How are panel zones distinguished within SAP2000?

Extended Question: Given that SAP2000 does not distinguish frames as either beams, columns, or braces (as does ETABS), how does the software determine connectivity for panel zones?

ANSWER: In SAP2000, any frame in the global XY plane is considered a beam, any oriented parallel to the global Z-axis is considered a column, and any other is a brace. These section types are coordinated with frame section properties.

See Also

• Panel zones – General Topics