GrasshopperToAXISVM V4.1 and V4.2 was published 2021 and offered 16 AXISVM components. Some load types could be
defined, material and cross section library access has been implemented, linear static FE analysis could be started. Duplicated
elements could be removed from the FEA model.

GrasshopperToAXISVM V5.0 and V5.1 (published in year 2022) introduced numerous new possibilities and consisted of 82
AXISVM components in total. New elements (special domains, beam end releases, eccentricity, rigid elements etc.) and loads
could be defined. Components for load panel, load group and load combination etc. has been developed.

GrasshopperToAXISVM V6.0 (published in year 2023) takes a huge step and makes possible the meshing of structural
members and domains (FE mesh is created in AXISVM), five analysis types can be started from Grasshopper (linear static,
nonlinear static, vibration, buckling, seismic analysis) and user can create steel and timber design members via new
components. Beside these new features, the existing component subcategories are extended as well. Any type of references,
node-to-node and line-to-line link elements and storeys can be defined. Parametric cross-sections can be created and
displayed, XLAM panels can be selected or defined. User can create linear or nonlinear spring characteristics as well as isolator
characteristics. A new nodal support component is available that can handle the AXISVM spring characteristics approach.
Snow load, wind load, concentrated line load, support displacement and fluid loads can be set up. New features are
highlighted with red below.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 6

GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 (published in year 2024) brings new component groups focusing on the results and cross-
section optimization. The result case list of each performed FEA is available. User may customize the result display settings,
including display modes of the model (wireframe, hidden etc.), the result display mode (diagram, isolines etc.), scaling factor,
color legend settings etc. Some results may be imported from AXISVM to Grasshopper and the values are available as data
trees. Available result types: nodal and member displacement, member internal force, member stress, nodal support reaction
force and line support reaction force. Cross-section optimization the AXISVM SD9 and TD9 modules can be used from
Grasshopper with a brandnew component group. New features are highlighted with red below.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 7

1. INSTALLATION GUIDE

The GrasshopperToAXISVM add-on is compatible with Rhino 6, 7 and 8 and with AXISVM X7R3.
The add-on works only on Windows operating system.
The Grasshopper Components folder must contain one single version of this add-on, otherwise it will not work.

1) Download the latest *.zip file from the https://www.food4rhino.com/en/app/grasshoppertoaxisvm website.

2) Unzip the *.gha file and the *.dll file.
3) After this, right-click the *.gha file, open the File properties and (if required) check the Unblock option (see image
below), then click OK. Perform this for the *.dll file, as well.

4) Copy both the *.gha and *.dll file into the GH Components folder (.../AppData/Roaming/Grasshopper/Libraries).
Reach this directly from file browser or via Grasshopper → File menu → Special Folders → Components Folder

5) Start (or restart) Rhino and Grasshopper.

6) The AXISVM tab must appear at the Component palettes.

If there is no AXISVM COM server registration, or the registered version differs from the version used in the add-on,
a message is displayed in the Rhino command history window after Grasshopper is opened.

Notes:

• if the AXISVM components appear in Grasshopper, but the connection with AXISVM does not work, cross-check
the COM server registration. COM server must be registered as administrator, not as user.
• in case of relevant and significant changes in the AXISVM COM library, the latest .dll file is going to be uploaded to
the food4rhino website zipped together with the current .gha file. The user must download it and replace the old
*.dll in the Grasshopper Components folder with the new one to have the latest updates included.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 8

2. NEW FEATURES

2.1. NEW FEATURES IN V7.0

AXISVM Cross-Section component: multiple cross-sections may be selected

User may select more than one cross-section from a cross-section table with the AXISVM Cross-Section component.
Selection can be managed with the Shift and Ctrl keyboard buttons. This feature makes comfortable to set up the
cross-section candidate list for cross-section optimization based on predefined shapes.

AXISVM Deconstruct Cross-Section component

User may connect one or more cross-sections and get the cross-section parameters on the output of this new
component. The connected cross-sections must have the same shape. If the output count of the component differs
from the cross-section parameter count, user may adjust it using the ‘Match output’ feature from the component
pop-up menu. This component may be used to define parametric cross-section based on a cross-section from the
AXISVM Library by slightly modifying some parameters. Another important role is to provide numerical input for the
parametric cross-section optimization (by connecting the cross-section parameter value to the appropriate input of
the optimization setting component) thus set the parameter limits according to AXISVM default rules.

Closed COM sessions are automatically recognized

AXISVM periodically checks whether the COM connections are still alive and if a COM client has ended its session,
AXISVM displays a message dialog box automatically (sooner or later) where the user can conveniently close the
affected process. This is true for visible AXISVM windows as well as for background processes (e.g. the process to load
the AXISVM cross-section and material library in the background). User may always click Yes on this dialog, because
this never affects active COM connections between Grasshopper and AXISVM.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 9

AXISVM Analysis Control component is significantly improved

Result case list is available on the output side of the component for each successfully performed FEA. If the count of
AxAnalysisSettings is modified, the count of AxResultCase outputs automatically follows the change.
When the component starts a finite element analysis, it looks for valid results in AXISVM for the given
AxAnalysisSettings and – if available, loads the result case list without unnecessarily re-running the analysis. Note: in
case of seismic analysis – if valid linear static results are not available in AXISVM – always the complete process
(vibration + linear static FEA) is performed. This means that user may change the order of FEAs, may disconnect and
re-connect any AxAnalysisSetting without triggering the restart of the FEAs unnecessarily (this is true until the model
and the contents of the AxAnalysisSettings are unchanged, the analysis is obviously started if the model or the
analysis setting has been changed).

Result display settings are available from Grasshopper

It is possible to set the model view (front, top, side, perpective), model display mode (wireframe, hidden etc.), select a
result case, result type and result component to be displayed. The display mode of the results (diagram, filled
diagram, isolines etc.) may also be selected. User can tell where the result values should be displayed (at nodes, lines
or surfaces) and whether AXISVM should show deformed or undeformed structure. The color legend can also be
configured with a component. User may set a Duration to keep the displayed results on the screen for a while before
executing any other action (this may be useful to quickly check the results between two simulations, or before/after
any design members are created). Note: the contents of the value lists (e.g. result types, result display modes) are not
restricted to the values which are valid for the current model. User may see that AXISVM uses automatic/default
display settings if the display parameters are not OK or not compatible with each other.

Import results from AXISVM into Grasshopper

The AXISVM Get Results component is able to import results from AXISVM to Grasshopper for the selected result
case(s), result type and item(s). If the results need to be gathered from envelope or critical result case(s), user must
define the result component to be considered for them. The result component list is always adjusted to the selected
result type. The selected result component must fit the MinMaxType if envelope or critical result cases are used (e.g.
Smin for Min Envelope, Smax for MaxEnvelope).
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 10

Smart solution to gather the items or itemIDs on the AXISVM Get Results component
The item can be specified in three ways:
a) connecting an AXISVM parameter containing the item(s) of interest,
b) connecting a list of item IDs,
c) connecting the value of -1 to get the results for all items of the given type that are available in the AXISVM model.
The feature c) is not available for all result types. The connected AXISVM parameter must fit to the selected result
type, e.g. for Line Force user must connect AXISVM Line parameter(s) etc.

Result types that can be imported

The currently available result types are the followings: node, line and member displacement (where the line means a
finite element, member means a structural member), line and member internal force, line and member stress, nodal
support and line support reaction force. The message balloon at the bottom of the AXISVM Get Results component is
always aligned with the selected result type. For line and member displacements the user can decide whether to
receive the result in global or local coordinate system.

AXISVM Deconstruct results component

This component provides the results in a way that is a basis for creating tables or to use the results as input of other
components. User must connect AXISVM Result Value parameter(s) and on the output side the result is deconstructed
into result components as data trees. The message at the bottom of the component shows the type of the
deconstructed result. One result type is accepted at once, but results may belong to more than one result case and
item. The first output contains the names of other outputs as list thus it may be used as column header list of a table.
If the output count differs from the count of result components, user can use the ‘Match output’ feature of the
component pop-up menu to adjust it. The dimensions of the outputs can be found in the description of the output
parameters.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 11

Panel nicknames may be the same as result component names

If the ‘Adjust Panel nicknames’ option is checked in the pop-up menu of the AXISVM
Decontruct Results component, the Panel nicknames are set based on the name of
the connected result component. If the user wants to use the default Panel naming
convention, the ‘Adjust Panel nicknames’ option must be switched off in the
component pop-up menu.

New input parameters on steel design components

In case of flexural buckling it is possible to decide whether to consider the buckling in local XZ and XY plane by
running nonlinear analysis on imperfect geometry or not. User can select the buckling curves about the y and z axis.
For lateral-torsional buckling the lateral-torsional buckling curve can be chosen and the load position may be set to
Actual / Top / Center of gravity / Bottom / Custom. In case of Custom load position user may set its value in the 3 rd
input parameter of the component. It is possible to consider the warping in case of 7DOF elements.

New input parameters on timber design components

It is possible to set whether the flexural and lateral-torsional buckling should be considered for the timber design
members or not. For SIA standard the type of functionality limit state check mode can be selected (fittings with
ductile / brittle behaviour or use and operation). For fittings with brittle or ductile behaviour the ρ [-] value can be set.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 12

Cross-section optimization can be performed (connection to AXISVM SD9 and TD9 modules)
The SD9 and TD9 modules of AXISVM can be controlled from Grasshopper. User may set the general optimization
settings such as objective of optimization, maximum utilization and optimization checks. Optimization groups can be
created, parametric optimization and optimization based on predefined shapes is also available. User may perform the
optimization for more result cases and more optimization groups. The optimization results are available in
Grasshopper.

‘Start/Create’ input and ‘Done’ output is added to each component that are connected AXISVM
It is possible to define the sequence of the actions to be performed in AXISVM after transferring the model. The
AXISVM Analysis Control, Get Results, Result Display Settings, Steel and Timber Design Member and Cross-Section
Optimization components have a Boolean input and output to control and show when they start and finish their job.
User may uses some logical gates instead of connecting the Done outputs directly to the Start/Create input of other
components in order to set up some intermediate “breakpoints” (e.g. if only the FEA and result display should be
updated after the next modification, but not the other procedures). It is strongly recommended to set up such a
sequence of actions instead of using separate Boolean inputs to control these component to avoid that the actions
tried to be executed parallel through the COM connection. Parallel actions may cause that some steps can not be
performed, unsolvable freeze of AXISVM may occur or user may get some error message.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 13

3. UPGRADE PROCESS

3.1. FROM V5.0 TO V5.1

The Grasshopper scripts built using GrasshopperToAXISVM add-on V5.0 can be upgraded using
Grasshopper → Solution → Upgrade components… menu. Upgrade process is provided for each component with
some restrictions, see details below.

1) Make sure that you use the GrasshopperToAXISVM V5.1.

1) Open an existing *.gh file that includes some components from the add-on GrasshopperToAXISVM V5.0.
The GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component is going to be appear on the canvas with an OLD mark. It offers the
same functionality as before (in V5.0).
2) In Grasshopper menu, go to Solution → Upgrade components...
3) Upgrade the sender component.
4) After the upgrade a Panel appears above the new GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component, listing the further
actions to take.

Restrictions:
a. Components lose the modifiers of the input parameters. If the input parameters were modified by flattening,
grafting etc., user must re-define these settings.

Hints:
a. If multiple AXISVM windows open during the upgrade process, user may let only the latest window open
and closes the others. This has no influence on the current connection.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 14

3.2. FROM V5.x TO V6.2

The Grasshopper scripts built using GrasshopperToAXISVM add-on V5.0 or V5.1 can be upgraded using
Grasshopper → Solution → Upgrade components… menu. Upgrade process is provided for each component, see
details below.

1) Make sure that you use the GrasshopperToAXISVM V6.2.

2) Open an existing *.gh file that includes some components from the add-on GrasshopperToAXISVM V5.0 or V5.1.
Most of the components are going to be appear on the canvas with an OLD mark. These components offer the
same functionality as before (in V5.0 and V5.1).

3) In Grasshopper menu, go to Solution → Upgrade components...

4) Upgrade the components.

(Note: If GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component V5.0 is used, it must be first upgraded to V5.1, see section 3.2.)

5) After the upgrade a Panel appears above the new GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component, listing some actions
may need to be taken to finish the update.

Restrictions:
a. Although the components can be upgraded, the parameters (data containers) not, therefore the parameters
must be deleted and replaced with the new parameters by hand.
b. Flatten and Graft modifiers are maintained during the upgrade process, but components lose any
other modifiers of the input and output parameters. User must re-define the missing settings.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 15

3.3. FROM V6.2 TO V7.0

The Grasshopper scripts built using GrasshopperToAXISVM add-on V6.2 can be upgraded using
Grasshopper → Solution → Upgrade components… menu. Upgrade process is provided for each component, see
details below.

1) Make sure that you use the GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0.

2) Open an existing *.gh file that includes components from the add-on GrasshopperToAXISVM V6.2.
Some components are going to appear on the canvas with an OLD mark. These components offer the same
functionality as before (in V6.2).
3) In Grasshopper menu, go to Solution → Upgrade components...

4) Upgrade the components.

5) After the upgrade a Panel appears above the new GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component, listing some actions
may need to be taken to finish the update.

Hints:
a. Material and cross-section components can reload the material and cross-section data after the upgrade.
No need to re-select them.
b. The upgraded components are not part of any group on the canvas that the old component was a part of.
User must add them manually.
c. If the Grasshopper Breakpoint window appears during upgrade, user may check the “Do not show these
messages again” checkbox. If this happens or there are any other issues in the data transfer to AXISVM after
the upgrade (e.g. place of the nodal supports has changed, domains are missing etc.), user should modify one
of the input values temporarily to send the model to AXISVM again, or try to restart the connection by
triggering the Start input the AXISVM Settings component (setting it to False, then to True again).
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 17

4. BUGFIXES

GrasshopperToAXISVM V5.1 – June 2022

This version contains no additional components. It incorporates the following three bugfixes of the
GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component:

1) The simple AXISVM Line component can now handle timber materials (moisture content Class 2 and k_def = 0.8
is assigned automatically.
2) The error message “Load Panel from Line element have not been created” appears only if necessary (earlier it was
raised also in lack of any issues).
3) Cross-Section From Polygon data transfer and assignment is fixed. (Earlier the line elements may lose the
assigned properties due to temporary deletion of polygon cross-sections during model building.)

GrasshopperToAXISVM V6.0 – June 2023

Bugfix of the AXISVM Load Panel Area Load component:

1) in case of constant Load Distribution Type each direction may have its own load intensity, as Intensity1, 2 and 3
input parameters collect now the load intensities for X, Y and Z direction respectively.
2) to apply the load over the whole load panel it is sufficient now to leave the Polyline input parameter empty.

GrasshopperToAXISVM V6.1 – August 2023

Bugfix of the AXISVM Cross-Section - Parametric component:

1) the component can handle multiple cross-section definitions of the same type (e.g. 5 rectangular cross-section
having different sizes). The cross-section previews of a parametrics cross-section component are displayed with
different colors.
2) the allowed manufacturing processes of Regular Polygon shape are aligned with AXISVM. Selected process may
be cold-forming or welding. Fillet radius is considered only for cold-formed shapes.

Bugfix of the special domain components:

(AXISVM Domain – Composite Rib, Custom Stiffness Matrix, Hollow Core, Ribbed, Trapezoid, XLAM)

• holes can be transferred to AXISVM for special domains.

Bugfix of Nodal Support – Obsolete_V5p0 component

• obsolete AxPoint parameter is expected as input, thus the GH scripts created with GrasshopperToAXISVM V5.x
can also be opened without problems.

GrasshopperToAXISVM V6.2 – September 2023

Bugfix of the AXISVM Domain Polyline Load component

• Domain polyline load definition works for AXISVM Mesh Domains and Mesh Surfaces as well.

Bugfix of the GrasshopperToAXISVM_V5p1 sender component

• Deletion of AXISVM Mesh Domains, Mesh Surfaces and Mesh Edges fixed in “Send Only Properties” feature.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 18

GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 – April 2024

Bugfix of the AXISVM Steel Design Member and AXISVM Timber Design Member components

• Each component deletes only the design members created by itself.

• Thus more than one AXISVM Steel or Timber Design Member component may also be successfully used within
one script.

Bugfix of the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component

• Deletion of the extra nodes/lines that are present due to line support creation in the model. Earlier these
nodes/lines remained in the AXISVM model space even after the deletion of other items and may caused
meshing problems during the data transfers later.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 19

5. COMPONENTS
The GrasshopperToAXISVM components are grouped into the following subcategories under the AXISVM tab in
Grasshopper: Inputs, Params, 1. Elements, 2. Loads, 3. Mesh, 4. Send, 5. FEA, 6. Results, 7. Steel Design,
8. Timber Design, 9. Optimization.

This section contains the description of each component that is available in these subcategories. The component
input and output parameters are listed with information about the type, content and meaning of them. If you need
further information or details about the AXISVM functionality, check the AXISVM User’s Manual.

Input parameter font styling

Some of our components incorporate a new feature that helps users to focus on important input parameters of the
components and omit those are irrelevant. Mandatory inputs of these components are shown with bold characters. If
all mandatory inputs are provided, the text format of other input parameter names may turn to grey in case of
currently irrelevant parameters. See below the example of AXISVM Seismic Isolator Characteristics component where
the Rubber type reqiures K1, KT and F1 as input, Slider type requires Mu and R, whereas Custom type needs Exy and
Ksi inputs to be defined beside the three mandatory inputs (Name, Isolator Type, Ez).

Component description
Double-click on any component icon on the palette, or choose Help… from the component pop-up menu, and open
the Component info to see the component description, the input parameter names, types and hints.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 20

Component alias
Right-click on any component icon on the palette to set Component alias for the GrasshopperToAXISVM components
often used. This alias (search keyword) makes very simple to find the component by double-clicking on the
Grasshopper canvas and typing the alias.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 21

5.1. INPUTS

The Inputs menu provides a bunch of dropdown menus (derived from the ValueList component of Grasshopper) that
contain some lists of options related to AXISVM components. For example: line types, distribution types etc.

These components are available not only in the Inputs menu but they can be created from the pop-up menu of the
components (right-click on the component). In the second way they are going to be immediately connected to the
appropriate input parameter.

Note: these inputs are convertible from integer and textual inputs as well.

The components of the subcategory are listed in alphabetic order. The default values are underlined.

Analysis Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Linear Static / Nonlinear Static / Linear Vibration / Nonlinear Vibration / Buckling / Dynamic / None.
Type of the analysis.
“None” means no specified analysis.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Auto Eccentricity Type

Axis
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output X / Y / Z / XX / YY / ZZ.
Directions as value list.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Beam Rib Distribution Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Length / Projected.
Beam / rib load distribution type.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 22

Color Legend Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output AutoFull / AutoPart / Manual / MinMaxFull / MinMaxPart.
Type of color legend (at result display).
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Cross-section Process
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Other / Rolled / Welded / Cold Formed.
Cross-section manufacturing process.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Cross-section Optimization Objective

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Minimum Weight / Minimum Height / Minimum Width.
Objective of optimization.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Degree Of Freedom
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Free / Xfix / Yfix / Zfix / XXfix / PlateYZ / YYfix / PlateXZ / FrameXY / ZZfix / PlateXY / FrameXZ /
FrameYZ / TrussAndMembraneXZ / wfix.
Contains predefined settings to fix one or more degrees of freedom of the structure.
wfix means: no warping. Valid inputs for diaphragms: PlateYZ / PlateXZ / PlateXY, other types are
considered only for nodes.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
Hint The constant values assigned to the combined constraints are calculated by adding the constants of
the basic constraints. E.g.: PlateXY =Xfix+Yfix+ZZfix=1+2+32= 35. Do not modify these constants.

Display
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Wireframe / Hidden / Rendered / Textured / SolidResult.
Display modes of the model.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 23

Display Mode
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Diagram / DiagramAverageValues / SectionLine / Isolines / Isosurfaces2D / Isosurfaces3D / None /
DiagramFilled / SectionFilled / IsosurfacesAverageValues / SolidModel.
Result display mode.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Display Result Component

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output This value list is used at the AXISVM Result Display Settings component and its contents are always
adjusted to the selected item of AXISVM Display Result Type value list. Displacement / force / stress
etc. components are listed according to the actual selection. Default value: eX (nodal displacement
component).
Result component to be displayed in AXISVM.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Display Result Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output All possible result types are listed (e.g. NodeDisplacement, BeamStrain, LineForce etc.) regardless the
contents of the current AXISVM model. Default value: NodeDisplacement.
Result type to be displayed in AXISVM.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Displayed Envelope
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Current / Custom / All.
Displayed envelopes.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Distribution Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Global / Local / Projected / Edge Local.
Mesh-independent surface load distribution type.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 24

Domain Composite Rib Eccentricity Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Top / Midplane / Bottom / Custom.
Rib alignment to the domain (for composite rib domain).
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Domain Eccentricity Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output None / Constant / One Direction / Two Directions / Top Surface / Bottom Surface.
Types of domain eccentricity.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Domain Mesh Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Triangle / Quad / Mixed Quad Triangle.
Geometry type of finite element mesh for domains.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Domain Contour Division Method

Domain Variable Thickness

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output None / One Direction / Two Directions.
Types of domain variable thickness.
Type “None” means, constant thickness is applied.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 25

Flat Roof Edge Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output None / Sharp Eaves / With Parapet Wall / Round Eaves / Mansard Eaves.
Edge type of flat roof.
Type “None” means nothing on the edge.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Gap Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Active In Tension / Active In Compression.
Gap element type.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Get Result Component

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output This value list is used on the AXISVM Get Results component to select result component as basis of
the envelope or critical result cases. The contents of this value list are always adjusted to the selected
item of AXISVM Get Result Type value list. Default: eX (related to nodal displacement).
Result components.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Get Result Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Those result types are listed that can be imported from AXISVM into Grasshopper (e.g.
NodeDisplacement, MemberDisplacement, MemberForce, MemberStress etc.).
Default: NodeDisplacement.
Result type to be imported from AXISVM.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Group Combination Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Old (not used) / Exclusive / Additive.
Behaviour of load cases of groups when determining the critical combination.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
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Hollow Hole Type

Isolator Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Rubber / Slider / Custom.
Seismic isolator types.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Line Element Eccentricity Alignment Point

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Top Left / Top Center / Top Right / Center Left / Center Center / Center Right / Bottom Left / Bottom
Center / Bottom Right.
Alignment points (main points of the cross-section envelope box) for line element cross-sections.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Line Element Eccentricity Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output None / Custom Offset / Alignment Point / Group / Ref / Rib Domain.
Types of line element eccentricities.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Line Nonlinearity
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Tension And Compression / Tension Only / Compression Only.
Types of nonlinear behaviour for truss elements, line supports, surface supports.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
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Line Support Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Edge Global / Edge Relative / Rib Elastic Foundation / Beam Elastic Foundation / Edge Reference.
Line support type. (Note: Direction of nonlinearity, stiffness and resistance depends on this.)
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Line Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Truss / Beam / Rib / Spring / Gap / Edge / Hole / Simple Line / NN Link / LL Link.
Structural type of lines. Simple line means only geometry.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Load Case Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Standard / Influence Line / Vibration / Moving / Dynamic / Manual Seismic / Manual PreStress / Fire
/ CFD / Self Weight.
Load case type. Other types (e.g.: Wind, Snow etc.) are set automatically based on load definition,
simply set the Standard load case type.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Load Combination Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Other / SLS1 = SLSChar / SLS2 = SLSFreq / SLS3 = SLSQuasi / ULS1 = ULS / ULS2 = ULSSeismic /
ULS3 = ULSExceptional / ULSALL / ULSab / ULSa / ULSb / ULSALLab / ULSA1 / ULSA2 / ULSA3 /
ULSA4 / ULSA5 / ULSA6 / ULSA7 / ULSA8 / ULSAIISE1 / ULSAIISE2 / ULSAIISE3 / ULSAIISE4 /
ULSAIISE5 / ULSAIISE6 / ULSAIISE7 / ULSAIISE8 / SemiAutoSLS1 / SemiAutoSLS2 / SemiAutoSLS3.
Load combination type. (Some values are referred by two different names.)
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Load Distribution Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Constant / Linear.
Mesh-independent surface load distribution types.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
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Load Group Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Permanent / Incidental / Exceptional / Seismic / Prestress / Moving / Imperfection / Snow / Snow
Except / Wind / Manual Seismic / Manual Prestress / Fire.
Load group types.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Load Panel Edge Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output None / Parapet / Wall / Overhanging Snow / Wall With Return Corner.
Type of load panel edge. “None” means nothing on edge.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Member Local X Direction

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output ij / ji.
Local X orientation with respect to the node with the lower index.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Member Mesh Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Max Deviation From Arc / Max Element Size / Segments / Angle.
Mesh type of the member.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

MinMax Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Min / Max / MinMax.
Select/set minimum, maximum or both envelopes.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 29

Modal Combination Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Auto / SRSS (Square Root of Sum of Squares) / CQC (Complete Quadratic Combination).
Combination type for modal responses in one direction.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

National Design Code

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Other / EuroCode / Swiss_SIA26x / EC_GER / Italian / EC_A / EC_UK / EC_NL / EC_FIN / EC_RO /
EC_HU / EC_CZ / EC_B / EC_PL / EC_DK* / EC_S* / US* / CA_NBCC* / CA_Ontario* / CA_Bridge* /
EC_SK / EC_LV / EC_NO / EC_GR.
National design codes. “Other” means design code not specified.
*) Not implemented yet.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Nodal Support Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Nodal Global / Nodal Beam Relative / Nodal Edge Relative / Nodal Reference / Trieder / Seismic
Isolator.
Nodal support types.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Reference Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Point / Vector / Axis / Plane / Beta / None.
Nodal support types. “None” means none of the above.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Release Position Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Auto / Ratio / Length.
Position type of the release interface.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
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Release Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Rigid / Hinged / Semi Rigid / Plastic / Pushover.
Type of beam end release.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Roof Friction Effect

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Smooth / Rough / Very Rough / Custom.
Friction effect type. See section 4.10.14. Wind load – SWG module in AXISVM user manual for more
explanation.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Roof Internal Pressure

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Undefined (not used) / Auto (=Approximative) / Opening Area Based / Internal Coefficient / Off (no
internal pressure).
Internal pressure type. See section 4.10.14. Wind load – SWG module in AxisVM user manual for
more explanation.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Roof Multispan Position

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output First / Second / Inner.
Location of the roof in the sequence. See section 4.10.14. Wind load – SWG module in AxisVM user
manual for more explanation.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Roof Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Undefined / Flat / Monopitch / Duopitch / Hip / Barrel.
Roof type for snow loads.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 31

Seismic Combination Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Quadratic (quadratic mean) / Max (combination with 30%) / Auto.
Combination type for spatial components.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Seismic Limit State

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Other / Operational / Damage / Life Safety / Collapse.
Seismic limit state for national design code Italian.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Seismic Subsoil Class

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output A_Type1 / B_Type1 / C_Type1 / D_Type1 / E_Type1 / A_Type2 / B_Type2 / C_Type2 / D_Type2 /
E_Type2.
Subsoil class for parametric seismic spectra.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Seismic Topographic Category

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output T1 / T2 / T3 / T4.
Seismic topographic category for parametric seismic spectra.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Solution Control
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Force / Displacement / Arc Length / Pushover.
Way of solution control for nonlinear analysis.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
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Spring Damping Type

Spring DOF Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Translation / Rotation.
Degree of freedom of the spring characteristics.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Spring Direction
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Global / Geometry / Point Reference / Vector Reference / Element Relative / Node Relative / Seismic
Isolator.
Coordinate system for spring stiffness components.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Spring Hardening Rule

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Isotropic / Kinematic.
Hardening rule for plastic spring model.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Spring Model
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Linear / Nonlinear Elastic / Nonlinear Plastic.
Type of spring characteristics.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 33

Spring Nonlinearity
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Tension And Compression / Tension Only / Compression Only.
Type of spring characteristics nonlinearity (working direction).
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Spring Stiffness Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Tangent Matrix / Initial Matrix.
Stiffness matrix for plastic spring models.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Steel Buckling Curves

Steel Buckling Length Mode

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Factor / Length / Auto / None.
The way of buckling length definition.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Steel Cantilever Fixed End

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Start Node / End Node.
Which node of the element is fixed.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 34

Steel Design Approach

Steel Lateral Supports

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Auto / Estimated From Kz Kw / Fork Supports / User Defined (lateral supports must be defined).
Definition of the lateral supports.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Steel Load Position

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Actual / Top / Center Of Gravity / Bottom / Custom.
Load position for steel design members (lateral-torsional buckling).
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Steel Lateral-Torsional Buckling Curves

Steel Mcr Method

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Auto (user prior to version AXISVM 13R2) / C1 Lopez / C1 C2 C3 User / Dutch (C1 and C2 values are
automatically calculated) / Dutch User (C1 and C2 values must be set by the user) / Auto LS
(AutoMcr option in AXISVM; updated version of Auto method, considering lateral supports, used
from AXISVM 13R2) / User (Mcr given by the user)
What method will be used for calculation of C1, C2 and C3 parameters see the AxisVM manual and
Appendix F1.2 of ENV 1993-1-1.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 35

Steel SLS Deflection Method

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output No / 2 (Both) / Left / Right.
Deflection method considered for steel design member SLS check. “No” means that deflection is
considered based on the actual displacement, other options mean the deflection is considered
relative to one or both ends of the steel design member.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Steel SLS Height Method

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Member / Structure / Custom / Level (not used).
Height is the member length, the height of the entire structure or measured from a custom height.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Steel SLS Length Method

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Member / Custom / Conn.
Design member length is the actual length of the member, specified by custom values or length is
based on connecting members and supports.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Surface/Domain Load Distribution Type

Surface Type
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Hole / Membrane Stress / Membrane Strain / Plate / Shell.
Type of surface elements.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 36

System
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Global / Local / Reference.
Coordinate system of load components.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Timber Grain
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Top Edge / Bottom Edge.
Grains parallel to the top or bottom edge of the tapered member.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Timber Load Position Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Upper / Axis / Lower.
Load on the top, bottom or at the center of gravity of the member.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

Vibration Masses
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output All / Above Height Z / Above Selected Storey.
Consider all masses or only masses above a given height or storey.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

View
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Front (X-Z plane) / Top (X-Y plane) / Side (Y-Z plane) / Perspective.
Model view.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 37

Wind Structure Roof Type

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Undefined / Flat / Monopitch / Duopitch / Hip / Barrel / Monopitch Canopy / Duopitch Canopy /
Free-standing Wall / Signboard.
Roof type of the substructure. See section 4.10.14. Wind load – SWG module in AxisVM user manual
for more explanation.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

XLAM Service Class

Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Class 1 / Class 2.
XLAM moisture content (service class) for XLAM domains.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

XLAM Top Layer Direction

XY Direction
Usage Click the arrow on the right side of the component and select the required value from the
dropdown menu by one mouse click.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output X / Y.
Axis direction.
The output is an integer representing the selected item of the list.

