Advance Design not only calculates displacements but also deflections of structural elements. Using the frame defined as shown in the following figure, we will determine the deflections of the top beam and thus see the differences between displacements and deflections.
Deflections are calculated for individual or a chained group of elements and are displayed only in the form of result curves.
After establishing the structural model, run the analysis and select the elements for which the result curves will be displayed. Right-click on the screen and select "Result curves" or from the "Analysis - F.E. Results" toolbar click the "Result curves" button.
If we display the displacements of the structural system we can easily calculate the deflection of the beam:
Advance Design offers the option to display the absolute deflections or the relative deflections. This example uses a beam from a marginal frame.
In the "Result curves" window select "Deflections" from the first drop-down list and select "Fez" from the second drop-down list for absolute deflections.
At "Result curves" window select "Deflections" from the first drop-down list and select "Ftz" from the second drop-down list for absolute deflections.