What is the way to simulate a rigid diaphragm effect in a 2D analysis?

[PaoloLupo]

Hi, i'm currently working on a 2D simulation of shearwalls using SGCMQI elements and i need to simulate the effect of a rigid diaphragm, is using the TranslationConnector the correct approach for this?
Thanks

[TLCFEM]

Mind to show a brief sketch of the structure?

[PaoloLupo]

Sure, here is a sketch of the static analysis I want to perform:

[TLCFEM]

Okay for such a cantilever wall, typically I won't be too concerned about the rigid floor, because the deformation will be small anyway.
If it is a frame structure then the difference is much larger.

Back to the modelling, you can define relatively rigid beams at each floor, this is effectively penalty method.
Alternatively, it is possible to use FixedLength constraint to enforce the distance between two nodes stays unchanged.

The TranslationConnector makes more sense when the nodes do not coincide.
But in this cantilever wall case, FixedLength should be sufficient.

[TLCFEM]

Of course, if you need the exact rigid effect, TranslationConnector can be used.

For a line with $n$ nodes, define $n-2$ constraints, each uses two end nodes and one of interior nodes.
By such it is effectively enforcing the deformed and un-deformed geometry being identical.
But maybe there is no need for such a strong effect, just a few FixedLength constraints may suffice.

[PaoloLupo]

Thanks, i'm currently using the library for a research project, and it's been really helpful

[TLCFEM]

Thanks! Glad to hear it’s helpful. I’m open to any feedback you have.