XYZ
Usage This component compresses three values into an array. It can collect for example Fx, Fy, Fz force
components and serve as input for other components.
Input • X: first numerical input (floating point number). Default value: 0
• Y: second numerical input (floating point number). Default value: 0
• Z: third numerical input (floating point number). Default value: 0
Output XYZ parameter that consist of X, Y, Z inputs compressed into an array.
Hints Convertible from Vector, considering X, Y, Z coordinates as X, Y, Z inputs.
Convertible from Point, considering X, Y, Z coordinates as X, Y, Z inputs.
Convertible from a number, considering the same number at each of X, Y, Z inputs.
Convertible to Point, considering X, Y, Z inputs as X, Y, Z coordinates.
Convertible to Vector, considering X, Y, Z inputs as X, Y, Z coordinates.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 38

XYZ.XXYYZZ
Usage This component compresses six values into an array. It can collect for example the support
stiffnesses in six direction (translational in X, Y, Z direction and rotational about X, Y, Z axis) and
serve as input for other components.
Input • X: first numerical input (floating point number). Default value: 0
• Y: second numerical input (floating point number). Default value: 0
• Z: third numerical input (floating point number). Default value: 0
• XX: fourth numerical input (floating point number). Default value: 0
• YY: fifth numerical input (floating point number). Default value: 0
• ZZ: sixth numerical input (floating point number). Default value: 0
Output XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter that consist of X, Y, Z, XX, YY, ZZ inputs compressed into an array.
Hints Convertible from a number, considering the same number at each of X, Y, Z, XX, YY, ZZ inputs.

XYZ.XXYYZZ-SC
Usage This component compresses six spring characteristics (or their IDs) into an array (translational in X,
Y, Z direction and rotational about X, Y, Z axis) and serve as input for other components.
Input • X: AXISVM Spring characteristics parameter or numerical input (floating point number).
• Y: AXISVM Spring characteristics parameter or numerical input (floating point number).
• Z: AXISVM Spring characteristics parameter or numerical input (floating point number).
• XX: AXISVM Spring characteristics parameter or numerical input (floating point number).
• YY: AXISVM Spring characteristics parameter or numerical input (floating point number).
• ZZ: AXISVM Spring characteristics parameter or numerical input (floating point number).
Output XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter that consist of X, Y, Z, XX, YY, ZZ inputs (AXISVM Spring Characteristics or
their IDs) compressed into an array.
Hints -
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 39

5.2. PARAMS

Usage The Params subcategory contains the parameters for each AXISVM component (except of the
parameters of the AXISVM value list inputs and for the sender component). Parameters may be
useful to organize data of a given type inside a script.
Input The input can be any data source with the same data type that the parameter can store.
Output The output of the parameter has the same data type that the parameter stores. Parameters never
modify the data.
Hints To store the data permanently, right-click on the parameter and choose Internalize data.
The parameters never modify the input data itself, however they can change the data structure using
the Reverse / Flatten / Graft / Simplify options.
AXISVM Cross-Section parameter is common parameter for cross-sections selected from the library,
for parametric cross-sections, for cross-sections from thick polygon and for cross-sections from text.
AXISVM Material parameter is common parameter for materials from library and from text.
AXISVM XLAM Panel parameter is common parameter for XLAM panels from library, from text and
from layers.
AXISVM Spring Characteristics parameter is common parameter for Spring Characteristics (linear and
nonlinear) and for Isolator Characteristics.
AXISVM Line, Line extended, Gap and Spring share the same data type, thus they all can be stored
inside AXISVM Line parameter.
AXISVM Simple Domain, Ribbed Domain, Domain With Custom Stiffness Matrix, Trapezoid Domain,
XLAM Domain, Composite Rib Domain and Hollow Core Domain share the same data type, thus they
all can be stored inside AXISVM Domain parameter.
AXISVM Link Element parameter is common parameter for Node To Node and Line To Line Links.
AXISVM Domain Area Load and Panel Area Load share the same data type, thus both can be stored
inside the AXISVM Domain/Panel Area Load parameter.
AXISVM Domain Polyline Load and Panel Polyline Load share the same data type, thus both can be
stored inside the AXISVM Domain/Panel Polyline Load parameter.
AXISVM Mesh Settings parameter is common parameter for Member and Domain Mesh Settings as
well as for Mesh Control.
AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter is common parameter for Linear and Nonlinear Static, Buckling,
Vibration Settings, for Seismic Settings and Seismic Process.
AXISVM Design Member parameter is common parameter for Steel and Timber Design Members.
AXISVM Optimization Type Specific Settings is common parameter for Parametric and Predefined
Shapes Optimization Settings.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 40

5.3. ELEMENTS

Components are listed in the same order that they appear in the Elements subcategory.

Cross-Section
Usage Double-click on the left side (icon) of this component in order to open the AXISVM Cross-Section
Library form. On the left side of the form: extend the list of the relevant cross-section shape, select
a cross-section table. On the right side: select the required cross-section(s).
From GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 user may select more than one cross-section. Close the form
with OK in order to store the selection.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Selected cross-section as Cross-Section parameter list. If cross-section is not selected, it returns an
empty parameter.
Hints Loading of the Catalog (cross-section tables and cross-sections) happens when the first AXISVM
Cross-Section component is placed onto the canvas (or an existing Grasshopper script is opened
containing AXISVM Cross-Section component), this may take some seconds. Graphical user interface
can be opened after the Catalog is completely loaded.
Graphical user interface is available for selecting a cross-section. If a cross-section has already been
stored, it is highlighted upon re-opening the form. The components keep and reload the stored data
if the Grasshopper file is saved and closed, then re-opened.
The contents of the Catalog depend on the language settings of AXISVM. If the language is changed
during the connection between Grasshopper and AXISVM, the transfer of the Cross-Sections might
fail. In this case, user need to place a new Cross-Section component to the canvas, and maybe the
re-opening of Rhino and/or AXISVM (connecting a new GrasshopperToAXISVM component) is also
necessary.
This component is able to load the AXISVM Cross-Section Catalog always according to the actual
AXISVM user interface language (even if it is different from the language that was used during the
creation of the script). There is no need any more to replace manually the AXISVM Cross-Section
From Text components in the scripts in such cases. (This is valid, if AXISVM and Rhino is closed and
restarted after the language change. Modifying the AXISVM user interface langauge during a
Grasshopper session results in errors.)
Manage the selected cross-sections using the Shift and Ctrl buttons.

Cross-Section – Parametric
Usage This component creates parametric cross-sections in the current AXISVM model. The input
parameters of the component are always adjusted to the selected cross-section type. Therefore,
here we give only a general overview of the components.
Further information about the cross-section types may be found in the AXISVM Users’ Manual or in
the AXISVM X7 API documentation.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 41

When putting the component on the canvas the I-shape cross-section is set by default.
To understand the meaning of the input parameters user may click the “Show image” button on
the bottom of the component to open a schematic image about the cross-section and its
dimensions. Clicking any time on “Hide image” to hide the image again. This image is a static
sketch and it is completely unaffected by the input values of the component. For T-shape cross-
sections the image is aligned with the setting IsReversed (whether the T-shape stands upside down
or not).
To change the cross-section shape, click on the arrow and open the list of available cross-section
types. Select the required shape from the list, then fill the necessary input parameters.

In the component pop-up menu there is an option called “Keep sources”, active by default. This
feature makes possible to keep the connected input sources even if the cross-section shape is
changed and the component is transformed. Only those input sources are kept where the data
type match the data type of the new input parameter.

If the parametric cross-section has been assigned to e.g. an AXISVM Line and has been sent to the
AXISVM model, a new menu point appears in the component pop-up menu: Preview. The live
preview of the parametric cross-sections opens in a new Rhino viewport. More than one parametric
cross-sections can display their preview in the same viewport together, thus the dimensions can be
compared. The minor grid spacing of the preview window is always set to 1 cm in order to make it
feasible to check the size of the cross-section. The name of each displayed parametric cross-
section is shown in the left bottom corner of the shape. See the example above showing a circular
shape (diameter: 15 cm) and a hollow rectangular shape (h: 30 cm, b: 25 cm, tw: 2 cm, tf: 2 cm).
Note: if sliders are used to define cross-section dimensions, prefer typing the new values instead of
sliding the slider in order to simplify and speed-up the display of the parametric cross-sections.
Input • Name: text input, required name of the cross-section inside the AXISVM model.
• Varying inputs depending on the selected cross-section type:
o Dimension: floating point value; define the height, width, thickness, radius etc. [m]
o Process: AXISVM Cross-Section Process value list; select the manufacturing process
o Property: Boolean parameter; set whether the T-shape is reversed or not
o Material: AXISVM Material parameter; assign material to the components of the
composite cross-sections
o Cross-Section: AXISVM Cross-Section parameter; define the inner and outer cross-
sections of the composite cross-sections
Output AXISVM Cross-Section parameter.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 42

Hints Right-click on the component and click Create list of Cross-section processes to add the value list to
the relevant input parameter.
The cross-section is added to the current AXISVM model, but NOT to the AXISVM Cross-Section
Library.

Cross-Section – Thick Polygon

Usage This component creates cross-sections from custom thick polygons and imports them into the
current AXISVM model.
Input • Name: text input, required name of the cross-section inside the AXISVM model.
• Polyline: Closed polyline curve(s) with the required shape and dimensions.
Counterclockwise vertex order denotes the outer contour of the cross-section; clockwise
vertex order denotes the openings.
• Process Type (optional): Cross-section Process Type value list input (Other / Rolled / Welded
/ Cold Formed). Default value: Other
Output Selected cross-section. If cross-section is not selected, then it returns empty parameter.
Hints The cross-section is added to the current AXISVM model, but NOT to the AXISVM Cross-Section
Library.
The component is NOT applicable to create parametric cross-sections (e.g.: I, C, U-shape etc.).

Cross-Section From Text

Usage This component creates an AXISVM Cross-Section from textual input.

Input • CS Shape (optional): text input, accepted with and without suffix, e.g.: L or L-Shape.
• CS Table (optional): text input, the exact name of the cross-section table is required, as it is
stored in the AXISVM Cross-Section Library. Integer values (table IDs) are also accepted as
input, if the CS table ID is known by the user. If this input is empty, the first matching cross-
section table is chosen based on the CS Name input.
• CS Name: text input, the exact name of the cross-section is required, as it is stored in the
AXISVM Cross-Section Library. E.g.: I 80
Output Cross-section parameter. If cross section is not selected, then it returns empty parameter.
Hints The inputs are case-sensitive and sensitive for amount of space characters. If the component is not
able to identify the cross-section you are looking for, copy the cross-section name from the AXISVM
Cross-Section Library. (E.g.: by displaying the output of a Cross-section component in a Panel and
use the “Copy data only” command from the pop-up menu of the Panel.)
The contents of the Catalog depend on the language settings of AXISVM. If the language is changed
during the connection between Grasshopper and AXISVM, the transfer of the Cross-Sections might
fail. In this case, user need to place a new Cross-Section component to the canvas, and maybe the
re-opening of AXISVM (connecting a new GrasshopperToAXISVM component) is also necessary.
This component is able to load the AXISVM Cross-Section Catalog always according to the actual
AXISVM user interface language (even if it is different from the language that was used during the
creation of the script). There is no need any more to replace manually the AXISVM Cross-Section
From Text components in the scripts in such cases. (This is valid, if AXISVM and Rhino is closed and
restarted after the language change. Modifying the AXISVM user interface langauge during a
Grasshopper session results in errors.)
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 43

Deconstruct Cross-Section
Usage For an AXISVM Cross-Section input, this component returns the value of each cross-section
parameter on the output.

Input • Cross-Section: AXISVM Cross-Section parameter, the cross-section(s) to be deconstructed

into cross-section parameters.
Output Generic parameter: changing amount of generic outputs that may return numeric values (e.g. height,
width etc.), cross-section manufacturing process or Boolean values (e.g. for T or double U shapes).
Hints Input cross-sections must have the same shape (to ensure that they have the same parameter list).
If there are less or more output parameters than necessary, right-click on the component and use
the Match output feature from the pop-up menu to adjust the output count to the cross-section
parameter count.
Outputs of this component may be used to create a parametric cross-section based on a cross-
section from the library, slightly modifying some parameter values.
Outputs may be used to feed the optimization type specific settings (parametric or predefined
shapes). If a cross-section parameter is connected to the input of parametric optimization settings,
the parameter limits are set according to the AXISVM default rules. In case of optimization based on
predefined shapes user may multiply and divide the cross-section parameter value by 2 to feed the
optimization settings wih the calculated values (for hmin, hmax, bmin, bmax).

Material
Usage Double-click on the left side (icon) of this component in order to open the AXISVM Material Library
form. Extend the list of the relevant National Design Code, then select a material. Close the form
with OK in order to store the selection.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Selected material as Material parameter. If material is not selected, it returns an empty parameter.
Hints Graphical user interface is available for selection process. If a material has already been stored, it is
highlighted upon re-opening the form. The components keep and reload the stored data if the
Grasshopper file is saved and closed, then re-opened.
The contents of the Catalog depend on the language settings of AXISVM. If the language is changed
during the connection between Grasshopper and AXISVM, the transfer of the Materials might fail. In
this case, user need to place a new Material component to the canvas, and maybe the re-opening of
AXISVM (connecting a new GrasshopperToAXISVM component) is also necessary.

Material From Text

Usage This component creates an AXISVM Material from textual input.

Input • National Design Code (optional): text input, the exact name of the National Design Code is
required, as it is stored in the AXISVM Material Library. E.g.: EuroCode or Dutch_NEN. If this
input is empty, the first matching material table is chosen based on the Material Name
input.
• Material Name: text input, the exact name of the material is required, as it is stored in the
AXISVM Material Library. E.g.: S 235
Output Material parameter. If material is not selected, then it returns empty parameter.
Hints The inputs are case-sensitive and sensitive for amount of space characters. If the component is not
able to identify the material you are looking for, copy the material name from the AXISVM Material
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 44

Library. (E.g.: by displaying the output of a Material component in a Panel and use the “Copy data
only” command from the pop-up menu of the Panel.)
The contents of the Catalog depend on the language settings of AXISVM. If the language is changed
during the connection between Grasshopper and AXISVM, the transfer of the Materials might fail. In
this case, user need to place a new Material component to the canvas, and maybe the re-opening of
AXISVM (connecting a new GrasshopperToAXISVM component) is also necessary.

Seismic Isolator Characteristics

Usage This component can set up seismic isolator characteristics in AXISVM.

Input • Name: text input, user-defined name of the seismic isolator characteristics.
• Isolator Type: AXISVM Isolator Type value list. Type of the seismic isolator: Rubber / Slider /
Custom. Default: Rubber.
• Initial Stiffness (optional): floating point value; K1, initial stiffness [kN/m]. Required only for
rubber seismic isolator.
• Tangential Stiffness (optional): floating point value; KT, tangential stiffness [kN/m]. Required
only for rubber seismic isolator.
• Resistance (optional): floating point value; F1, resistance [kN]. Required only for rubber
seismic isolator.
• Friction Coefficient (optional): floating point value; friction coefficient [-]. Required only for
slider seismic isolator.
• Radius (optional): floating point value; radius [m]. Required only for slider seismic isolator.
• Horizontal Stiffness (optional): floating point value; horizontal stiffness [kN/m]. Required
only for custom seismic isolator.
• Damping Ratio (optional): floating point value; damping ratio [-]. Required only for custom
seismic isolator.
• Vertical Stiffness (optional): floating point value; vertical stiffness of seismic isolator [kN/m]
(valid for all isolator types).
Output AXISVM Spring Characteristic parameter (common parameter for linear and nonlinear spring
characteristics and isolator characteristics).
Hint Output of this component must be connected to the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component to
create the characteristic inside AXISVM.
Right-click on the component and click Create list of Isolator types to add the value list to the
relevant inputs.

Spring Characteristics (Linear)

Usage This component can set up linear spring characteristics in AXISVM and can serve as input for
AXISVM Beam End Release, AXISVM Nodal Support – Extended*, and AXISVM Spring*
components. *) Via AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ-SC component.
Input • Name: text input, user-defined name of the linear spring characteristics.
• DOF: AXISVM Spring DOF Type value list; degree of freedom type of the spring
characteristics, valid inputs: Translation / Rotation. (This component is not applicable for
warping characteristics.) Default: Translation.
• Initial Stiffness: floating point value; K, initial stiffness; [kN/m] for translational, [kNm/rad]
for rotational DOFs.
• Vibration Stiffness (optional): floating point value; Kvib, vibration stiffness; [kN/m] for
translational, [kNm/rad] for rotational DOFs. Kvib is set equal to Ku (initial stiffness) unless
other value is specified.
• Dynamic Damping (optional): floating point value; Cu, dynamic damping; [kN/(m/s)] for
translational, [kNm/(rad/s)] for rotational DOFs.
• Damping Type: AXISVM Spring Damping Type value list; type of dynamic damping: Kelvin-
Voigt / Maxwell spring damping type to be applied. Default: Kelvin.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 45

Output AXISVM Spring Characteristic parameter (common parameter for linear and nonlinear spring
characteristics and isolator characteristics).
Hints Output of this component must be connected to the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component to
create the characteristic inside AXISVM. It is not sufficient to use this characteristic as input of other
components.
Right-click on the component and click Create list of Spring DOF types / Damping types to add the
value list to the relevant inputs.
Initial stiffness, vibration stiffness and dynamic damping inputs cannot be zero at the same time.
At least one non-zero input is required.
To define other characteristic types the following components can be used: AXISVM Spring
Characteristics (Nonlinear), AXISVM Seismic Isolator Characteristics.

Spring Characteristics (Nonlinear)

Usage This component can set up nodal, nonlinear spring characteristics in AXISVM and can serve as
input for AXISVM Beam End Release, AXISVM Nodal Support – Extended*, and AXISVM Spring*
components. *) Via AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ-SC component.
Input • Name: text input, user-defined name of the linear spring characteristics.
• DOF: AXISVM Spring DOF Type value list; degree of freedom type of the spring
characteristics, valid inputs: Translation / Rotation. (This component is not applicable for
warping characteristics.) Default: Translation.
• Vibration Stiffness (optional): floating point value; Kvib, vibration stiffness; [kN/m] for
translational, [kNm/rad] for rotational DOFs.
• Damping Type: AXISVM Spring Damping Type value list; type of dynamic damping: Kelvin-
Voigt / Maxwell spring damping type to be applied. Default: Kelvin.
• Model: AXISVM Spring Models value list; valid inputs are: Nonlinear Elastic /
Nonlinear Plastic. Default: Nonlinear Elastic.
• By Function: Boolean parameter; if false: nonlinear characteristics can be defined by
parameters, else by function. Default: false.
• Displacement | Rotation (optional): floating point value; displacement [m] or rotation [rad]
values of the function as list, depending on DOF (translational or rotational). Considered
only if By Function input is set to true.
• Force | Moment (optional): floating point value; force [kN] or moment [kNm] values of the
function as list, depending on DOF (translational or rotational). Considered only if By
Function input is set to true.
• Simplified (optional): Boolean parameter; user selection for nonlinear elastic case. If true:
simple parameter set needs to be defined, if false: advanced setting with separate tension-
compression parameters is possible. Default: true.
• Tension | Compression (optional): AXISVM Spring Nonlinearity value list; spring
characteristics for both Tension And Compression / Tension Only / Compression Only.
Default: Tension And Compression.
• Initial Stiffness (Tension) (optional): floating point value; initial stiffness for tension; [kN/m]
for translational and [kNm/rad] for rotational DOFs. Note: if simple parameter definition is
chosen, this value is considered as initial stiffness.
• Resistance (Tension) (optional): Boolean parameter; if true: resistance for tension must be
defined, if false: resistance is not considered. Note: if simple parameter definition is chosen,
this value is considered as resistance on/off. Default: false.
• Tangential Stiffness (Tension) (optional): floating point value; tangential stiffness for tension;
[kN/m] for translational and [kNm/rad] for rotational DOFs. Note: if simple parameter
definition is chosen, this value is considered as tangential stiffness. Default: 0.
• Resistance Value (Tension) (optional): floating point value; resistance for tension; force [kN]
for translational and moment [kNm] for rotational DOFs. Note: if simple parameter
definition is chosen, this value is considered as resistance [kN].
• Initial Stiffness (Compression) (optional): floating point value; initial stiffness for
compression; [kN/m]for translational and [kNm/rad] for rotational DOFs. Note: if simple
parameter definition is chosen, this value is not considered at all.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 46

• Resistance (Compression) (optional): Boolean parameter; if true: resistance for compression

must be defined, if false: resistance is not considered for compression. Note: if simple
parameter definition is chosen, this value is not considered at all. Default: false.
• Tangential Stiffness (Compression) (optional): floating point value; tangential stiffness for
compression; [kN/m]for translational and [kNm/rad] for rotational DOFs. Note: if simple
parameter definition is chosen, this value is not considered at all. Default: 0.
• Resistance Value (Compression) (optional): floating point value; resistance for compression;
force [kN] for translational and moment [kNm] for rotational DOFs. Note: if simple
parameter definition is chosen, this value is not considered at all.
• Hardening Rule (optional): AXISVM Spring Hardening Rule value list; hardening rule for
plastic spring model: Isotropic / Kinematic. Default: Isotropic.
• Stiffness Type (optional): AXISVM Spring Stiffness Type value list; type of stiffness for plastic
spring model: Initial Matrix / Tangential Matrix. Default: Tangential Matrix.
• Damping (Tension) (optional): floating point value; damping for tension; [kN/(m/s)] for
translational and [kNm/(rad/s)] for rotational DOFs.
• Damping (Compression) (optional): floating point value; damping for compression;
[kN/(m/s)] for translational and [kNm/(rad/s)] for rotational DOFs.
Output AXISVM Spring Characteristic parameter (common parameter for linear and nonlinear spring
characteristics and isolator characteristics).
Hints Output of this component must be connected to the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component to
create the characteristic inside AXISVM. It is not sufficient to use this characteristic as input of other
components.
Right-click on the component and click Create list of Spring DOF types / Damping types / Spring
models / Working directions / Hardening rules / Stiffness types for plastic springs to add the value
list to the relevant inputs.
To define other characteristic types the following components can be used: AXISVM Spring
Characteristics (Linear), AXISVM Seismic Isolator Characteristics.

XLAM Panel
Usage Double-click on the left side (icon) of this component in order to open the AXISVM XLAM Panel
Library form. Extend the list of the relevant Manufacturer, then select an XLAM panel. Close the
form with OK in order to store the selection.
Input There is no Grasshopper input for this component.
Output Selected XLAM panel as XLAM panel parameter. If XLAM panel is not selected, empty parameter is
returned.
Hints Graphical user interface is available for selection process. If an XLAM panel has already been stored,
it is highlighted upon re-opening the form. The components keep and reload the stored data if the
Grasshopper file is saved and closed, then re-opened.

XLAM Panel From Layers

Usage This component creates an AXISVM XLAM Panel based on the user-defined panel name and
layer thicknesses.
Input • Name: text input, user-defined name of the XLAM panel.
• Thicknesses: list of numbers (floating point values), each value defines the thickness of one
layer in [m]. At least 3 layer thickness value is required. Number of layers must be an odd
number.
Output XLAM panel parameter. If XLAM panel is not selected, then it returns empty parameter.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 47

XLAM Panel From Text

Usage This component creates an AXISVM XLAM Panel from textual input.

Input • Manufacturer (optional): text input, the exact name of the manufacturer is required,
e.g. X-Lam|Dolomiti or KLH. If this input is empty, the first matching manufacturer is
selected from the catalog.
• Name: text input, the exact name of the XLAM panel is required, as it is stored in the
AXISVM XLAM Panel Library. E.g.: 3(60)sTT
Output XLAM panel parameter. If XLAM panel is not selected, then it returns empty parameter.
Hints The inputs are case-sensitive and sensitive for amount of space characters. If the component is not
able to identify the XLAM panel you are looking for, copy the XLAM panel name from the AXISVM
XLAM Panel Library. (E.g.: by displaying the output of an XLAM Panel component in a Grasshopper
Panel and use the “Copy data only” command from the pop-up menu of the Panel.)

Beam End Release

Usage This component can set up a beam end release, thus it provides input for the Beam End Releases
component.
Input • Release Type: requires a Release Type value list as input, valid inputs are: Rigid / Hinged /
Semi Rigid. Default value: Rigid.
• Function (optional): AXISVM Spring Characteristics parameter or integer input, required only
for 7DOF beam with semi-rigid (spring param) type. The default functions that already exist
in AXISVM can be referred by their indeces, the indeces start with 1.
Output AXISVM Beam End Release parameter.
Hints Right-click on the component and click Create list of Release Types to add the value list to Release
Type input.

Beam End Releases

Usage This component organizes the beam end release settings for the degrees of freedom of a beam
end release. Only those inputs must be filled, at which degrees of freedom a beam end release
need to be applied.
Input • X (optional): Beam End Release parameter, translational release along the X axis.
• Y (optional): Beam End Release parameter, translational release along the Y axis.
• Z (optional): Beam End Release parameter, translational release along the Z axis.
• XX (optional): Beam End Release parameter, rotational release about the local X-axis
• YY (optional): Beam End Release parameter, rotational release about the local Y-axis
• ZZ (optional): Beam End Release parameter, rotational release about the local Z-axis
• Warping Release (7DOF) (optional): warping release, valid only for 7DOF elements.
Output AXISVM Releases parameter.
Hints Rigid and hinged type is accepted for every input parameter. 7DOF accepts the semi-rigid release
type as well.

