zero-length component in Beamwithhinges element

[caosasa]

Dear Vesna and other openseesers:
i have 2 questions about the BWH element,
1. if the length of the elastic part or a hinge part at one end of the BWH element is set to be 0,
will the BWH element work still well?
2. in the model of a long pier in bridge, if several BWH elements is defined,
ie, the length of the three parts of the first BWH element is 1m, 1m, 0.5m from node 1 to node 2.
the length of the three parts of the second BWH element is 0.5m, 1m, 0.5m from node 2 to node 3.
How can the plastic hinge rotation of the plastic hinges at node 2 be computed? can it be computed
as the doubled values of the rotation of plastic hinge part nearby node 2 in element 1?
Thanks a lot.

[vesna]

1. I don't think so. However, I suggest you to test it.

2. I would not use 3 BWH elements to model one pier. This element is intended to be used to model only one structural element with plastic hinges located at its ends.

[caosasa]

Thank you Vesna.
I see.