Proper Method for Modeling Offset Beam Elements

[Miladm2]

Hi,
I've recently started working with ETABS after many years of using other engineering software, so I'm still a bit of a beginner with ETABS. Apologies in advance if my question is basic.


I need to model two UPE200 profiles placed at the corners of the intersection of two beams (please see the attached plan image for reference). Here's how I approached it:

• I added two joints on both sides of one beam in the Y-direction.
• The distance between each of these joints and the beam intersection joint is equal to the depth of the (UPE200+beam)/2.
• Then, I added two frame elements between the joints.
• Finally, I applied an X-offset to these new members.

Does this sound like a correct approach?

[JoshuaZorrilla]

your approach is correct. it is better to create intermediate joints on the concurrent point between each frame element. Also if you are trying to model a column with the 2 UPE200 profiles you could define a section designer with both profiles inside and use it as a column.