Line
Usage This component is able to define AXISVM line elements. Beams, ribs or trusses. It is also possible to
define simple lines without material and cross-section assignment.
Input • Lines: list of lines. Line geometry may contain arcs as well.
• Material (optional): Material parameter. (Material or Material From Text component.)
• Cross-section (optional): Cross-Section parameter, (Cross-Section, Cross-Section From Text,
Cross-Section – Custom Thick or Parametric Cross-Section components are accepted as
input.)
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 48

• Line Type (optional): Line Type value list (valid inputs: Truss / Beam / Rib / Simple Line).
Default value: Beam.
• Create Member: Boolean value; if True, the lines of this component tried to be set as one
common structural member (valid for beams and ribs). If false, each line element is
considered as separate structural members. Default: True.
Output AXISVM Line parameter.
Hints The component cannot handle the following line types: Spring / Gap / Edge / Hole / NN Link /
LL Link. Types Gap and Spring have their separate, own components.
Material input is not required if composite parametric cross-section is assigned (that contains
material information by default).

Line - Extended
Usage This component is able to define AXISVM Lines. Beams, ribs, trusses or simple lines. Lines can have
variable cross-section, releases, eccentricity etc.
Input • Line: list of lines. Line geometry may contain arcs as well.
• Material (optional): Material parameter. Material or Material From Text component as input.
• Service Class (optional): integer value, service class (moisture content) of timber,
Class 1, 2 or 3.
• k_def (optional): floating point value, deformation factor [-] for timber members. Default
values: for Class 1 k_def = 0.6, for Class 2 k_def=0.8, for Class 3 k_def = 2.0.
• CS_start (optional): Cross-Section parameter. Cross-Section, Cross-Section From Text, Cross-
Section – Custom Thick or Parametric Cross-Section components are accepted as input.
• CS_end (optional): Cross-Section parameter. Cross-Section, Cross-Section From Text, Cross-
Section – Custom Thick or Parametric Cross-Section components are accepted as input.
• Line Type: Line Type value list (Truss / Beam / Rib / Simple Line). Default value: Beam.
• Create Member: Boolean value; if True, the lines of this component tried to be set as one
common structural member (valid for beams and ribs). If false, each line element is
considered as separate structural members. Default: True.
• Beam7DOF: Boolean input, valid only for beam line type. 7DOF beam (warping) is
considered if this input is True. Default: False.
• Local X Orientation: Local X Orientation value list. Local X direction with respect to the node
with the lower index. Default value: ij.
• AxReference (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value, local Z reference.
Connect an AXISVM Reference component or define the index of an existing reference.
Indeces start with 1 in AXISVM. Use 0 for auto. Note: not all Z-references are valid for a
given line.

• Truss NonLin Type (optional): Line Nonlinearity value list (Tension And Compression /
Tension Only / Compression Only). Default: Tension And Compression.
• Resistance (optional): floating point value, the axial resistance (absolute value), valid only for
Truss NonL Type “Tension Only” and “Compression Only”.
• Eccentricity (optional): AXISVM Line Eccentricity parameter, eccentricity settings.
• AxDomain1 (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; required if a rib is connected to a
domain
• AxDomain2 (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; required if two domains are necessary
to determine the rib’s orientation, or as a backup domain (in case of Domain1’s deletion)
• k_x (optional): floating point value, friction resistance [kN/m/m] between rib and surface.
Valid only in case of RibDomain eccentricity setting and Top or Bottom auto eccentricity of
rib.
• Start Release (optional): AXISVM Releases parameter to be considered at the beginning of
the line. Default setting: no release.
• End Release (optional): AXISVM Releases parameter to be considered at the end of the line.
Default setting: no release.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 49

• Material Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the material color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
• Contour Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the contour color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
Output AXISVM Line parameter.
Hints The component cannot handle the following line types: Spring / Gap / Edge / Hole/ NN Link /
LL Link. Types Gap and Spring have their separate, own component.
If the line does not have variable cross-section, it is sufficient to feed the CS_start input. In this case
CS_end is set automatically to the same value.
The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Line types /
Local X directions / Truss nonlinearity types.
Material input is not required if composite parametric cross-section is assigned (that contains
material information by default).

Line Eccentricity
Usage This component must be used to manage the line eccentricity settings.

Input • Start Eccentricity Type: AXISVM Line Element Eccentricity Type value list input (None /
Custom Offset / Alignment Point / Group / Ref / Rib Domain), eccentricity type at the lower
index node. In case of Group type: the alignment is specified in the Start Alignment Point
field. Default value: Alignment Point.
• End Eccentricity Type: AXISVM Line Element Eccentricity Type value list input (None /
Custom Offset / Alignment Point / Group / Ref / Rib Domain), eccentricity type at the
higher index node. Default value: Alignment Point.
• Start Alignment Point (optional): AXISVM Line Element Eccentricity Alignment Point value
list input (Top Left / Top Center / Top Right / Center Left / Center Center / Center Right /
Bottom Left / Bottom Center / Bottom Right), alignment point on the cross-section
envelope box at the lower index node. Considered only for eccentricity types:
AlignmentPoint and Group. Default value: Top Center.
• End Alignment Point (optional): AXISVM Line Element Eccentricity Alignment Point value list
input (Top Left / Top Center / Top Right / Center Left / Center Center / Center Right /
Bottom Left / Bottom Center / Bottom Right), alignment point on the cross-section
envelope box at the higher index node. Considered only for eccentricity types:
AlignmentPoint and Group. Default value: Top Center.
• Rib Auto Eccentricity Type (optional): AXISVM Auto Eccentricity Type value list input
(Custom / Top / Mid / Bottom), eccentricity type of ribs, only used when Start Eccentricity
Type and End Eccentricity Type is RibDomain. Default value: Bottom.
• Start Eccentricity_Y (optional): floating point value, custom eccentricity [m] in local y
direction at the lower index node. Considered only for eccentricity types: RibDomain with
custom AutoEccentricity and CustomOffset.
• Start Eccentricity_Z (optional): floating point value, custom eccentricity [m] in local z
direction at the lower index node. Considered only for eccentricity types: RibDomain with
custom AutoEccentricity and CustomOffset.
• End Eccentricity_Y (optional): floating point value, custom eccentricity [m] in local y direction
at the higher index node. Considered only for eccentricity types: RibDomain with custom
AutoEccentricity and CustomOffset.
• End Eccentricity_Z (optional): floating point value, custom eccentricity [m] in local z direction
at the higher index node. Considered only for eccentricity types: RibDomain with custom
AutoEccentricity and CustomOffset.
• Eccentricity Group Index (optional): integer value, eccentricity group index. Considered only
for eccentricity type Group.
• Start Reference AxLine (optional): AXISVM Line parameter, reference line at the lower index
node. Considered only for eccentricity type Ref. The reference line must already have an
AXISVM ID when it is considered as reference, therefore it must be connected to the sender
component before the current line element, otherwise the eccentricity settings fail.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 50

• End Reference AxLine (optional): AXISVM Line parameter, reference line at the higher index
node. Considered only for eccentricity type Ref. The reference line must already have an
AXISVM ID when it is considered as reference, therefore it must be connected to the
GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component before the current line element, otherwise the
eccentricity settings fail.
• Reference Start Alignment Point (optional): AXISVM Line Element Eccentricity Alignment
Point value list input (Top Left / Top Center / Top Right / Center Left / Center Center /
Center Right / Bottom Left / Bottom Center / Bottom Right), alignment point on the cross-
section envelope box at the lower index node reference line. Considered only for
eccentricity type Ref. Default value: Top Center.
• Reference End Alignment Point (optional): AXISVM Line Element Eccentricity Alignment
Point value list input (Top Left / Top Center / Top Right / Center Left / Center Center /
Center Right / Bottom Left / Bottom Center / Bottom Right), alignment point on the cross-
section envelope box at the lower index node reference line. Considered only for
eccentricity type Ref. Default value: Top Center.
• Start Eccentricity Release (optional): AXISVM Eccentricity Release parameter, eccentricity
release settings at the lower index node. Considered only for eccentricity types
CustomOffset, AlignmentPoint, Group and Ref.
• End Eccentricity Release (optional): AXISVM Eccentricity Release parameter, eccentricity
release settings at the higher index node. Considered only for eccentricity types
CustomOffset, AlignmentPoint, Group and Ref.
Output AXISVM Line Eccentricity parameter.
Hints The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Line ecc. types /
Line ecc. alignment points / Auto ecc. type of ribs / Line ecc. alignment points (Ref).
If the Ref eccentricity settings do not appear in the transferred AXISVM model, cross-check the order
of line elements connected to the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component. The reference lines
must precede the current line element (that wants to refer to them) in the list of line elements to be
transferred.

Line Eccentricity Releases

Usage This component organizes the line eccentricity release settings for each degree of freedom. Only
those inputs must be filled, at which degrees of freedom an eccentricity release need to be applied.
Only Rigid and Hinged release types are accepted.
Input • Type X (optional): Release Type value list, type of translational release along the X axis.
Valid types: Rigid and Hinged. Default value: Rigid.
• Type Y (optional): Release Type value list, type of translational release along the Y axis.
Valid types: Rigid and Hinged. Default value: Rigid.
• Type Z (optional): Release Type value list, type of translational release along the Z axis.
Valid types: Rigid and Hinged. Default value: Rigid.
• Type XX (optional): Release Type value list, type of rotational release about the X axis.
Valid types: Rigid and Hinged. Default value: Rigid.
• Type YY (optional): Release Type value list, type of rotational release about the Y axis.
Valid types: Rigid and Hinged. Default value: Rigid.
• Type ZZ (optional): Release Type value list, type of rotational release about the Z axis.
Valid types: Rigid and Hinged. Default value: Rigid.
• Position type (optional): Position Type value list (Auto / Ratio / Length), position type of the
release interface. Auto is valid only for Ref eccentricity type. Default value: Length.
• Position (optional): floating point value. Position of the release interface, required only for
Ratio or Length. For Ratio, it is between [0..1], for Length, it is as value in [m].
Output Line Eccentricity Releases parameter. This serves input for the AXISVM Line Eccentricity component.
Hints The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Release types /
Release position types.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 51

Mesh
Usage This component transfers a Rhino mesh into an AXISVM mesh. The mesh can be transferred to
AXISVM as edges, as surface elements of the selected type or as domains.
Input • Mesh: Rhino mesh
• Surface Type (optional): Surface Type value list; select the type of surface elements. Valid
inputs are: Membrane Stress / Membrane Strain / Plate / Shell. Default value: Shell.
• Thickness (optional): floating point value, thickness [m] for surface elements or domains.
Default: 0.025 m.
• Material (optional): Material parameter for edges, surface elements or domains.
Default: EuroCode / S235.
• Reference X (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Reference Z (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Cross-section (optional): Cross-Section parameter for edges.
• Line Type (optional): Line Type value list (Beam / Rib / Truss / Simple Line) for edges.
Default value: Beam.
Output AXISVM Mesh parameter.
Hints The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Surface types /
Line types.
The nodes need to be in-plane according to a strict AXISVM criteria.

Point
Usage This component can dedicate a point to be an AXISVM point. Note: if nodal support or nodal load
need to be created in the AXISVM model, the appropriate AxPoint must also be connected to the
GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component. The nodal degree of freedom can also be changed
using this component.
Input • Points: list of points that need to be transferred to AXISVM and get an AXISVM ID..
• DOF (optional): Degree Of Freedom value list; user may select the nodal degree of freedom
to be considered for the given node(s) in the AXISVM model. Default: Free.
Output AXISVM Point parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Nodal DOF settings.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 52

Although the DOF value list contains 15 elements, user may define other combination of nodal DOFs
to be constrained. Right click on the value list, choose Edit… to see the constants assigned to each
predefined value. Calculating the sum of the required DOF constants and feeding the DOF input with
the calculated integer value the user-defined DOF setting is going to be applied and the description
of the AXISVM Point (on the output side) shows the type of constraint(s).

Domain
Usage This component can set up AXISVM domains with constant or variable thickness and constant or
variable eccentricity. Holes, surface element type and color settings can also be defined.
Input • Contour: closed, planar curve(s) as data list. This is the outer contour of the domain and
may contain arcs as well. Note: the contour of one domain is a data list. If user wants to
define more than one domain with one common AXISVM Domain component, user must
feed the Contour input with a data tree, where each branch contains the contour of one
single domain. The same stands for the Holes (openings) of domains.
• Surface Type: Surface Type value list. Membrane Stress / Membrane Strain / Plate / Shell
input is valid. Default value: Shell.
• Thickness: constant or variable. Constant thickness [m] can be defined by using a floating
point number as input. Variable thickness can be defined providing an AXISVM Domain
Variable Thickness parameter. Default: 0.025 m.
• Material: AXISVM Material parameter. Default: EuroCode / S235.
• Eccentricity (optional): constant [m] or variable eccentricity. Constant eccentricity can be
defined using a floating point number as input. Variable eccentricity can be defined
providing an AXISVM Domain Variable Eccentricity parameter. Default: no eccentricity.
• Holes (optional): list of closed, planar polyline curves, inside the contour of the domain.
This/these polylines define the contour(s) of the hole(s). The outline of the holes must be in
the plane of the domain otherwise no hole will be created. If the hole outline intersects the
domain outline, the hole is deleted. The contour may contain arcs as well. See further
information regarding the required input data structure at the Contour input parameter.
• Reference X (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Reference Z (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Material Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the material color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
• Contour Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the contour color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
Output AXISVM Domain parameter.
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Surface types.

Domain – Composite Rib

Usage This component can set up composite ribbed domains. The ribs can run in local x or y direction but
not both. Their material can be different from that of the domain.
Input • Contour: closed, planar curve(s) as data list. This is the outer contour of the domain and
may contain arcs as well. Note: the contour of one domain is a data list. If user wants to
define more than one domain with one common AXISVM Domain component, user must
feed the Contour input with a data tree, where each branch contains the contour of one
single domain. The same stands for the Holes (openings) of domains.
• Surface Type: AXISVM Surface Type value list. Plate / Shell input is valid. Default: Shell.
• Constant Thickness: floating point value, defines the constant thickness of the domain [m].
Default value: 0.025 m.
• Material: AXISVM Material parameter. Default: EuroCode / S235.
• Domain Constant Eccentricity (optional): floating point value, defines the constant
eccentricity of the domain [m]. Default: no eccentricity.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 53

• Holes (optional): list of closed, planar polyline curves, inside the contour of the domain.
This/these polylines define the contour(s) of the hole(s). If the hole outline intersects the
domain outline, the hole is deleted. The contour may contain arcs as well. See further
information regarding the required input data structure at the Contour input parameter.
• Origin: point parameter, origin of the rib grid. Set coordinates in [m]. Default: [0; 0; 0]
• Directions: AXISVM XY direction value list input (X / Y), defines whether the ribs go into X or
Y direction. Default: X.
• Distance: floating point value, distance between the ribs. This can not be smaller than the
width of the rib cross-section.
• Rib Material: AXISVM Material parameter. Default: EuroCode / S235.
• Rib Cross-Section: AXISVM Cross-Section parameter, cross-section of the ribs.
• Rib Eccentricity Type: Domain Composite Rib Eccentricity value list input (Top / Midplane /
Bottom / Custom), type of the rib eccentricity, the position of the rib related to the plane of
the domain. Default: Bottom.
• Rib Constant Eccentricity (optional): floating point value, constant, custom eccentricity of
the ribs. Relevant only if rib eccentricity type is Custom.
• Actual Ribs (optional): Boolean parameter, if True, actual ribs will be created. If False, logical
ribs are considered, no finite elements will be created. It must be False, in case of steel ribs
cast partially or entirely in concrete. Default value: False.
• Has Custom Shear (optional): Boolean parameter, set to True if the Shear connection is
Elastic and custom shear value must be defined. If False (default): shear connection is Rigid.
• Custom Shear (optional): floating point value, value of the custom shear for elastic shear
connections [kN/m/m]. This input is considered only if Actual Ribs input is True and Has
Custom Shear input is True. Default: 0 kN/m/m.
• Reference X (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Reference Z (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Material Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the material color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
• Contour Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the contour color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
Output AXISVM Domain – Composite Rib parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Surface types /
Directions / Rib eccentricity types.
If the domain parameters are modified using Number sliders, AXISVM may freeze during the redraw
process. Possible countermeasures: 1) type discrete values instead of pulling the number slider,
2) use the Lock solver option in Grasshopper during the tuning the Number sliders.

Domain – Custom Stiffness Matrix

Usage This component can set up a domain with custom stiffness matrix. This provides full control over
the relations between internal force components and strains.
Input • Contour: closed, planar curve(s) as data list. This is the outer contour of the domain and
may contain arcs as well. Note: the contour of one domain is a data list. If user wants to
define more than one domain with one common AXISVM Domain component, user must
feed the Contour input with a data tree, where each branch contains the contour of one
single domain. The same stands for the Holes (openings) of domains.
• Surface Type: AXISVM Surface Type value list. Membrane Stress / Membrane Strain / Plate /
Shell input is valid. Default: Shell
• Constant Thickness: floating point value, defines the constant thickness of the domain [m].
Default value: 0.025 m.
• Material: AXISVM Material parameter. Default: EuroCode / S235.
• Constant Eccentricity (optional): floating point value, defines the constant eccentricity of the
domain [m]. Default value: no eccentricity.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 54

Domain – Hollow Core

Usage This component can set up a hollow core, concrete domain. The voids can run in local x or y
direction but not both.
Input • Contour: closed, planar curve(s) as data list. This is the outer contour of the domain and
may contain arcs as well. Note: the contour of one domain is a data list. If user wants to
define more than one domain with one common AXISVM Domain component, user must
feed the Contour input with a data tree, where each branch contains the contour of one
single domain. The same stands for the Holes (openings) of domains.
• Surface Type: AXISVM Surface Type value list. Plate / Shell input is valid. Element type of the
domain. Default: Shell.
• Constant Thickness: floating point value, the constant thickness of the domain [m].
Default: 0.025 m.
• Material: AXISVM Material parameter. Concrete material is required.
• Constant Eccentricity (optional): floating point value. Constant eccentricity [m] of the
domain. Default: no eccentricity.
• Holes (optional): list of closed, planar polyline curves, inside the contour of the domain.
This/these polylines define the contour(s) of the hole(s). If the hole outline intersects the
domain outline, the hole is deleted. The contour may contain arcs as well. See further
information regarding the required input data structure at the Contour input parameter.
• Origin: point parameter, origin of the void grid. Set the global coordinates in [m].
Default value: [0; 0; 0]
• Direction: AXISVM XY Direction value list (X / Y), the voids can run in local x or y direction
along a grid. Default: X.
• D_distance: floating point value, distance between the centers of the voids.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 55

• Hole Type: AXISVM Hollow Hole Type value list (Circular / Rectangular). Default: Circular.
• Fi_diameter (optional): floating point value, the diameter of the tubular (circular) voids.
• b_width (optional): floating point value, width of the rectangular voids.
• h_height (optional): floating point value, height of the rectangular voids.
• Reference X (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Reference Z (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Material Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the material color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
• Contour Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the contour color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
Output AXISVM Domain – Hollow Core parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Surface types /
Directions / Hollow hole types.
If the domain parameters are modified using Number sliders, AXISVM may freeze during the redraw
process. Possible countermeasures: 1) type discrete values instead of pulling the number slider,
2) use the Lock solver option in Grasshopper during the tuning the Number sliders.

Domain - Ribbed
Usage This component can set up a parametric ribbed plate (ribbed domain). The ribs can run in local x
and/or y direction. The same, concrete material is considered for the plate and the ribs.
Input • Contour: closed, planar curve(s) as data list. This is the outer contour of the domain and
may contain arcs as well. Note: the contour of one domain is a data list. If user wants to
define more than one domain with one common AXISVM Domain component, user must
feed the Contour input with a data tree, where each branch contains the contour of one
single domain. The same stands for the Holes (openings) of domains.
• Surface Type: AXISVM Surface Type value list. Plate / Shell input is valid. Element type of the
domain. Default: Shell.
• Constant Thickness: floating point value, the constant thickness of the domain [m].
Default: 0.025 m.
• Material: AXISVM Material parameter. Concrete material is required.
• Domain Constant Eccentricity (optional): floating point value. Constant eccentricity of the
domain [m]. Default: no eccentricity.
• Holes (optional): list of closed, planar polyline curves, inside the contour of the domain.
This/these polylines define the contour(s) of the hole(s). If the hole outline intersects the
domain outline, the hole is deleted. The contour may contain arcs as well. See further
information regarding the required input data structure at the Contour input parameter.
• Origin: point parameter. Origin of the rib grid. Define the global coordinates in [m]. Default
value: [0; 0; 0]
• xh (optional): floating point value, height of the x directional ribs (including slab) [m].
Default value: 0.
• xb (optional): floating point value, width of the x directional ribs [m]. Default value: 0.
• xd (optional): floating point value, spacing of the x directional ribs [m]. Default value: 0.
• Auto Eccentricity Type x (optional): AXISVM Auto Eccentricity Type value list, the eccentricity
of the x directional ribs. Custom / Top / Bottom are valid inputs. Default: Bottom.
• Rib Eccentricity x (optional): floating point value, custom eccentricity [m] of the x directional
ribs. Considered only if Auto Eccentricity Type is Custom.) Default value: 0.
• yh (optional): floating point value, height of the y directional ribs (including slab) [m].
Default value: 0.
• yb (optional): floating point value, width of the y directional ribs [m]. Default value: 0.
• yd (optional): floating point value, spacing of the x directional ribs [m]. Default value: 0.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 56

• Auto Eccentricity Type y (optional): AXISVM Auto Eccentricity Type value list, the eccentricity
of the y directional ribs. Custom / Top / Bottom are valid inputs. Default: Bottom.
• Rib Eccentricity y (optional): floating point value, custom eccentricity [m] of the y directional
ribs. Considered only if Auto Eccentricity Type is Custom.) Default value: 0.
• Actual Ribs (optional): Boolean parameter, if True, actual ribs will be created. If False, logical
ribs are considered (no finite elements will be created). Default: False.
• Reference X (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Reference Z (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Material Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the material color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
• Contour Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the contour color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
Output AXISVM Ribbed Domain parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Surface types /
Eccentricity types of ribs (x) / Eccentricity types of ribs (y).
If the domain parameters are modified using Number sliders, AXISVM may freeze during the redraw
process. Possible countermeasures: 1) type discrete values instead of pulling the number slider,
2) use the Lock solver option in Grasshopper during the tuning the Number sliders.

Domain - Trapezoid
Usage This component can set up a domain with trapezoidal steel deck (a composite slab where a steel
deck is filled with concrete).
Input • Contour: closed, planar curve(s) as data list. This is the outer contour of the domain and
may contain arcs as well. Note: the contour of one domain is a data list. If user wants to
define more than one domain with one common AXISVM Domain component, user must
feed the Contour input with a data tree, where each branch contains the contour of one
single domain. The same stands for the Holes (openings) of domains.
• Surface Type: AXISVM Surface Type value list. Plate / Shell input is valid. Element type of the
domain. Default: Shell.
• Infill Material (optional): AXISVM Material parameter. Material of the concrete infill of the
trapezoid domain.
• Plate Material: AXISVM Material parameter. Material of the steel plate. Default: EuroCode /
S235.
• Constant Eccentricity (optional): floating point value. Constant eccentricity of the domain
[m]. Default: no eccentricity.
• Holes (optional): list of closed, planar polyline curves, inside the contour of the domain.
This/these polylines define the contour(s) of the hole(s). If the hole outline intersects the
domain outline, the hole is deleted. The contour may contain arcs as well. See further
information regarding the required input data structure at the Contour input parameter.
• Origin: point parameter, origin of the rib system. Set the global coordinate in [m]. Default
value: [0; 0; 0]
• Direction: AXISVM XY Direction value list, (X / Y). The direction of the ribs. The ribs can go
to local x or y direction but not both. Default: X.
• h: floating point value; dimension “h” on the image [m]. Default value: 0.2 m.
• t: floating point value; dimension “t” on the image [m]. Default value: 0.04 m.
• v: floating point value; dimension “v” on the image [m]. Default value: 0.005 m.
• d: floating point value; dimension “d” on the image [m]. Default value: 0.2 m.
• b: floating point value; dimension “b” on the image [m]. Default value: 0.14 m.
• w: floating point value; dimension “w” on the image [m]. Default value: 0.07 m.
• p: floating point value; dimension “p” on the image; width of rolled mechanical
embossments [m]. Default value: 0 m.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 57

• eta: floating point value; effectiveness of the shear connection [-]. Default value: 1.
• Reference X (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Reference Z (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Material Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the material color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
• Contour Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the contour color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
Output AXISVM Domain – Trapezoid parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Surface types /
Directions.
If the domain parameters are modified using Number sliders, AXISVM may freeze during the redraw
process. Possible countermeasures: 1) type discrete values instead of pulling the number slider,
2) use the Lock solver option in Grasshopper during the tuning the Number sliders.

Domain - XLAM
Usage This component can set up an XLAM (cross-laminated timber) domain based on XLAM panels
created in AXISVM GUI.
Input • Contour: closed, planar curve(s) as data list. This is the outer contour of the domain and
may contain arcs as well. Note: the contour of one domain is a data list. If user wants to
define more than one domain with one common AXISVM Domain component, user must
feed the Contour input with a data tree, where each branch contains the contour of one
single domain. The same stands for the Holes (openings) of domains.
• Surface Type: Surface Type value list. Membrane Stress / Membrane Strain / Plate / Shell
input is valid. Default: Shell.
• Material: AXISVM Material parameter. Timber material must be selected.
• Constant Eccentricity (optional): floating point value. Constant eccentricity [m] of the
domain. Default: no eccentricity.
• Holes (optional): list of closed, planar polyline curves, inside the contour of the domain.
This/these polylines define the contour(s) of the hole(s). The outline of the holes must be in
the plane of the domain otherwise no hole will be created. If the hole outline intersects the
domain outline, the hole is deleted. The contour may contain arcs as well. See further
information regarding the required input data structure at the Contour input parameter.
• XLAM Panel: AXISVM XLAM Panel parameter or integer value; AXISVM XLAM Panel or the
ID of a panel in the AXISVM library. Indexing starts with 1.
• Top Layer Direction: AXISVM XLAM Top Layer Direction value list (Local X / Local Y). Top
layer direction relative to the local coordinate system of the domain. Default: Local X.
• Service Class: AXISVM XLAM Service Class value list, (Class 1 / Class 2). This is a classification
based on the service class (moisture content) of the material and the relative humidity.
Default: Class 1.
• k_def: floating point value from the interval [0; 1], deformation factor. Default: 0.8.
• k_sys: Boolean parameter, if True, the system strength factor is taken into consideration
when calculating the strength properties of the member. Default value: False.
• k_fin: Boolean parameter, if True, the flexural strength is taken into account with reduced
value. Check it on if the lamellas are finger-jointed. Default value: False.
• Reference X (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 58

• Reference Z (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference for the
local X direction. Automatic, if no input or zero value is provided.
• Material Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the material color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
• Contour Color (optional): Color parameter (RGB), color override for the contour color.
For no override use input -1 (default).
Output AXISVM Domain – XLAM parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Surface types / XLAM
top layer directions / XLAM moisture contents (service classes).
XLM module is required in AXISVM to use this domain type.
XLAM panels need to be created in AXISVM GUI.
If the domain parameters are modified using Number sliders, AXISVM may freeze during the redraw
process. Possible countermeasures: 1) type discrete values instead of pulling the number slider,
2) use the Lock solver option in Grasshopper during the tuning the Number sliders.

