Defining dummy members for stabilizing the structure for the purpose of solving the computer analysis (stiffness matrix) is a big problem. How is this handled in iTOWERS?
A powerful and proprietary equation solver (based on Gauss elimination method) is employed to solve the stiffness equations. Auto modeling, which generates additional members (fictitious or stabilizing), is an inherent feature of iTOWERS Designer. There are different assemblages and situations, which give rise to tricky problems like non-positive definiteness during solution of stiffness equations. In such cases, auto modeling stabilize the structure for proper solution of the stiffness equations. In addition, the designer can specify pairs of nodes to be connected by fictitious members of minimal area, in an input file.
