Equaldof slip and recorder problem

[mpaksoy]

Hi Vesna and all,

In modelling of a column, I use zerolengthsection element to take care of the strain penetration at the bottom of the column. Its a 3d model. I am confused about constraining the bottom and top of the zerolengthsection element. I use equalDOF 1 2 1 3 5; So I constrained no 2 node to no1 in both transversal direction and in torsional direction.
--- Is it correct conceptually???
---When I check the recorders, with this config. I do get zero transverse force from the nodereaction recorder at node 1 but I get the correct force from the nodereactionrecord of node no:2. And vice versa for the axial load. Why is this happening????

The no:1 is the bottom node of the column.

Look forward to hearing. Thanks in advance.

Murathan

[vesna]

Make sure to constrain your zeroLenghtSection element in all directions that you did not define by the element. Also make sure to define local axes properly.

[fmk]

the reaction do not follow constraints .. in calculating reactions we just take applied nodal loads and add any element forces for any elements framing into that node.