Domain Variable Eccentricity

Usage This component provides an AXISVM Domain Variable Eccentricity parameter that may be the
input of domain components that can handle variable eccentricity.
Input • Eccentricity Type: AXISVM Domain Eccentricity Type value list (None / Constant / One
Direction / Two Directions / Top Surface / Bottom Surface). The type of domain eccentricity.
Type None means: no eccentricity. Default: Constant.
• Point 1 (optional): point parameter, reference point #1, required for eccentricity types One
Direction and Two Directions.
• Point 2 (optional): point parameter, reference point #2 required for eccentricity types One
Direction and Two Directions.
• Point 3 (optional): point parameter, reference point #3 required only for eccentricity type
Two Directions.
• Eccentricities (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; eccentricity values [m] in each reference
point. First value is considered for eccentricity type Constant. The first two values are
considered for eccentricity type One Direction. All of the three values are considered for
eccentricity type Two Directions. (This input is irrelevant for eccentricity types Top Surface
and Bottom Surface.)
• Eccentricity Group ID (optional): integer value. Index of the group with same eccentricity
parameters. Required for eccentricity types Top Surface and Bottom Surface. Group index
starts with 1. The group member domains will be aligned with each other (top / bottom
surface).
Output AXISVM Domain Variable Eccentricity parameter.
Hints If Type is None, the usage of the Domain Variable Eccentricity as input is unnecessary, because
domains have zero eccentricity anyway by default.
The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Domain ecc. types.
As many eccentricity groups can exist as many domains are defined in the AXISVM model.

Domain Variable Thickness

Usage This component provides an AXISVM Domain Variable Thickness parameter that may be the input
of domain components that can handle variable thickness.
Input • Variable Thickness Type: AXISVM Domain Variable Thickness Type value list (None / One
Directions / Two Directions). Type None means constant thickness. Default: None.
• Point 1 (optional): point parameter, reference point #1, required for variable thickness types
One Direction and Two Directions.
• Point 2 (optional): point parameter, reference point #2 required for variable thickness types
One Direction and Two Directions.
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• Point 3 (optional): point parameter, reference point #3 required only for variable thickness
type Two Directions.
• Thicknesses: AXISVM XYZ parameter; thickness values in each reference point. First value is
considered for variable thickness type None. The first two values are considered for variable
thickness type One Direction. All of the three values are considered for variable thickness
type Two Directions.
Output AXISVM Domain Variable Thickness parameter.
Hints If Type is None, user may connect a floating point value directly into the Thickness input of the
domain component instead of this Domain Variable Thickness component in order to set the
constant domain thickness.
The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Domain variable
thickness types.

Line Support
Usage This component can set up a line support.

Input • AxLine: AXISVM Line parameter, the line(s) to place the support on. If the line support must
lie on the edge of a domain, transfer the edge as Simple Line to AXISVM (through AXISVM
Line component), and activate the Check Double option on the Settings component.
• AxDomain1 (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; required if the line support has to be
placed on a domain edge. Considered only for line support types: Edge Global / Edge
Relative / Edge Reference.
• AxDomain2 (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter to define the second domain connected
to the line support. Input must be empty if only one domain is connected to the support.
• Line Support Type: AXISVM Line Support Type value list (Edge Global / Edge Relative / Rib
Elastic Foundation / Beam Elastic Foundation / Edge Reference). Type of the line support.
Default values: Beam Elastic Foundation for beams, Rib Elastic Foundation for ribs,
otherwise Edge Global.
• Stiffnesses: AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; stiffnesses of the support for each degrees of
freedom: translation in X, Y, Z [kN/m/m] and rotation about X, Y, Z [kNm/rad/m].
• Shear Stiffness (optional): floating point value; shear stiffness for Pasternaks [kN]. If set
to 0 (default), a traditional Winkler support will be created.
• Nonlinearity: Boolean parameter; if True: nonlinear parameters (nonlinearity type and
resistance) are considered. Default value: False.
• Nonlinearity Type (optional): AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; type of nonlinearity may be
set for each degrees of freedom: translation in X, Y, Z and rotation about X, Y, Z. User may
apply AXISVM Line Nonlinearity value lists as inputs of the XYZ.XXYYZZ component, or
connects integer values to the inputs of the XYZ.XXYYZZ component according the
following rule: 0 = Tension And Compression / 1= Tension Only / 2 = Compression Only.
These settings are considered only in nonlinear analysis.
• Resistances (optional): AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; resistance values for each degrees
of freedom: Fx, Fy, Fz [kN/m] and Mx, My, Mz [kNm/m]. For beam and rib elastic foundation
only Fx, Fy and Fz values are considered. The resistance values are considered only in
nonlinear analyses.
• Reference (optional): AXISVM Reference or integer value; required only for line support type
Edge Reference. AXISVM Reference (created in Grasshopper) or the index of the reference
edge. Indeces start from 1.
Output AXISVM Line Support parameter.
Hints If the same stiffness / nonlinearity / resistance need to be applied for every degrees of freedom, it is
sufficient to connect one single value to these input parameters (instead of XYZ.XXYYZZ
components). Thus the same value is going to be assigned to every DOF.
The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Line support types.
To get the edge of a domain, user may use the Explode component after a Curve or Polyline
component and take the appropriate List Item afterwards from the list of Segments.
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Nodal Support
Usage This component can set up a nodal support in a simplified way.

Input • AxPoint: AXISVM Point parameter; the list of points (nodes) to create the support on.
• Stiffnesses: AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter to collect the stiffness values of the nodal
support for each degrees of freedom.
Output AXISVM Nodal Support parameter.
Hint If the same stiffness need to be applied in each direction, connect one single value instead of an
XYZ.XXYYZZ component to Stiffnesses input parameter. Thus each stiffness value is going to be the
same.

Nodal Support - Extended

Usage This component can set up a nodal support considering detailed settings.

Input • AxPoint: AXISVM Point parameter; the AXISVM node to apply the support settings on.
• Support Type: AXISVM Nodal Support Type value list; type of the nodal support: Nodal
Global / Nodal Beam Relative / Nodal Edge Relative / Nodal Reference / Trieder / Seismic
Isolator. Default: Nodal Global.
• AxLine (optional): AXISVM Line parameter; AXISVM Line(s) (structural members) to be
considered for Support Types NodalBeamRelative and NodalEdgeRelative (may be of
SimpleLine type) to define the nodal support relative to.
• AxSurface 1 (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; AXISVM mesh surface to be considered
for Support Type NodalEdgeRelative.
• AxSurface 2 (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; AXISVM mesh surface to be considered as
second surface for Support Type NodalEdgeRelative. If this input is also filled, the support
will be created in the direction of the bisector of the two surfaces.
• AxDomain 1 (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; AXISVM domain to be considered for
Support Type NodalEdgeRelative.
• AxDomain 2 (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; AXISVM domain to be considered as
second domain for Support Type NodalEdgeRelative. If this input is also filled, the support
will be created in the direction of the bisector of the two domain planes.
• Spring Characteristics: AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ-SC parameter; spring characteristics or indeces
(integer values) of the spring characteristics to be considered in the nodal support. User
may apply AXISVM Spring Characteristics (Linear or Nonlinear) components as inputs of the
XYZ.XXYYZZ-SC component or connects integer values to the inputs of the XYZ.XXYYZZ-SC
component to refer to predefined spring characteristics of the AXISVM spring
characteristics library. Each input of the XYZ.XXYYZZ-SC component represents a nodal
degree of freedom.
• Reference (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference or reference
index, general or X-direction. Only for support type EdgeReference, it must be greater than
zero. Connect an AXISVM Reference component or create a reference inside AXISVM and
refer to its ID. Indeces start from 1.
• Reference Z (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; reference or
reference index to be considered in Z-direction. Only for support type Trieder
(NodeRelative), it must be greater than zero. Connect an AXISVM Reference component or
create a reference inside AXISVM and refer to its ID. Indeces start from 1.
• Seismic Isolator Index (optional): integer value; seismic isolator index (required only for
seismic isolator). An applicable spring characteristic must be prepared inside AXISVM and
then the ID must be referred here.
• Isolator D2 (optional): floating point value; maximum design displacement at ULS [m]
(required only for seismic isolator).
Output AXISVM Nodal Support parameter.
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Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Nodal support types.
For NodalEdgeRelative supports the bare minimum is to fill one of the inputs AxSurface1 and
AxDomain1, the rest of AxSurface1, 2 and AxDomain 1, 2 can be empty. If only one surface is defined
it must be AxSurface1 and 2 must be empty, same stands for the domains: if only one domain is
defined, it must be AxDomain1 and AxDomain2 must be empty. If both surface inputs or both
domain inputs are filled, the nodal support is created considering the direction of the bisector of the
two surfaces or domain planes.

Surface Support
Usage This component is used to set up a surface support.

Input • AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter, the mesh (mesh surface or mesh domain) to
apply the surface support on.
• AxDomain (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter, the domain(s) to apply the surface
support on.
• Stiffnesses: AXISVM XYZ parameter; stiffnesses of the elastic foundation in local X, Y, Z
direction of the surface [kN/m/m2]. Ensure that the surface support has a non-zero stiffness
in each direction.
• Shear Stiffness (optional): floating point value; shear stiffness of Pasternaks [kN/m]. If set
to 0 (default), a traditional Winkler support will be created.
• Nonlinearity: Boolean parameter; if True: nonlinear parameters (nonlinearity type and
resistance) are considered. Default value: False.
• Nonlinearity type (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; nonlinear behaviour of the the elastic
foundation. User may apply AXISVM Line Nonlinearity value lists as inputs of the XYZ
component, or connects integer values to the inputs of the XYZ component according the
following rule: 0 = Tension And Compression / 1= Tension Only / 2 = Compression Only.
These settings are considered only in nonlinear analysis.
• Resistances (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; resistances of the elastic foundation in local
X, Y, Z direction of the surface [kN/m2].
Output AXISVM Surface Support parameter.
Hint If the same stiffness / nonlinearity / resistance need to be applied for every degrees of freedom, it is
sufficient to connect one single value to these input parameters (instead of XYZ components). Thus
the same value is going to be considered in each direction.
Either AxMesh or AxDomain input must receive some data.

Supports
Usage This component collects every AXISVM Nodal Support parameter, AXISVM Line Support parameter
and AXISVM Surface Support parameter that need to be transferred to the model. The AXISVM
Supports component must be connected to the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component.
Input • AxNodalSupports (optional): AXISVM Nodal Support parameter; list of nodal supports.
• AxLineSupports (optional): AXISVM Line Support parameter; list of line supports (on beam /
rib / domain edge / surface edge).
• AxSurfaceSupports (optional): AXISVM Surface Support parameter; list of surface supports.
Output AXISVM Supports parameter.

Diaphragm
Usage This component can set up diaphragm(s) on the selected lines. The diaphragms are special rigid
bodies where the relative position of the element nodes remain constant in a global plane.
Diaphragms represent plates totally rigid in their planes.
Input • AxLine: AXISVM Line parameter; one or more closed loop of lines to be considered as
diaphragm. Note: unconnected groups form separate diaphragms.
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• Working plane: AXISVM Degree Of Freedom value list; plane of operation. Valid inputs are
PlateXY / PlateXZ / PlateYZ. The relative position of element nodes remain constant in the
working plane. E.g.: for rigid plates in the X-Y plane choose PlateXY. Default: PlateXY.
Output AXISVM Diaphragm parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Working planes
(DOF).

Edge Hinge
Usage This component can set up edge hinge (edge connection). It can be defined between domain
edges (on common edge of domains) or between a rib and a domain edge.
Input • AxLine: AXISVM Line parameter; rib that should be part of the edge hinge. (Consider to set
up RibDomain eccentricity using the AXISVM Line Extended element.)
• AxDomain: AXISVM Domain parameter; domain(s) that should have an edge hinge.
• Stiffnesses: AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; hinge stiffness in the local system of the edge
of the selected domain. The values may be set for each degrees of freedom: translation in
X, Y, Z [kN/m/m] and rotation about X, Y, Z [kNm/rad/m].
• Resistances (optional): AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; resistance values may be set for
each degrees of freedom: translation in X, Y, Z [kN/m] and rotation about X, Y, Z [kNm/m].
These values are considered only in nonlinear analysis.
Output AXISVM Edge Hinge parameter.
Hints Nonlinearity type Tension and Compression is considered as nonlinearity type for each DOF in
nonlinear analyses.
To define the edge hinge on the common edge of two domains, connect both domains, and connect
the domain edge as Simple Line.
Activate the Check Double option on the AXISVM Settings component in order to eliminate the
duplicated lines.

Rigid Element
Usage This component is used to define rigid elements on the selected lines. The selected lines that have
common nodes define the same rigid element.
Input • AxLine: AXISVM Line parameter; line(s) to be considered as rigid elements.
Output AXISVM Rigid Element parameter that consist of the AXISVM Rigid Element definition.
Hint The rigid elements and diaphragms have a common input on the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender
component.

Gap (Line)
Usage This component is used to set up gap elements. The gap element is used to model point-to-point
contact. It has two states: active (contact achieved) and inactive (no contact).
Input • Line: line parameter; list of Rhino lines, line geometry of the gap elements.
• Local X Orientation: AXISVM Member Local X Direction value list (ij / ji). Sets the direction of
the local X axis from the lower to the higher node index or the opposite way. Default: ij.
• Gap Type: AXISVM Gap Type value list; (Active In Tension / Active In Compression). select
whether the gap should be active in tension (bolt tension) or compression (contant of
plates). Default: Active In Compression.
• Active Stiffness: floating point value; active stiffness [kN/m], stiffness is several orders of
magnitude higher than in inactive state (simulates that a contact is achieved). It must be at
least 1E+6 kN/m. Default value: 1E+8 kN/m.
• Inactive Stiffness: floating point value; inactive stiffness [kN/m], small stiffness value
(simulates that no contact is achieved). Defalt value: 1E+0 kN/m.
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• Initial Opening: floating point value; initial opening [m] for gap type active in compression,
initial penetration [m] for gap type active in tension. Positive or zero value. While the initial
opening does not close, the gap is considered inactive. Default value: 0 m.
Output AXISVM Gap (Line) parameter.
Hints The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Local X directions /
Gap types.
If the gap element is used in an analysis different from a nonlinear static analysis, the element will be
taken into account as a spring with a stiffness corresponding to its initial opening.

Node to Node Link

Usage This component is used to set up node to node link elements in AXISVM.

Input • AXISVM Line: AXISVM Line parameter; AXISVM Line (line type: simple line) where the NN
link must be created.
• Master Point (optional): integer value (1 or 2); 1 means the starting point of the line,
2 means the end point of the line given in the first input parameter.
• Coordinate System: AXISVM System value list; coordinate system to be considered for NN
link. Valid inputs: Global / Local. Default: Global.
• Reference (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; the reference or
reference ID, required in case of local coordinate system. 0 means automatic selection.
Connect an AXISVM Reference component or create a reference inside AXISVM and refer to
its ID.
• Position Type: AXIVM Beam Rib Distribution Type value list; select Projected for relative
position or Length for absolute position [m] of the NN link interface. Default: Length.
• Position: floating point value; distance of the NN link interface from the master line.
Default value: 0.5.
• Stiffness: AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; stiffness of the NN link in each direction,
translational: [kN/m], rotational: [kN/rad].
• Nonlinearity: Boolean parameter, If true: nonlinear parameters are considered in each
direction, otherwise they are not considered. Default: false.
• Nonlinearity Type (optional): AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; nonlinear behaviour of the
NN link in each direction - 0=TensionAndCompression, 1=TensionOnly,
2=CompressionOnly. Considered only if Nonlinearity is on (true).
• Resistance (optional): AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; resistance of the NN link in each
direction, translational: [kN], rotational: [kNm]. Resistance is considered only if Nonlinearity
is on (true).
Output AXISVM Link parameter (common parameter of NN and LL links)
Hint The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Coordinate system
types / Position types..
Note: node to node and line to line links have a common input parameter of the
GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component.

Line to Line Link

Usage This component is used to set up line to line link elements in AXISVM.

Input • AXISVM Line Master: AXISVM Line parameter; AXISVM Line to be the master line of the
LL link.
• AXISVM Line Slave: AXISVM Line parameter; AXISVM Line to be the slave line of the
LL link.
• AXISVM Line Start Link: AXISVM Line parameter; AXISVM Line (line type: simple line)
represents the start link of the master line.
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• AXISVM Line End Link: AXISVM Line parameter; AXISVM Line (line type: simple line)
represents the end link of the master line.
• Position Type: AXIVM Beam Rib Distribution Type value list; select Projected for relative
position or Length for absolute position [m] of the LL link interface. Default: Length.
• Position: floating point value; distance of the LL link interface from the master line.
Default value: 0.5.
• Stiffness: AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; stiffness of the LL link in each direction,
translational: [kN/m/m], rotational: [kN/rad/m].
• Nonlinearity: Boolean parameter, If true: nonlinear parameters are considered in each
direction, otherwise they are not considered. Default: false.
• Nonlinearity Type (optional): AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; nonlinear behaviour of the
LL link in each direction - 0=TensionAndCompression, 1=TensionOnly, 2=CompressionOnly.
Considered only if Nonlinearity is on (true).
• Resistance (optional): AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; resistance of the LL link in each
direction, translational: [kN/m], rotational: [kNm/m]. Resistance is considered only if
Nonlinearity is on (true).
Output AXISVM Link parameter (common parameter of NN and LL links)
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Position types..
Note: node to node and line to line links have a common input parameter of the
GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component.

Reference
Usage This component is used to set up reference points, vectors, axes, planes or angles in AXISVM.
The AXISVM References must be connected to the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component and
can be used as input of e.g. the AXISVM Mesh and AXISVM Domain component (also for special
domains) to define reference directions. Reference settings of the domains may be important if fluid
load is applied on them.
Input • Reference Type: AXISVM Reference Type value list; type of reference to be created: Point /
Vector / Axis / Plane / Angle. Default: Vector.
• Point 1 (optional): point parameter; Rhino point to be considered as reference point or as a
point of a vector, axis or plane definition.

• Point 2 (optional): point parameter; Rhino point to be considered as a point of a reference

vector, axis or plane definition.
• Point 3 (optional): point parameter; Rhino point to be considered as a point of a reference
plane definition.
• Beta (optional): floating point value; angle [rad] to be considered as reference angle.
Output AXISVM Reference parameter
Hints Coincident points are not acceptable as input when reference vector, axis or plane must be defined.
The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Reference types..
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Spring (Line)
Usage This component is used to set up spring elements. The spring elements are not real structural
elements, they connect each nodal degrees of freedom of two nodes of the model one-by-one.
There is NO geometric coupling between the different DOFs (translation-rotation, force-moment).
Input • Line: line parameter; list of Rhino lines, geometry of the spring element.
• Spring Type: AXISVM Spring Direction value list; valid types: Global / Seismic Isolator.
Default: Global.
• Spring Characteristics (optional): AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ-SC parameter; required only for
spring type Global. Set the AXISVM Spring Characteristics or their indeces for each degree
of freedom. Indeces can be taken from the AXISVM spring characteristics library. (Default
library: 1 – soft translational, 2 – rigid translational, 3 – soft rotational, 4 – rigid rotational
etc.) X,Y,Z inputs of the XYZ.XXYYZZ-SC component represent the translational degrees of
freedom; XX, YY, ZZ inputs represent the rotational degrees of freedom.
• Seismic Isolator Index (optional): integer value; required only for seismic isolator. An
applicable spring characteristic must be prepared inside AXISVM and then the ID must be
referred here. You find the index in the Table Browser of AXISVM under Spring
characteristics.
• Isolator D2 (optional): floating point value; required only for seismic isolator, maximum
design displacement at ULS [m].
Output AXISVM Spring (Line) parameter.
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Spring directions.
The axis of seismic isolators are parallel with the global coordinate axes.

Storey
Usage This component is used to define storeys in AXISVM.

Input • Name: textual input; user-defined name of the storey to be defined.

• Height: floating point value; Z coordinate of the new storey.
Output AXISVM Storey parameter
Hints The created storeys can be used as input of the AXISVM Vibration Analysis Settings component.
Note: storey indeces grow in AXISVM always from top to bottom.
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5.4. LOADS

Load Case
Usage This component is used to set up standard load case(s) including one or more loads. The load
cases can be assigned to load groups and may be part of load combinations.
Input • Name: text input; user-defined name of the load case. Default: ST1.
• Load Case Type: AXISVM Load Case Type value list; valid types: Standard / Influence Line /
Vibration / Moving / Dynamic / Manual Seismic / Manual Prestress / Fire / CFD / Self
Weight. Other types are set automatically based on load definition, if required. E.g. wind
and snow load cases can be generated feeding this component with the wind or snow load
parameters and setting the Load Case Type to Standard. Default: Standard.
• AXISVM Load Group (optional): AXISVM Load Group parameter. The load case is going to
be attached to this load group in AXISVM. Note: leave this input empty in case of snow and
wind load definition. It is sufficient to feed this component with the wind or snow load
parameters and the respective load groups are going to be generated automatically inside
AXISVM.
• AXISVM Nodal Load (optional): AXISVM Nodal Load parameter; connect the nodal loads
that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Concentrated Line Load (optional): AXISVM Concentrated Line Load parameter;
connect the concentrated line loads to be considered in the load case.
• AXISVM Distributed Line Load (optional): AXISVM Distributed Line Load parameter; connect
the distributed line loads (both the basic and extended components) that must be
considered in the load case
• AXISVM Domain Concentrated Load (optional): AXISVM Domain Concentrated Load
parameter; connect the domain concentrated loads that must be considered in the load
case
• AXISVM Domain Polyline Load (optional): AXISVM Domain Polyline Load parameter;
connect the domain polyline loads that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Distributed Domain Load (optional): AXISVM Distributed Domain Load parameter;
connect the distributed domain loads that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Domain Area Load (optional): AXISVM Domain Area Load parameter; connect the
domain area loads that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Domain Fluid Load (optional): AXISVM Domain Fluid Load; connect the domain
fluid loads that must be considered in the load case.
• AXISVM Distributed Surface Load (optional): AXISVM Distributed Surface Load parameter;
connect the distributed surface loads that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Load Panels (optional): AXISVM Load Panel parameter; connect the load panels
that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Panel Concentrated Load (optional): AXISVM Panel Concentrated Load parameter;
connect the panel concentrated loads that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Panel Polyline Load (optional): AXISVM Panel Polyline Load parameter; connect the
panel polyline loads that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Panel Area Load (optional): AXISVM Panel Area Load parameter; connect the panel
area loads that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Self-Weight Load (optional): AXISVM Self-Weight parameter; connect the self-
weight loads that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Thermal Load (optional): AXISVM Thermal Load parameter; connect the thermal
loads that must be considered in the load case
• AXISVM Snow Load (optional): AXISVM Snow Load parameter; connect the snow load
settings that must be considered in AXISVM. Note: use the Standard Load Case Type and
leave the AXISVM Load Group input empty. The snow load group and load cases are going
to be generated automatically in AXISVM.
• AXISVM Wind Load (optional): AXISVM Wind Load parameter; connect the wind load
settings that must be considered in AXISVM. Note: use the Standard Load Case Type and
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leave the AXISVM Load Group input empty. The wind load group and load cases are going
to be generated automatically.
• AXISVM Support Displacement (optional): AXISVM Support Displacement parameter;
Output AXISVM Load Case parameter.
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Load case types.
Note: for wind loads and snow loads the Load Case Type must remain Standard, because the load
group and load cases of these load types are automatically generated in AXISVM.

Load Combination
Usage This component can set up load combinations from load cases, considering user-defined factors.
It is not necessary to create load combinations to determine the critical combination.
Input • Name: text input; user-defined name of the load combination.
• Load Combination Type: AXISVM Combination Type value list; (Other / SLS1 = SLSChar /
SLS2 = SLSFreq / SLS3 = SLSQuasi / ULS1 = ULS / ULS2 = ULSSeismic / ULS3 =
ULSExceptional / ULSALL / ULSab / ULSa / ULSb / ULSALLab / ULSA1 / ULSA2 / ULSA3 /
ULSA4 / ULSA5 / ULSA6 / ULSA7 / ULSA8 / ULSAIISE1 / ULSAIISE2 / ULSAIISE3 / ULSAIISE4 /
ULSAIISE5 / ULSAIISE6 / ULSAIISE7 / ULSAIISE8 / SemiAutoSLS1 / SemiAutoSLS2 /
SemiAutoSLS3), select the required combination type from the dropdown list. Default: ULS.
• Load Cases: AXISVM Load Case parameter; list of load cases to be considered in the current
load combination.
• Factors: floating point value(s); list of factors that need to be assigned to the load cases.
Output AXISVM Load Combination parameter.
Hints It is recommended that the lists provided for the Factors and Load Cases input have the same
length. If this is not the case, double-check whether the values are paired as supposed.
The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Load combination
types.

Load Group
Usage This component is used to set up load groups. Load groups are used when generating of critical
(design) values of the results. The load group component needs to be used as input for each load
case that must be a part of the current load group.
Input • Name: text input; user-defined name. Each load group must have unique name.
• Load Group Type: AXISVM Load Group Type value list; (Permanent / Incidental / Exceptional
/ Seismic / Prestress / Moving / Imperfection / Snow / Snow Except / Wind / Manual
Seismic / Manual Prestress / Fire.) Select the required load group type from the dropdown
menu. Default: Permanent.
• Group Combination Type (optional): AXISVM Group Combination Type value list; Exclusive /
Additive. Select the required behaviour when determining the critical combination. Default
value: Additive.
For permanent and prestress load groups:
Exclusive: When determining critical combination only the most unfavourable load case will
be taken into account from the load group with its upper or lower safety factor.
Additive: all load cases will be taken into account simultaneously when determining the
critical combination.
For incidental load groups:
Exclusive: only one load case of the group can be included into the critical combination.
Additive: multiple load cases can be included into the critical combination.
• Simultaneous (optional): Boolean parameter; considered only for Incidental load group type
in case of Canadian national design code (NBCC; it tells whether the group can be
simultaneous with load cases of exceptional groups. Default: True.
Output AXISVM Load Group parameter.
Hints The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Load group types /
Group combination types.
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Nodal Load
Usage This component is used to set up nodal loads in AXISVM. Nodal load may be defined by its
components (forces and moments related to x, y, z axes) or nodal load is applied in reference
direction (in this case Fx and Mx components are taken as load magnitudes).
Input • AxPoint: AXISVM Point parameter; list of points as acting point of the nodal load.
• Forces (optional): floating point value; forces in x, y, and z direction [kN]. If load is applied in
reference direction, the Fx value is considered as force magnitude.
• Moments (optional): floating point value; moments about x, y and z axes [kNm]. If load is
applied in reference direction, the Mx value is considered as moment magnitude.
• Reference (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; if set to 0, global
coordinate system is applied, else the load direction is set by the selected reference.
Indeces start from 1 in AXISVM.
Output AXISVM Nodal Load parameter.
Hint Either Forces or Moments must receive any input data.

Support Displacement
Usage This component is used to set up nodal displacement loads (as displacement or rotation) on nodal
supports in AXISVM.
Input • AxNodalSupport: AXISVM Nodal Support parameter; Nodal Supports to apply the support
displacement on.
• Support Displacements (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; support displacements [m] in x,
y and z direction. User can connect floating point values to the inputs of the XYZ
component to define the displacement magnitudes.
• Support Rotations (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; support rotations [rad] about the x, y
and z axes. User can connect floating point values to the inputs of the XYZ component to
define the rotation magnitudes.
Output AXISVM Support Displacement parameter.
Hint At least one support displacement or rotation must be non-zero.

