Object based Point/Node functionality - How to divide and delete elements

Points, also known as 'nodes' or 'joints', are automatically added at the I (start) and J (end) points of pipe, component, and frame elements. A tee component is different in that it has 3 end points and an internal point at the tee centerpoint.

If a point or pipe support is drawn or inserted along the length of an existing pipe, frame, or component, those elements will be properly meshed for internal analysis, but the pipe or frame element will keep its original length. This functionality has the benefit of enabling users to move/slide point and support locations using Edit>Move or Edit>Slide commands without having to manually divide the piping or frame elements.

If concentrated point loads, imposed displacements, or SIFs have been assigned, those assignments are automatically moved along with point/joint locations. 

To divide pipe elements in order to delete or make assignments (change pipe size, assign loads, etc.) to a selected area, users need to select piping along with points where you want to divide the section, then Edit menu>Edit pipes>Divide pipes. If there is no existing point at the location where the user wants to divide, then draw or insert one. The most commonly used option to divide/mesh pipe is to "Break at intersections with selected joints". 

Here we drew (or inserted) pipe with a guide. This modeling approach divides the piping as shown below left. Below right we draw or insert a point and a vertical stop support. Clicking anywhere along that run of pipe shows that the pipe is not divided, although it does automatically divide for internal analysis. By selecting the pipe and 2 joints, one with a pipe support, we use Edit menu>Edit Pipes>Divide pipes as shown.

This divide command creates a separate run of piping. In this example we press Delete key to delete the selected run of pipe.