Getting Started with BuildingTcl

BuildingTcl Commands

Most BuildingTcl Library commands consists of a series of parameter-defining add-Data commands, concluded by an add-Object command, which takes the previously defined parameters and assembles them into an individual library object.

• SET UP

source myBuildingTcl.tcl
<setDataDir Data>
<setUnits -Length $BasicLengthUnit -Force $BasicForceUnit -Time BasicTimeUnit>

• DEFINE INPUT DATA

addMaterialData ….. 
addMaterial ''; # define Materials Library''
addSectionData …..
addSection''; # define Section Library''
addElementModelData …..
addElementModel''; # define ElementModel Library''
addAnalysisModelData …..
addAnalysisModel''; # define AnalysisModel Library''
addModelData …..
addModel''; # define Model (Elevation, Plan, 3DModel) Library''
addLoadData …..
addLoad''; # define Loads Library''
addLoadCombinationData …..
addLoadCombination''; # define LoadCombination Library''

The following commands are Building-Tcl specific. They are used to run the OpenSees simulation.

• BUILD AND ANALYZE

SelectModel …..
SelectLoadCombination …..
BuildAndAnalyze

Run BuildingTcl

• myBuildingTcl.tcl – no graphics

Incorporates BuildingTcl commands into the Tcl Interpreter

The BuildingTcl commands are used within OpenSees.exe or OpenSeesTk.exe.

1. Run from OpenSees Prompt: a. Run OpenSees.exe or OpenSeesTk.exe b. Source myBuildingTcl.tcl at OpenSees prompt c. Source input and analysis files at OpenSees prompt

Run BuildingTclViewer

• myBuildingTclviewer.tcl – BuildingTcl with graphical interface

Incorporates BuildingTcl & BuildingTclviewer commands into the Tcl/Tk Interpreter

This file needs to be sourced from the OpenSeesTk.exe prompt, or by double-clicking on the BuildingTclViewer.bat file

1. Run from OpenSees Prompt: a. Run OpenSeesTk.exe – a Tk window opens up (do not close it). b. Source myBuildingTclviewer.tcl at the OpenSees prompt

the Tk window becomes the BuildingTclviewer

Or 2. Double-click on myBuildingTclviewer.bat

Getting-Started Input File

This file contains all the input data for the building model and simulation. It can be used by both BuildingTcl and the BuildingTclViewer.

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Setup & Materials

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Element Section

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Gravity Loads

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Model: Elevations

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Model: Plans

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Model: 3DFrames

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Lateral Loads

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Load Combiantions

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Run

BuildingTclViewer Overview

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