Concentrated Line Load

Usage This component is used to set up concentrated loads applied on line elements and structural
members in AXISVM.
Input • AxLine (optional): AXISVM Line parameter; AXISVM line elements to apply the load on
(beam and rib line type is accepted).
• AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; AXISVM meshes as edges to apply the load
on (beam and rib line type is accepted).
• Coordinate System: AXISVM System value list; select the coordinate system in which the
load will be defined and applied. Valid inputs: Global / Local. Default: Global.
• Position: floating point value; position of the concentrated load inside the line element,
edge or structural member. If By ratio is True: starting position must be in [0; 1]. If By ratio is
False, the starting position must be in [0; L] where L [m] is the length of the referred line
element, edge or structural member. Default: 0.
• Forces (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; force components in the X, Y and Z directions
defined via XYZ component [kN]. If user connects one single floating point value as input,
that value is going to be considered in each direction (X,Y,Z).
• Moments (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; moment components about the X, Y and Z
axes defined via XYZ component [kNm]. If user connects one single floating point value as
input, that value is going to be considered about each axes (X,Y,Z).
• By Ratio: Boolean parameter; if true, consider load position by ratio. If false, consider load
position by length. Default: true.
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Output AXISVM Concentrated Line Load parameter.

Hints Fill either the AxLine or the AxMesh input.
At least one force or moment component must be non-zero.
The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Coordinate systems.

Distributed Line Load

Usage This component is used to set up a basic distributed line load (distributed force or moment). The
load can be applied on AXISVM Lines (structural members) or AXISVM Mesh Edges. Load can act in
one direction (either in global or local coordinate system), over a segment of the line/edge.
The segment can be defined by length or by ratio.

Input • AxLine (optional): AXISVM Line parameter; the list of lines (structural members) which the
loads must act on. Line type must be Beam or Rib.
• AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter (mesh edges are accepted); the list of mesh
edges which the loads must act on. Line type must be Beam or Rib.
• Coordinate system: AXISVM System value list; (Global / Local are valid inputs); choose the
required coordinate system. Default: Global.
• Direction: AXISVM Axis value list (X / Y / Z / XX / YY / ZZ); choose the direction of the
distributed load. X, Y and Z are applicable for forces, XX, YY and ZZ are applicable for
moments. Default: Z.
• Position 1: floating point value, this value specifies the starting point of the loaded
segment. If By ratio is True: starting position must be in [0; 1]. If By ratio is False, the starting
position must be in [0; L] where L [m] is the length of the structural member. Default: 0
(start of the line)
• Position 2: floating point value, this value specifies the end point of the loaded segment. If
By ratio is True: end position must be in [0; 1]. If By ratio is False, the end position must be
in [0; L] where L [m] is the length of the structural member. Default: 1 (end of the line)
• Intensity 1: floating point value; this value specifies the load intensity at the starting point of
the loaded segment. Distributed force: [kN/m], moment: [kNm/m]. Default: 0 kN/m
• Intensity 2: floating point value; this value specifies the load intensity at the end point of the
loaded segment. Distributed force: [kN/m], moment: [kNm/m]. Default: 0 kN/m
• By Ratio: Boolean parameter; if True, the starting and end position of the loaded segment
must be defined as the ratio of the structural member length; if False, the positions must be
defined in length dimension [m]. Default: True.
Output AXISVM Distributed Line Load parameter.
Hints The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Coordinate systems /
Directions.
Either AxLine or AxMesh (edge) requires input data.
Either Intensity 1 or Intensity 2 must be non-zero in order to create the distributed load.
To define more complex distributed line loads, use the extended component.

Distributed Line Load - Extended

Usage This component is used to set up complex distributed line loads (distributed forces and moments).
You can define load components in each direction and trapezoid or triangle load profile can also
be used.

Input • AxLine (optional): AXISVM Line parameter; the list of lines (structural members) which the
loads must act on. Line type must be Beam or Rib.
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• AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter (mesh edges are accepted); the list of mesh
edges which the loads must act on. Line type must be Beam or Rib.
• Coordinate system: AXISVM System value list; (Global / Local are valid inputs); choose the
required coordinate system. Default: Global.
• Distribution type: AXISVM Beam Rib Distribution Type value list (Length / Projected). Select
the required distribution type. Default: Length.
• Position 1: floating point value, this value specifies the starting point of the loaded
segment. If By ratio is True: starting position must be in [0; 1]. If By ratio is False, the starting
position must be in [0; L] where L [m] is the length of the structural member. Default: 0
(start of the member).
• Position 2: floating point value, this value specifies the end point of the loaded segment. If
By ratio is True: end position must be in [0; 1]. If By ratio is False, the end position must be
in [0; L] where L [m] is the length of the structural member. Default: 1 (end of the member).
• Intensities 1: AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; the six floating point value inputs of the
XYZ.XXYYZZ component collects the six load components to be applied at the starting
point of the loaded segment: forces in X, Y, Z direction [kN/m] and moments about X, Y and
Z axis [kNm/m]. Default: 0 kN/m.
• Intensities 2: AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; AXISVM XYZ.XXYYZZ parameter; the six
floating point value inputs of the XYZ.XXYYZZ component collects the six load components
to be applied at the end point of the loaded segment: forces in X, Y, Z direction [kN/m] and
moments about X, Y and Z axis [kNm/m]. Default: 0 kN/m.
• By Ratio: Boolean parameter; if True, the starting and end position of the loaded segment
must be defined as the ratio of the line element length; if False, the positions must be
defined in length dimension [m]. Default: True
• Trapezoid: Boolean parameter; select whether the trapezoid load distribution should be
used. Default: False.
Output AXISVM Distributed Line Load parameter.
Hints The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Coordinate systems /
Distribution types.
Either AxLine or AxMesh must receive any input data.
Either Intensities 1 or Intensities 2 must have at least one non-zero component in order to set up
distributed load.
Triangle distribution can be created by using Trapezoid = True setting and assigning the same
intermediate position for Position 1 and 2 and the same load intensity for Intensities 1 and 2.
To define more simple distributed line loads, user may take the basic AXISVM Distributed Line Load
component.

Domain Concentrated Load

Usage This component is used to set up concentrated loads inside domains.

Input • AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; list of meshes (as domains) where the load will
be applied.
• AxDomain (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; list of domains where the load will be
applied.
• Coordinate System: AXISVM System value list; (Global / Local / Reference). Select the
coordinate system in which the load will be defined and applied. Default: Global.
• Position: point parameter; the acting point of the load. Global coodinates in [m]. The point
must be inside the domain.
• Forces (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; the three floating point values of the XYZ
component define the force components in X, Y and Z directions [kN]. If load is applied in
reference direction, the Fx value is considered as force magnitude.
• Moments (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; the three floating point values of the XYZ
component define the moment components about the X, Y and Z axes [kNm]. If load is
applied in reference direction, the Mx value is considered as moment magnitude.
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• Reference (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; the AXISVM Reference
or its ID; indeces start from 1. If this input is set to zero, load components are in global
directions, otherwise the load direction is set by the chosen reference.
Output AXISVM Domain Concentrated Load parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Coordinate systems.
Either AxMesh (as domain) or AxDomain must receive input data.
Either Forces or Moments must have at least one non-zero component in order to set up the load.
If user connects one single value to the Forces / Moments input (instead of the XYZ components),
the same load magnitude will be considered for each load component. (E.g.: force will have the same
magnitude in X, Y and Z direction.)

Domain Fluid Load

Usage This component is used to set up domain/surface fluid loads in AXISVM.

Input • AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter (mesh surfaces or domains are accepted); the
mesh surfaces or domains which the loads must act on. Valid finite element types: plate,
shell.
• AxDomain (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; the domain which the loads must act on.
• Direction: AXISVM Axis value list; (X /Y / Z are valid inputs); choose the required load
direction. Default: Z.
• Direction: AXISVM Axis value list (X / Y / Z / XX / YY / ZZ); choose the direction of the
distributed load. X, Y and Z are applicable for forces, XX, YY and ZZ are applicable for
moments. Default: Z.
• Coordinate 1 (optional): floating point value, global coordinate of the 1st point in the
selected direction. Default: 0.
• Coordinate 2 (optional): floating point value, global coordinate of the 2nd point in the
selected direction. Default: 0.
• Intensity 1 (optional): floating point value; this value specifies the fluid load intensity at the
level of the 1st point. [kN/m2]. Default: 0 kN/m2.
• Intensity 2 (optional): floating point value; this value specifies the fluid load intensity at the
level of the 2nd point [kN/m2]. Default: 0 kN/m2.
Output AXISVM Domain Fluid Load parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Directions.
Either AxMesh (surface or domain) or AxDomain requires input data.
Coordinate 1 and 2 input must have different values.
Either Intensity 1 or Intensity 2 must be non-zero in order to create the fluid load.

Domain Polyline Load

Usage This component is used to set up distributed load inside one or more domains along a polyline.
The domain must be defined by a normal vector at the moment. The force and moment
components can be defined for the starting and end point of the polyline.
Input • AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; the mesh domains that need to be loaded
along a polyline that lies inside the outer mesh boundaries. All mesh faces must be in-plane
for this purpose.
• AxDomain (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; the domain(s) that need to be loaded.
• Normal Vector (optional): vector parameter; the Rhino vector defines the components of
the normal vector of the domain(s) to be loaded.
• Polyline: curve parameter; planar polyline is expected that may contain arcs as well.
The distributed load will be applied along this polyline.
• Distribution Type: AXISVM Distribution Type value list (Global / Local / Projected / Edge
Local). Select the required distribution type from the dropdown menu. Default: Global.
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• Intensities 1 (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; the three floating point values of the XYZ
component define the load intensities [kN/m] at the starting point of the loaded polyline in
X, Y and Z directions.
• Intensities 2 (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; the three floating point values of the XYZ
component define the load intensities [kN/m] at the end point of the loaded polyline in X, Y
and Z directions.
• Distributed Moment 1 (optional): floating point value; the distributed torsional moment
value [kNm/m] about the local X axis of the loaded polyline at the starting point.
• Distributed Moment 2 (optional): floating point value; the distributed torsional moment
value [kNm/m] about the local X axis of the loaded polyline at the end point
Output AXISVM Domain Polyline Load parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Distribution types.
Either AxMesh, AxDomain or NormalVector must receive input data. AXISVM can identify the
domains that need to be loaded also based on the normal vector input.
Either Intensities 1 or 2, or Distributed Moment 1 or 2 must have at least one non-zero component
in order to set up the load.
If user connects one single value to the Forces / Moments input (instead of the XYZ components),
the same load magnitude will be considered for each load component. (E.g.: force will have the same
magnitude in X, Y and Z direction.)

Distributed Domain Load

Usage This component is used to set up distributed load over one or more complete domains. The
distributed load can act in one selected direction with constant intensity.
Input • AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; list of meshes (as domains) where the load will
be applied.
• AxDomain (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; list of domains where the load will be
applied.
• Coordinate System: AXISVM System value list; (Global / Local). Select the coordinate system
in which the load will be defined and applied. Default: Global.
• Distribution type: AXISVM Surface Domain Distribution Type value list; (Surface / Projected)
Select the type of the distributed load. Default: Surface.
• Direction: AXISVM Axis value list (X / Y / Z / XX / YY / ZZ); choose the direction of the
distributed load. Default: Z.
• Intensity: floating point value; set the constant intensity of the distributed load [kN/m2].
• Window Load: Boolean parameter; if True: load falling on an opening is distributed along
the edges of the opening, otherwise it is neglected. Default. False.
Output AXISVM Distributed Domain Load parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Coordinate systems /
Distribution types / Directions.
Either AxMesh or AxDomain must receive input data.
To define more complex distributed domain loads, use the AXISVM Domain Area Load component.

Domain Area Load

Usage This component is used to set up complex distributed loads over one or more domains. User can
set either constant intensity up to three directions or set linear load distribution in one selected
direction. The load can be applied over a complete domain or inside a restricted area (defined with
a polyline contour).
Input • AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; list of meshes (as domains) where the load will
be applied. Either AxMesh or AxDomain must reveive input data.
• AxDomain (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; list of domains where the load will be
applied. Either AxMesh or AxDomain must reveive input data.
• Polyline (optional): curve parameter; planar, closed polyline is expected that may contain
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arcs as well. If this input is empty, the distributed load is applied over the complete
domain(s). If this input is provided, the load is applied only inside this polyline area.
The polyline must be in the same plane as the loaded domain.
• Distribution Type: AXISVM Distribution Type value list; (Global / Local / Projected / Edge
Local). Select the required coordinate system in which the load will be defined and applied.
Default: Global.
• Load Distribution Type: AXISVM Load Distribution Type value list; (Constant / Linear). Select
the required load distribution type. Default: Constant.
• Direction: AXISVM Axis value list; (X / Y / Z are valid inputs). Required if load distribution
type is Linear. Select the direction of the distributed load. Default: Z.
• Point 1 (optional): point parameter, global coordinates of reference point #1, required only
for linear load distribution type.
• Point 2 (optional): point parameter, global coordinates of reference point #2, required only
for linear load distribution type.
• Point 3 (optional): point parameter, global coordinates of reference point #3, required only
for linear load distribution type.
• Intensity 1 (optional): floating point value; if load distribution type is constant, this value
represents the load magnitude [kN/m2] in X direction; if load distribution type is linear, this
value represents the load magnitude in the reference point #1, in the selected direction.
• Intensity 2 (optional): floating point value; if load distribution type is constant, this value
represents the load magnitude [kN/m2] in Y direction; if load distribution type is linear, this
value represents the load magnitude in the reference point #2, in the selected direction.
• Intensity 3 (optional): floating point value; if load distribution type is constant, this value
represents the load magnitude [kN/m2] in Z direction; if load distribution type is linear, this
value represents the load magnitude in the reference point #3, in the selected direction.
• Window Load: Boolean parameter; if True: load falling on an opening is distributed along
the edges of the opening, otherwise it is neglected. Default: False.
Output AXISVM Domain Area Load parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Distribution types
/Load distribution types / Directions.
Either Intensity 1, 2 or 3 must receive input data in order to set up the load.
To define more simple distributed domain loads, user may take the AXISVM Distributed Domain
Load component (constant load distribution in one specified direction).

Distributed Surface Load

Usage This component is used to set up distributed load over surface elements in one selected direction
with constant intensity.
Input • AxMesh: AXISVM Mesh input (mesh surface); list of surface elements where the load will be
applied.
• CSys: AXISVM System value list (Global / Local are valid inputs). Select the coordinate
system in which the load will be defined and applied. Default: Global.
• Direction: AXISVM Axis value list. (X / Y / Z / XX / YY / ZZ). Select the direction of the
distributed load. Default: Z.
• Intensity: floating point value, set the constant intensity of the distributed load [kN/m2].
Output AXISVM Distributed Surface Load parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Coordinate systems /
Axis.
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Load Panel
Usage This component is used to set up load panels that are used to transfer nodal loads, distributed line
and surface loads to the structural elements. They have no structural role, the only function of a
load panel is to distribute loads over the domains, beam and rib elements.
Any edge of the load panel may get special edge settings (types: parapet, wall, overhanging snow,
wall with return corner) that are going to be considered in snow and wind load cases.
Input • AxLine (optional): AXISVM Line parameter; the line elements that define the contour of the
load panel.
• AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; the mesh edges / surfaces / domains that
need to be included in the load panel. (The load panel is defined on the outer contours of
the complete mesh.)
• AxDomain (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; the domain(s) that need to be covered
with load panel(s); separate load panel is created over each domain. To combine more
domains in one load panel, try to add the contour as AXISVM simple lines (then activate the
Check Double option on the Settings component in order to remove duplicated lines.)
• Polyline (optional): curve parameter; planar, closed polyline is expected that defines the
contour of the load panel and this polyline may contain arcs as well.
• Special Edges (optional): list of integer values; list of load panel edges as indeces between
1 and the edge count, to define special edge settings for wind and snow loads (e.g. return
corner for free standing wall).
• Edge Type (optional): AXISVM Load Panel Edge Type value list; select the type of the special
load panel edge: None / Parapet / Wall / Overhanging Snow / Wall With Return Corner.
Default: None.
• Height Parameter (optional): floating point value; height [m] parameter for edge types: wall
with return corner (for wind load of free standing walls), parapet, wall.
• Angle Parameter (optional): floating point value; angle [°] of the roof above the abutting
wall (for edge type: wall). Applicable for snow load definition.
• Width Parameter (optional): floating point value; width [m] of the taller construction
(for edge type: wall). Applicable for snow load definition.
Output AXISVM Load Panel parameter.
Hint Either AxLine, AxMesh, AxDomain or Polyline must receive input data.
The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Load panel edge
types.

Load Panel Concentrated Load

Usage This component is used to define concentrated load onto load panels.

Input • AxLoadPanel: AXISVM Load Panel parameter. The load panel that includes the acting point
of the concentrated load.
• CSys: AXISVM System value list; (Global / Local / Reference). Select the coordinate system in
which the load will be defined and applied. Default: Global.
• Position: point parameter; global load position, acting point of the concentrated load.
• Forces (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; the three floating point values of the XYZ
component define the force components in the X, Y and Z directions [kN].
• Moments (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; the three floating point values of the XYZ
component define the moment components about the X, Y and Z axes [kNm].
• Reference (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter or integer value; if set to zero, global
coordinate system is applied, else the load direction is set by the selected reference.
Indeces start from 1.
Output AXISVM Panel Concentrated Load parameter.
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list Coordinate systems.
At least one input value of Forces or Moments must be non-zero in order to set up the load.
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Load Panel Polyline Load

Usage This component is used to set up distributed load inside one or more load panels along a polyline.
The load panel must be defined by a normal vector at the moment. The force and moment
components can be defined for the starting and end point of the polyline.
Input • Normal Vector: vector parameter; the Rhino vector defines the components of the normal
vector of the load panel(s) to be loaded.
• Polyline: curve parameter; planar polyline is expected that may contain arcs as well.
The distributed load will be applied along this polyline.
• Distribution Type: AXISVM Distribution Type value list (Global / Local / Projected / Edge
Local). Select the required distribution type from the dropdown menu. Default: Global.
• Intensities 1 (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; the three floating point values of the XYZ
component define the load intensities [kN/m] at the starting point of the loaded polyline in
X, Y and Z directions.
• Intensities 2 (optional): AXISVM XYZ parameter; the three floating point values of the XYZ
component define the load intensities [kN/m] at the end point of the loaded polyline in X, Y
and Z directions.
• Distributed Moment 1 (optional): floating point value; the distributed torsional moment
value [kNm/m] about the local X axis of the loaded polyline at the starting point.
• Distributed Moment 2 (optional): floating point value; the distributed torsional moment
value [kNm/m] about the local X axis of the loaded polyline at the end point
Output AXISVM Load Panel Polyline Load parameter.
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list Distribution types.
At least one component of Intensities 1, 2 or Distributed Moment 1, 2 must receive input data in
order to set up the load.

Load Panel Area Load

Usage This component is used to set up complex distributed loads over one or more load panels.
User can set either constant intensity up to three directions or set linear load distribution in one
selected direction. The load can be applied over a complete load panel or inside a restricted area
(defined with a polyline contour).
Input • AxLoadPanel: AXISVM Load Panel parameter; list of the load panels to apply the load on.
• Polyline: curve parameter; planar, closed polyline is expected that may contain arcs as well.
The load is applied only inside this polyline area. To apply the load over the complete load
panel, leave this input parameter empty. The polyline must be in the same plane as the
loaded load panel.
• Distribution Type: AXISVM Distribution Type value list; (Global / Local / Projected / Edge
Local). Select the required coordinate system in which the load will be defined and applied.
Default: Global.
• Load Distribution Type: AXISVM Load Distribution Type value list; (Constant / Linear). Select
the required load distribution type. Default: Constant.
• Direction: AXISVM Axis value list; (X / Y / Z are valid inputs). Select the direction of the
distributed load in case of linear load distribution type. Default: Z.
• Point 1 (optional): point parameter, reference point #1, required only for linear load
distribution type.
• Point 2 (optional): point parameter, reference point #2, required only for linear load
distribution type.
• Point 3 (optional): point parameter, reference point #3, required only for linear load
distribution type.
• Intensity 1 (optional): floating point value; if load distribution type is constant, this value
represents the load magnitude [kN/m2] in X direction; if load distribution type is linear, this
value represents the load magnitude in the reference point #1, in the selected direction.
• Intensity 2 (optional): floating point value; if load distribution type is constant, this value
represents the load magnitude [kN/m2] in Y direction; if load distribution type is linear, this
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value represents the load magnitude in the reference point #2, in the selected direction.
• Intensity 3 (optional): floating point value; if load distribution type is constant, this value
represents the load magnitude [kN/m2] in Z direction; if load distribution type is linear, this
value represents the load magnitude in the reference point #3, in the selected direction.
• Window Load: Boolean parameter; if True: load falling on an opening is distributed along
the edges of the opening, otherwise it is neglected. Default: False.
Output AXISVM Panel Area Load parameter.
Hint The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Distribution types
/Load distribution types / Directions.
Either Intensity 1, 2 or 3 must have a non-zero input in order to set up the load.

Snow Load
Usage This component collects the general snow load parameters that are used to set up snow load cases
in AXISVM. Special snow load parameters (that belong to some specific national design codes only)
are collected with the AXISVM Snow Load – Spec. component.
Input • Prefix: text parameter; prefix to be applied for snow load cases and loads.
• AxLoadPanel: AXISVM Load Panel parameter; list of Load Panels to apply the load on.
• Roof Type: AXISVM Roof Type value list; valid inputs are: Flat / Hip / Monopitch / Duopitch
/ Barrell. Default: Monopitch.
• Altitude: floating point value; altitude (A or h0) above sea level or reference height (SIA) [m].
Parameter is not used for EC_FIN. (User input is not considered in case of EC, default value
of 200 m is used instead.) Default: 200 m.
• Exposure Coefficient: floating point value; exposure coefficient [-]. User input is not
considered in case of EC, default value of 1 is used instead. Default: 1.
• Thermal Coefficient: floating point value; thermal coefficient [-]. User input is not
considered in case of EC, default value of 1 is used instead. Default: 1.
• Exceptional Coefficient (optional): floating point value; coefficient for exceptional snow
loads [-]. Not required for e.g. national design codes SIA, EC, EC_GER, EC_A and Italian.
Default: 2.
• Annual Probability: floating point value; annual probability of exceedence [].
• Coefficient Of Variation: floating point value; coefficient of variation [].
• Characteristic Value: floating point value; characteristic value of the snow load on the
ground [kN/m2].
• Exceptional Design Value (optional): floating point value; design value of exceptional snow
load on the ground [kN/m^2]. Not required for e.g. national design codes SIA, EC, EC_A,
EC_NL, EC_FIN.
• Mu1 (0°) (optional): floating point value; base value of the load shape coefficient [].
Influences the snow load in case of flat and monopitch roofs. Not required for SIA.
• Zone (optional): integer value; in countries where the characteristic snow load depends on
the geographical location the national annex divides the country into zones. (Available only
in some NDCs. Not required for e.g. SIA, EC, EC_GER, EC_NL.)
• NDC Spec. Inputs (optional): AXISVM Snow Load – Spec. parameter; NDC specific settings of
snow load (for EC_RO, EC_NO, SIA standards).
Output AXISVM Snow Load parameter.
Hints The load group and load cases for snow loads are automatically generated by the sender
component based on the snow load parameters. There is no need to define e.g. snow load group
from Grasshopper and it is not even possible.
The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Roof types.
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Snow Load – Spec.

Usage This component gathers the snow load parameters that belong only to some specific national
design codes (EC_RO, EC_NO, SIA). This component serves input for the AXISVM Snow Load
component.
Input • Iw (EC_RO) (optional): floating point value; importance factor. Considered only for EC_RO.
• County Name (EC_NO) (optional): text input; county name. Considered only for EC_NO.
• Municipality name (EC_NO) (optional): text input; municipality name. Considered only for
EC_NO.
• Sk0 (EC_NO) (optional): floating point value; Sk0 [kN/m2]. Considered only for EC_NO.
• Hg (EC_NO) (optional): floating point value; Hg [m]. Considered only for EC_NO.
• Delta Sk (EC_NO) (optional): floating point value; Delta_Sk [kN/m2]. Considered only
for EC_NO.
• Sk_maks (EC_NO) (optional): floating point value; Sk_maks [kN/m2]. Considered only
for EC_NO.
• Large Roof (SIA) (optional): Boolean value; if true: large pitch roofs, if false: low pitch roofs.
Considered only for EC_SIA.
• Is Custom Max Size (SIA) (optional): Boolean value; relevant only for large roofs. If true,
user-defined maximum size is considered. If false, the size is automatically determined
based on the load panel. Considered only for EC_SIA.
• Custom Max Size (SIA) (optional): floating point value; relevant only for large roofs. User-
specified maximum size [m]. Considered only for EC_SIA.
Output AXISVM Snow Load – Spec. parameter.
Hints This component needs to be connected into an AXISVM Snow Load component to be considered.

Self-Weight
Usage This component can set up self-weight load on the selected structural elements.

Input • AxLine (optional): AXISVM Line parameter; line elements of which the self-weight must be
considered.
• AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; the mesh edges /mesh surfaces / mesh
domains (AxMesh elements transferred as edges / surface elements / domains to AXISVM)
of which the self-weight must be considered.
• AxDomain (optional): AXISVM domain parameter; domains of which the self-weight must
be considered.
Output AXISVM Self-Weight parameter.
Hints Either AxLine, AxMesh or AxDomain must receive input data in order to set up the load.

Thermal Load
Usage This component is used to set up thermal load over line elements, surface element or domains.

Input • AxLine (optional): AXISVM Line parameter; list of line elements to apply the thermal load on.
• AxMesh (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; list of mesh elements to apply the thermal
load on.
• AxDomain (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; list of domains to apply the thermal load
on.
• T ref: floating point value; reference temperature [°C]
• T0 (optional): floating point value; relevant only for truss elements: T0 is the actual truss
temperature [°C]
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• T top (optional): floating point value; for beams / ribs: top cord temperature [°C] in the
selected direction (local Y or Z); for surfaces / domains: temperature on the top side
according to the local Z axis;.
• T bottom (optional): floating point value; for beams / ribs: bottom cord temperature [°C] in
the selected direction (local Y or Z); for surfaces / domains: temperature on the bottom side
according to the local Z axis;
• Direction (optional): AXISVM Axis value list (Y / Z are valid inputs). direction of temperature
variation, only for line elements and only in local Y or Z direction. Default: Z.
Output AXISVM Thermal Load parameter.
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Directions.
Either AxLine, AxMesh or AxDomain must receive input data.

Wind Load
Usage This component collects the wind load parameters that are used to set up wind load cases in
AXISVM. The settings of wind substructures can be defined on the component called AXISVM Wind
Load Substructures and it is used as an input of the AXISVM Wind Load component.
Input • AxWindLoadSubstructures: AXISVM Wind Load Substructure component; list of AXISVM
wind load substructures to apply the wind load on.
• Basic Wind Velocity: floating point value; v_b0, basic wind velocity [m/s].
• Season factor: floating point value; c_season, season factor [-].
• Orography factor: floating point value; c_o, orography factor [-].
• Different Terrain Categories: Boolean parameter; if true, different terrain category can be set
in each direction. If false, the same terrain category is applied in all directions. Default: false.
• Terrain Category +X: integer value; terrain category in +X direction. If the “Different Terrain
Categories” input is false, this terrain category is considered in all directions.
• Terrain Category -X (optional): integer value; terrain category in -X direction.
• Terrain Category +Y (optional): integer value; terrain category in +Y direction.
• Terrain Category -Y (optional): integer value; terrain category in -Y direction.
• Custom Directional Factors: Boolean parameter; if true, custom directional factors can be
defined for each direction, otherwise the same directional factor is used in all directions.
Default: false.
• Directional factor +X (optional): floating point value; directional factors in +X direction.
• Directional factor -X (optional): floating point value; directional factors in -X direction.
• Directional factor +Y (optional): floating point value; directional factors in +Y direction.
• Directional factor -Y (optional): floating point value; directional factors in -Y direction.
• Separate Load Cases: Boolean parameter; if true, separate load cases are created for each
substructure, otherwise common load cases are generated. Default: false.
• Altitude (optional): floating point value; altitude above sea level. Not available for some
national design codes (e.g. general EuroCode).
• Importance factor (optional): floating point value; importance factor (for EC_RO only).
• Zone (optional): integer value; zone ID. Number of supported zones depends on national
design code. ID of first zone is 1, second is 2, etc. (Zone is considered only in EC_PL, GER,
RO, CZ, NL, B and Italian.)
• Altitude Factor (optional): floating point value; altitude factor (only for code EC_NO).
• Turbulence Factor (optional): floating point value; turbulence factor (only for code EC_NO).

