SAP2000 SAP2000 Web Tutorial 1

Step 15: Assigning Diaphragm Constraints
We will assign a diaphragm constraint at the second level to simulate a rigid diaphragm.
1. Click in the window labeled X-Y Plane @ Z=12 to make sure it is active. Note when the
window is active, its title bar will be highlighted.
2. Select all elements at the second level by “windowing”.
3. From the Assign menu choose Joint, and then Constraints…from the submenu. This will
display the Constraints dialog box.
4. In this dialog box:
• In the Click To area, click the drop-down box and select Add Diaphragm. This will
display the Diaphragm Constraint dialog box.
• In this dialog box:
ä Type 2NDDIA in the Constraint Name edit box.
ä Select the Z Axis option in the Constraint Axis area.
ä Click the OK button.
• Click the OK button to exit the Constraints dialog box and assign the second floor level
diaphragm constraint.
Note: The joints change colors indicating the constraint has been assigned.
5. From the Assign menu select Clear Display of Assigns to clear the display of joint
constraints.
6. Click the Save Model button on the main toolbar, or select Save from the File menu to
save the file.
This completes the assigning of diaphragm constraints.
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