SAP2000 calculates the section-cut forces by summing the element joint forces from the forces which act on member joints within the group of frame, shell, and link members included in the group that defines objects which define the section cut. The joints that are considered are those at the same location as the point objects that are included in the group. To sum the forces, each considered joint force and moment is transformed to the location that the forces are summed about and then they are transformed to During summation, the forces and moments at joint locations are transformed into equivalent conditions at a point of summation. They are then transformed into the local coordinate system which is specified for the reporting of section cut forces. When all of the considered forces have been transformed to the appropriate location and coordinate system they are simply summed up and the total forces are reported.

Section Cut Definition

• by group
• by cutting plane
• in graphical user interface

-cut forces. Section cuts may be defined by group, by cutting plane, or within the graphical user interface.