Output AXISVM Wind Load parameter.

Hints The load group and load cases for wind loads are automatically generated by the sender component
based on the wind load parameters. There is no need to define e.g. wind load group from
Grasshopper and it is not even possible.
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Wind Load Substructure

Usage This component defines the parameters of wind loaded substructures in AXISVM, it is used as an
input of the AXISVM Wind Load component.
Input • Name: text input, user-defined name of the wind substructure (use short, concise name).
• AxLoadPanel: AXISVM Load Panel parameter; load panel(s) to apply the load on. Note: for
free standing walls and signboards having an edge with return corner the settings must be
defined on the AXISVM Load Panel component.
• Roof Type: AXISVM Wind Structure Roof Type value list; type of the loaded roof/structure:
Flat / Hip / Monopitch / Duopitch / Barrel / Monopitch Canopy / Duopitch Canopy / Free
Standing Wall / Signboard. Default: Flat.
• Flat Roof Edge Type (optional): AXISVM Flat Roof Edge Type value list; edge type of flat
roof: Nothing / Sharp Eaves / Round Eaves / Mansard Eaves / With Parapet Wall. Default:
Sharp Eaves.
• Flat Roof Edge Parameter (optional): only for flat roof. If edge type is parapet wall: parapet
height (h_p) [m], for round eaves: rounding radius (r) [m], for mansard eaves: pitch angle
(alpha) [°].
• Internal Pressure (optional): AXISVM Roof Internal Pressure value list; the way how the
internal pressure should be handled. Valid inputs: Auto = approximative / Opening area
based / Internal coefficients / Off. Default: Auto.
• X+ (optional): floating point value; the role of this parameter depends on other inputs. 1) If
internal pressure type is opening area based, this parameter is Mu_X+ []; 2) if it has type of
internal coefficient: this parameter is cpi_X+ []; 3) for canopies and signboards: this is the
blockage factor or shelter factor in X+ [].
• X- (optional): floating point value; the role of this parameter depends on other inputs. 1) If
internal pressure type is opening area based, this parameter is Mu_X- []; 2) if it has type of
internal coefficient: this parameter is cpi_X- []; 3) for canopies and signboards: this is the
blockage factor or shelter factor in X- [].
• Y+ (optional): floating point value; the role of this parameter depends on other inputs. 1) If
internal pressure type is opening area based, this parameter is Mu_Y+ []; 2) if it has type of
internal coefficient: this parameter is cpi_Y+ []; 3) for canopies and signboards: this is the
blockage factor or shelter factor in Y+ [].
• Y- (optional): floating point value; the role of this parameter depends on other inputs. 1) If
internal pressure type is opening area based, this parameter is Mu_Y- []; 2) if it has type of
internal coefficient: this parameter is cpi_Y- []; 3) for canopies and signboards: this is the
blockage factor or shelter factor in Y- [].
• Torsional Effect (optional): Boolean parameter; this input controls whether there should be
additional load cases created for torsional winds. Default: false.
• Friction Effect (optional): AXISVM Roof Friction Effect value list; this input controls the
handling of c_fr, Smooth / Rough / Very rough / Custom. Default: Smooth.
• Custom Friction (optional): floating point value; The custom value of c_fr [-] for custom
friction effect.
• Is Relative Elevation: Boolean parameter; this input controls whether the elevation is relative
to terrain level (if true), or not (if false).
• Relative Elevation (optional): floating point value; the value of relative elevation: delta_z [m].
• Is Multispan (optional): Boolean parameter; this input controls whether the canopy wind
substructure is part of a multispan setup (if true), or not (if false). Default: false.
• Multispan Position (optional): AXISVM Roof Multispan Position value list; this input is
relevant only, if IsMultispan is true. This input gives the position of the roof in a multispan
setup: First / Second / Inner. Default: First.
• Multispan Direction (optional): AXISVM XY Direction value list; This input is relevant only, if
IsMultispan is true. This input defines the direction of the roof axis: X / Y. Default: X.
• Solidity (optional): floating point value; the solidity factor (phi) [] for free standing walls,
value between 0.8 and 1.0. The solidity ratio is proportional to the number of openings on
the wall. 1.0 corresponds to a solid wall.
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Output AXISVM Wind Load Substructure parameter.

Hints This component serves input for the AXISVM Wind Load components where the general wind load
parameters can be set.
The load group and load cases for wind loads are automatically generated by the sender component
based on the wind load parameters. There is no need to define e.g. wind load group from
Grasshopper and it is not even possible.
The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Roof types / Flat roof
edge types / Internal pressure types / Friction effects / Multispan positions / Multispan directions.
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5.5. MESH

The meshing algorithm of AXISVM can be started from Grasshopper, thus the mesh generation of the selected
structural members and domains can happen based on the user-defined settings. There is an optional AXISVM Mesh
Control component that can coordinate whether the meshing should happen in the current data transfer loop or not.

Domain Mesh
Usage This component is used to define mesh settings of domains in AXISVM. Note: the meshing of
domains with common edge but different element size is performed in ascending order of the
element sizes (started with the domain that has the smallest specified element size) to achieve the
best mesh quality.
Input • AxDomain: AXISVM Domain parameter; list of AXISVM Domains to be assigned with the
user-defined Mesh Settings.
• Mesh Type: AXISVM Domain Mesh Type value list; element type(s) to be used in the FE
mesh: Triangle / Quad / Mixed Quad Triangle. Default: Quad.
• Element Size: floating point value; average mesh element size [m].
• Fit To Point Loads: Boolean parameter; if set to true, the FE mesh is going to fit the point
loads (above a given magnitude). If false, point loads are not considered during mesh
creation. Default: false.
• Min. Point Load (optional): floating point value; minimum load [kN] to fit mesh to the load
point. This input is relevant only if Fit To Point Loads input is true.
• Fit To Line Loads: Boolean parameter; if set to true, the FE mesh is going to fit the line loads
(above a given magnitude). If false, line loads are not considered during mesh creation.
Default: false.
• Min. Line Load (optional): floating point value; minimum load [kN/m] to fit the mesh to the
load line. This input is relevant only if Fit To Line Loads input is true.
• Fit To Surface Loads: Boolean parameter; if set to true, the FE mesh is going to fit the
surface loads (above a given magnitude). If false, surface loads are not considered during
mesh creation. Default: false.
• Min. Surface Load (optional): floating point value; minimum load [kN/m2] to fit the mesh to
the load polygon. This input is relevant only if Fit To Surface Loads input is true.
• Adjust To Column Head: Boolean parameter; if set to true, mesh is adjusted to the column
heads (to enable cutting moment peaks). If false, mesh is not adjusted to the column heads.
Default: true.
• Contour Division: AXISVM Domain Contour Division Method value list; select the contour
division method to be applied during meshing: Uniform / Adaptive (Adjusted).
Default: Uniform.
• Smoothing: integer value; this input sets the level of smoothing with an integer in the range
of 1 to 6. (Level 6 is the smoothest.) Default: 2.
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• Mesh Only Unmeshed Domains (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, mesh is created only
for unmeshed domains, else mesh is (re-)created for all domains. Default: false.
• Domain Intersect (optional): Boolean parameter; taken into account only during mesh
generation, if true, the intersection lines of domains in different planes will be generated.
Default: false.
• Keep Guidelines (optional): Boolean parameter; taken into account only during mesh
generation. If set to true, if some kind of fitting is specified, if there is an error during mesh
generation, the generated guide lines will be preserved to help finding potential sources of
errors. If false, the guide lines are lost. Default: false.
Output AXISVM Mesh Settings parameter.
Hints The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Domain mesh types /
Contour division methods.
The component can be connected to the sender component directly or through a Mesh Control
component. Using the Mesh Control component user can decide whether the FE mesh should be
created in the current data transfer loop or not.

Member Mesh
Usage This component is used to define mesh settings of structural members in AXISVM.

Input • AxLine: AXISVM Line parameter; line elements to apply the mesh settings on.
• Mesh Type: AXISVM Member Mesh Type value list; user may select the parameter type to
consider during meshing: Max Deviation From Arc / Max Element Size / Segments / Angle.
Note: Max. Deviation From Arc and Angle type is valid for curved members only.
Default: Max Element Size.
• Mesh Parameter: floating point value; the value of the chosen mesh parameter. If mesh
parameter type is Segments, only integer values are accepted and number of segments
must be at least two. Dimensions: max. deviation from arc [m], max. element size [m],
segment count [-], angle [°].
Output AXISVM Mesh Settings parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Member mesh types.
The component can be connected to the sender component directly or through a Mesh Control
component. Using the Mesh Control component user can decide whether the FE mesh should be
created in the current data transfer loop or not.

Mesh Control
Usage This component can gather the AXISVM Mesh Settings of members and/or domains and control
whether the meshing should be performed by the GrasshopperToAXISVM component or not.
Input • AxMeshSettings: AXISVM Mesh Settings parameter; user can connect member and/or
domain Mesh Settings.
• Start Meshing: Boolean parameter; if set to false, no mesh is created on the members
and/or domains. If set to true, the sender component creates mesh for the members and/or
domains with the given Mesh Settings.
Output AXISVM Mesh Settings parameter.
Hints The usage of this component is optional, the member and domain mesh settings may be connected
directly to the sender component (without using this Mesh Control), as well. If member and/or
domain mesh settings are directly connected to the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component, the
meshing happens by default.
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5.6. SEND

Grasshopper ToAxisVM
Usage This component handles the connection and data transfer between Grasshopper and AXISVM. It is
the sender component. The items connected to this component are tried to be transferred to the
AXISVM model. If transfer is not successful, a textual error message appears at the output
parameter of the component.
Input • AXISVM Settings: AXISVM Settings parameter; this is a mandatory input, this tells the
sender component whether AXISVM should be started, whether the model must be opened
from or saved to a given file path, whether the National Design Code should be changed;
are there any special settings to be used during data transfer (e.g.: send just point
coordinates / send only properties). No data transfer happens until an AXISVM model is not
opened via COM server.
• AXISVM Point (optional): AXISVM Point parameter; the list of points (nodes) to be
transferred to the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Line (optional): AXISVM Line parameter; the list of line elements (simple line /
beam / rib / truss / gap / spring) to be transferred to the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Mesh Surface (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; the list of mesh items to be
transferred to the current AXISVM model as surface elements.
• AXISVM Mesh Domain (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; the list of mesh items to be
transferred to the current AXISVM model as domains.
• AXISVM Mesh Edges (optional): AXISVM Mesh parameter; the list of mesh items to be
transferred to the current AXISVM model as edges (line elements).
• AXISVM Domain (optional): AXISVM Domain parameter; the list of domains to be
transferred to the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Load Cases (optional): AXISVM Load Case parameter; the list of load cases to be
created in the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Load Groups (optional): AXISVM Load Group parameter; the list of load groups to
be created in the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Load Combinations (optional): AXISVM Load Combination parameter; the list of
load combinations to be created in the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Supports (optional): AXISVM Supports parameter; the list of supports to be
transferred to the current AXISVM model. The AXISVM Supports component need to be
connected that has already collected the nodal, line and surface support settings.
• AXISVM Rigid Element or AXISVM Diaphragm (optional): AXISVM Diaphragm parameter;
the list of rigid elements and diaphragms to be created in the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Edge Hinge (optional): AXISVM Edge Hinge parameter; the list of edge hinges to
be created in the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Link (optional): AXISVM Link Element parameter; the list of node-to-node and line-
to-line link elements to be created in the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Reference (optional): AXISVM Reference parameter; the list of references to be
created in the current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Spring Characteristics (optional): AXISVM Spring Characteristics parameter; list of
linear and nonlinear spring characteristics and isolator characteristics to be created in the
current AXISVM model.
• AXISVM Mesh Settings (optional): AXISVM Mesh Settings parameter; list of member and/or
domain mesh settings as well as AXISVM Mesh Control components to define all mesh
settings to be considered in the current AXISVM model. Meshing is started only if
1) member / domain mesh settings are directly connected to the sender component, or
2) the “Start” input of the connected AXISVM Mesh Control component is set to True.
• AXISVM Storeys (optional): AXISVM Storey parameter; list of storeys to be defined in the
current AXISVM model. Note: regardless the order of the storeys during data transfer the
storey IDs are going to be created in AXISVM from the top to the bottom of the structure.
Output • Error: AXISVM Error parameter; this output is empty until there are no issues during the
data transfer. If there is any problem, error message(s) are provided and can be checked in
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 84

textual format. Connect a Panel to the output in order to visualize the error messages in
case they appear.
• AXISVM Application Data: AXISVM Application Data parameter; this output parameter gives
access to the AXISVM Application and Model used by the sender component. This serves
input to the FEA Control, to the Steel and Timber Design Member components to make
them operate on the same AXISVM Application and Model as the sender component does.
Hints Sender component does not handle data trees. Data trees must be flattened at every input
parameter into data lists in order to transfer them correctly. The AXISVM Settings input requires one
single Settings component as input, because the COM server can handle one single communication
channel in a reliable way.
If nodal supports or nodal loads need to be created, not only the nodal support (boxed into AXISVM
Supports) and nodal load (boxed into AXISVM Load Cases) but also the nodes must be transferred
(via AXISVM Point input of the sender component) in order to get back the node ID. The node ID is
required for Grasshopper to know where to apply the nodal support or nodal load.
Only those data and elements can be transferred to AXISVM that has a connection to the sender
component (directly or through other AXISVM components).
Sender component can reinitialize itself; it means that AXISVM can be closed and restarted using the
“Start” input of the AXISVM Settings component.
During the data transfer the user actions are simulated by changing the AXISVM tabs according to
the state of the process (e.g. Element tab is active, if domain settings are assigned; Load tab is active
if load cases are created etc.)

Note: in AXISVM, Settings → Preference → Editing: “Break unmeshed structural members whenever a node is inserted”
property is set to False by the sender component in order to make feasible the tracking of structural member IDs for
Grasshopper as much as possible in situations where e.g. members intersect each other, otherwise (if structural
members can not be detected correctly) meshing, load definition or deletion of the members may fail.

There is a new feature in AXISVM API connections. AXISVM periodically checks whether the COM connections are still
active and if a COM client ended the session, AXISVM displays a message dialog box automatically (sooner or later)
where the user can conveniently close AXISVM. User may always click Yes on this dialog. This never affects active COM
connections between Grasshopper and AXISVM.

If the AXISVM window is closed during or after a GrasshopperToAXISVM session, user may see the window shown
below. This message appears due to the COM server connection that was set up between Grasshopper and AXISVM to
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 85

perform the data transfer. Since AXISVM needs to be closed and the COM session is to be terminated, user can always
click Yes without causing any issues. This does not affect other, live Grasshopper-AXISVM connections.

AXISVM Settings
Usage This component is used to define the settings of the data transfer between Grasshopper and
AXISVM. As a default every single item is always deleted and re-send to AXISVM in case of model
changes (this is valid for the data sent through Grasshopper!). The Settings component offers some
other solutions for special cases to speed up the data transfer of huge models. This component is a
mandatory input of the GrasshopperToAXISVM sender component.
Input • Start: Boolean parameter; start AXISVM if True. If False, AXISVM is not started. (To restart
AXISVM: set this input back to False, then again to True.) Default value: False.
• AXISVM Model File Path (optional): text input; accepted e.g. from Panel or – as a more
comfortable solution - from a Grasshopper “File Path” parameter. Define a file path to open
an AXISVM model from or to create a new *.axs file to. The model is going to be saved at
the given path. If this input is empty, the AXISVM model is not saved anywhere.
The file is created in the given directory with the given file name if it does not exist.
The *.axs extension is automatically added to the filename if extension is missing. If the file
path contains only a directory, the model is saved as Model.axs. Note: to consider the file
path it must be defined before setting Start input to True. Otherwise the user have two
possibilities: restarting AXISVM with the Start input to consider the file path, or define a file
path at the AXISVM FEA Control component.
• AXISVM National Design Code (optional): AXISVM National Design Code value list; select
the National Design Code to be set in AXISVM.
• Just Point Coordinates (optional): Boolean parameter; if False, the default data transfer
process is applied: every data is cleared and re-sent to AXISVM.
If True, just the point (node) coordinates are transferred and modified in the AXISVM
model. The user need to guaranty that the connections of the nodes and the element
properties are unchanged, because these information are not updated if the parameter is
True. Default value: False.
• Check Double (optional): Boolean parameter; if True, removes duplicate elements and
nodes from the AXISVM model. (It is useful, for example, if RibDomain eccentricity is set or
edge hinge is defined between rib and domain etc. The lines are transferred more than
once in such cases.) If False, there may remain some duplicated nodes or elements in the
model. Default value: False.
• Intersect Lines (optional): Boolean parameter; if True, it intersect lines and creates common
nodes and sections where applicable. If False (and auto intersect is not active in AXISVM),
every node and element relation remains as they are defined in Rhino-Grasshopper.
It is recommended to activate this option only if Just Point Coordinates and Send Only
Properties are False in order to avoid mistakes in data transfer due to renumbering of
objects in AXISVM model. Default value: False.
Output AXISVM Settings parameter.
Hints Other option to speed up data transfer of huge models: right click or press middle mouse button on
the Grasshopper canvas, select Lock solver. Perform the modification of the inputs during the locked
state, then switch off the Lock solver option. This prevents AXISVM trying to transfer every
intermediate status of the model.
Note: the “Send Only Properties” feature is disabled in V6.0 and planned to be extended for the new
model items and to be re-activated in a later version.
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5.7. FEA

Linear static, nonlinear static, vibration, buckling and seismic analysis settings can be defined and the required
calculations can be started in the user-defined order from Grasshopper. The model is automatically saved before and
after each analysis to the user-defined file path. The seismic analysis process is completely automatized, the vibration
analysis, then the load case setup and the linear static FEA are performed one after each other. Seismic spectra and
seismic storeys can also be created. The AXISVM Analysis Control component coordinates the process: gathers the
analysis settings, shows the progress and feedback messages and provides the list of result cases. Cancelling is
possible by setting the ‘Start’ input to False. Note: cancelling may happen with some delay.

Analysis Control
Usage This component is used to set up the sequence of the finite element analyses (FEAs) to be run and
start the calculations. The count of Analysis Setting inputs can be adjusted to the amount of
required FEAs.
Input • AxApplication: AXISVM Application Data parameter; AXISVM application and model to
create the design members within.
• File Path (optional): text input; if the File Path to save the model to has not been defined on
the AXISVM Settings component, user must define it on the FEA Control component
(because before starting an analysis the model must always be saved), or user may modifiy
the File Path of saving here compared to the File Path defined on the AXISVM Settings
component. Input can be provided e.g. via Panel or using the File Path component of
Grasshopper. The model is going to be saved at the given path. If this input is empty, the
AXISVM model is not saved anywhere. The file is created in the given directory with the
given file name if it does not exist. The *.axs extension is automatically added to the
filename if extension is missing. If the file path contains only a directory, the model is saved
as Model.axs.
• Start: Boolean parameter; if true, start all analyses one after each other according to the
input order of the component. If false, running analysis is cancelled, other analysis is not
started.
• AxAnalysisSetting 1: AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter; analysis settings of the finite
element analysis to be started as first.
• AxAnalysisSetting 2 (optional): AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter; analysis settings of the
finite element analysis to be started as second.
• etc.
Output • Progress: text output; progress of the finite element analyses.
• Error: text output; user can display the errors occurred during FEAs if there is any.
• Done: Boolean output; False by default and turned to True if the component finished
working (regardless the success of the analysis process).
• AxResultCase 1: AXISVM Result Case parameter; in case of successful analysis this output
contains the result case list that belongs to AxAnalysisSettings 1 input.
• AxResultCase 2: AXISVM Result Case parameter; in case of successful analysis this output
contains the result case list that belongs to AxAnalysisSettings 2 input.
• etc.
Hint Zoom to the Analysis Control component and increase or decrease the count of Analysis Setting
inputs with the small black and white symbols that appear.
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Each FEA must be connected to separate Analysis Setting inputs. One input parameter is able to
handle only one single FEA.
If the same input data is connected to more than one input parameter warning message is displayed.
To run seismic analysis the AXISVM Seismic Assy component must be connected to an Analysis
Setting input. This covers the complete calculation process for a seismic analysis.
Once the analyses have been started, the modifications of FEA inputs are not monitored. To consider
new calculation order or parameter modifications, first cancel the running process (set the Start
input to false) and restart it (with true).
When the component starts to work, it looks for valid results in AXISVM for the given Analysis
Settings and – if available, loads the result case list without unnecessarily re-running the analysis.
Note: in case of seismic analysis – if valid linear static results are not available in AXISVM – always the
complete process (vibration + linear static FEA) is performed.

Linear Static FEA

Usage This component provides the Analysis Settings of the linear static FEA on the output. The analysis
can be started using the AXISVM Analysis Control component.
Input This component has no input parameters.
Output AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter
Hint -

Nonlinear Static Analysis Settings

Usage This component provides the Analysis Settings for AXISVM nonlinear static analyses on the output
side. To start the analysis connect it to AXISVM Analysis Control component.
Input • AxLoadCase (optional): AXISVM Load Case parameter; load case(s) to be considered in
nonlinear static analysis. Either AxLoadCase or AxLoadCombination input must have a
value.
• AxLoadCombination (optional): AXISVM Load Combination parameter; load combination(s)
to be considered in nonlinear static analysis. Either AxLoadCase or AxLoadCombination
input must have a value.
• Solution Control: AXISVM Solution Control value list; solution control of nonlinear static
FEA: Force / Displacement / Arc Length / Pushover. Note: pushover analysis is not yet
available from Grasshopper. Default: Force.
• Follow Node (optional): integer value; ID of the node to follow the displacement of.
• Direction (optional): AXISVM Axis value list; direction of displacement for displacement
control: X / Y / Z / XX / YY / ZZ. Default: Z.
• Max. Displacement (optional): floating point value; maximum displacement for
displacement control [m]. Default: 1e-10.
• Increments (optional): integer value; number of increments.
• Increment Function ID (optional): integer value; index of the increment function.
• AxConvergenceCriteria: AXISVM Convergence Criteria parameter; convergence criteria of
the nonlinear analysis. If user connects an integer input, it is considered as maximum
number of iterations and the displacement criteria of 0.001 (default) is used.
• Use Secant Stiffness: Boolean parameter; use only with strong reason. If true, secant
stiffness is considered during the analysis.
• Iteration Control: AXISVM Iteration Control parameter; iteration control of the nonlinear
static analysis.
• Consider Reinforcement: Boolean parameter; if true, reinforcement is taken into account,
otherwise not.
• Actual Reinforcement (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, the actual reinforcement is
considered, if false, the calculated reinforcement is considered in the analysis.
• Consider Creep (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, the influence of creep on the stiffness
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of RC structures is considered, otherwise not.

• Consider Shrinkage (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, the shrinkage strain is considered
by the calculation of RC structures, otherwise not.
• Material Nonlinearity (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, material nonlinearity is
considered, otherwise not.
• Geometric Nonlinearity: Boolean parameter; if true, the geometric nonlinearity is
considered, otherwise not.
• Store Last Increment Only: Boolean parameter; If true, only the result of the last increment
is stored. If false, the results are stored from every increment. Default: false.
Output AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Solution controls /
Directions.

Nonlinear Static Convergence Criteria

Usage This component provides the Convergence Criteria for nonlinear static analyses in AXISVM.

Input • Iterations: integer value; maximum number of iterations Default: 20.

• Enable Displacement Convergence Criteria: Boolean parameter; if true, the Displacement
Convergence Criteria is enabled and its value is considered during the FEA. Default: true.
• Displacement Convergence Criteria (optional): floating point value; convergence criterion
for displacement. Considered only if the criterion is enabled. Default: 0.001.
• Enable Force Convergence Criteria: Boolean parameter; if true, the Force Convergence
Criteria is enabled and its value is considered during the FEA. Default: false.
• Force Convergence Criteria (optional): floating point value; convergence criterion for force.
Considered only if the criterion is enabled. Default: 0.001.
• Enable Work Convergence Criteria: Boolean parameter; if true, the Work Convergence
Criteria is enabled and its value is considered during the FEA. Default: false.
• Work Convergence Criteria (optional): floating point value; convergence criterion for work.
Considered only if the criterion is enabled. Default: 1e-6.
Output AXISVM Convergence Criteria parameter
Hint -

Nonlinear Static Iteration Control

Usage This component provides the Iteration Control settings for AXISVM nonlinear static analyses.

Input • Strain Increments Automatic Constraint: Boolean parameter; if true, automatic constraint is
used for strain increments, otherwise not. Default: true.
• Displacement Increment Constraint: Boolean parameter; if true, constraint is used for
displacement increments, otherwise not. Default: false.
• DIC Displacement (optional): if displacement increment constraint is ON (true), the value of
displacement increment [m].
• DIC Rotation (optional): if displacement increment constraint is ON (true), the value of
rotation increment [rad].
Output AXISVM Iteration Control parameter
Hint -
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Buckling Analysis Settings

Usage This component provides the Analysis Settings for AXISVM buckling analyses on the output side.
To start the analysis connect it to AXISVM Analysis Control component.
Input • AxLoadCase (optional): AXISVM Load Case parameter; load case(s) to be considered in
buckling analysis. Either AxLoadCase or AxLoadCombination input must have a value.
• AxLoadCombination (optional): AXISVM Load Combination parameter; load combination(s)
to be considered in buckling analysis. Either AxLoadCase or AxLoadCombination input must
have a value.
• Mode Shapes: integer value; number of buckling shapes to determine.
• Only Positive: Boolean parameter; if true, only the positive eigenvalues are stored. If false,
every eigenvalue is stored. Default: false.
• AxConvergenceCriteria: AXISVM Convergence Criteria parameter; convergence criteria of
the buckling analysis. If user connects an integer input, it is considered as maximum
number of iterations and the default eigenvalue and eigenvector convergence criteria is
applied.
Output AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter

Convergence Criteria (vibration, buckling)

Usage This component provides the Convergence Criteria for vibration and buckling analyses in AXISVM.

Input • Iterations: integer value; maximum number of iterations. Default: 20.

• Eigenvalue Convergence Criteria: floating point value; eigenvalue convergence criterion.
Default: 1e-10.
• Eigenvector Criteria: floating point value; eigenvector convergence criterion. Default: 1e-5.
Output AXISVM Convergence Criteria parameter
Hint -

Vibration Analysis Settings

Usage This component provides the Analysis Settings for AXISVM vibration analyses on the output side.
To start the analysis connect it to AXISVM Analysis Control component.
Input • AxLoadCase (optional): AXISVM Load Case parameter; load case(s) to be considered in
vibration analysis. Either AxLoadCase or AxLoadCombination input must have a value.
• AxLoadCombination (optional): AXISVM Load Combination parameter; load combination(s)
to be considered in vibration analysis. Either AxLoadCase or AxLoadCombination input
must have a value.
• 2nd Order: Boolean parameter; if false, first-order (linear) vibration analysis need to be
performed; if true, second-order (nonlinear) vibration analysis is required.
• Mode Shapes: integer value; number of vibration shapes to determine.
• Loads To Masses: Boolean parameter; if true, loads are converted to masses; if false, only
masses are considered in the analysis.
• Concentrated Masses (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, enables the consideration of
user-defined concentrated masses, if the LoadsToMasses input is set to true.
• Concentrated Masses To Loads (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, enables the
conversion of concentrated masses to loads, if the LoadsToMasses input is also set to true.
Used only for 2nd order (nonlinear) vibration analysis.
• Element Masses (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, the element masses are considered,
if the LoadsToMasses input is set to false (only the masses are considered).
• Masses To Loads (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, enables the conversion of masses to
loads, if the LoadsToMasses input is set to false (only the masses are considered). Used only
for 2nd order (nonlinear) vibration analysis.
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• AxConvergenceCriteria: AXISVM Convergence Criteria parameter; convergence criteria of

the vibration analysis. If user connects an integer input, it is considered as maximum
number of iterations and the default eigenvalue and eigenvector convergence criteria is
applied.
• Increased Support Stiffness: Boolean parameter; if true, increased support stiffness is
considered (for line and surface supports).
• Convert Slabs To Diaphragm: Boolean parameter; if true, the slabs are temporarily
converted to diaphragms.
• mX: Boolean parameter; if true, the mX mass component is included.
• mY: Boolean parameter; if true, the mY mass component is included.
• mZ: Boolean parameter; if true, the mZ mass component is included.
• Consistent Mass Matrix: Boolean parameter; if false, the diagonal (default, concentrated)
mass matrix is considered. Set to true only if it is reasonable. If true, consistent (distributed)
mass matrix is considered. Default: false.
• Masses: AXISVM Vibration Masses value list; which masses are taken into account: All /
Above Z-height / Above storey. Default: All.
• Height Z (optional): floating point parameter; masses to be considered above this given Z
heigth [m].
• Storey (optional): AXISVM Storey parameter; storey or storey ID to consider the masses
above. Note: indeces start from 1 in AXISVM.
Output AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Settings of
considered masses.

