DRAFT: Tendons are line objects which may be embedded within other objects (frames, shells, solids, etc.) to simulate the effects of prestressing and post-tensioning. Tendons may be modeled either as independent structural objects or simply as equivalent loads which act upon the structure. When modeled as objects, nonlinear behavior may be assigned, and losses may be calculated, including those from elastic shortening and time-dependent effects (creep, shrinkage, and aging). Tendons extend between two joint locations and may follow an arbitrarily curved or segmented path within 3D space. Hinge properties may be assigned to the axial DOF of tendons to model their nonlinear behavior. |