Getting Started with BuildingTcl

BuildingTcl Commands

Most BuildingTcl Library commands consists of a series of parameter-defining add-Data commands, concluded by an add-Object command, which takes the previously defined parameters and assembles them into an individual library object.

• SET UP

source myBuildingTcl.tcl
<setDataDir $DataDir>
<setUnits -Length $BasicLengthUnit -Force $BasicForceUnit -Time $BasicTimeUnit>

• DEFINE INPUT DATA

# define Materials Library
addMaterialData 
…
addMaterial  

# define Section Library
addSectionData 
…
addSection

# define ElementModel Library
addElementModelData 
…
addElementModel''

# define AnalysisModel Library
addAnalysisModelData 
…
addAnalysisModel

# define Model (Elevation, Plan, 3DModel) Library
addModelData 
…
addModel

# define Loads Library
addLoadData 
…
addLoad

# define LoadCombination Library
addLoadCombinationData 
…
addLoadCombination

The following commands are BuildingTcl-specific. They are used to run the OpenSees simulation.

• BUILD AND ANALYZE

SelectModel …
SelectLoadCombination …..
BuildAndAnalyze

Run BuildingTcl

• myBuildingTcl.tcl – no graphics

Incorporates BuildingTcl commands into the Tcl Interpreter

The BuildingTcl commands are used within OpenSees.exe or OpenSeesTk.exe.

1. Run from OpenSees Prompt

a. Run OpenSees.exe or OpenSeesTk.exe

b. Source myBuildingTcl.tcl at OpenSees prompt

c. Source input and analysis files at OpenSees prompt

Run BuildingTclViewer

• myBuildingTclviewer.tcl – BuildingTcl with graphical interface

Incorporates BuildingTcl & BuildingTclviewer commands into the Tcl/Tk Interpreter

This file needs to be sourced from the OpenSeesTk.exe prompt, or by double-clicking on the BuildingTclViewer.bat file

1. Run from OpenSeesTk Prompt

a. Run OpenSeesTk.exe – a Tk window opens up (do not close it).

b. Source myBuildingTclviewer.tcl at the OpenSees prompt

the Tk window becomes the BuildingTclviewer

Or

2. Double-click on myBuildingTclviewer.bat

Getting-Started Input File

This file contains all the input data for the building model and simulation. It can be used by both BuildingTcl and the BuildingTclViewer.

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Setup & Materials

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Element Section

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Gravity Loads

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Model: Elevations

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Model: Plans

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Model: 3DFrames

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Lateral Loads

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Load Combinations

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Additional Models

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– BuildAndAnalyze

GettingStartedInputFile.tcl -– Run

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