Seismic Analysis Process

Usage This component provides the Analysis Settings that cover the complete seismic analysis process,
including the settings of vibration analysis, seismic loads and linear static FEA. To start a seismic
analysis the output of this component must be connected to the AXISVM Analysis Control
component.
Input • Vibration Settings: AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter; settings of the vibration analysis.
• Seismic Storeys (optional): AXISVM Seismic Storey parameter; list of seismic storeys to be
defined in the AXISVM model.
• Seismic Settings: AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter; settings of the seismic loads and
load cases.
• Linear Static FEA Settings: AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter; settings of the linear static
analysis.
Output AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter
Hint In AXISVM the seismic analysis begins with a vibration analysis, then the seismic loads and load
cases are defined and created. Finally, a linear static FEA is performed. This sequence is ensured by
the input order of the component.

Seismic Analysis Settings

Usage This component gathers the settings of the seismic loads. The output of the component must be
connected to an AXISVM Seismic Analysis Process component.
Input • Prefix: text input; prefix of the seismic load cases and load names.
• AxLoadCase (optional): AXISVM Load Case parameter; load case(s) to be considered in the
analysis. Either AxLoadCase or AxLoadCombination input must be filled.
• AxLoadCombination (optional): AXISVM Load Combination parameter; load combination(s)
to be considered in the analysis. Either AxLoadCase or AxLoadCombination must be filled.
• Damping Factor: floating point value; ksiV, damping factor.
• Horizontal Spectrum (optional): AXISVM Seismic Spectrum parameter; user defined
horizontal spectrum for seismic analysis.
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• Enable Vertical Spectrum: set to true to enable vertical spectrum for this seismic load group.
Set to false (default) to disable the vertical spectrum of this seismic load group. Default:
false.
• Vertical Spectrum (optional): AXISVM Seismic Spectrum parameter; User-defined vertical
spectrum for seismic analysis. Disabled if no input is provided.
• Displacement Behaviour Factor: floating point value; behaviour factor for displacements.
• Vertical Displacement Behaviour Factor (optional): floating point value; behaviour factor for
vertical displacements (if the national design code allows it).
• Consider Torsion: Boolean parameter; if true, the torsion effects are taken into account,
otherwise not. Default: false.
• Eccentricity Coefficient: floating point value; eccentricity coefficient.
• Modal Combination Type: AXISVM Modal Combination Type value list; combination type
for modal responses in one direction: Auto / SRSS / CQC. Default: Auto.
• Seismic Combination Type: AXISVM Seismic Combination Type value list; combination type
for spatial components: Quadratic / Max / Auto. Default: Auto.
• Damping Correction Factor (optional): floating point value; eta, damping correction factor
(see EN1998-1). Valid only for EuroCode, Swiss_SIA26x, Italian, EuroCode_Austrian,
EuroCode_UK.
• Seismic Limit State (optional): AXISVM Seismic Limit State value list; seismic limit state for
national design code Italian.
Output AXISVM Analysis Settings parameter
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Modal combination
types / Seismic combination types / Seismic limit states.

Seismic Spectrum (custom)

Usage This component gathers the data of custom seismic spectra. User can define custom spectrum
providing the list of natural periods and spectral accelerations or giving the file path of a file
containing the spectral data. The spectrum can be used as input of seismic analysis settings.
Input • Natural Period (optional): Boolean parameter; list of the natural period [s] values of the
seismic spectrum.
• Spectral Acceleration (optional): floating point value; list of spectral acceleration [m/s2]
values of the seismic spectrum.
• File Path (optional): text parameter; file path to open the data of the seismic spectrum from.
Output AXISVM Seismic Spectrum parameter
Hint -

Seismic Spectrum (parametric)

Usage This component gathers the data of parametric seismic spectra. The spectrum can be used as input
of seismic analysis settings.
Input • GammaI (optional): importance factor as per EC 8-1 4.2.5.
• Subsoil Class (optional): AXISVM Subsoil Class value list; type of subsoil. Class A / B / C / D /
E is avaliable from Type 1 and 2. Default: A_Type1.
• Ground Acceleration: floating point value; the reference peak ground acceleration
in rock [m/s2].
• q Factor Different: Boolean parameter; if true, different q factors are considered in X and Y
direction. If false (true), the same q value is considered (gathered at input parameter qx).
Default: false.
• qX: floating point value; behaviour factor for the reduction of seismic effects in X-direction
as per EC 8-1 3.2.2.5 (3)P.
• qY (optional): floating point value; behaviour factor for the reduction of seismic effects in Y-
direction as per EC 8-1 3.2.2.5 (3)P. Considered only if different q factors input is set to true.
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• S (optional): floating point value; soil specific parameter to define the spectral shape.
• TB (optional): floating point value; soil specific parameter to define the spectral shape.
• TC (optional): floating point value; soil specific parameter to define the spectral shape.
• TD (optional): floating point value; soil specific parameter to define the spectral shape.
• Beta (optional): floating point value; lower bound for the horizontal design spectrum. The
recommended value in EC 8-1 3.2.2.5 (4)P is 0.2.
• Tsc (optional): floating point value; see Tc* in Italian national code.
• Topographic Category: AXISVM Topographic Category value list; topographic category
(considered in Italian national code): T1 / T2 / T3 / T4. Default: T1.
• Local Spectrum (optional): Boolean value; if true, local spectrum according to the Hungarian
Chamber of Engineers Local spectra manual is considered. Default: false.
• F0 (optional): floating point value; F0 according to the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers
Local spectra manual.
• p (optional): floating point value; see Dutch NPR 9998:2015.
Output AXISVM Seismic Spectrum parameter
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Subsoil classes /
Topographic Categories.

Seismic Storey
Usage This component can be used to define the name and height of the required seismic storey.

Input • Name. text input; name of the seismic storey.

• Height: floating point value; Z coordinate of the new seismic storey.
Output AXISVM Seismic Storey parameter
Hint -
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5.8. RESULTS

Configure Result Case

Usage This component is used to configure the AXISVM Result Cases that are available on the output of
the AXISVM FEA Control component. This component makes feasible the selection between levels,
mode shapes in case of buckling, vibration or nonlinear static results. The exact settings of
envelope and critical result cases are also available here (e.g. MinMaxType).
Input • AxResultCase: AXISVM Result Case parameter; connect the AXISVM ResultCase(s), selected
from an output list of the AXISVM FEA Control component, to be configured.
• Level / Shape / Time ID (optional): integer value; user selects here the level, mode shape or
time that is of interest. Not relevant for linear static result cases. The highest available
level/shape/time is considered by default. This input is required to fill only if user
investigates a lower level/shape/time.
• Min Max Type (optional): AXISVM MinMaxType value list; relevant for envelope and critical
result cases. Values: Min, Max, MinMax. Defines whether e.g. min, max or both envelopes
need to be displayed and from which should the results be imported. Default: MinMax.
• Critical Combination Type (optional): AXISVM Combination Type value list; type of the
critical combination. Relevant only for critical result cases. (Other / SLS1 = SLSChar / SLS2 =
SLSFreq / SLS3 = SLSQuasi / ULS1 = ULS / ULS2 = ULSSeismic / ULS3 = ULSExceptional /
ULSALL / etc.), select the required combination type from the dropdown list. Default: ULS.
• AxDesignMember (optional): AXISVM Design Member parameter; connect either steel or
timber design member(s) to handle the selected LinearStatic or NonlinearStatic result case
as SD or TD result case (e.g. for display purposes).
Output AXISVM Result Case parameter
Hint The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of MinMax types /
Critical combination types.
The configured AXISVM Result Case available only on the output side. The settings do not affect the
AXISVM Result Case that is received as input. Therefore, even the string description of the output
result case may contain details the input result case description does not.
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Decontruct Results
Usage This component is able to split the received AXISVM Result Value parameter into result
components and make them available for the user providing table headers, lists etc., thus serving
input e.g. for creating Excel tables from the imported results.
Input • AXISVM Result: AXISVM Result Value parameter; the results to be split into components.
Output • Header: text output; list of output names – may be used as column headers in a table.
• ID: list of integer values; item IDs related to the results.
• Flexible outputs: there are 9 output parameters in total that adjust their names, descriptions
and contents to the result components of the received input data. If any of them do not
contain values, the name and description is changed to “-“.
Hint The message at the bottom of the component shows the type of the deconstructed result.
This component may be used to deconstruct the cross-section optimization results as well.

If there are less or more outputs than required, user may adjust the output count by using the
‘Match outputs’ feature of the component pop-up menu.
If user connects Panels to the component outputs, user may decide whether the Panel nicknames
should be automatically adjusted to the name of the connected output (one Panel may be combined
with one output). The ‘Adjust Panel nicknames’ option in the component pop-up menu is switched
on by default. If it is switched off, Panels do not receive the output name information.

Get Results
Usage This component imports the AXISVM results specified by the user defined input parameters.

Input • AxApplication: AXISVM Application Data parameter; AXISVM application and model to
import the results from.
• AxResultCase: AXISVM Result Case parameter; the result case(s) to import the results from.
If necessary, first configure the result case using the AXISVM Configure Result Case
component (e.g. select level/shape/time, MinMaxType etc. where relevant).
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• Result Type: AXISVM Result Type Get value list; set the type of the results to be imported.
E.g. nodal displacement, line force, line stress, nodal support force etc.
Default: NodeDisplacement.
• Item | ID: Generic parameter; ID of the model item to get results for. Connect -1 to gather
the results for all available items of the selected type. This input may be fed with integer IDs
or with AXISVM Points, Lines, Nodal Supports etc. used during model building.
• Result Component (optional): AXISVM Result Component Get value list (integer value);
relevant for envelope and critical result cases only. The selected result component(s) define
the basis of the envelope/critical result case to collect the result values from. The contents
of the value list are always aligned with the selected result type.
• Local Csys (optional): Boolean parameter; If true, local coordinate system is considered for
line/member displacement results (not relevant for other result types), if false, global
coordinate system is used. Default: true.
• Independent Stress Point (optional): Boolean parameter; relevant only for line/member
stress results in envelope and critical result cases. If true, the various stress points will have
the respective extreme. The returned combination will still be for the queried component. If
false, the various stress points will have the value corresponding to the queried extreme
component’s combination. Default: false.
• Start: Boolean parameter; set to true to import results from AXISVM. Default: false.
Output • Error: text output to inform the user about errors (if there is any) during the result import
process. Connect a Grasshopper Panel to read the contents of the output.
• Done: Boolean output; False by default and turned to True if the component finished
working (regardless the success of the optimization process).
• AxResultCase: list of AXISVM Result Case parameters; list of the result cases the results are
imported from. MinMax envelope result cases are split into separate Min and Max on the
output. If relevant, the selected result component is also included in the string description
of the result case (but only in the string description, not as data for futher usage).
• AxResult: AXISVM Results parameter; contains the imported results. Connect an AXISVM
Deconstruct Results component to split the results into components to work with them.
Hint The message at the bottom of the component shows the type of the provided result.

Color Legend Settings

Usage This component gathers the settings of the color legend (of result display).

Input • Level Count (optional): integer value; level count of the color legend.
• Legend Type (optional): AXISVM Legend Type value list; type of the color legend. Type
'manual' is automatically set if custom level list is provided.
• PosNeg: Boolean parameter; Separate positive/negative ranges or not. If true, the level
count is automatically set to 3. Default: false.
• Custom Levels (optional): List of the custom levels as double precision numbers in
ascending order. If a list is provided, legend type is automatically set the Manual and the
level count is set based on this list.
• Reverse Gradient: Boolean parameter; If true, the color gradient is reversed, otherwise
normal. Default: false.
Output AXISVM Color Legend parameter

Hint Define LevelCount or CustomLevels or set PosNeg to true to get the component work.
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Result Display Settings

Usage This component gathers the result display settings and displays the model and the results as
requested, in AXISVM.
Input • AxApplication: AXISVM Application Data parameter; AXISVM application and model to
display the results in.
• AxResultCase (optional): AXISVM Result Case parameter; result case to display in the
AXISVM window.
• View: AXISVM View value list; set the model view (Front: X-Z plane; Top: X-Y plane;
Side: Y-Z plane; Perspective). Default: Front
• Model Display: AXISVM Model Display value list; type of model display, e.g. wireframe,
hidden, rendered etc. Default: Wireframe.
• Result Type (optional): AXISVM Result Type Display value list; result component to be
displayed in the AXISVM window. Create value list from the pop-up menu. Default:
NodeDisplacement.
• Result Component (optional): AXISVM Display Result Component value list; result
component to be displayed in the AXISVM window. The contents of the value list are always
adjusted to the selected result type. Default: eX displacement.
• Scale (optional): floating point value; scale of value on display.
• Result Display Mode (optional): AXISVM Result Display Mode value list; result display mode,
e.g. Diagram, DiagramFilled, Isolines etc. Default: Diagram.
• Deformed Shape (optional): Boolean parameter; If true, deformed shape is displayed (where
possible) if false undeformed shape is shown. Default: false.
• AxWriteValuesTo (optional): AXISVM WriteValuesTo parameter; set the displayed values
using AXISVM WriteValuesTo component or simply connect a Boolean input to set all
values to be displayed (true) or hidden (false).
• Auto Scale (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, adjusts the diagram scale automatically.
Default: true.
• Displayed Envelopes (optional): AXISVM Displayed Envelopes value list; envelopes to be
displayed: all, current or custom. Default: All.
• AxColorLegend (optional): AXISVM Color Legend parameter; settings of the color legend. If
no input is connected, the default settings are applied.
• Start: Boolean parameter; if true, the above defined display settings are applied in AXISVM.
Default: false.
Output • Error: text output to inform the user about errors (if there is any) during the display of the
results. Connect a Grasshopper Panel to read the contents of the output.
• Done: Boolean output; False by default and turned to True if the component finished
working (regardless the success of the optimization process).
Hint The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create Display types / Result types
/ Result components / Display modes / Displayed envelope types.
If the AxResultCase input is empty, only the View and Model Display inputs can be considered.
Note: if settings are impossible to apply in AXISVM (e.g. some of the inputs do not fit to others) that
is noticable maybe only in AXISVM. Warnings and error messages do not cover every single invalid
case. AXISVM applied the available default display settings in such cases.

WriteValuesTo
Usage This component sets the locations where result values should be displayed in AXISVM (if available).

Input • Nodes (optional): Boolean parameter; set to true to display nodal results (where available).
Default: true.
• Lines (optional): Boolean parameter; set to true to display results at lines (where available).
Default: true.
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• Surfaces (optional): Boolean parameter; set to true to display surface results (where
available). Default: true.
• Min Max Only (optional): Boolean parameter; set to true to display only min/max result
values. Default: true.
Output AXISVM WriteValuesTo parameter

Hint This component may be replaced with a simple “True” or “False” Boolean input on the AXISVM
Result Display Settings component (setting every item to true or false).
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5.9. STEEL DESIGN

This component group consists of 8 components that make feasible to define steel design members in the AXISVM
model. The ULS, SLS and Fire parameters are gathered on complex components and for the ULS each buckling type
(flexural, lateral-torsional, web shear buckling) has its own component. Lateral support can also be defined by the user.
The steel design members can be created even before running any calculations. It is possible to assign a cross-section
to the steel design members that is different from the cross-section they originally have in the model.

Steel Design Member – Fire Settings

Usage This component gathers the fire parameters of the AXISVM Steel Design Members. These Fire
Settings must be connected to an AXISVM Steel Design Member component to be considered in
the AXISVM model.
Input • FP_Ky | Ly (optional): floating point value; this value is considered as buckling length factor
or buckling length in case of fire about local y axis, depending on the selected flexural
buckling length mode.
• FP_Kz | Lz (optional): floating point value; This value is considered as buckling length factor
or buckling length in case of fire about local z axis, depending on the selected flexural
buckling length mode.
• FP_C1 (optional): floating point value; steel design factor C1 in case of fire (depends on
McrMethod and cross-section).
• FP_C2 (optional): floating point value; steel design factor C2 in case of fire (depends on
McrMethod and cross-section).
• FP_C3 (optional): floating point value; steel design factor C3 in case of fire (depends on
McrMethod and cross-section).
• FP_Kw (optional): floating point value; warping constraint factor in case of fire.
• FP_Mcr (optional): floating point value; user-defined Mcr value in case of fire.
• FP_Custom Beta: Boolean parameter; set to true if custom factors will be defined to handle
factors depending on the moment diagram. Set to false to determine the factors
automatically. Default: false.
• FP_Beta My (optional): floating point value; custom Beta My factor.
• FP_Beta Mz (optional): floating point value; custom Beta Mz factor.
• FP_Beta LT (optional): floating point value; custom Beta LT factor.
• FP_Only_Prescribed: Boolean parameter; set to true to check only the prescribed failure
modes. Set to false to consider all modes. Default: false.
Output AXISVM Steel Design Member – Fire Settings parameter.
Hint -

Steel Design Member – Flexural Buckling

Usage This component gathers the Flexural Buckling settings of the AXISVM Steel Design Members. These
settings must be connected to an AXISVM Steel Design Member – ULS Settings component to be
considered in the AXISVM model.
Input • y Buckling Length Mode: AXISVM Steel Buckling Length Mode value list; buckling length
calculation mode related to y-y axis: Factor / Length / Auto. Default: Factor.
• Ky | Ly (optional): floating point value; this value is considered as buckling length factor or
buckling length about local y axis depending on the selected buckling length mode.
(This input is not required for mode: Auto.)
• y GeomNL + Imperfection: Boolean parameter; set to true to take into account buckling in
local XZ plane by running nonlinear analysis on imperfect geometry. Default: false.
• y Curve (optional): AXISVM Steel Buckling Curves value list; buckling curve about the y axis.
Default: Auto.
• z Buckling Length Mode: AXISVM Steel Buckling Length Mode value list; buckling length
calculation mode related to z-z axis: Factor / Length / Auto. Default: Factor.
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• Kz | Lz (optional): floating point value; this value is considered as buckling length factor or
buckling length about local y axis depending on the selected buckling length mode.
(This input is not required for mode: Auto.)
• z GeomNL + Imperfection: Boolean parameter; set to true to take into account buckling in
local XY plane by running nonlinear analysis on imperfect geometry. Default: false.
• z Curve (optional): AXISVM Steel Buckling Curves value list; buckling curve about the z axis.
Default: Auto.
• Consider N (optional): Boolean parameter; set to true to consider the effect of normal force.
Default: false.
Output AXISVM Steel Design Member – Flexural Buckling parameter.
Hint The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Buckling length
calculation modes for y / z / Buckling curves for y / z.

Steel Design Member – Lateral Support

Usage This component is used to define Lateral Support settings for AXISVM Steel Design Members.
These settings must be connected to an AXISVM Steel Design Member – Lateral-Torsional Buckling
component to be considered in the AXISVM model.
Input • Absolute Position (optional): floating point value; absolute position of the support [m].
• Eccentricity (optional): floating point value; support eccentricity [m].
• Ry (optional): floating point value; lateral support stiffness in local y-direction [kN/m].
• Rxx (optional): floating point value; torsional stiffness about the member’s axis [kNm/rad].
• Rzz (optional): floating point value; torsional stiffness about the local z-axis [kNm/rad].
• Rw (optional): floating point value; warping stiffness [kNm2 / (1/m)].
Output AXISVM Steel Design Member – Lateral Support parameter.
Hint -

Steel Design Member – Lateral-Torsional Buckling

Usage This component is used to define Lateral-Torsional Buckling settings for AXISVM Steel Design
Members. These settings must be connected to an AXISVM Steel Design Member – ULS Settings
component to be considered in the AXISVM model.
Input • LTB Curve: AXISVM Steel LTBuckling Curves value list; lateral-torsional buckling curves.
Default: Auto.
• Load Position: AXISVM Steel Load Position value list; relative load position in local z axis.
Default: Actual.
• Custom Load Position (optional): floating point value; user-defined, relative load position in
local z axis. Considered only if Load Position input is Custom.
• Mcr Method: AXISVM Mcr Method value list; select the method user for calculation of Mcr:
Auto (user prior to version AXISVM 13R2) / C1 Lopez / C1 C2 C3 User / Dutch (C1 and C2
values are automatically calculated) / Dutch User (C1 and C2 values must be set by the user)
/ Auto LS (AutoMcr option in AXISVM; updated version of Auto method, considering lateral
supports, used from AXISVM 13R2) / User (Mcr given by the user). Default: Auto LS.
• C1 (optional): floating point value; steel design factor C1 (depends on McrMethod and
cross-section).
• C2 (optional): floating point value; steel design factor C2 (depends on McrMethod and
cross-section).
• C3 (optional): floating point value; steel design factor C3 (depends on McrMethod and
cross-section).
• Kw (optional): floating point value; warping constraint factor. Default: 1.
• Mcr (optional): floating point value; user defined Mcr.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 100

• Lateral Support Type (optional): AXISVM Steel Lateral Support Type value list; select the
lateral support type: Auto / Estimated From Kz Kw / Fork Supports / User Defined (lateral
support must be defined). Default: Auto.
• Lateral Supports (optional): AXISVM Lateral Support parameter; list of lateral supports.
• Cantilever (optional): Boolean parameter; cantilever checkbox. Default: false.
• Cantilever Fixed End (optional): AXISVM Steel Cantilever Fixed End value list; select the node
of the element to be fixed: Start Node / End Node. Default: Start Node.
• Consider Warping (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, warping torsion is considered in
lateral torsional buckling. Relevant only for 7DOF elements. Default: false.
Output AXISVM Steel Design Member – Lateral-Torsional Buckling parameter.
Hint The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of LT Buckling curves /
Load positions / Mcr calculation methods / Lateral support types / Cantilever ends.

Steel Design Member – SLS Settings

Usage This component gathers the SLS parameters of the AXISVM Steel Design Members. These SLS
Settings must be connected to an AXISVM Steel Design Member component to be considered in
the AXISVM model.
Input • y Deflection Allowed: Boolean parameter; if true, the allowed deflection limit in y direction
is active, otherwise inactive.
• y Deflection Limit (optional): floating point value; allowed deflection limit in y direction [m].
• z Deflection Allowed: Boolean parameter; if true, the allowed deflection limit in z direction is
active, otherwise inactive (not considered). Default: true.
• z Deflection Limit (optional): floating point value; allowed final deflection limit in
z direction [m].
• Deflection Mode (optional): AXISVM SLS Deflection Method value list; select the deflection
interpretation to be used: No / 2 (Both) / Left / Right. Default: 2 (Both).
• y Pre-camber Allowed (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, pre-camber in y direction is
active, otherwise inactive. Default: false.
• Uy (optional): floating point value; pre-camber in y direction [m]. Considered only if pre-
camber is allowed in this direction.
• z Pre-camber Allowed (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, pre-camber in z direction is
active, otherwise inactive. Default: false.
• Uz (optional): floating point value; pre-camber in z direction [m]. Considered only if pre-
camber is allowed in this direction.
• xMax (optional): floating point value; position of the maximum value of pre-camber given
as ratio [-].
• Quadratic Pre-camber Curve (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, the type of pre-camber
curve is quadratic, otherwise linear. Default: true.
• Length Mode: AXISVM SLS Length value list; select the member length interpretation:
Member length / Custom / Conn (based on connecting members and supports). Default:
Member.
• Ly (optional): floating point value; user-specified member length in y direction [m].
(Considered only if Length Mode is set to Custom.)
• Lz (optional): floating point value; user-specified member length in z direction [m].
(Considered only if Length Mode is set to Custom.)
• x Horizontal Displacement: Boolean parameter; if true, the allowed horizontal displacement
in x direction is active, otherwise inactive.
• Hx (optional): floating point value; allowed horizontal displacement in x direction [m].
• y Horizontal Displacement: Boolean parameter; if true, the allowed horizontal displacement
in y direction is active, otherwise inactive.
• Hy (optional): floating point value; allowed horizontal displacement in y direction [m].
• Global H (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, the horizontal displacement is global,
otherwise local. Default: true.
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• Height Mode (optional): AXISVM SLS H Method value list; calculation method of the height
used for displacement checks: Member / Structure / Custom are valid inputs.
Default: Member.
• Custom H (optional): floating point value; height value [m] (used for diaplacement checks),
if Height mode is set to Custom.
• Angle: floating point value; angle (alfa value) for checking inclined members [°].
Output AXISVM Steel Design Member – SLS Settings parameter.
Hint The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Deflection
interpretations / Length interpretations / Height interpretations.

Steel Design Member – ULS Settings

Usage This component gathers the ULS parameters of the AXISVM Steel Design Members. These ULS
Settings must be connected to an AXISVM Steel Design Member component to be considered in
the AXISVM model.
Input • Design Approach AXISVM Steel Design Approach value list; select the steel design
approach to be used: Elastic / Class. Default: Class.
• Class (optional): integer value; section class, automatic if input is 0. Default: 0.
• Brace XY: Boolean parameter; set to true if braced in y direction. Default: true.
• Brace XZ: Boolean parameter; set to true if braced in z direction. Default: true.
• Assemble Members: Boolean parameter; If true, the member becomes only one structural
element (irrespective of other elements) connecting to its nodes. If false, members are
broken at side at side element connections or nodal supports.
• Seismic Coefficient: floating point value; load factor for seismic forces (makes no change if
set to 1). Note: this coefficient was denoted as “ks” earlier. Default: 1.
• Flexural Buckling Settings (optional): AXISVM Flexural Buckling Settings parameter; this
input needs to be feeded to consider flexural buckling in steel design.
• Lateral-Torsional Buckling Settings (optional): AXISVM Lateral-Torsional Buckling Settings
parameter; this input needs to be feeded to consider lateral-torsional buckling in steel
design.
• Web Shear Buckling Settings (optional): AXISVM Web Shear Buckling Settings parameter;
this input needs to be feeded to consider web shear buckling in steel design.
Output AXISVM Steel Design Member – ULS Settings parameter.
Hint The value lists can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Steel design
approaches.

