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 Data>

<setUnits -Length $BasicLengthUnit -Force $BasicForceUnit -Time BasicTimeUnit>

• DEFINE INPUT DATA

addMaterialData …..

addMaterial ; # define Materials Library

addSectionData …..

addSection; # define Section Library

addElementModelData …..

addElementModel; # define ElementModel Library

addAnalysisModelData …..

addAnalysisModel; # define AnalysisModel Library

addModelData …..

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

addLoadData ….. addLoad; # define Loads Library

addLoadCombinationData …..

addLoadCombination; # define LoadCombination Library

The following commands are Building-Tcl 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.
- Run:
#Run OpenSees.exe or OpenSeesTk.exe
#Source myBuildingTcl.tcl at OpenSees prompt
#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 OpenSees Prompt:

# Run OpenSeesTk.exe – a Tk window opens up (do not close it).
# Source myBuildingTclviewer.tcl at the OpenSees prompt 
- -- the Tk window becomes the BuildingTclviewer

Or 2. Double-click on myBuildingTclviewer.bat