Steel Design Member – Web Shear Buckling

Usage This component gathers the Web Shear Buckling settings of the AXISVM Steel Design Members.
These settings must be connected to an AXISVM Steel Design Member – ULS Settings component
to be considered in the AXISVM model.
Input • Transversal Stiffeners: Boolean parameter; if true, transversal stiffeners are considered. If
false, no stiffeners are considered. Default: false.
• a (optional): floating point value; distance of transversal stiffeners (considered only if the
first input is set to true).
• eta (EC_D) (optional): floating point value; eta factor for web shear buckling checks
(considered for EuroCode_D only). Used only if transversal stiffeners are considered.
Output AXISVM Steel Design Member – Web Shear Buckling parameter.
Hints -
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Steel Design Member

Usage This component gathers all settings of the AXISVM Steel Design Members and creates them in
AXISVM. Steel design members can be used as input of the cross-section optimization
components.
Input • AxApplication: AXISVM Application Data parameter; AXISVM application and model to
create the design members within.
• AxLines: AXISVM Line parameter; list of AXISVM Lines to create new steel design
members from.
• Cross-Section (optional): AXISVM Cross-Section parameter; Cross-section to be considered
for the design member. Required only if the cross-section differs from the one used in FEA.
• ULS: AXISVM Steel Design ULS Settings parameter; ULS settings to be considered for the
steel design member.
• Fire (optional): AXISVM Steel Design Fire Settings parameter; fire parameters to be
considered for the steel design member.
• SLS: AXISVM Steel Design SLS Settings parameter; SLS settings to be considered for the
steel design member.
• Create: Boolean parameter; if true, steel design members are created in AXISVM with the
defined settings. If false, steel design members are deleted from the model / not created.
Output • Progress: text output to inform the user about the progress of design member creation.
• Error: text output to inform the user about errors (if there is any) during design member
creation.
• Done: Boolean output; true if the component finished working (regardless the success of
design member creation), false otherwise.
• AXISVM Steel Design Member parameter.
Hints Connect the Done output to the Start input of other AXISVM to set up a sequence.
The AXISVM Steel Design Members are grouped according to the AxLines input. This means that the
list items of the design members may cover one or more design members and one or more
structural members. Check the output in a Panel to see the indeces.
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5.10. TIMBER DESIGN

The ULS, SLS and Fire parameters of timber design members are gathered and timber design members are created in
AXISVM. The timber design members can be created even before running any calculations. It is possible to assign a
cross-section to the timber design members that is different from the cross-section they originally have in the model.

Timber Design Member – Fire Settings

Usage This component gathers the fire parameters of the AXISVM Timber Design Members. These Fire
Settings must be connected to an AXISVM Timber Design Member component to be considered in
the AXISVM model.
Input • FP_Ky (optional): floating point value; flexural buckling factor [-] for timber design members
about the local y axis, in case of fire. Default: 1.
• FP_Kz (optional): floating point value; flexural buckling factor [-] for timber design members
about the local z axis, in case of fire. Default: 1.
• FP_Klt (optional): floating point value; lateral torsional buckling factor [-] for timber design
members, in case of fire. Default: 1.
Output AXISVM Timber Design Member – Fire Settings parameter.
Hints -

Timber Design Member – SLS Settings

Usage This component gathers the SLS parameters of the AXISVM Timber Design Members. These SLS
Settings must be connected to an AXISVM Timber Design Member component to be considered in
the AXISVM model.
Input • Check Final Deformation: Boolean parameter; if true, the final deformations are checked,
otherwise not. Default: true.
• Enhanced Method (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, the final deformations (creep) are
checked with an enhanced method. If false, the conservative method is used. Default: false.
• Check Instantaneous Deformation: Boolean parameter; if true, the instantaneous
deformations are checked, otherwise not. Default: false.
• y Deflection Allowed: Boolean parameter; if true, the allowed deflection limit in y direction
is active, otherwise inactive. Default: false.
• y Deflection Limit (optional): floating point value; allowed final deflection limit in y direction
[m]. Considered only if “Check Final Deformation” is true.
• y Instantaneous Deformation Limit (optional): floating point value; allowed instantaneous
deflection limit in y direction [m]. Considered only, if “Check instantaneous deformation” is
set to true.
• z Deflection Allowed: Boolean parameter; if true, the allowed deflection limit in z direction is
active, otherwise inactive (not considered). Default: true.
• z Deflection Limit (optional): floating point value; allowed final deflection limit in z direction
[m]. Considered only if “Check Final Deformation” is true.
• z Instantaneous Deformation Limit (optional): floating point value; allowed instantaneous
deflection limit in z direction [m]. Considered only, if “Check instantaneous deformation” is
set to true.
• Deflection Mode (optional): AXISVM SLS Deflection Method value list; select the deflection
interpretation to be used: No / 2 (Both) / Left / Right. Default: 2 (Both).
• y Pre-camber Allowed (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, pre-camber in y direction is
active, otherwise inactive. Default: false.
• Uy (optional): floating point value; pre-camber in y direction [m]. Considered only if pre-
camber is allowed in this direction.
• z Pre-camber Allowed (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, pre-camber in z direction is
active, otherwise inactive. Default: false.
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• Uz (optional): floating point value; pre-camber in z direction [m]. Considered only if pre-
camber is allowed in this direction.
• xMax (optional): floating point value; position of the maximum value of pre-camber given
as ratio [-].

• Quadratic Pre-camber Curve (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, the type of pre-camber
curve is considered to be quadratic, otherwise linear. Default: true.
• Length Mode (optional): AXISVM SLS Length value list; select the member length
interpretation: Member length / Custom / Conn (based on connecting members and
supports). Default: Member.
• Ly (optional): floating point value; user-specified member length in y direction [m].
(Considered only if Length Mode is set to Custom.)
• Lz (optional): floating point value; user-specified member length in z direction [m].
(Considered only if Length Mode is set to Custom.)
• Functionality Limit State Check Mode (SIA) (optional): AXISVM Timber SLS Func. Check
Mode value list; functionality limit state check mode, only used in case of SIA standard.
Options: fittings with brittle/ductile behaviour, use and operation (comfort). (‘Null’ value of
the value list is not accepted.) Default value: Brittle.
• Rho (SIA) (optiona)l: floating point value; ρ value [-] for fittings with brittle/ductile
behaviour. The value may be 1 (= unsupported) or 0 (= supported), intermediate values are
not yet accepted, only used in case of SIA. Default value: 0.
• Use Custom Creep (SIA) (optional): Boolean parameter; only for SIA code. If true, user-
defined creep value is considered. If false, the creep is considered as specified in the code.
Default: false.
• Custom Creep (SIA) (optional): floating point value; only for SIA code. User-specified value
for creep. Considered only if “Use Custom Creep” input is set to true.
Output AXISVM Timber Design Member – SLS Settings parameter.
Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Deflection
interpretations / Length interpretations / Func. limit state check modes (SIA) / Creep modes (SIA).

Timber Design Member – ULS Settings

Usage This component gathers the ULS parameters of the AXISVM Timber Design Members. These ULS
Settings must be connected to an AXISVM Timber Design Member component to be considered in
the AXISVM model.
Input • Layer Thickness (optional): floating point value; thickness of layers of glued laminated
timber (Glulam) [m]
• Grain Direction (optional): AXISVM Timber Grain value list; arrangement of grains in tapered
members. Parallel to Top Edge / Bottom Edge. Default: Bottom Edge.
• Consider Flexural Buckling: Boolean parameter; set to true to consider flexural buckling in
timber design settings. (False value is valid only from AXISVM X7R3 on.) Default: true.
• Kyy (optional): floating point value; flexural buckling factor [-] for timber design members
about the local y axis. Default: 1.
• Kzz (optional): floating point value; flexural buckling factor [-] for timber design members
about the local z axis. Default: 1.
• Consider Lateral-Torsional Buckling: Boolean parameter; set to true to consider lateral-
torsional buckling in timber design settings. (False value is valid only from AXISVM X7R3
on.) Default: true.
• KLT (optional): floating point value; lateral torsional buckling factor [-] for timber design
members. Default: 1.
• Load Position (optional): AXISVM Timber Load Position Type value list; load position used
for lateral torsional buckling: Upper / COG (center of gravity) / Lower. Default: Upper.
• Assemble Members: Boolean parameter; if true, the member becomes only one structural
element (irrespective of other elements) connecting to its nodes. If false, members are
broken at side at side element connections or nodal supports. Default: false.
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Output AXISVM Timber Design Member – ULS Settings parameter.

Hints The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Grain directions /
Load position types.

Timber Design Member

Usage This component gathers all settings of the AXISVM Timber Design Members and creates them in
AXISVM. Timber design members can be used as input of the cross-section optimization
components.
Input • AxApplication: AXISVM Application Data parameter; AXISVM application and model to
create the design members within.
• AxLines: AXISVM Line parameter; list of AXISVM Lines to create new timber design
members from.
• Cross-Section (optional): AXISVM Cross-Section parameter; Cross-section to be considered
for the design member. Required only if the cross-section differs from the one used in FEA.
• ULS: AXISVM Timber Design ULS Settings parameter; ULS settings to be considered for the
timber design member.
• Fire (optional): AXISVM Timber Design Fire Settings parameter; fire parameters to be
considered for the timber design member.
• SLS: AXISVM Timber Design SLS Settings parameter; SLS settings to be considered for the
timber design member.
• Create: Boolean parameter; if true, timber design members are created in AXISVM with the
defined settings. If false, timber design members are deleted from the model / not created.
Output • Progress: text output to inform the user about the progress of design member creation.
• Error: text output to inform the user about errors (if there is any) during design member
creation.
• Done: Boolean output; true if the component finished working (regardless the success of
design member creation), false otherwise.
• AXISVM Timber Design Member parameter.
Hints Connect the Done output to the Start input of other AXISVM to set up a sequence.
The AXISVM Timber Design Members are grouped according to the AxLines input. This means that
the list items of the design members may cover one or more design members and one or more
structural members. Check the output in a Panel to see the indeces.
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5.11. CROSS-SECTION OPTIMIZATION

User can set up steel or timber optimization groups in AXISVM with this component group. SD9 and/or TD9 module
must be available to start the optimization process. Both the parametric cross-section optimization and the
optimization based on predefined shapes method is available.

Cross-section Optimization
Usage This component is used to start cross-section optimization process in AXISVM.
Parametric optimization or optimization based on predefined shapes is started based on the
received optimization settings.
Input • AxApplication: AXISVM Application Data parameter; AXISVM application and model to start
the optimization within.
• AxOptimizationSettings: AXISVM Optimization Type Specific Settings parameter; list of
optimization groups and settings for cross-section optimization.
• AxResultCase: AXISVM Result Case parameter; this input contains information about the
analysis type and about the load case, load combination, envelope or critical case to be
considered in the optimization.
• Start: Boolean parameter; if true, the cross-section optimization process is started inside
AXISVM with the given settings. Default: false.
Output • Progress: progress of the optimization process as textual output. Contents may be
displayed in Grasshopper Panel component.
• Errors: text output to inform the user about errors (if there is any) during the optimization
process. Connect a Grasshopper Panel to read the contents of the output.
• Done: Boolean output; False by default and turned to True if the component finished
working (regardless the success of the optimization process).
• AxResults: AXISVM Results parameter; contains the results of the optimization process.
Connect an AXISVM Deconstruct Results component to get the optimization result
components.
• Optimal Cross-Section: AXISVM Cross-Section parameter; the optimal cross-section.
Hint -

Cross-Section Optimization – General Settings

Usage This component gathers the general settings for the AXISVM cross-section optimization.

Input • Optimization Objective: AXISVM Cross-Section Optimization Objective value list; objective
of cross-section optimization: Min. Weight / Min. Height / Min. Width. Default: Min. Weight.
• Max. Utilization: floating point value; limiting the utilization can help when optimizing
statically indeterminate structures where cross-section modifications can cause big changes
in internal forces.
• Optimize Flexural Buckling: Boolean parameter; if true, flexural buckling is considered in the
optimization, otherwise neglected. Default: true.
• Optimize Lateral-Torsional Buckling: Boolean parameter; if true, lateral-torsional buckling is
considered in the optimization, otherwise neglected. Default: true.
• Optimize Web Shear Buckling: Boolean parameter; if true, web shear buckling is considered
in the optimization, otherwise neglected. Default: true.
• Optimize SLS: Boolean parameter; if true, SLS (service limit state) is considered in the
optimization, otherwise neglected. Default: true.
Output AXISVM General Optimization Settings parameter
Hint The value list can be created from the component pop-up menu: Create list of Optimization
objectives.
There is no “Optimize Strength” input, because strength is always considered in the optimization
(always active also on the AXISVM GUI).
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Optimization Parameter Limits

Usage This component is used to define the limits for each cross-section parameter in case of parametric
cross-section optimization.
Input • Is Fixed: Boolean parameter; if true, the given dimension of the cross-section is fixed for the
optimization and other input parameters (Min,, Max., Delta) need not to be filled.
Default: false.
• Min. (optional): floating point value; constraint for the minimum value of the given
dimension for the optimization.
• Max. (optional): floating point value; constraint for the maximum value of the given
dimension for the optimization.
• Delta (optional): floating point value; increments in the given dimension of the cross-section
during the optimization.
Output AXISVM Optimization Parameter Limits parameter
Hint -

Optimization Settings – Parametric

Usage This component is used to define the settings for parametric cross-section optimization in AXISVM.

Input • Optimization Group Name: text input; name of the optimization group for parametric cross-
section optimization.
• AxDesignMembers: AXISVM Design Member parameter; list of either steel or timber design
members to be included in the optimization group.
• AxGeneralSettings: AXISVM General Optimization Settings parameter; general settings of
the cross-section optimization.
• h (optional): AXISVM Optimization Parameter Limits parameter; constraints for the height of
the cross-section during the optimization.
• b (optional): AXISVM Optimization Parameter Limits parameter; constraints for the width of
the cross-section during the optimization.
• tw (optional): AXISVM Optimization Parameter Limits parameter; constraints for the wall
thickness of the cross-section during the optimization.
• tf (optional): AXISVM Optimization Parameter Limits parameter; constraints for the flange
thickness of the cross-section during the optimization.
• b2 (optional): AXISVM Optimization Parameter Limits parameter; constraints for the width
b2 of the cross-section during the optimization. Only for non-symmetric I.
• tf2 (optional): AXISVM Optimization Parameter Limits parameter; constraints for the flange
thickness tf2 of the cross-section during the optimization. Only for non-symmetric I.
• a (optional): AXISVM Optimization Parameter Limits parameter; constraints for the gap
(distance of the two cross-sections) of the cross-section during the optimization. Only for
double U.
• Custom Limit (optional): Boolean parameter; if true, then a user-defined, maximum number
of iterations is considered. Default: false. Considered only if AXISVM decides to use PSO
optimization.
• Max. Iterations (optional): integer value; maximum number of iterations. Considered only if
LimitIterations input is set to true and AXISVM decides to use POS optimization.
• Beams% (optional): integer value; percent of beam utilization (10, 20, 30… 100). Considered
only if AXISVM decides to use PSO optimization.
Output AXISVM Optimization Type Specific Settings parameter
Hint There are three ways to set the parameter limits.
1. Connect numerical value (e.g. taking the output of an AXISVM Deconstruct Cross-Section
component) to set the parameter limits according to the AXISVM default rules.
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2. Connect a Boolean input of ‘True’ to fix the parameter (keep its value unchanged during the cross-
section optimization).
3. Connect an AXISVM Optimization Parameter Limits where user may set custom values for Min,
Max and Delta values of the parameter.

Optimization Settings – Predefined Shapes

Usage This component is used to define the settings for cross-section optimization based on predefined
shapes in AXISVM.
Input • Optimization Group Name: text input; name of the optimization group for cross-section
optimization from predefined shapes.
• AxDesignMembers: AXISVM Design Member parameter; list of either steel or timber design
members to be included in the optimization group.
• AxGeneralSettings: AXISVM General Optimization Settings parameter; general settings of
cross-section optimization.
• AxCrossSectionCandidates: AXISVM Cross-Section parameter; cross-section candidates for
optimization from predefined shapes.
• h_min: floating point value; minimum height constraint for the optimization.
• h_max: floating point value; maximum height constraint for the optimization.
• b_min: floating point value; minimum width constraint for the optimization.
• b_max: floating point value; maximum width constraint for the optimization.
Output AXISVM Optimization Type Specific Settings parameter
Hint User may feed the h_min, h_max, b_min, b_max input parameters from an AXISVM Deconstruct
Cross-Section component and sets custom expressions to calculate the limits (e.g. division and
multiplication by 2 to use the default settings of AXISVM).
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6. KNOWN ISSUES
• Some nodes, elements go out of scope due to Intersect and Check Double applied on complex model:
if these features are applied on complex models, some elements may be eliminated or renumbered thus they get
out of scope of the Grasshopper add-on sometimes. Possible countermeasure is to change the geometry in
Rhino/Grasshopper in a way that line intersections, partitioning of common domain edges are already present
there as much as possible.

• Manual file deletion required if there are remaining elements, or strange results in AXISVM: if user
experiences that during two data transfers the AXISVM modelling space is not completely cleaned (sender
component should first delete every item, then start re-sending the data including new settings) but there are
some remaining geometries (nodes, lines…) in the model, or analysis results are broken, not available, strange
etc., user must close AXISVM, delete the *.axs and *.axe file manually and restart AXISVM via the AXISVM Settings
component or by closing and re-opening the Grasshopper script.

• For nonlinear static analysis the displayed load level can not be selected: for nonlinear static analysis always
the last available load level is displayed with the AXISVM Result Display Settings component regardless the user
settings of the AXISVM Configure Result Case component. (The feature is going to be available in the future.)

• Nonlinear static and vibration result display does not work in some cases: this occurs mostly if linear results
of the same analysis type are also available. If the AXISVM Result Display Settings is not able to display the
selected result case, set the Start input of the AXISVM Analysis Control component to False, define a brandnew
FilePath, run only the nonlinear FEA or try to run the linear FEA first and then the nonlinear FEA.

• Limited feedback about valid/available critical combination types: if the cross-section optimization, result
display or getting result for critical combination does not work, check the critical combination setting in AXISVM
and try to set the same critical combination type on the AXISVM Configure Result Case component.

• Some envelope/critical results can not be imported: sometimes the AXISVM Get Results component returns
an error message saying that invalid EnvelopeUID is given. These cases going to be cross-checked and bugfixes
are going to be introduced.

• Null exception may occur on any component that communicates with AXISVM (has AxApp input
parameter): probably parallel actions tried to be executed via COM connection and this is not possible. This is
very likely to occur if the components are not chained. In this case check whether you have chained all these
components (that has AxApp input parameter) using their Start/Create inputs and Done outputs to be solved one
after each other and not parallel. If this has already been done, probably only a single incident happened, so
simply restart the affected component by setting its Start/Create input to False then True again.

• Parametric cross-section optimization of timber design members may not work with parallel CPUs: if the
parametric TD member optimization process returns with an error code, but the same optimization can be
performed manually in AXISVM without problems, go to Settings → Preferences… → Analysis… in AXISVM and
make sure that “Using a single thread” option is selected instead of “Using multiple threads/cores”. Then restart
the cross-section optimization by setting the Start input of the AXISVM Cross-Section Optimization component
to False then True again.

• Special domains freeze from Number sliders: If the parameters of the special domains (e.g. ribbed, hollow
core, composite rib, trapezoid etc.) are modified using Number sliders, the AXISVM may freeze during the redraw
process. Possible countermeasures: 1) type discrete values instead of pulling the number slider, 2) use the Lock
solver option in Grasshopper during the tuning the Number sliders.

• Wedged-I / Haunched-I cross-section table is incorrect in the AXISVM Cross-Section component: it may
occur that a Brazil table containing simple I-shapes is displayed as it would belong to wedged-I or haunched-I
shapes. Source of the issue is going to be investigated in AXISVM.

• Checking model progress bar freeze: The usage of Check Double option on the Settings component may cause
that the progress bar “Checking model…” freeze in AXISVM. Usually, the software operates normally in spite of
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 110

this, but sometimes it is required to open a new AXISVM (by triggering the AXISVM Settings component with
“Start” input changed back to False then again to True).

• Nodal support intermediate spring characteristics: if the nodal support stiffness values are changed via
Number sliders, many intermediate spring characteristics are automatically generated and stored in AXISVM.
Countermeasure: use Panel to set the nodal support stiffness.

• If there are objects created directly inside the AXISVM model by the user, that can cause renumbering of
nodes, elements, supports etc. and this may lead to disjoint of objects, multiple sent or unsent objects. It is
recommended to make any modifications on the model directly inside AXISVM when the data transfer from
Grasshopper is finished and no more parameter change is expected.

• EuroCode / S 235 material is always generated in the model in case of composite AxLines: if composite,
parametric cross-section is assigned to an AXISVM Line, material input is not required. In spite of this, the default
value of the AXISVM Material parameter, the “EuroCode / S 235” steel material, is always generated in the
AXISVM model in these cases. Unless it is used in the composite cross-section, it is not assigned to the composite
AXISVM Line, it is just present in the model (and may be used to be assigned to any other FE elements if user
wants to, of course).

• “Parameter is incorrect” MessageBox: during the usage of GrasshopperToAXISVM user may face this error
message (displayed by Windows mentioning the name of AXISVM on the MessageBox). This issue may originate
sometimes really from invalid data, but in most of the cases it is probably related to OpenGL or video card
settings. (The issue occurs mostly if user works on laptop.) In this situation, reasonable actions can be:

• close AXISVM and the Grasshopper script and delete the *.axs and *.axe file manually, if they exist;

• re-open the Grasshopper script, or (if previous was insufficient) re-open the complete Rhino/Grasshopper;

• cross-check the parameters, mainly on the complex components, whether they are valid and right, because
transferring meaningless values may cause issues;

• check the Compatibility settings of the axisvm_x64.exe file and check the ‘Override DPI scaling behaviour’
checkbox if it was not active;

• in AXISVM, go to Settings → Preferences → Colors and switch off one or more OpenGL acceleration
functions (see following image);
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 111

7. EXAMPLES

7.1. EXAMPLES FOR V7.0

The purpose of the examples is to show a portion of the potential use cases of the GrasshopperToAXISVM add-on.
User can see and understand the relation between the components, can try to change the structures, loads etc. using
the input parameters. The structural dimensions, material and cross-section assignments, load magnitudes etc. are not
of primary importance.

00-GrasshopperToAXISVM_V7p0_overview.gh:
It contains the new components introduced in V7.0, the relation of the components within the script and within each
component group can be checked. Component groups may be copied from here to other scripts as a basis.

01-OverviewExamples_V7p0.gh:
It contains five simple models to demonstrate the very basic cases of the add-on usage. User must set the Start inputs
of the AXISVM Settings components to True to open AXISVM and transfer the models.
Example #1 creates a simple line, later, Example #3 creates a structural member.

Example #2 creates a grid of simple lines. Example #4 creates a grid of beams, Example #5 assigns different line type
to different parts of the grid (beam, rib, truss).
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 112

02-TrussTemplate_V7p0.gh:
Parametric plane girder including truss and beam elements. User may modify the dimensions of the structure and/or
material, cross-section or line type.

03-FrameTemplate_SD_TDmembers_V7p0.gh:
this script contains the geometry of a frame structure and transfers it to AXISVM in two ways:
1. steel material is assigned, linear static FEA is performed, steel design members are created;
2. timber material is assigned, linear static FEA is performed, timber design members are created.

04-tunnel_crossing_V7p0.gh:
Parametric modell of a tube connection from surface elements with coarse mesh. User may modify the diameter, angle
and length of the tubes. (See image below 05-cupola_V7p0.gh, on the left side.)

05-cupola_V7p0.gh:
Parametric model of the intersection of three sphere surfaces. User may change the dimensions.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 113

06-PartialLoading_Mesh_LinST_V7p0.gh:
Continuous beam with partial loading. One common structural member is created, the unit distributed line load goes
over each segment (having exactly the same load case count as segment count). The structural member is meshed
with user-defined parameter and linear static FEA is performed. User may change the dimensions of the continuous
beam (number and length of segments), support stiffnesses, mesh parameters.

07-BlockOfFlat_withFEA_v7p0.ghx:
Complex, parametric model of a concrete building. For demonstration purpose, almost every detail can be resized by
the user (height, storey heights, storey count, distance of columns, position of door openings etc.). Ribs are aligned to
the bottom of domains. Nodal and line supports are created, The members and domains are meshed with user-
defined settings, mesh can be adjusted to column heads. Amount of load cases fits to the count of storeys, load
groups, load combinations are created. Vibration, linear static FEA, buckling and nonlinear static FEA is performed.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 114

08-CellphoneTower_meshed_v7p0.gh:
Parametric modell of a cellphone tower including beam end releases, nodal supports, some load cases and meshing.
The cellphone tower model is built from two segment types. The segment type is automatically performed in the
conical section when the angle of the diagonal beam would reach the user-defined threshold. The order of the
segments is also controlled above the segment type change. With some simplifications, the cellphone tower segments
and beams are grouped and 11 different pipe-shape cross-sections are assigned (bigger diameter for the legs of the
tower and increasing diameter from the top to the bottom of the tower.) (See image about the model below 10-
StairwayToHeaven_v7p0.ghx, on the left side.)

09-Glasses_v7p0.gh:
This is a fun script that was created for an AXISVM webinar session. User may change the height and shape of the
glass, “creating” glass for champagne, wine, coctails etc. and the surface mesh follows the changes in AXISVM.
(See image about the model below 10-StairwayToHeaven_v7p0.ghx in the middle.)

10-StairwayToHeaven_v7p0.ghx:
This is the second fun script that was created for the AXISVM webinar session mentioned earlier. This is a stairway
made of empty bricks (sides of the bricks are surface elements). User may change the dimensions.

11-twisted_surface_v7p0.gh:
Two-times curved surface mesh (triangle shell elements). User can modifiy e.g. the dimensions of the surface, the mesh
density and the angle of the rotation.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 115

12-Grid_LinST_and_SDmembers_V7p0.gh:
The script shows a process where a grid structure is sent to AXISVM, linear static FEA is performed and steel design
members are created. User must define a file path at the AXISVM FEA Control component, where the model should be
saved. Then setting the Start input of the AXISVM FEA Control to True to start the linear static FEA. If the Create input
of the AXISVM Steel Design Member component is set to True, the steel design members are created in the model.

13-BarrelRoof-SnowAndWindLoad_v7p0.gh:
Simple building model with barrel roof, covered by load panels, held by nodal support at the bottom.
Wind substructure is created, wind load cases and snow load cases are defined. User may change the dimensions, the
division of barrel roof, support stiffness, wind and snow load parameters etc. Linear static FEA can be started from the
Grasshopper script.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 116

14-DuopitchRoof-SnowAndWindLoad_v7p0.gh:
Simple building model with duopitch roof, covered by load panels, held by nodal support at the bottom.
Wind substructure is created, wind load cases and snow load cases are defined. User may change the dimensions, the
division of barrel roof, support stiffness, wind and snow load parameters etc.

15-SeismicComponentSystem_v7p0.gh:
Seismic analysis is performed on the structure (vibration, seismic load generation, linear static FEA). User may define
parametric seismic spectra, opens the spectra from a file or define the spectrum with numerical data. The width, depth
and height of the structure can be modified and the calculations are performed again to follow changes.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 117

16-slab_V7p0.gh:
Concrete building (walls, slabs, columns) loaded with distributed domain loads and self-weight. Nodal and line support
as well as edge hinges are defined. The main dimensions of the structure are parametrized. The structure is meshed,
linear static FEA and buckling analysis is performed. Result display settings are defined, and the member stresses are
imported to Grasshopper for the critical combination.

17-frame_V7p0.gh:
Parametric steel frame structure (based on the Step by step guide of AXISVM, example #2). Linear static FEA is
performed, result display settings are defined (line normal forces are displayed). Member forces are imported from the
user-defined load combination. Steel design members are defined on the vertical beams and cross-section
optimization from predefined shapes is started. A complete cross-section table is selected from the AXISVM cross-
section library as cross-section candidates. The results of the optimization are available on the output of an AXISVM
Deconstruct Results component.
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 118

18-XLAM_building_V7p0.gh:
Parametric XLAM panel structure from XLAM domains, ribs and columns. Nodal and line supports are defined.
Structure is meshed. Linear static FEA is performed, SxxmT XLAM stresses are displayed after FEA for 4 seconds for the
critical combination. Timber design members are defined for the beam columns and XLAM Utilization is displayed for
4 seconds. Parametric cross-section optimization is performed considering the default AXISVM limits for the columns
cross-section parameters (height, width).
GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 add-on 119

8. USEFUL LINKS

Rhino Account (required for starting Rhino and to download apps from food4rhino.com):
https://accounts.rhino3d.com/

Free courses, videos, documents:

https://www.rhino3d.com/learn/
https://www.rhino3d.education/courses/
https://learngrasshopper.com/
https://bimcorner.com/articles/ → Filter: parametric design

Paid courses:
https://simplyrhino.co.uk/
https://www.udemy.com/
https://events.food4rhino.com/
https://grasshopperfundamentals.com/

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